Husband and wife team Tony and Miriam Heald received a prolonged, well-earned, round of applause at the AGM of the National Coastwatch Institution at Porthdinllaen.

The applause was offered to the couple who officially retired after nine years of tireless service as the station’s manager and secretary.

“Although they would say the work of the station is a team effort, it is no exaggeration to say that without their huge contribution the station would not be in the strong, well-established, position it finds itself in today,” a station spokesperson said.

“Mention should also be made of the additional roles the couple undertook: Miriam as, among other things, social secretary, and Tony’s deep involvement in the maintenance of the station building and its equipment.

“The pair took over at a time of uncertainty, and Tony was often heard to mutter, ‘I was supposed to retire after three years!’”

Although Tony and Miriam have retired from their roles, they intend to carry on as duty watchkeepers at NCI Portdinllaen where, should an emergency arise, they will, alongside their fellow watchkeepers, continue to keep an eye on the sea to assist the RNLI and the coastguard in keeping people safe.

The spokesperson added: “Many, many thanks Tony and Miriam, from the entire NCI team at Porthdinllaen.”

As well as saving lives at sea, the team have been busy raising funds.

In August the watchkeepers collected £824.99 from street collections in Abersoch, Llanbedrog and Nefyn.

Jenny Wilson, NCI Porthdinllaen fundraising officer, said: “I should like to express our sincere thanks to the residents and businesses of Abersoch for their usual welcome, hospitality and generosity. In particular, I should like to extend the same thanks to the residents and businesses of Llanbedrog and Nefyn where the street collection was held for the first time with great success.

“Our thanks also go to the many visitors enjoying the wonderful Bank Holiday weekend weather whose contributions helped us to achieve such a magnificent total for a single day’s collection.”

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is a voluntary organisation funded entirely by public donation and provides ‘Eyes Along The Coast’ in support of Her Majesty’s Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

After the cancellation of two annual street collections during the pandemic, the funds raised this time will be particularly important.

Jenny added: “Thanks again to everyone for your generosity and support but if you missed the collection and would still like to contribute please Text EYES to 70450 to donate £5 to the NCI.”