World Lighthouse Society Newsletter

Transcription

World Lighthouse Society
Promoting, Preserving &
Protecting the World’s
Lighthouses
2nd Quarter 2014
Volume #12, Issue #2
Page 2
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
It seems it was only yesterday that we
triumphantly released our last issue
honoring
Trinity
House’s
Quincentenary. Yet, here we are
again with another quarter year
behind us and three months’ worth of
new articles to share with you. We
received many messages and letters
from members who enjoyed the last
issue of the Newsletter. I think I can
speak for everyone who was involved
in the issue, whether they wrote an
article or helped with proofreading; it
was definitely a labor of love even
though it took a tremendous amount
of work to complete. Thank you again
to everyone who contributed to it. We
could not have done it without the
help of so many wonderful people,
who mostly due to lack of space,
were left unacknowledged.
As a result, starting in this issue, you will
find a list of the people who toil quietly
in the background with proofreading,
editing, design and layout. Their
names will now be listed on page 38
under the “Newsletter” heading. I
apologize to my merry little band of
helpers for not coming up with this
idea earlier. You definitely deserve to
be acknowledged for all the hard
work you do for the Society. And while
I’m at it, thank you to everyone who
has contributed an article to this issue
of the Newsletter.
Speaking of which… It seems that
2014 is destined to be the year of
grand celebrations. As previously
mentioned, our last issue featured the
Trinity House Quincentenary. In this
issue you will find an article about
America’s Sandy Hook Lighthouse
and its 250th Anniversary Celebration
along with an article about the
Bahama’s Elbow Reef Lightstation and
its 150th Anniversary. In the next issue,
we plan to acknowledge the 225th
Anniversary of the federalization of
America’s lighthouses, which will be
celebrated on August 7, 2014. If you
are aware of any other celebrations
important to lighthouse history that will
be occurring within the next few
months, please do let us know and we
will do our best to cover the
celebrations in an upcoming issue.
Included in this issue are articles of
interest from New Zealand, Australia,
England,
Scotland,
Ireland
the
Bahamas and the United States. You’ll
read
about
advancements
in
technology, find reviews of books,
and hear the latest news from some of
our Member Organizations. We are
continuing to do our best to provide
you with interesting articles about
lighthouses from all over the world
and if you have any suggestions for
articles or improvements to the
Newsletter, please feel free to contact
me. We always welcome comments
from our members.
Five new members have joined the
Society since the last issue. A hearty
welcome
to
Charles
Franklyn
(England), Blake Sugarberg (U.S.A.),
Pauline O’Brien (Australia), Robert
Welfare (England), and France Bellay
(France). We hope you will all enjoy
reading this, your first issue of the
Newsletter. And please, feel free to
contribute any articles and/or photos
you would like to share with our
members. Articles and photos may be
sent to the Editor at the address listed
on Contacts page.
I’d like to close by thanking all of
those other unsung heroes out there –
the people who work tirelessly behind
the scenes to keep our lights shining.
Our world’s seaways would certainly
be a lot less bright without your efforts.
Donna Suchomelly (U.S.A.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sandy Hook Lighthouse Celebration ..............................3
Bulletins from Our Member Organizations .................. 31
Monitoring Wave Induced Shocks at Eddystone
Update on Proposed Stadium at Europa Point,
Lighthouse........................................................................4
Gibraltar ........................................................................ 33
Twelve Months “Down Under” .........................................6
Purfleet Experimental Lighthouse ................................. 34
Lighthouse Lamp Shop Within a Lighthouse
Announcements .............................................................. 35
Rehabilitation ............................................................... 10
Elbow Reef Lightstation, Abaco, Bahamas—150
Membership ..................................................................... 38
Member Profile: Charles Franklyn ................................. 38
Years Young This Year ................................................. 14
Newsletters........................................................................ 38
2013 UK Lighthouse Trip: Scotland ................................ 16
On the Cover ................................................................... 38
United States Lighthouse Society Australian Lighthouse
Officer & Executive Board Contact Information ....... 39
Tour ................................................................................. 20
Souter Lighthouse, Tyne & Wear, UK ............................ 23
The Light on Top—Part 22 .............................................. 26
Book Reviews ................................................................... 30
© 2014 World Lighthouse Society
Page 3
2nd Quarter 2014
SANDY HOOK LIGHTHOUSE CELEBRATION
On June 11, 1764, the Sandy Hook
Lighthouse was put into service. It is
the United States’ oldest active
lighthouse surviving from the colonial
period. A celebration to mark the 250th
Anniversary of the lighting was held on
Saturday, June 14, 2014. The event
was well attended by the general
public and many government officials.
The opening ceremony was held on
the grounds in front of the lighthouse
and was followed by a ribbon cutting
at the tower door. Tours of the tower
commenced immediately after.
Attendees were treated to music, Fife
and Drum performances, Bateau
demonstrations, cannon fire
demonstrations and presentations on
the history of the lighthouse and
lighthouse keeper uniforms. An
encampment of Revolutionary War reenactors was also held on the
grounds. A leaflet containing a
commemorative stamp was available
for visitors and the local branch of the
United States Post Office provided
env el o pes b earin g a s p eci al
cancellation to mark the event.
Sandy Hook is located on a low-lying
spit extending from the base of the
New Jersey Highlands. The spit
stretches over four miles into the
Atlantic and poses a serious
navigational hazard for vessels seeking
safe harbor.
Originally called New York Lighthouse,
the tower on Sandy Hook was built of
rubblestone. The land was purchased
and the lighthouse was constructed
with funds earned through two
lotteries. The beacon was first lit on
June 11, 1764, and a week later an
article in the
New York
Mercury announced the lighting along
with a description of the lighthouse.
“On Monday Evening last the
New York Lighthouse erected
at Sandy Hook was lighted for
the first time. The House is of
an Octagonal Figure, having
eig h t equ al s id e s ; th e
Diameter at the Base is 29
Feet and at the top of the
Wall 15 Feet. The lanthorn is 7
Feet high; the circumference
33 Feet. The whole
constructure of the Lanthorn is
Iron; the top covered with
copper. There are 48 Oil
Blazes. The Building from the
surface is Nine Stories; the
whole from the Bottom to Top
103 Feet.”
During the American Revolution the
lighthouse fell into the hands of British
troops and efforts by American troops
failed to destroy it.
In 1964, Sandy Hook Light was
designated a National Historic
L a n d m a r k
a n d
a
commemorative plaque was
mounted on the tower as part of a
celebration held at the site. Ownership
of the lighthouse was transferred to
the National Park Service in 1996. In
2005-2006 the keeper’s house was
renovated and is currently used as a
visitor center with a museum and
offices for the Sandy Hook Foundation
and the New Jersey Lighthouse
Society. This patriarch of America’s
lighthouses remains in good condition,
and with proper upkeep should
continue to shine its beacon for
several more centuries.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse is an active
aid to navigation. It displays a
continuous white light day and night
at a focal plane of 88 ft (27 m). Its 85
foot white octagonal rubblestone
tower is brick lined and holds an 1857
third order Fresnel lens.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse – June 14, 2014
The opening ceremony
Visitors lined up for a tour of the tower
For a more detailed history go to
www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?
ID=378.
Commemorative Postal Cancellation
Commemorative Stamp
Page 4
MONITORING WAVE INDUCED SHOCKS AT EDDYSTONE LIGHTHOUSE
Editor’s Note: The following article is an update to an
announcement on page 28 of the 1st Quarter 2014 issue of
the Newsletter.
The winter storms were some of the most severe recorded
in South West England. Coincidentally, during this period
Plymouth University’s School of Marine Science and
Engineering have been using vibration monitoring
equipment from Caption Data Limited to measure the
dynamic structural response of Eddystone Lighthouse’s
tower under various stress loads. This equipment is more
commonly found monitoring construction and ground
works near sensitive buildings or structures, around
tunnelling or pipelines; but is also in use on other iconic
structures such as the Thames Barrier and the Ta’ Bistra
catacombs in Malta.
History of Eddystone Lighthouse
Eddystone Lighthouse was built on a dangerous rocky reef
13 miles south west of the city of Plymouth over one
hundred and thirty years ago.
The current structure is the fourth to be built on the site. The
first and second were destroyed by storm and fire and the
third is best known for its influence on future lighthouse
designs. Before the first lighthouse was built on Eddystone
Rocks, sea merchants would sail around the Channel
Islands or to the French coast for fear of being wrecked on
the reef.
Research Focus
Plymouth University, in collaboration with the General
Lighthouse Authorities (GLA) of the UK and Ireland and
specifically Trinity House, have been engaged in research
to characterise the environmental loads on the granite
structure of the Eddystone Lighthouse, as the first of a wider
Figure #1
Eddystone Lighthouse built on a treacherous rocky reef
South West of Plymouth
study with implications across the population of rock based
lighthouses in the UK.
This is an area of research that has been neglected for
generations and even today research is still made difficult
by the remoteness and low power availability.
Research has followed a triple sequence approach with
Finite Element Analysis models, then a 1:100 physical scale
model used in the wave flume of the COAST laboratory of
Plymouth University, and finally field measurements on the
Eddystone Lighthouse itself using RDL//Vibe and geophone
sensors supplied by Caption Data Limited.
In addition CCTV cameras have been developed, with this
research project in mind, by Plymouth University to monitor
wave impacts and “wave run up” at the lighthouse with
the ability via date and time stamping to synchronise
images of waves to specific vibration data from the RDL//
Vibe to validate results.
Field Measurements
The RDL//Vibe produced by Caption Data Limited was
chosen because it is autonomous, robust (including an IP66
rated enclosure), reliable, simple to install, and yet sensitive
enough to monitor wave induced vibration in the structure.
The RDL//Vibe is optimised for low power usage and is
battery powered by a Lithium D-Cell, in addition it can also
accommodate an external power supply. It constantly
monitors vibrations and shocks at user selected frequencies
from 10Hz to 500Hz.
It has inputs from two tri-axial geophone sensors typically
Figure #2
The RDL//Vibe and a single tri-axial geophone
Page 5
2nd Quarter 2014
with low frequency response down to 4.5Hz. Minimum
trigger levels are 0.18mm/s while maximum sensor levels are
43.4mm/s. Alarm thresholds can be set to alert any number
of recipients by email or text when predefined limits are
exceeded. An alarm “event” is captured at high speed for
a pre-set number of samples. The RDL//Vibe uses a fully
roaming SIM to lock onto the most appropriate GSM
network at any given time.
Data is available online from Caption Data Limited’s
dedicated web portal, where the settings of the RDL//Vibe
are managed, and which is accessible on any internet
enabled device using standard web browsers, i.e. with no
software to load. As well as receiving graphical
interpretation of events, raw data can be downloaded for
further analysis, and derived parameters such as peak
particle velocity, displacement and acceleration are
available on-line.
of course stood firm throughout, but with the benefit of
remote monitoring from Caption Data Limited, the research
team from Plymouth University were able to see exactly the
effect on the structure of these immense natural forces.
During the period from 15/12/2013 to 28/2/2014 there were
3090 “events” logged by the remote monitoring system;
typical data from an “event” is shown below and
represents velocities from the tri-axial geophones installed
28m above sea level on the structure.
Associate Professor Alison Raby from Plymouth University’s
School of Marine Science and Engineering, who is leading
the research, commented “The ability to remotely access
live motion data from Eddystone lighthouse, and to be able
to change the threshold at which we acquire such data
has been a tremendous asset for our research project.”
During daylight hours it was possible to correlate vibration
data with CCTV images of wave strikes.
Future Research
Plymouth University has purchased further RDL//Vibes and
geophones in order to equip the Eddystone Lighthouse with
measuring points at differing heights on the structure. In
addition further research is also about to commence using
geophones with a low frequency response of 0.3 Hz.
Research is also being planned to monitor a number of
other rock based lighthouses around the UK in the future.
Acknowledgements
Figure #3
Graph data relates to the event pictured by CCTV footage in
Figure 4
The research work has been funded through a Plymouth
University School of Marine Science and Engineering PhD
studentship and from the GLA who have provided
equipment and helicopter access. As well as Dr Raby, PhD
student Davide Banfi and a host of experienced
technicians at Plymouth University, Ron Blakeley Principle
Civil Engineer at Trinity House and Martin Bransby at the
An on-line, un-editable audit trail logs every event and
every alarm that is ever sent.
Winter Storms 2013/14
The winter storms of 2013/14 saw a catalogue of wave
induced damage along the coast of south west Britain,
from the washing away of rail lines at Dawlish to the
demolition of a Victorian shelter on the promenade in
Aberystwyth, Wales. Nearer to Eddystone Lighthouse, the
famous Kingsand Clock Tower was left facing demolition
but has since had £100,000 of repairs. Eddystone Lighthouse
Figure #4
Images capture wave run up at Eddystone Lighthouse using a CCTV
system specifically designed by Plymouth University with this
research project in mind.
Figure #5
From left to right: Dr Alison Raby, Ron Blakeley and Prof Geoff Bullock
Page 6
GLA have had pivotal roles in creating and supporting the
team involved in this research work.
For further information about the RDL//Vibe please
contact:
Jon Penn, Managing Director at Caption Data Limited on
01905 754078 / 07980486512 / [email protected]
Paul Sanders, Technical Director at Caption Data Limited
on 01905 754078 / 07974694885 / [email protected]
Callum Davies (England)
Marketing Director
TWELVE MONTHS “DOWN UNDER”
For members who are not aware, Jayne and I moved
from North Wales to Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand
back in January 2013. After settling in, we continued our
trek to find and see new lighthouses in our new homeland.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
It took us until ILLW 2013 to visit a new one. I was looking for
a suitable lighthouse to operate my amateur radio station,
ZL1MVL, from. We considered Kaipara Heads Ligthouse, but
without a 4x4 offroader we changed our plan and we
headed for Manukau Heads Lighthouse. Thanks to Robert,
ZL1FLY, who was already planning to operate from there, I
just went along to lend a hand and we operated ZL1MHLH;
Robert from inside the tower and myself from the Carpark.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse was New Zealand’s 12th
lighthouse and the first to burn paraffin when it was first lit in
1874. During the following 112 years of operation, it was
illuminated by oil vapour, acetylene gas, and finally
electricity.
In 1944 it was rebuilt on a concrete base and in 1986 it was
officially Retired from Service when all the lantern parts
were placed into storage.
In 2006 a timber replica of the original tower was built at its
current location, approx 1km (.6 mile) north of its original
site. The lantern and prisms were reunited, and this
lighthouse was re-opened as a now-working Visitor
Experience.
Cape Brett Lighthouse
By chance Jayne was presented with a “Weekend Away”
gift from work; a two night stay in Russel. This gave us the
chance of seeing Cape Brett Lighthouse, although only
from a high speed boat as it passed by the lighthouse on
the way to the Hole in the Rock.
Cape Brett Lighthouse is situated at the entrance to the
Bay of Islands and overlooks Piercy Island, better known as
the "Hole in the Rock". Construction began in1908. The
lighthouse site was situated in a remote area, far from any
roads and 149m (400 ft) up a steep hill. First a landing pad
of concrete was constructed at the base of the hill and a
crane was mounted on it. Next a tramway was built to
winch the landed materials up to the building site. All the
materials were landed by sea and winched up the hill.
Cape Brett was the first of three lighthouses in New Zealand
to float the rotating light on a bed of mercury. Previously
lights had been supported by wheels. This enabled a
heavier and brighter light to turn faster which meant more
variation between the flashes at different stations. This new
light was visible 32km (20 miles) and flashed twice every
thirty seconds. The light was first lit on February 21, 1910.
Three identical houses were built for the three keepers and
their families and the light was connected to the outside
world by telegraph. Supplies for the keepers were delivered
by launch every two weeks and hauled up the tramway to
the houses. The keepers were also responsible for sending
daily weather reports to the New Zealand Meteorological
Service.
In 1940 a signal station was established at Cape Brett and
manned by two Naval Reserves. By March of 1942 the Navy
had also established a radar station.
In 1968, thirty-one power poles were erected along the
cape to Rawhiti and the lighthouse was connected to the
national grid. Automation followed in 1978.
The light now shines from a 4-metre (13 ft) high fibreglass
tower built in 1978 and is solar powered. In 2005, the
Department of Conservation took over the administration
of the old lighthouse tower and buildings.
During April and May of 2007, the tower's old paint was
stripped and new paint was applied. Over 60 layers of
paint were discovered on the tower.
Cape Brett Lighthouse
Page 7
2nd Quarter 2014
Township
after
being
replaced in 1977 by an
automated
light.
The
foundations are all that
remain of the lighthouse
keepers’ family homes, but
the original stonework of
the supply road down to
Haylocks
Bay
remains
along
the
cliff face,
including an original stone
culvert at the junction of
the road and the small
stream.
Ian and Jayne at Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Cape Reinga Lighthouse
This was our second visit to Cape Reinga. The first time
around was when we came to New Zealand to activate
our Visas. This time we had Jayne’s Mam & Dad with us.
They were visiting on a 3 month stay. What better than to
show them the uppermost part on the north island, where
the Pacific meets the Tasman Sea?
The Akaroa Lighthouse
Preservation Society moved
Ian at Akaroa Head Lighthouse
the lighthouse from the
Akaroa Heads to its present
location on 2 August 1980. Today rosters of volunteers ‘man'
the lighthouse to enable the public to visit and view this
historic Akaroa landmark.
It is open every Sunday between 2 and 4pm. Unfortunately
we didn’t get the chance to see inside as we had to move
on to our next lighthouse.
The lighthouse was built in 1941 and first lit during May of
that year. It was the last manned light to be built in New
Zealand and replaced the Cape Maria Van Diemen
Lighthouse, located on nearby Motuopao Island, which
had been built in 1879. Accessing that lighthouse was
difficult due to the rough seas in the area, so in 1938, it was
decided to move the lighthouse to Cape Reinga for safety
reasons. The complete lantern fittings from Motuopao
Island were reused at Cape Reinga, though the new
lighthouse was fitted with a 1000 watt electrical lamp
instead that could be seen for 26 nautical miles (48 km).
The lamp was powered by a diesel generator.
In 1987, the lighthouse was fully automated and the
lighthouse keepers were withdrawn. The lighthouse is now
monitored remotely from Wellington. In May 2000 the
original lens and lamp were replaced by a 50 watt
beacon. The beacon is powered by batteries that are
recharged by solar cells. The beacon flashes every 12
seconds and can be seen for 19 nautical miles (35 km).
South Island Trip 2014
With Ma & Pa still with us, we all ventured on a two week
trip onto the South Island. It gave Jayne and me our first
proper holiday away and chance to see some new
lighthouses.
The first one we visited was Akaroa Head. The original
Akaroa lighthouse started operation on the precipitous
headland of Akaroa Heads on 1 January 1880. One
hundred years later, it was moved down to Akaroa
Katiki Point Lighthouse
The second lighthouse we visited was the Katiki Point
Lighthouse. Also known as Moeraki Lighthouse, it shone for
the first time on April 22, 1878, to make the area safe for
ships that sailed past on their way to Port Chalmers,
Dunedin following several accidents on the dangerous
reefs around the area. The lighthouse was built between
the settlements of Moeraki and Katiki, on the tip of the
Moeraki Peninsula, which is known as Katiki Point or Moeraki
Point.
The point has a long history of wrecks, notably the wrecking
of the ancestral Waka Atua (a war canoe) on a return trip
from Hawaiiki, leaving some of the cargo on the beach at
Katiki, below the lighthouse. Tradition holds that the remains
of the cargo are the Moeraki Boulders.
Page 8
The wooden tower stands 8 m (26 ft) high and 58 m (190
feet) above sea level. The light flashes on for 6 seconds and
off for 6 seconds, and can be seen for 10 nautical miles
(20 km). The light-emitting diode beacon is supplied by
mains electricity, with a battery for standby power. The
original lens operated with a 1000-watt lamp supplied by
mains electricity, with a diesel generator for standby power.
It can still be seen in the lantern room at the top of the
tower.
The light was fully automated in 1975 and the lighthouse
keeper was withdrawn. The light is now monitored by a
computer and Maritime New Zealand staff in Wellington.
The lighthouse was restored by Maritime New Zealand in
2006.
proposed light at Cape Saunders.
The stone lighthouse tower was 12 m (39 ft) high and stood
60 m (197 ft) above sea level. The tower had iron girders for
support and a balcony surrounded the 3rd floor. The light
apparatus was new at the time, a 3rd order fixed dioptric
light.
By the 1890's a large settlement had arisen near the
lighthouse. The harbour board had a manned signal station
and the captain and crew of the pilot boats lived nearby.
Because Port Chalmers is the port for Dunedin, which was
the headquarters of the Union Steamship Company, a
constant stream of traffic passed through the heads.
At some point a foghorn was
installed at the lighthouse. It
was originally an explosive
device; however in 1929 it was
changed to a diaphone type.
In 1921 the light was changed
to an automatic acetone
flashing light, the Marine
Department withdrew the
keepers
and
signalmen
employed by the Otago
Harbour Board operated the
light.
Taiaroa Head Lighthouse
Our third stop was the Taiaroa Head lighthouse, built in
1864. It has a colony of over 100 Northern Royal Albatrosses,
which established itself in 1919 - the only such colony on an
inhabited mainland. There is also the Royal Albatross
Centre. Because of this you cannot walk up to the
lighthouse; the only way to appreciate it is to view it from
the sea on a boat trip.
It was not uncommon during the 1840's & 50's for ships to
spend days searching for the harbour entrance so a
flagstaff was erected at Taiaroa Head in 1849. In 1850 a
light was added to the flagstaff; however it was rarely lit by
the chief pilot as the Government refused to pay for the oil
to run it.
Our next stop was not quite a
complete lighthouse, but the
lantern room from the Cape
Saunders Lighthouse. This Lantern room from the Cape
Saunders Lighthouse
lantern is in the front garden of
the Otago Peninsula Museum &
Historical Society grounds at Portobello on the Otago
Peninsula.
The 4th lighthouse we visited was the Nugget Point
Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located at Nugget Point in the
Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is
owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand.
The lighthouse was
built from 1869 to
1870 and first lit on
4 July 1870. The
to wer
was
constructed from
locally
quarried
stone.
The Otago Provincial Council recognized the importance
of lights so in 1863 appointed James Balfour as Provincial
Marine Engineer. Balfour arrived from Scotland late in
1863 with both the lanterns for Taiaroa Head and Cape
Saunders.
Orig inal l y ,
the
lighthouse
was
powered by an oil
burner. In 1949 the
oil
lamp
was
replaced with an
electric 1000 W
The light apparatus arrived in Port Chalmers, Dunedin
March 17, 1864. Balfour immediately set to work designing
his first lighthouse for the council at Taiaroa Head.
The foundation stone was laid June 29, 1864, and the light
was ready to be lit on 2 January, 1865. The original light
used a red pane over the light to distinguish itself from the
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Page 9
2nd Quarter 2014
lamp powered by a diesel generator. The generator was
replaced in the 1960s by a connection to the mains grid
although the original lens for the light remained in place
and continued to be used.
The light was fully automated in
1989 and is now monitored and
managed from a Maritime New
Zealand control room in
Wellington. In 2006, the original
light was replaced with an LED
beacon, powered by mains
and backed up by battery.
Not far from the tower is a small plot of land known as the
Tararua Acre. It is here that many of the bodies recovered
from the wreck are buried.
The lighthouse was automated and keepers withdrawn in
1975. It has been solar powered since 1988. A new LED
beacon was installed externally on the balcony of the
lighthouse in December 2008. Restoration work conducted
in 2008 ensured it was weatherproof and secure from
vandalism.
The last lighthouse we visited was the Hokitika Lighthouse.
In 1875, it was decided that the lighthouse originally
intended for the Tory Channel in the Marlborough Sounds
would be erected at Seaview (Goal Hill). Land was
reserved in 1876, and a new lighthouse was constructed in
1879.
An easy 20 minute return
walking track leads from the
car park at the end of the
Nuggets Road to a viewing
platform right next to the
lighthouse overlooking "The
Nuggets". The lighthouse itself is
fenced off.
Waipapa Point Lighthouse
Our fifth lighthouse for this trip
was the Waipapa Point Lighthouse. It is located at
Waipapa Point, Southland. After the shipwreck a Court of
Inquiry, investigating the loss of the Tararua, recommended
a light be erected on the point. A light was ordered from
England immediately, and work began on building the
wooden tower and houses for three keepers and their
families. It was the second to last wooden lighthouse tower
built in New Zealand. The light was lit for the first time on
New Year's Day in 1884.
The lighthouse was constructed of native Kauri timber,
square shaped and standing 5.5 m (18 foot) tall. The lantern
rested on a flat roof reached by an external ladder with a
walkway around it originally protected by an iron
balustrade. The cost of construction was £450.
First lit on 22nd September 1879, the lighthouse used a fifth
order dioptric lantern displaying a fixed white light. The
lantern burnt coal gas from the town's supply. It was the
only lighthouse in New Zealand to have a fixed gas supply.
The light was visible for 16 miles.
Use of the port had declined significantly during the early
twentieth century, and ceased completely by 1929. The
light was decommissioned on 31 October 1924, and the
lantern was removed and sent to the Marine Store in
Wellington the following year.
The tower was to be demolished by the Marine
Department, but when the Seaview Hospital expressed a
desire to use it as an observation tower for the hospital
sports ground it was saved. Later, during WWII, the National
Reserve used the tower as a coast watching station.
Possibly during this period the exterior ladder was removed
and an interior ladder was installed.
In 1947 the original lantern was shipped from storage to
Kaipara North Head where it was re-lit. An acetylene
gaslight was installed in the lantern house which was
reduced to half its original height using the lantern originally
installed at Hokitika
After it was discontinued, this lighthouse's lantern was
removed. The tower was used as an observation tower for
a time and then fell into disrepair. Heritage Hokitika worked
to restore the lighthouse beginning in 1999. It has been fully
restored and a new replica lantern has been installed, but
in my humble opinion, it is a poor replacement.
Well that’s our lighthouse adventures up to date.
Ian & Jayne Wright (New Zealand)
Hokitika Lighthouse
Page 10
LIGHTHOUSE LAMP SHOP WITHIN A LIGHTHOUSE REHABILITATION
Introduction
Perhaps you will recall, in past WLS Newsletters, articles
related to the company called Lighthouse Lamp Shop. Its
work is with lighthouse lenses—their rehabilitation,
disassembly, reassembly, and relocation. Lighthouse Lamp
Shop is owned and driven by Joseph Cocking of Florida;
always alongside him is Nicholas Johnston from North
Carolina. (And others, depending on the project.) Both
men are retired from careers with the United States Coast
Guard. Nick’s maxim in his spirited southern accent, “If I
cain’t fix it, it ain’t broke!” is verifiable!
Though this story may well have been chronicled sooner,
time doesn’t alter it. Books and internet will reveal much
more about the lighthouse itself than will be noted here.
Lighthouse Lamp Shop within a Lighthouse
Rehabilitation
Backtrack to February 2012 when the 1894 Heceta Head
Lighthouse in the U.S. state of Oregon was about to receive
a $1.6 million renovation to its exterior and interior.
Lighthouse Lamp Shop was contracted to construct a
protection around the 1st order Chance Brothers lens,
saving the need for its complete removal. Also, in due
course, Lighthouse Lamp Shop was to return the lens to
quiet rotation.
swaddled in six layers of
proprietary moisture barrier
and cushioning.
Race-wheel is lowered and
jacks carry weight of upper
lens
Not only the height of the
lens, but the reach across at
the top is what always
presents challenges with
lens work. The person lying
face-down on a narrow
wooden platform that is
placed
across
the
‘spider’
(the
leggy
framework attached to the
lantern and around which
Giant purpose-made ‘bag’ is
wrapped in foam
the lens is stabilized) has only
the use of his arms, without
advantage of body strength. So, as exertion is spent by the
man on the high platform, those working underneath are
provided with humor.
Assisted by Randall Cox of Southern Latch Company,
Florida, the team created a giant wooden ‘box’ that
surrounded the lens, including pedestal and clock case.
The box had to be fitted to the shape of the lens so to be
small enough to allow restoration workers the most access
around the lens—yet roomy enough inside to avoid
contact between armature and box caused by possible
vibration from work on the tower.
Nick designed the four-tiered massive box and had cut all
the many elements to his measurements at his home
workshop. Then, the whole lot was packed and shipped to
the lighthouse.
To begin the process of protecting the lens, the lamp stand
inside was disconnected and unbolted from the lens
service table, or platen. The internal-style race wheel was
lowered (see picture on
left.)
Gears
were
disengaged, then the upper
portion of the lens was
jacked upon its pedestal,
relieving contact with rollers
to the upper and lower race
plates around which they
travel. (see top of next
Note large toothed race-wheel column) With rotation now
stymied, the entire optic was
at top
Green film secures layers of protective wraps around lens; Note
work platform high on ‘spider’ and condition of glazing bars
Dizzying work constructing scaffolding above the Pacific
Canvas will hang from scaffold
to enclose tower when weather
gets windy and wet
2nd Quarter 2014
Page 11
Interior brickwork had been covered in cement, likely in honest (at
the time) belief of protecting it, but years of external dampness
seeping through suffocating brick created damaging mold. On the
right, the brickwork before restoration. On the left, the restored
brickwork.
Wood protection of entire optic
now complete
Stonemason and project architect watching as jackhammers
further reduce worn away corActivity at Heceta Head was bels that will be replaced: Note
rusted gallery railing
lively everywhere. As we
worked inside the lantern,
scaffolding around the tower was climbing up, up. Through
peripheral vision the scaffold erectors appeared like
monkeys climbing in trees. Jackhammers were gnawing
into corbels just under us; several new ones were about to
replace those that were too time and weather worn.
In September 2012 Lighthouse Lamp Shop returned to
deconstruct its safety cocoon around the lens. Assisting this
trip were Matthew Johnston of North Carolina and
Kathleen McCormick, Director of Collections, First Light
Maritime Society, Saint Augustine, Florida. How truly exciting
it was to see so much character so beautifully returned to
the lighthouse! Obviously, these had nothing to do with our
part of the project, but for fun, compare some pre- and
post-restoration images.
Some cement that covered brick has worn away through time, but
the major restoration undertaking was of blasting it away from the
walls
Beauty of the brickwork is
returned
Heavy towels sopped leaked
water for years; Note pooled
water and rust on gallery deck
A dry lantern interior and rustless decks inside and out: Note
restoration to glazing bars
Egregious, affronting blocking
of windows was part of mold
problem due to lack of air
movement; automation hasn’t
always been kind
Think about the multitudinous components of wood that
were trudged up the lighthouse stairs in February. Well, now
they had to come down. Ha! Kathleen and I actually got to
hurl them to the ground from the scaffolding at lantern
Page 12
Rusted out hand holds
Edge of shiny roof. Note white plastic covering scaffolding and
high-up walkway
BRILLIANT restoration in hand
crafted windows, with weights,
and frames
Beautiful!
Compare new crafted corbel with originals; A structural redesign
within the stone of all corbels was necessary to strengthen
weakened system: Note ‘spots’ where steel rods were inserted
disassemble parts of the
mechanical
system
responsible for rotation of the
lens. An unrelieved squeal
during rotation had been
problematic and was to be
rectified by Lighthouse Lamp
Shop.
The
dismantled
lens
components were delivered
to Welch’s Machine Works in
Eugene, Oregon. Ken Welch,
machinist for the project,
measured and resurfaced all
the elements, modified the
rollers with angular contact
bearings
in
the
axles,
repaired a crack in the
Just gotta love the ventball
gallery-level. It was a kid’s dream! And whenever does one
have an opportunity to stand at roof-level to admire a
newly restored, shiny red vent ball? Such are the rewards!
The long anticipated reopening of Heceta Head
Lighthouse was scheduled for 8 June 2013, so it was time for
Lighthouse Lamp Shop to get the lens rotating. The month
before, Joe and Nick had traveled to the lighthouse to
Out go wood components of
‘box’ through lantern window
Quick and fun delivery to the
ground
In Ken’s workshop, the spinning
wheel shaves angle to new
contact bearing
Pretty as art, note the conical
shape of chariot rollers; Chance
Brothers designed this roller
Ken’s new base plate
Procession of chariot rollers in
their collars
Page 13
2nd Quarter 2014
upper race-plate, repaired the collars, and also, fabricated
new bearing plates and shafts. These mechanical aspects
of a rotating lighthouse optic tend to go unsung. Seeing
them individually gives a better idea of what it takes to spin
the massive, glorious, and attention-grabbing framework of
glass.
No more squeal from the pillar
bearing
Drive shaft of gear train
At the
time
the
lens
components were removed
for the work Ken would do, it
was discovered that the
race-plates, or roads, had
previously been machined at
different
angles.
Their
reinstallation was specific at
Inner guide wheels boxed for a 7-degree angle. Both
return to lens
upper and lower race-plates
come apart in two sections
for fitting around the central lens shaft; getting the halves
notched together again was arduous.
In their turn, and in spite of the trying access to their
spindles, the upper and lower inner guide wheels were
seated onto the chariot assembly. Then came the collars
with their fat, shiny, conical rollers. The drive of the entire
operation is housed inside the clock case. Precise
installation of 119-year old British-made parts combined
with U.S. Coast Guard adaptations, i.e., electricity, results
from years of experience with them.
Inner guide wheels stabilize
rotation as they circle main
shaft horizontally; Note both
lower and upper as attached to
chariot assembly
Nick installs drive shaft
Gears of the drive train being
installed
The reason for it all
Finally, time to power-up! The guilty squealing component
as found to be within the pillar bearing. Now, the happy
sounds of a motor and rollers toddling in endless circles,
showing off Chance Brothers’ brilliance, within a very proud
and dignified lighthouse.
Kim Fahlen (U.S.A.)
Note subtle angle of upper race
-plate where rollers touch
Joe, Nick, and Ken on opening
day after ceremony during
which Lighthouse Lamp Shop
was commended
A new motor, set to counter-clockwise, was placed into
service. After removal, cleaning, and inspecting the spur
and worm gears of the speed reducer, a quite costly new
oil was added. Talk about unsung—the motor has to have
enough torque to start rotation, but then slow it down—
that’s what the speed reducer does.
Dignity restored
Page 14
ELBOW REEF LIGHTSTATION, ABACO, BAHAMAS
150 YEARS YOUNG THIS YEAR
Elbow Reef Lightstation with light tower, keepers’ quarters and
kitchen building. Photo © Annie Potts
Elbow Reef Lightstation, the last actively manned handwound kerosene-fueled lighthouse in the world turns 150
years old this year and the local community in Abaco held
a festival celebrating it as an active piece of their maritime
history. The lightstation was built in 1864 by the British
Imperial Lighthouse Service to warn ships away from the
dangerous shoals offshore of Hope Town on Elbow Cay,
Abaco. Since 1973, when The Bahamas became
independent, the new government began automating its
lightstations, most of which are now derelict and no longer
functioning.
Hoisting the Bahamian national flag is lighthouse Keeper, Jeffery
Forbes, Jr., accompanied by his father, Jeffery Forbes, Sr., retired
lighthouse keeper and Nathalee Wells. Jeff is holding his infant
son, Jeffery. Photo © Lorraine Morecraft
continues to function full time. In January 2014 the Elbow
Reef Lighthouse Society commissioned the late Cullen
Chambers, and his assistant Sarah Jones, to come out to
Hope Town to perform a thorough existing conditions report
of the entire station. Cullen was overwhelmed, saying that
in his 35 years of historic preservation, the Elbow Reef
Lightstation was the most complete and intact lightstation
he had ever seen and one that deserved world
recognition.
To celebrate its 150 years of continuous service and to kick
off intensified fundraising efforts volunteers from the
community hosted an afternoon festival on 24 June 2014.
It is a tribute to the people of Abaco, and the community
of Hope Town in particular, that this Bahamian lightstation
Crowds of visitors attended the afternoon celebration for the 150th
Anniversary of the construction of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse.
Photo © Robbie Bethel
Pirate statue and Dave Gale of Hope Town, Elbow Cay, who has
spent the last 25 years keeping the Elbow Reef Light from
becoming automated. Photo © Deb “Dp” Patterson
2nd Quarter 2014
Page 15
To support the Elbow Reef
Lighthouse Society or for
more information Email:
[email protected] or
call 242-366-0121.
Annie Potts (U.S.A.)
Author “Last Lights: The HandWound Lighthouses of The
Bahama Islands”
[email protected]
Lightup at Elbow Reef Lighthouse. Photos © Cha Boyce
Nearly 1000 people visited the lighthouse site to support the
restoration effort.
With the assistance of the Port Department, which employs
two keepers, and the Antiquities Department of The
Bahamas, which administers buildings over 50 years of age,
the cooperate spirit of Abaconians should be able to keep
this light shining long into the future.
Editor’s Note: The Newsletter
Editor was contacted prior to
the celebration of Elbow
Elbow Cay resident, Kent Le
Reef Lighthouse’s 150th
Boutillier made this extraordiAnniversary and asked to
write a letter for inclusion in a nary cake. This, too, had to be
transported on a boat!
book that was presented at
the celebration with plans to archive it in Hope Town’s
historical museum. The following is the letter sent on behalf
of the World Lighthouse Society.
Page 16
2013 UK LIGHTHOUSE TRIP: SCOTLAND
During June and July 2013, my husband and I traveled to
the United Kingdom for three weeks to visit with friends and
see as many lighthouses and other sites as we could
squeeze in. We arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland on the
morning of June 23rd and spent our first two days seeing the
usual sites, such as Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, the
Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Because this is a
publication dedicated to those interested in all things
related to lighthouses, I’ll highlight for you here only the part
of our visit dealing with that topic. If you would like to know
more about the rest of our trip, I invite you to visit my travel
bl og
at
h t tp : / / w w w . tr a v el po d . c o m /m em be rs/
djsuchomelly.
We reserved Tuesday, June
25th, for a much anticipated
visit with WLS member Bob
MacIntosh.
Bob
is
the
Projects Team Leader for the
Northern Lighthouse Board
(NLB),
the
lighthouse
authority for Scotland and
the Isle of Man. When Bob
learned
we
would
be
traveling to Edinburgh, he
graciously invited us to meet
with him at the home of the
NLB at 84 George Street,
located in the “New Town”
section of Edinburgh.
The home of the Northern
Lighthouse Board
easy sight of the Newhaven
East Pier lighthouse, located
at the end of the north
breakwater
of
Old
Newhaven
Harbour.
The
harbour is on the southern
shore of the Firth of Forth,
about 1 mile (1.6 km) east of
Granton.
The
white,
octagonal 50 ft (15 m) tall
cast iron white tower with
white
lantern
was
constructed
in
1869,
although it wasn’t lit until
1878. The light has been
inactive since at least the
1960s, and although you can
walk the pier out to the light
(the light itself is closed to the
Newhaven East Pier Lighthouse
public), we were able to get
good photos of it from the open top of the bus and
decided not to disembark as we weren’t sure when the
next bus would come along to pick us up and we were on
a tight schedule.
Our next stop was the Ocean Terminal in Leith, where the
Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed. If ever you have the
opportunity to visit Edinburgh, I can highly recommend the
self-guided tour of the Royal Yacht. It was definitely one of
the highlights of our visit to the city.
Of interest to our readers however, is the lighthouse located
directly across the basin from the Britannia. The Leith West
Breakwater lighthouse was first established in 1828; however
the current structure was built in 1938. The 33 foot (10 m) tall
white octagonal cylindrical tower rises from the top of a 1story white building at the end of a breakwater in an
industrial dockyard area. The light has been inactive since
Although the imposing gray stone building seemed to
blend it with its neighbors, we easily identified it by the flag
hanging above the entryway, and the brass plaque on the
door further proved we had indeed arrived at the correct
location. After being admitted and a short wait in the
reception area Bob arrived to greet us and escort us to a
conference room where we could talk. We spent about an
hour discussing the NLB and the state of lighthouse
preservation in Scotland, as well as sharing ideas for some
future articles for the Newsletter. Bob kindly gave us some
tips on where to see some lighthouses and told us about
some artifacts we might be interested in seeing at
Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland. Bob allowed me
to photograph some of the many artifacts on display in the
room and then we went on our way.
Our plans for the day included a bus ride out to Leith to see
the Royal Yacht Britannia. On our way we passed within
Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse
Page 17
2nd Quarter 2014
From there we found our
way to the Industry and
Empire Gallery, where we
found many more lighthouse
related
artifacts,
much
related to Scotland’s famous
lighthouse
family,
the
Stevensons. I’ve included
photos of some of the
highlights with this article. We
took in as much as we could
before the Museum closed
and then made our way
back to our hotel room to
pack our bags for the next
leg of our journey.
Inchkeith Lighthouse
2008 and is in extremely poor condition. It is possible to walk
out to the light sitting on land owned by Forth Ports;
however we were able to get good views and photos from
the dockside at Ocean Terminal.
We were also able to get distant views of the Inchkeith
lighthouse from the dockside. Inchkeith lies on an island of
the same name in the Firth of Forth, located offshore
roughly between Leith and Kinghorn. The brown stone
lighthouse and tower was first lit on 14 September 1804. The
tower stands 62 feet (19 m) tall and once held the first
dioptric lantern used in Scotland. The lighthouse was
automated in 1986 and the keepers were withdrawn. The
light is still active, however coincidentally, operational
responsibility and ownership of the light was transferred
from the NLB to Forth Ports on June 21, 2013 – one day
before we left the U.S. for Edinburgh! Unfortunately, a
distant view was all we would get of this lighthouse; but not
of one of its Fresnel lenses, thanks to Bob McIntosh.
After stopping for an early dinner at the Ocean Terminal,
we took the bus back into
Edinburgh’s Old Town and
made our way to the
National
Museum
of
Scotland. Upon entering the
beautiful Grand Gallery, we
immediately spotted the
Inchkeith Lighthouse lens at
the far end and made our
way
to
it.
David
A.
Stevenson designed this
dioptric lens in 1889, and it
was used at Inchkeith until it
was removed in 1985 when
the
lighthouse
was
automated.
It
was
appropriately displayed as
a beautiful focal point in the
Gallery. It was impossible to
get a “bad” photo of it!
Inchkeith Lighthouse lens, at the
National Museum of Scotland
Portrait of Robert Stevenson,
famous lighthouse engineer
The next morning we rose
early and took the train to
Glasgow where we boarded the West Highland Line for the
three-hour-long journey to Oban. The day was bright and
sunny and we had beautiful views as we traveled along the
Firth of Clyde before climbing up into the Highlands. On
arrival in Oban we immediately made our way to the
CalMac ferry terminal since we could see the ferry off in the
distance making its way into the harbour. After boarding
the ferry we quickly stowed our luggage and made our
way to the top deck so we could enjoy the views of the
highlands around us as we slowly made our way out of the
harbour. As we headed across the Sound of Mull to our
next destination, Craignure on the Isle of Mull in the Inner
Hebrides, I was so in awe of the beautiful views that I
completely missed seeing the little Dunollie lighthouse at
the entrance to Oban’s harbour. Fortunately I was able to
catch it on our return journey a few days later, so I will
describe that lighthouse later in this article.
As we made our way across the Sound of Mull we passed
between Lady’s Rock light and Lismore lighthouse. The
date of the original Lady’s Rock light, a square pyramidal
white stone tower, is unknown. The current light on the rock
of the same name located 1nm east of Duart Point dates
from 2001 and is a short skeletal tower with red painted
Lady Rock Light in the Sound of Mull
Page 18
Duart Castle. We enjoyed the castle tour and were treated
to more views of Lismore lighthouse across the Sound, so
the day was not a total loss.
Lismore Lighthouse in the Sound of Mull
aluminum panels. The light is an active aid to navigation
and its 39 ft (12m) tower displays a white flash every 6
seconds. Legend has it that Lady’s Rock was so named
because the wife of one of the first Lords of Duart became
stranded on the rock after displeasing her husband.
Reportedly she was rescued by a passing fisherman before
the rising tide engulfed the rock, however other versions
claim her family rescued her.
Lismore lighthouse is a major light marking the entrance
from the Firth of Lorn to Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull.
The lighthouse, constructed in 1833 to a design by Robert
Stevenson, is located on the narrow Eilean Musdile, a small
island just off of Lismore Island. Lismore lighthouse was once
one of the few manned lighthouses in the area but was
automated in 1965. The ferry passed directly in front of the
103 ft (31m) round white masonry tower providing a
beautifully picturesque setting with views of the Highlands
beyond. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect introduction to
the isles of the Inner Hebrides.
The journey passed quickly and within a relatively short time
we could see the ferry landing at Craignure. Upon
disembarking we were warmly greeted by WLS
Administration Officer Peter Williams and his lovely wife, Pat.
They graciously welcomed us to their home and for the
next couple of days showed us around their beautiful
island.
The Isle of Mull is the second-largest island of the Inner
Hebrides and is separated from the mainland by a narrow
strait called the Sound of Mull. Although the ferry stops at
Craignure, the principal town of the island is Tobermory.
Tobermory is quaint with its colorful homes surrounding the
small harbour. Of interest to our readers here is the Rubha
nan Gall lighthouse, located on a rocky point about 1.25
miles (2km) north of Tobermory, and accessed from town
by a hiking trail. Unfortunately for us, the day of our visit to
Tobermory was wet – too wet for the hike to the lighthouse.
We were disappointed, but decided the missed
opportunity would give us a reason to return to Mull and
Tobermory when we next visited the UK. We then decided
to drive back through Craignure and out the other side to
The next day’s itinerary included a drive across the island
for a view of the isle of Erraid. The Erraid Shore Station is
located on this small island off the Ross of Mull. Constructed
in 1869 by Thomas and David Stevenson, the 1-story granite
keeper’s houses and outbuildings have been inactive since
1952. The cottages were originally built to house the
construction crew for the Dubh Artach lighthouse, and then
served as the onshore keeper’s quarters for the lighthouse.
Dubh Artach is located approximately 14nm from Erraid.
Beginning in 1892, the site also served as the onshore
keeper’s quarters for Skerryvore lighthouse, which is located
approximately 26nm from Erraid. After the station was
closed in 1952 off-duty keepers for both lights lived on the
mainland at Oban until Dubh Artach was automated in
1971 and Skerryvore in 1994. The buildings were later sold to
a foundation that supports a residential community. The
white circular cast-iron signal tower still existing on the
highest point of the island was used to communicate with
both lighthouses using semaphore and was also used as an
observation point so that both lights could be seen to
confirm all was well offshore.
There are many more lights to see on the Isle of Mull,
however our time was limited and we were not meant to
see them all on this trip. However, if you would like to read
about the lights that we did not visit on this trip, please refer
to the 2nd Quarter 2013 issue of the Newsletter for Peter
William’s article, The Lighthouses of Mull. His article includes
a brief history and photos of each of the lighthouses,
including those I mentioned here.
Our week in Scotland came too quickly to an end. We left
Craignure on the morning of June 30 in rainfall; to quote
our dear friend, Peter, it was really “chucking it down!”
However, I was able to poke my camera outside the ferry
under a small overhang on the ride back to Oban and get
my photo of the diminutive
Dunollie lighthouse at the
north
entrance
to
the
harbour. The 20 ft (6m) tall
lighthouse built of unpainted
stone has a white lantern
and gallery. It was built by
David
A.
and
Charles
Stevenson in 1892 and is an
active aid to navigation,
guiding
ships
into
the
harbour.
After disembarking in Oban
we made our way by train
back down through the
Highlands to Glasgow where
we took the train to
Liverpool, England for the
next leg of our journey. I’ll
continue my narrative of our
Dunollie Lighthouse on the
north side of Oban’s harbour
Page 19
2nd Quarter 2014
UK journey in the next issue of the Newsletter, so watch this
space!
Model of the M.V. Pharos, one of two lighthouse tenders owned
by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
“The Building of the Bell Rock Lighthouse”, given to the
Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses (NLB) by the greatgranddaughter of Robert Stevenson, in memory of her father,
David Alan Stevenson who was engineer to the board.
On display in NLB headquarters.
On the left is a facetted mirror parabolic reflector. Thomas Smith,
an Edinburgh based lamp maker to the NLB suggested these
mirrors could also be used in lighthouses. The Board agreed and
appointed him their first engineer. It was through Thomas that
Robert Stevenson, his step-son, became introduced to the NLB.
On the right is a silvered metal parabolic reflector of the type
originally used at the Bell Rock Lighthouse in 1811.
On display in the National Museum of Scotland.
Bob MacIntosh with Donna Suchomelly
at the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Model of the Bell Rock under
construction made in 1822 under
the supervision of Robert
Stevenson himself, just as he was
striving to complete his “Account
of the Building of Bell Rock”.
On display in the National
Museum of Scotland.
Inchkeith Lighthouse lens, at
the National Museum of
Scotland.
This fixed azimuthal
condensing light was
used for the River Tay
leading lights at Buddon
Ness for the Fraternity of
Masters and Seamen,
Dundee. At 6 ft 4 in
(1940mm) high and 5 ft
10 in (1800mm) wide, it
combines every kind of
prism then in use for
lighthouse apparatus.
On display in the
National Museum of
Scotland.
Page 20
UNITED STATES LIGHTHOUSE SOCIETY AUSTRALIAN
LIGHTHOUSE TOUR
Forty
eight members of the United States Lighthouse
Society recently completed a tour of 51 Australia
Lighthouses between Brisbane and Portland, from March 16
to April 3, 2014. They travelled 2,544 miles on land and 62
miles by water while climbing 1,199 steps in 15 towers.
Following is a pictorial representation of just a few of the
many interesting and well maintained lighthouses they
were fortunate enough to visit.
Skip Sherwood (U.S.A.)
United States Lighthouse Society
Editor’s Note: All photos by Skip Sherwood except where
otherwise noted.
First lit in 1884 near Portland, Victoria, the rubble wall extending
out to the Cape Nelson Lighthouse protected the keepers from
the unforgiving winds
Constructed in 1905, Bradley’s Head Light marks a headland
protruding from the north shore of Sydney Harbor
Located on the famous Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway
Lighthouse is the oldest, surviving lighthouse on mainland
Australia having been built in 1848
Built in 1901, the Cape Bryon Lighthouse is located on the most
easterly point of the mainland of Australia near Byron Bay, New
South Wales
As Port Fairy became an important trading port for western
Victoria, the Griffiths Island Lighthouse was built in 1859 at the
mouth of the Moyne River
2nd Quarter 2014
Page 21
The southern entrance to Port Jackson and Sydney Harbour is
marked by the third oldest lighthouse in New South Wales (1858);
the Hornby Lighthouse
Norah Head Lighthouse, located on a headland on the Central
Coast of New South Wales. It was the last staffed lighthouse built
in New South Wales (1903)
The first Macquarie Lighthouse tower was constructed in 1818,
which makes this the longest serving lighthouse site in Australia.
The current 1883 tower is 26 metres tall, but due to its hill top
location has a focal plane of 105 metres
Access to the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse site is limited as the
Department of Defence uses the area for gunnery practice about
100 days per year. The skeletal tower acts as the current
navigational aid
Lying offshore from Narooma on the south coast of New South
Wales, Montague Island is home to the 1881 lighthouse and over
12,000 Fairy Penguins
With a focal plane of over 460 feet, the Smoky Cape Lighthouse in
the Hat Head National Park is the highest light in New South Wales
Page 22
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, also known as Seal Rocks Lighthouse,
warns of a treacherous rock formation to the south of the point. It
is one of two Australian lighthouses with an external stairway
The Eastern Channel Pile Light in Sydney Harbour, along with its
twin the Western Channel Pile Light, are known as the “Wedding
Cakes” due to their shape and tiered appearance
Fort Denison Light is located atop a Martello Tower at Fort Denison,
a former penal site and defensive facility on an island in Sydney
Harbour. The lantern and light replaced a gun in 1913
The group atop Montague Island Lighthouse. Being able to
access and climb many of the lighthouses was a real treat
US Lighthouse Society tour group in front of Macquarie Lighthouse.
Photo by Phil Borkowski
Page 23
2nd Quarter 2014
SOUTER LIGHTHOUSE (A2694), TYNE & WEAR, UK
On
our holidays in Northumberland, we of course
wanted to see lighthouses. And so, since we had just joined
the National Trust, we decided to drive to this well
preserved lighthouse.
a wide base turn table to
allow easy access for the
keepers and the use of
“wasted” landward light to
warn
shipping
of
the
dangerous
rocks
of
Sunderland Bay.
In 1914 it became necessary
to make alterations to the
lighthouse. A new lantern
room was built to house the
huge biform lens. The 4½ ton
biform lens floats on a
mercury bath. The light was
powered by incandescent
oil burners. The lens system was powered by a clockwork
engine.
In the 1950s the light was
converted again from oil
back to electricity and in the
1970s the clockwork engines
were replaced by an electric
drive motor.
Souter Lighthouse is the first ever purpose built lighthouse for
electric operation. It is today one of the most completely
preserved light stations in England. Owned by the National
Trust, it is open to the public and guided tours happen
regularly. Souter lighthouse is built on Lizard Point; Souter is
the next headland to the south. As the Souter headland is
lower than Lizard Point it was decided to build the
lighthouse on the higher headland. The name Souter was
retained so as not to cause confusion with Lizard Point in
Cornwall where a lighthouse had stood since 1751.
When the lighthouse was first
lit on the 11th of January
1871, the Master of Trinity
House, Captain Sir Frederick
Arrow, stated “that on its
construction and illumination
the
highest
lighthouse
engineering talent of the day
had be brought to bear”
and “no lighthouse in any
part of the world would bear
comparison with it”. The
lighthouse
incorporated
three major innovations of
the day: Professor Holmes’
magneto-electric generators
providing alternating current,
The light was taken out of
service in 1988 and sold to
the National Trust for a very
nominal fee.
In 2013 the exterior of the
lighthouse was restored and
repainted at a cost of
£65,000 (GBP).
The Fog Signal Building
When visibility fell below two miles in the daytime or the
lights from the Tyne and Wear piers couldn’t be made out
at night the foghorn let out [two blasts of sound every
minute] to alert nearby ships. The original single horn was
painted white and shaped like a pipe. It was angled to
project sound straight out to sea. This design was replaced
with two similar shaped horns that were instead angled to
project the sound up and down the coast. [Later they were
replaced by horns supported on the corners of the foghorn
building. The building was altered to accommodate the
new horns. The present horns are an oblong shape. They
give a superior sound to the original horn. The keepers were
paid 2 old pence per hour while the fog horn was
operating as recompense for the noise. The fog horn
ceased operation in 1988.]
Below on the left you can see the compressors. The
compressed air is then stored in the two tanks on the right.
Via some impressive pipes the air was then pumped to the
fog signal.
Page 24
One of the keepers’ cottages has been restored. Above is
the living room and below is the cooking range.
The Half-Landing-Light
Half way up the tower is a window through which the so
called Half-Landing Light is visible. It has a range of six miles
and warns shipping of the rocks to the south of Sunderland
Harbour. [It is lit by “wasted” light. Prisms in the lamp room
send the light to a further set of prisms which “bend” it to
shine towards Sunderland Bay.]
Upstairs are two bedrooms.
Each keeper’s family had their own little garden.
On the left the light and on the right the window it shines through
Today the lighthouse is a very successful tourist attraction.
The other three cottages are now used for administration, a
café and visitor’s services, as well as educational
exhibitions.
When we were there in April, these lovely Blue Tits were just
hatching. The National Trust had mounted a camera in the
Page 25
2nd Quarter 2014
nest box and the monitor was there for all to see in the
café.
Stan and I had a wonderful day. Above we are somewhat
shattered at the front of this interesting light station.
The Fog Horn Requiem
“On June 22nd 2013, more than 50 ships gathered on the
North Sea to perform an ambitious musical score, marking
the disappearance of the sound of the foghorn from the
UK’s coastal landscape.”
To find out more about this amazing occasion:
http://foghornrequiem.org/" _http://foghornrequiem.org/
And to listen to the Requiem:
http://youtu.be/jmxRjj3hnZk" _http://youtu.be/jmxRjj3hnZk_
There are some rather peculiar written comments on this
video, but it does allow you to listen to the requiem. A brass
band, the fog horn and 50 ships … Amazing!
Below the nest box on the corner of one of the
outbuildings.
Foghorn Building
For further reading, here are a couple of websites to look
at:
The National Trust’s webpage tells you all about the history
and what is happening now.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-theleas/
Russ Rowlett’s “Lighthouse Directory” also has more
information.
http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/engne.htm
Margret Butcher (England)
WorldLighthouse
Lighthouse Society
World
Society
Page 26
THE LIGHT ON TOP—PART 22
Bishop Rock Lighthouse July 1981 to July 1982
Editor’s Note: “The Light on Top” was
written by Harold Taylor, a WLS
member and retired Trinity House
light keeper. In this issue we continue
with excerpts from Harold’s memoirs.
Subsequent issues of the Newsletter
will include additional excerpts as a
series of articles. Many thanks to
Harold for graciously sharing his
memoirs with us.
I do not think I had any choice in
in the isles. It had been a twenty minute trip so far and we
also had to land another keeper on Round Island during
the trip. So we were in for about another twenty minute trip.
Once aboard I met up with the third keeper, who was Davy
Jones. I am not sure offhand whether he was from the Pool
or one of the permanent staff, however I only saw him the
once. Tristum was a very sensible and accommodating sort
of cove, but Davy was entirely the opposite, seeming to
want to keep to himself.
I found the lighthouse to be a peculiar sort of place
because it had been built in two stages and having been
enlarged at the same time that the last Eddystone was
built. In fact, the same engineer was engaged on the two
the matter, but I was intrigued to go
to a different station. This meant
travelling by car overnight to
Penzance depot. There was no
longer a Superintendent here, it now
came under East Cowes. Neither was
there a depot ship. There was a
district clerk and assistant, a wharf
bosun, Walter Boyd, who acted as
administrator over the heliport reliefs.
The DLF headquarters for the whole district was now here
administered by Mike Crisp. MacDonald Jones ran his
department from here also. Most of his staff were local.
Two keepers on the
landing await the
arrival of the relief
boat. Note the Jackroll
in position for heaving
up the relief. Also note
spillage of lime wash
down the side of the
set-off for killing off
algae
I went off to the Bishop via Sennen heliport, which had
been created in the grounds of the cottages allocated to
the keepers of that light, although now only two houses
were occupied, the other two being turned into Amenity
houses. The Longships, Wolf Rock and the Seven Stones
lightvessel were done first before we embarked for St.
Mary's in the Scilly Isles. When we landed I met up with the
other keeper, Tristum Sturley, who was going out and lived
Base: deep freeze on the left. In centre, the rope store was
originally the W.C. but the brass fittings disintegrated through
corrosion from sulphuric acid created by rain and soot on the
copper roof. The outlet was blocked by barnacles
First floor: oil storage area, electric transfer pump on the left
projects. The lower part of
the tower was accessible by
fairly steep iron ladders with
rope handrails. Strong metal
ties showed where the extra
thickness of stone had been
bolted through the masonry.
Higher up, from the kitchen
level, the rest of the tower
was reached by stone steps.
This indicated where the
alterations had been made.
Later modernisation had
been achieved to the
inconvenience
of
the
keepers.
I will take you through the
place, floor by floor. The Iron ladder from first to second
base contained the water
floor. Vertical iron ties would
storage tanks in the floor,
appear to be part of securing
and again what once had additional stonework to original
tower during rebuilding and
been a toilet was turned
into a rope locker. A large heightening carried out in 1882
2nd Quarter 2014
Second floor: the engine room for two main engines and
generators. There is a workshop bench on the left, out of view
deep freeze was also on this floor, as was stored all the
engine oil. The next floor up was the main fuel oil storage
place. Several large tanks were around the walls and one
final one in the middle of the room. There was also an
electric fuel distribution pump. The next floor was the lower
engine room and workshop. There were two generators
here and the window to the room had been specially
constructed to keep the sea out and allow cooling air in. It
was an unbearably hot and noisy room when in operation.
The next floor had a multiple of uses. There were three oil
tanks which gravity fed to the engine room below. All the
rubbish was also kept here. There was also a gas-powered
shower and the Elsan bucket. This was a surprise to me
because whilst on the Eddystone I understood that there
was to be fitted a more up-to-date multrator system to
what we had. When I questioned the lack of this I was told
that what had been fitted was some form of digester
system, which entailed ‘crapping’ on some sort of silk
screen, covering it with earth and adding a powder which
digested the waste into a sack or bag. It was then intended
The third floor: an amenity room, hobbies bench and gas-powered
shower. There are also three oil tanks with gravity feed to engines
below. The homogenic toilet was also supposed to be located
here but was rejected
Page 27
Stairway from second to third floor. Note the sludes for the shuttertype fire door, despite oil being stored on the floor behind it. Also
observe further iron tie bars for securing outer casing of stone
this would be taken ashore. After trials the keepers had
rejected this contraption as it meant them carrying on relief
about a hundredweight of soil to feed the machine and a
similar amount or more to be taken ashore.
The next floor was the kitchen, which had been
modernised to everyone’s disadvantage. The room was not
as wide as the floors below. The table was in the middle of
the room and fixed benches were on the far side of it.
Because the food storage cupboards had been removed
from the floor below for modernisation, their replacements
were arranged round the room above head height over
the bench. These projected out into the room the same
width as the bench and the only way to get at the shelves
was to stand on the table. This was a bit disconcerting if
you were having a meal and you needed to get to the
cupboard. In the case of short people, of course, this was
necessary at any time. There was a gas cooker provided
for use. The chief danger of this was that it had an extractor
hood set so low and out so far that one was in danger of
Fourth floor: a modern kitchen with so little forethought that one
had to stand on a table to reach the food cupboards overhead.
They were little used as a result
Page 28
injuring one’s head in the effort of producing a meal.
The floor above this was the bedroom, which consisted of
the usual curved bunk arrangements and storage
cupboards, not only for the keepers, but station stores as
well. One useful addition was an electric storage heater,
which was fine in winter but not so clever in the summer.
This served a dual purpose. Since modernisation and the
installation of additional equipment we were on 24 hours
radiation of electricity. As we
produced during the day far more
than we needed, the storage
heater was used to absorb the
extra electric power and make a
more economic use of the engine.
So the storage heater powered by
day cut out at night when the light
came on.
Fifth floor and bedroom - not everything built on the curve. Cupboards
under bunks for keepers' effects. Dry
wash basin on the right with cupboard
above and below it for stores
Bedroom. Night storage
heater on left. Like one
in the living room, it
absorbed power from
the main engines
during the day. At night
power would be
transferred to the main
light. Low powered
generators for day use
never worked while I
was there
The next floor was the sitting room, although that is really a
euphemism. It used to have a fireplace, or range, and
might have been the original kitchen. The weight tube I
think used to go down through the centre of the room, but
as the lens was now driven by electric motors the tube had
been removed. In this room was another storage heater,
three radio transmitters and the TV, the most important
piece of furniture. The shelves were lined with books and
more food cupboards. There was the normal shipping band
transmitter and a new apparatus for VHF communication
as well as a special set for communicating with the
helicopter. Since the introduction the VHF radio there had
been an insistence that we keep a twenty-four hour radio
watch. This was very difficult to achieve in reality, as the
watchman could be engaged anywhere about the
building. The annoying situation with having all this stuff in
the sitting room was that, if one were trying to enjoy some
TV, you would be interrupted by all sorts of people
transmitting on the radio. On top of which we also had a
Sea Watch radar contraption that interfered with
reception. They subsequently also introduced a VHF
telephone link, which, whilst very handy, also led to a lot
more interruption.
The next floor was the service room. Due to the lack of
space below, here were two small engines designed to
give us our daylight power, but during the time I was there
they never worked and no visiting mechanic was able to
do better. Also there were two compressed air engines for
the fog signal. There was so little space that the air tanks for
this system were suspended from the ceiling like
pterodactyl eggs. The RT batteries were also here. Up the
next flight of steps was the lens, which was a monstrous
construction. Being the original lens, it was about twelve
feet high and ten in diameter. There were in fact two
lenses. The original intention from the wick lamp days was
that in clear visibility one lens was lit, but in poor visibility
both would be used. In electrification they had utilised this
to the effect that the main light was exhibited low down,
and in the event of a power failure, the battery light would
illuminate the top lens.
Seventh floor, ex-service room. Fog signal room with 2 three
cylinder engines driving compressors. Air storage tanks
suspended from ceiling. Batteries for R/T and VHF radio.
Distribution board for power supply to Seawatch beacon
On this floor we also kept the toilet bucket, the object
being ease of use. Use the bucket and throw the contents
out into a passing wind.
I found the station poorly kept. I knew the other and junior
PK from old, although I had not served with him. He had
been one of the SAKs when I had first been on the
Eddystone and he had been on station as AK before the PK
whom I was replacing. That fellow had fallen in with the
practice that had been carried on before. It was a
diabolical work schedule that covered a thirteen-week
rota. When some of these items, which covered servicing of
batteries and engines are considered, one can probably
realise why the station was poorly maintained. I decided to
change this practice while I was on station and changed
over to my principle of assigning certain areas to keepers. It
was not too confusing because, as it turned out, keepers
were constantly changing. Apart from Tris, I could never tell
who I was going to have with me.
I think the next trip I had a fellow called Vise. The PK on the
other shift changed and Brian Harris joined the station. Then
Dave Knight became my senior hand but was on the split
2nd Quarter 2014
turn. He was affable enough, but having recently been
acting PK elsewhere found it a bit difficult to step down. So I
still found Tris my best asset. The main thing I recall with
Dave was a fishing expedition. However, we had our rods
with us and decided to have a spot of fishing. We had
done quite well on the ‘set-off’, but this day we decided to
have a go with our rods from the gallery. Did we have
success? One afternoon I landed 27 mackerel and one
pollock. The following afternoon the numbers were
reversed. We had more than enough to last us the month
so we did not fish anymore and I had little chance of taking
any home owing to the distance.
When a ship came one day to fill up our oil tanks, I met with
what I considered to be a ridiculous situation. We did not
have a central filling point as was standard with modern
installations, although all the tanks were coupled. I was told
that one had to fill each tank separately. I therefore took
over and opened all the tank couplings and put the fuel
hose into the top of one tank only. When I had finished it
was remarked that the filling had taken only half the usual
time, and with no mess which had usually resulted in
switching the hose from tank to tank. Yet the belief had
circulated it could not be done. The tanks of the upper
engine room did have to be filled separately.
I think the next and successive fill-ups were done by
helicopter so the incident was not repeated. There was a
pipe from the helipad down to the coupled tanks, so all
one had to do was to connect the pillow tank to these
points. However I believe that on some stations there had
been difficulties, with the result that a small hand pump
could be incorporated into the system to give it a starter.
I remarked earlier that the station was in a bad state, one
reason for this statement is that in almost every window
there was at least one broken pane of glass and also in
some storm shutters. I found that on station there were
almost enough replacement panes to remedy these
defects. With little encouragement from the rest I slowly
and methodically replaced what I could, which lightened
up the building, because in some circumstances the cracks
had been puttied over and painted black to keep out the
water. During the same process I cleaned off a lot of paint
round the frames which allowed the windows to close as
intended and not drawn in and distorted by the window
bolts. The frames were of gunmetal and precision made
with proper closing bevels. However, keepers over the
years had painted the apertures and the frames with the
result that one did not fit into the other as intended,
thereby letting in a lot of unnecessary water. Unfortunately
over the years by force of using the drawing in bolts, some
of the frames had become distorted and the situation was
little improved despite the good intentions.
One occasion during a visit by the Elder Brethren, because
of some unforeseen circumstance, the ship and helicopter
could not return to the station to take off the visiting
committee. We were stuck with them for an extra two
hours, which in some circumstances became interesting. I
found that the Chairman, Captain Saunders, lived close to
Page 29
where I was brought up and in fact lived almost next door
to the house where my wife had lived during the war at
Heyshott. The other long serving Elder Brother was Captain
Cloke who, I learned, had been in the Port Line, a line I had
served during the war. It transpired that he knew the
skipper I had been with, Lugs Linklater, who, it seemed, was
still alive. He was able to name the Chief Officer of the
boat at the time although it evaded my memory and I was
not able to confirm it until I started writing my memoirs. I am
now firmly convinced that this man was the senior cadet
on the boat at that time, although I have failed to confirm
it. This often now crosses my thoughts for whenever there
has been anything that has affected me adversely,
Captain Cloke's name was involved. Yet, if it is the same
‘lad’, I did many a good service for him on that trip to
Montreal. Captain Mason was also there.
I had arrived on the Bishop in October of one year and left
in the August of the next. The circumstances being that my
wife had not been too well for a couple of years. I had
looked around for a shore station on which we could be
together towards the end of my service, before retirement.
The vacancy at St Catherine’s was coming up and I was
invited to apply for it. With the knowledge that I had been
badly let down over the transfer situation of Europa Point, I
was not optimistic. During a leave, my wife and I visited the
station, then occupied by Graham Fearn, and thought that
we would be happy there. My application was accepted
and we moved. This meant selling our home in Worthing
and going into tied property. My theory being that we
would stay there till the end of my service, and with the
proceeds from the sale of the house, when I retired, we
could go anywhere with cash in our pockets to put down.
About this same time the ‘once again’ modernised
Eddystone was ready. I believe the date was 18th May, to
coincide with this tower’s centenary. It was re-opened with
pomp and ceremony. Something like 24 VIPs were flown
out by helicopter for the switching-on, but not one keeper
was included.
It was whilst at this station that I had a setback to my
health. One day when I was working in the lower engine
room, which was particularly crowded with machinery and
thunderous with noise, for some reason that I do not now
recall, I received a start which caused me to jerk upwards
suddenly. In doing so I crashed my head violently with an
object which pushed heavily down on my shoulders and
spine. I came out quite concussed with a small cut in the
scalp. I got over this bashing quite well. Next time ashore I
had taken a long journey north to visit my daughter who
had recently given birth. Whilst there my left arm started to
become useless and when I drove south again I was lucky
to have an automatic gearbox otherwise I could not have
changed gear. I attended hospital and had physiotherapy
of one type or another plus tablets until they said they
could do no more for me because I had spondylosis in my
neck. “Keep taking the tablets”.
Not satisfied with this, and knowing they had dispensed
with my wife in the same terms, I went to her osteopath,
Page 30
who had virtually cured her after the hospital and doctor
told her she would have to live with it. After about four
treatments he seemed to have put me right.
Harold Taylor (England)
BOOK REVIEWS
Lighthouses: 19. Century Lighthouses of the East
Adriatic Coast from Trieste to Dubrovnik
by Mitja Zupančič
2013. Paperback; 260 pages, full color illustrations; ISBN 978961-93497-1-7.
If you’ve never seen the lighthouses of the east Adriatic
coast, this book, although by no means a definitive work on
the topic, is an excellent introduction. It was of particular
interest to me because my husband is of Austro-Hungarian
descent and we had no prior knowledge of the area’s
maritime heritage.
The Adriatic Sea is a large inlet of the Mediterranean where
Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian sailors as well as today’s
navigators enjoy its waters. The west coast of the Sea runs
through Italy and San Marino, and the east coast includes
the shores of Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Because
fisheries and tourism greatly contribute to the economy of
the region, maritime transportation is of great importance.
There are 19 seaports in the Adriatic handling more than a
million tons of cargo per year, not to mention the many
thousands of passengers served by them.
The book begins with a short history of lighthouses in
general followed by a brief outline of the maritime history of
the region, one that is filled with turmoil. Disputes over
control of the coasts of the Adriatic have been ongoing for
centuries. In the 2nd century BC, the shores were under
Roman control. In the Middle Ages, the shores and the sea
itself were controlled by a series of states including the
Byzantine Empire, the Republic of Venice, The Habsburg
Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire. The French Empire
gained control of the coast during the Napoleonic Wars
and later the British secured most of the Adriatic shore for
Austria. The Kingdom of Italy started an eastward
expansion after that country’s unification that lasted until
the 20th century. After World War I and the collapse of the
Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary, control of the east
coast of the Adriatic passed to Yugoslavia and Albania.
Albania disintegrated in the 1990s, after which four new
states were formed on the Adriatic coast. Although Italy
and Yugoslavia agreed on their maritime borders by 1975
and Albania and Italy agreed on their maritime borders in
1992, the maritime borders between Slovenia, Croatia,
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro continue to be in
dispute.
Amidst all of this turmoil, there are 52 preserved lighthouses
on the East Adriatic coast and the author provides a
beautifully illustrated introduction to each of them. In
addition to the photographs, technical details and
anecdotes about each light are included along with
nautical data, brief histories and maps showing their
locations. The book ends with a helpful glossary of light
characteristics.
Zupančič’s love for the Adriatic Sea is apparent when
looking at the beautiful photographs of each lighthouse.
He personally visited each of the 52 lighthouses described
in the book and talked to the
keepers and their families.
While researching the lights
he read family diaries that
revealed the lives of the
lightkeepers.
This
beautifully
illustrated
introduction to 52 lighthouses
of the East Adriatic Coast will
be a wonderful addition to
anyone’s
collection
of
lighthouse books.
Price 25 €/ $34 USD, not
including delivery. Order:
[email protected]
Lights in the Landscape: New Zealand Lighthouses
By Grant Sheehan
Phantom House Books LTD, Wellington, New Zealand: 2014.
Hardback; 160 pp, full color illustrations; ISBN 978 0 9876667
5 8.
Every now and then I have the pleasure of reviewing a
book that so captures my soul that I want to immediately
book airfare so I can see for myself the beautiful sites
displayed in its pages. Lights in the Landscape: New
Zealand Lighthouses by Grant Sheehan is definitely one of
them.
Sheehan’s book is primarily a photographic essay of the
lighthouses of New Zealand from Cape Reinga in the north
to Foveaux Strait in the south, and the landscape that
surrounds them. The photos perfectly capture the wild
beauty of the coastline, the often unpredictable weather
and the wildlife that lives in the mostly isolated areas.
Page 31
2nd Quarter 2014
The book’s introduction gives the obligatory nod to the
Pharos of Alexandria and Augustin Fresnel’s contribution to
lighthouse evolution before moving on to briefly describe
New Zealand’s maritime history.
Although the book’s main asset is the photography, each
lighthouse is accompanied by short, engaging anecdotes
including histories and accounts of the author’s own
experiences when visiting the lights. Technical details are
provided for lights that are still in operation and directions
are provided for those lighthouses that can be accessed
by the public. In addition, photographic data is provided
which will prove of interest to photographers.
This book would be a wonderful addition to the library of
anyone with an interest in lighthouses, land and seascapes,
and photography. Not to mention that it served as the
perfect enticement for this reader to start planning a trip to
the land of the Kiwis.
Editor’s Note: Grant Sheehan is a photographer and
publisher of over 20 books. For more information visit his
website at www.phantomhouse.com.
The book ends with a few paragraphs and photos about
the country’s last lightkeepers from interviews Sheehan
gathered for his 1991 book titled Leading Lights, written at a
time when there were still 13 manned lights. The current
book was written as a result of the author’s desire to revisit
and re-photograph the lights.
Sheehan grew up near Boulder Bank lighthouse and his
curiosity about the structures drew from his childhood
memories of ‘seeing the light’s beam pointing out to sea.’
The book is dedicated to “all those people that kept the
lights shining out to sea BA (before automation).”
Sheehan’s love for lighthouses and the landscapes
surrounding them are apparent with each turn of the page.
BULLETINS FROM OUR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Trinity House Quincentenary, Tuesday 20th May 2014
at Hurst Castle
On 19 March 1513, a guild of mariners, troubled by the
inexperience and poor conduct of unregulated pilots on
the Thames endangering life and cargo, petitioned the
King to license a fraternity that would be enabled to
regulate pilotage on the capital’s river. Such a fraternity
already existed and owned a great hall and 21 almshouses for the benefit of distressed seamen and their
dependants.
The main celebrations of this special day on 20th May 2014
occurred at Tower Hill in London. However, as we have the
Trinity House Exhibition Rooms in Hurst Castle, [and Trinity
House had previously provided the ALK [Association of
Lighthouse Keepers] team at Hurst Castle with exhibition
posters and children activity sheets], it was decided to hold
our own celebrations at the Castle. The theme of the
event was an “Audience with our President Gerry Douglas-
The precise beginnings of the history of Trinity House, being
a petition to the throne in 1513, are sadly lost to obscurity.
However, it is known that a Royal Charter was granted on
20 May 1514.
The Royal Charter was presented to The Master Wardens
and Assistants of the Guild Fraternity or Brotherhood of the
Most Glorious and Undivided Trinity and of Saint Clement in
the Parish of Deptford Strond in the County of Kent, the
Corporation’s full name to this day. Sir Thomas Spert, Master
of the Mary Rose and the Henri Grace a Dieu, became the
first Master.
The new corporation, governed by a Master, had four
Wardens and eight Assistants who were elected annually.
Today, the extensive powers and jurisdiction of the Master
are in fact deferred to the Deputy Master.
Gerry Douglas-Sherwood opening the Trinity House Quincentenary celebrations in the Trinity House Exhibition rooms in Hurst
Castle, on 20th May 2014, Photo by Keith Morton
Page 32
Sherwood, and Patricia Gumbrell”, since both had spent
many years living in a lighthouse.
Our President, Gerry Douglas-Sherwood, opened the
proceedings in the Trinity House Rooms with the observation
that, when the Royal Charter was signed in 1514, Hurst
Castle did not even exist. At that time it was nothing more
than a desolate shingle spit, just one of many natural
phenomena that littered the south Coast of England. It
was to be some 30 years after the signing of the Royal
Charter that Hurst Castle was built and it was a whole 272
years before the first light was exhibited on the spit.
500 years is a very long time and it is with great pride and
gratitude that members of the Association of Lighthouse
Keepers and of the general public have gathered to
celebrate and acknowledge everyone over the centuries
who have contributed to the unprecedented standards of
safety at sea that we enjoy today.
Congratulations to Trinity House and then in the time
honoured fashion, Gerry proposed three hearty cheers!
The assembled audience then divided into two groups one to go to the ALK Museum Rooms where Gerry DouglasSherwood and Patricia Gumbrell fittingly sat in the replica
of the Needles Kitchen to address those present. The other
group visited the Hurst Point Lighthouse and were given
guided tours of the Hurst Point Acetylene Room.
Patricia Gumbrell, the great, great, great niece of Grace
Darling, who had spent many early years of her life in a
lighthouse, gave a short dissertation on being brought up in
a Lighthouse, in particular the problems of getting to school
when one could only cross the causeway from the
lighthouse when the tide was out and the scary times
during the war with shells and mines going off around her.
Rationing was a difficult time and her father would grow
vegetables in the lighthouse garden to supplement the
meagre rations available at the time.
Later her father moved to Beachy Head Lighthouse which
meant a move to the Isle of Wight where Patricia could
now spend all day at school and not have to worry about
the tides. Then her father received another move, this time
to the Casquets Lighthouse, so now she was to live in
Alderney. Not long after that, another move, this time to St
Ann’s Head which involved Patricia in a 3 mile walk each
way to school. Then it was on to Holyhead as her father
was then serving on the Smalls and also South Bishop and
Holyhead Breakwater Lights. No peace, her father was
again posted to Beachy Head so, it was back to the Isle of
Wight again but to live this time in Ryde. Soon after arriving,
Patricia started to work for the Westlands Aircraft Company
where she met her husband David. As her father had by
now transferred back to St Mary’s Island, Pat returned to
Northumberland for her wedding.
Gerry Douglas-Sherwood then recounted his life in the
lighthouse service from his first thoughts of being a
lighthouse keeper, to spending 12 continuous years on the
Needles Lighthouse and achieving the status of Principal
Keeper, eventually being made redundant, when
automation finally took hold and brought the end of an era
where men were required to continuously tend the light
during the hours of darkness.
The audience then posed many questions covering all
aspects of lighthouse life, from what they ate, where they
slept and what happened if the weather prevented them
from being relieved at the end of a duty.
Light refreshments were then served in the Garrison Theatre
before the two groups changed over for the final session.
For once, the weather was reasonably kind at Hurst Castle
and the forecast rain kept away. As the visitors left they
were all presented with a memento of the day in the form
of a potted history of Trinity House that had been originally
compiled by Neil Jones of Trinity House [and was published
in the 1st Qtr 2014 issue of the WLS Newsletter].
Keith Morton
ALK Hurst Castle Project Manager
International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend
In 1993 International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
was founded by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group with the aim
of radio operators transmitting from lighthouses around the
globe. This is coordinated and promoted via www.illw.net
and overseen by its owner Kevin Mulcahy.
Gerry Douglas-Sherwood and Patricia Gumbrell in the replica of
the Needles Kitchen ready to answer the visitors questions.
Photo by Mat Dickson
In 2002 the Association of Lighthouse Keepers decided to
run the event to coincide with the amateur radio group;
the aims of which were to open as many lighthouses to the
public as possible, raise the profile of lighthouses,
lightvessels and other navigational aids, promoting our
maritime heritage and of course that of the ALK
[Association of Lighthouse Keepers].
Page 33
2nd Quarter 2014
Initially the ALK coordinated events were held only on a
Sunday, but gradually some visitor centres opened on
Saturdays, and some over the weekend, so International
Lighthouse Day became International Lighthouse Weekend.
There has not surprisingly been some confusion over these
two separate events, so at the ALK AGM [Annual General
Meeting] in September 2013, it was agreed that the name
International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend be adopted for
the ALK and be used for future events, and with increased
and ongoing collaboration from the radio amateurs it is
hoped that in future more overseas lighthouses will join in the
event, and both organisations will benefit from the
increased and shared publicity.
toward maintaining and preserving the lighthouse. Spring
Point Ledge Lighthouse, located on the campus of Southern
Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine, is the
only one of 47 caisson-style lighthouses built in the United
States that can be reached by land via a 900-foot
breakwater. The lighthouse is open to the public every
Saturday in June and every Saturday and Sunday in July
and August. The complete schedule of openings can be
found at www.springpointlight.org/visitors/events.
The Spring Point Ledge Light Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization that owns the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.
The lighthouse was transferred to the Trust in 1998 under the
Maine Lights Program. The Trust is composed entirely of
volunteer Trustees and receives no money from state,
Both events will continue to run over the 3 rd weekend in federal, or local governments.
August, so for 2014 this will be held on 16-17 August.
Keith R Thompson (USA)
More details will follow in due course – watch the ALK Chairman, Spring Point Ledge Light Trust
website for details – www.alk.org.uk .
[email protected]
If you wish your lighthouse/lightship visitor centre to be
included in the list of visitor centres open for the weekend,
please notify Joy Tubby - [email protected].
Joy Tubby (England)
Association of Lighthouse Keepers
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse Holds 117th Anniversary
Open House
The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse held a
special public open house on May 24th,
2014 to celebrate the 117th anniversary of
the first lighting of the lighthouse. Keeper
William A. Lane and First Assistant Keeper
Harry Phillips lit the lamp for the first time on
this date in 1897.
Though the weather was chilly and cloudy,
128 people toured the inside of the
lighthouse. Over $700 [USD] was raised
through ticket and merchandise sales. All proceeds go
UPDATE ON PROPOSED STADIUM AT EUROPA POINT, GIBRALTAR
Editor’s Note: In the 1st Quarter 2014 issue of the Newsletter,
on page 18, was an article about a proposal to build a football stadium at Europa Point in Gibraltar. If the proposal
passes, the Europa Point lighthouse will be discontinued. The
following is an update from Rebecca Faller, sent to WLS Administration Officer Peter Williams, on the efforts to convince
officials to build the stadium elsewhere.
Hi Peter
the DPC (Development & Panning Commission) say they are
not convinced with the site but they have not ruled it out so
we need to keep up the fight. The DPC have asked for more
information and a full Environmental Impact Study to be
carried out. Once this has been done there will be another
period of public consultation where we can again voice our
objections to the DPC. It's going to be a long, slow fight but
we will stick with it to the end even though we are the underdogs!
Thanks for all your support.
We collected nearly 7000 signatures on our petition and
Rebecca Faller (Gibraltar)
some of our group spoke at the DPC Meeting. At this stage
Page 34
PURFLEET EXPERIMENTAL LIGHTHOUSE
Purfleet is a pleasant urban area on the banks of the River
Thames within easy commuting distance of the city of London and is now considered to be part of the Greater London rather than an individual town of Essex. However if you
get off the train at Purfleet railway station and walk about
100 yards to the east you will arrive at a suburban street of
1930s houses on a road called 'Beacon Hill' and behind is
an industrial site. This is the nearest that you will get to finding the footprint of the old lighthouse and even then you
may have to look up towards the sky as the hill is not as
high as it once was.
Purfleet makes some very convincing claims to be the
sources of inspiration for Bram Stoker’s book 'Dracula' but
overlooks the unique history of this lighthouse.
In August 1828 Trinity House decided to build an experimental lighthouse for the purpose of testing the various types of
lamps and lamp oils, reflectors and lenses that were being
invented or improved upon by the new generation of inventors.
Beacon Hill at Purfleet was about 100 feet above the high
water mark and was close to and overlooked the River
Thames. It was part of a large estate owned by
W.H.Whitbread; a name famously remembered today for
the brewing dynasty.
Initially Whitbread's agent offered Trinity House a quarter of
an acre at a rental which Trinity House considered too
much, but when Mr. Whitbread discovered the intended
use of the land, he agreed to lease it for a nominal rent
and so the construction of the lighthouse was started.
The lighthouse and attached keeper’s cottage was built to
the standard design of the time and was similar to the
Pakefield lighthouse between Barnard and Newcome
sands and the Freshwater lighthouse on the Isle of Wight. It
appears to have been used on an irregular basis at which
times the keeper's cottage was also occupied. In 1830
Whitbread's agent acknowledged receipt of a duplicate
1832 engraving showing the lighthouse at Purfleet
key and as requested by Trinity House, agreed to arrange
for someone to inspect the property from time to time to
ensure that no damage was done.
At the base of Beacon Hill Whitbread owned a chalk quarry
and as output increased then great inroads were made
into the chalk Beacon Hill so that as shown in the 1832 engraving of the site, the lighthouse sits perilously close to the
edge of a 100 feet high white chalk cliff.
Trinity House conducted various experiments throughout
the 1830s and 1840s. Reports of these are well documented
together with the observations of the lights shown reported
by those on board the Corporation's yacht in the River
Thames or those at Blackwall Wharf some 10 miles away
who had a clear and unobstructed view of the lighthouse.
This lighthouse had four revolving sides or faces, which were
provided with lights of different kinds; in the 1st was an Argand lamp before a single parabolic reflector 21 inches in
diameter, 3 inches focal distance; in the 2nd there were
seven lamps and seven reflectors, all 21 inches in diameter
and 3 inches focal distance; in the 3rd was a powerful
lamp with a French convex lens before it; in the 4th was a
single reflector with the lime ball light. Lieutenant Drummond superintended of the experiments at Purfleet, and
Captain Basil Hall observed the effects at Blackwall. All the
lights were accurately placed in focus and the machine set
to perform one revolution every 8 minutes. Arrangement
number 4 was considered far superior to the remaining
three.
When the lighthouse was no longer required for experimental purposes it was abandoned, probably around 1869 as
the 1863 Thames Sailing Directions describes it as thus:
'On rising land called Beacon Hill, Purfleet, there is
a flagstaff and a small circular lighthouse used by
Trinity House for experiments.'
The reference is repeated in the 1871 edition but not in the
1879 and 1887 editions.
Postcard of the abandoned lighthouse, c.1910
Page 35
2nd Quarter 2014
Mr Punch of the satirical magazine of the same name
wrote in his 1869 political sketch on Parliament that
'He hid himself in the abandoned lighthouse on top
of the hill in the enclosed gardens at Purfleet in the
least likely place in all England to be searched'.
By the 1930s the estate was owned by Messrs. Harrisons
(London) 1931 Ltd and the open chalk quarry was levelled
with the remainder of the hill sculptured to a smooth
mound resplendent with a wild meadow. AG Linney who
wrote the book 'Lure and Lore of London's River' visited it in
1933 and said
of its position and occasional use; but it did make an important contribution in the developments of illuminants and
lenses for both home and abroad.
Sadly not many people know that fact.
Mike Millichamp (England)
'All that remains of the lighthouse which used to
stand on top of the cliff is a round brick stump 5 or
6 feet high'.
Fortunately for us he took a photograph of it.
During the 1940s the area was home to a World War II Prisoner of War camp and in subsequent years an industrial site
and housing occupies the ground with small parcels of land
left wild and overgrown – but the surviving stump would
have been dismantled well before then.
Despite the lighthouse being shown on navigation charts it
would never have been of any use to the mariner because
Stump of Purfleet lighthouse, 1933.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Books Available for Purchase
anchored at Harwich in 1994 awaiting
disposal.
(Photo
taken
from M/S
"Hamburg" Trafalgar Day 1994). Photo
arine & Cannon Books of Wirral, measures 6" x 4". Book is bound in
England, is announcing the availability boards. Price : £40.00 + p&p.
for purchase two books for those
interested in Light Vessels and Maritime The second book is entitled Trinity
History. Both books are 'working books', House. Light Vessel Handbook. Handinside:
"Principal
Lights
not books for publication, and both written
Department (Mr. Henry). Amended
were issued by Trinity House.
23/8/66". There is also the bookplate of
The first is entitled Annual Journal of the Trinity House. The book contains the
Smiths Knoll Light Vessel Station from 1st following: Light Vessel Moorings, 1965;
January 1974 to 31st December Break Adrifts (and other disasters
1974. This is a printed log completed in including collisions, fire, out of position,
manuscript and provides a day-by-day capsizing, etc. Covers the years 1936 to
record with data including Date & Day 1965 and includes a vessel broke adrift
of the Week; Hour; Thermometer; and lost in a minefield in 1943; Light
Barometer; Wind (direction & force); Vessel Particulars (appears to cover the
State of Weather; Total duration of whole fleet in 1965 giving data for each
Obscurity; State & Direction of Tide; vessel); Drawings & Photographs
State of Sea; Names of Men on Watch; (photographs of again, presumably the
Hours of Watch; Remarks, Occurrences, entire fleet, and in some cases plans of
etc. There are two real photographs: the vessels. The photographs measure
the first is black & white, tipped in, and 8" x 6"); Lighting Apparatus (a drawing
shows the Light Vessel being launched of various types). This book is bound in
on the River Dart (Photo. by F. C. Holwill, red pimple cloth; gold lettering to front
Dartmouth); measures 8" x 6". The cover; seamanlike canvas, stitched,
second is a colour photo, pasted in, covering spine. Price : £75.00 + p&p.
showing the Smiths Knoll Light Vessel
If interested, please contact:
M
Michael Nash
Naval & Maritime Dept.,
Marine & Cannon Books,
"Nilcoptra", 3, Marine Road,
Hoylake,
Wirral, CH47 2AS,
ENGLAND.
Tel: + 44 (0) 151 632 5365
Fax: + 44 (0) 151 632 6472
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.marinecannon.com
Commissioners of Irish Lights News
Releases
New LED Light Exhibited at Inisheer
Lighthouse on Aran Islands
The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL)
unveiled a new light emitting diode
(LED) light at Inisheer lighthouse on
Wednesday 21st May 2014. Inisheer
Lighthouse is a highly important Aid to
Navigation
(AtoN).
This
AtoN
safeguards the considerable traffic
between Inisheer and Co. Clare. It also
marks the south-eastern end of the
Aran Islands and the western side of the
Page 36
southern approach route to Galway
Bay.
Navigation. I know my time as NI
President will benefit both CIL and NI.
Safe and efficient marine transport is
vital to Ireland’s economy and to our
coastal environment. High standards
ashore and afloat are common issues
for the NI and for CIL”.
This project will provide reliable and
low maintenance operational needs
for Inisheer lighthouse for the next 20
years while achieving an annual
reduction in operation costs for CIL of
approximately 16%.The exhibition of
the new light marks a significant
milestone within the major Capital
Refurbishment Project currently being
carried out at the lighthouse.
The tower of Inisheer is 34 meters
[111.5 ft] in height. This is to ensure
visibility of the light due to the low lying
nature of the Island. A red sector of
the light delineates the potential
danger of Finnis Rock lying to the East.
The project includes replacing the
optic lamp with a new flashing LED
light source in the existing lens. The
light range is now reduced from 20s
White, 16s Red to 18s White, 11s Red,
but will keep the same flashing
character. The rotating mirror located
in the tower has been removed and
preserved for heritage purposes. A
6kW Standby Diesel Generator which
previously provided power in the
event of a mains outage has been
removed and standby power is now
provided by duplicated 24V batteries
and chargers of total capacity to
provide 6 days operation. The Radar
Beacon (RACON) has also been
replaced.
The removal of the Standby Generator
will reduce maintenance requirements
at the station as well as the need for
fuel delivery. The installation of the LED
light-source also removes the need to
change lamps and reduces the
number of visits by the Attendant to
the station. Power requirements to the
station have also been reduced
resulting in lower electricity costs. The
installation
of
an
Automatic
Identification System (AIS) unit for
monitoring eliminates communications
costs.
With the help of modern technology,
CIL consistently delivers a lowmaintenance,
low-energy
and
carbon-emission reducing Aids to
Navigation service around the Coast
of Ireland.
About the Nautical Institute:
Inisheer Lighthouse
Photo by Colin Day,
Commissioners of Irish Lights
Director of the Commissioners of Irish
Lights (CIL) is appointed President of
the Nautical Institute (NI)
The Nautical Institute, the international
representative body for maritime
professionals with 6,500 members
worldwide, has elected Captain
Robert
McCabe,
Director
of
Operations and Navigational Services
for the Commissioners of Irish Lights, as
President of the Nautical Institute at its
AGM in Sydney, Australia on 17th June
2014.
Congratulating
Robert
on
his
appointment, Yvonne Shields, Chief
Executive of CIL commented on the
importance of the Nautical Institute,
who are dedicated to ensuring high
standards of professionalism and
competence across the shipping
industry. “Safety and Service are
watchwords for both the Nautical
Institute and CIL and it is a great
opportunity for Ireland and for CIL to
have Robert McCabe at the helm of
such a key international body which
has the potential to influence this vital
global industry during a period of
great change and opportunity. I am
delighted that Robert has been
honoured with this two year term and
CIL are committed to supporting him
to
the
fullest
extent
possible
throughout”.
Reflecting on the global nature of the
marine industry Captain Robert
McCabe
commented,
“It
was
interesting in Australia to see the
authorities there implementing many
of the same strategies adopted by CIL
such as Real and Virtual AIS AtoN,
modern light sources,
and
e-
The
Nautical
Institute
is
an
international representative body for
maritime professionals who provide a
wide range of services to enhance the
professional standing and knowledge
of their members who are drawn from
all sectors of the maritime world. The
Nautical
Institute
is
a
nongovernmental organisation (NGO)
with consultative status at the
International Maritime Organisation
(IMO). The Nautical Institute’s aim is to
represent seafarers' and practical
maritime professionals' views at the
highest level.
Aims and Objectives of the Nautical
Institute (NI):
The NI aims to provide the strongest
possible professional focus, dedicated
to improving standards of those
involved in control of seagoing craft,
while maintaining the Institute as an
international
centre
of
nautical
excellence.
The NI aims to represent the
professional views of its members to
and within the international, national
and local bodies considering the
safety and efficiency of shipping
operations.
The NI aims to promote and coordinate in the public interest the
development of nautical studies in all
its branches by:
Encouraging
and
promoting
a
high
standard of qualification,
competence
and
knowledge among those
in control of seagoing
craft
including
nondisplacement craft.
Facilitating the exchange
and
publication
of
information and ideas on
nautical
science,
Page 37
2nd Quarter 2014
encourage research and
publish its results.
Ardnakinna Lighthouse is located in an
area of outstanding natural beauty on
the Beara Peninsula and a favourite
among those who visit is the
Ardnakinna Lighthouse Loop Walk. This
project, while upgrading Ardnakinna
Lighthouse, will also provide reliable
and low maintenance operational
needs for the next 20 years, achieving
an annual reduction in operation costs
of approximately 24% for CIL.
Establishing
and
maintaining appropriate
educational
and
professional standards of
membership.
Co-operating
with
Government
Departments and other
bodies concerned with
statutory
and
other
qualifications, and with
universities
and
other
educational institutes and
authorities
in
the
furtherance of education
and training in nautical
science and practice.
Mr Eoghan Lehane, Operations &
Property Manager of CIL commented
“the exhibition of this new light marks
another stage in the modernisation of
many of our stations as part of a multiyear Capital programme. While
providing improved reliability for
mariners, the use of modern low
powered LED lights offers cost
effective solutions that allow the
removal
of
diesel
generation
equipment
with
consequent
environmental
benefits
and
maintenance savings”.
Encouraging the formation
of
Branches
and
professional groups in
different areas worldwide.
Please visit www.nautinst.org
further information.
for
Yvonne Shields and
Captain Robert McCabe
Photo Courtesy of Commissioners
of Irish Lights
Commissioners of Irish Lights exhibit
new LED light at Ardnakinna
Lighthouse, Bere Island, Co. Cork
The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL)
have unveiled a new light emitting
diode (LED) light at Ardnakinna
lighthouse on Bere Island, Co. Cork on
Wednesday 18th June 2014. This
sectored light marks the western
entrance to Castletownbere. The
white sector of the light indicates the
safe approach to Bere Island Sound
and the approach to Castletownbere
Harbour which is the largest whitefish
port in Ireland.
The exhibition of this new light marks a
significant milestone within CIL’s major
Capital
Refurbishment
Project
currently being carried out at the
lighthouse. The project includes
replacing the mains-powered 1500W
lamp with a new low power flashing
LED light source in the existing lens. The
light range will be reduced from 17n
miles White, 14n miles Red to 14n miles
White, 9n miles Red and exhibited in
the hours of darkness only but will
keep the same flashing character.
Ardnakinna Lighthouse
Photo Courtesy of Commissioners
of Irish Lights
About The Commissioners of Irish
Lights
CIL is a modern Maritime Safety
Organisation whose mission is to
‘provide aids to navigation and allied
services for the safety of persons and
infrastructure at sea, while also helping
protect the marine environment and
supporting the marine industry and
coastal communities’. While CIL can
date its establishment to a 1786 Act of
Parliament, the organisation has
always prided itself in its innovative
and efficient service delivery. Today,
the organisation remains committed
to the efficient, effective sustainable
delivery of services as it exploits new
technology and new commercial
opportunities.
Morag O’Connor (Ireland)
Commissioners of Irish Lights
The
Mains-fail
Standby
Diesel
Generator will be removed and
standby power will be provided by
duplicated 24V batteries and chargers
which will reduce maintenance
requirements at the station as well as
the need for fuel delivery. The
installation of the LED light-source
removes the need to change lamps
and reduces power requirements to
the station resulting in lower electricity
costs.
The
upgrading
of
Ardnakinna
lighthouse
demonstrates
CIL’s
commitment to the economic and
sustainable delivery of aids to
navigation services around the coast
of Ireland while keeping our mariners
safe.
Moville—one of only 2 Screw Pile
lights in Ireland.
Photo by Charles Bash
Page 38
MEMBERSHIP
If you know anyone who might be
interested in joining the WLS, a once
only joining fee of £22 (28 Euro, US
$40*) to cover administration costs has
been initiated, to cover both
individual
and
organization
memberships.
For members without Internet access,
hard copies of the newsletter will be
mailed for a yearly printing fee of £25
(30 Euro, US $40*).
Payment can be made by GBP£
cheque made payable to “World
Lighthouse Society”, UK banknotes, or
Euros. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot
process any cheques other than GBP
Sterling cheques, and we cannot
accept MasterCard or Visa.
Membership applications and fees
may be sent to:
Administrative Officer
The Anchorage
Craignure
Isle of Mull PA65 6AY
Scotland
* U.S.A. membership applications and
fees (U.S. check or money order made
payable to “Donna Suchomelly”)
should be sent to:
Donna Suchomelly
1 Ironstone Drive
Reading PA 19606 U.S.A.
Email:
[email protected]
Membership fees can also be paid via
PayPal
by
contacting
the
Administrative Officer at the above
address.
Membership Statistics as of 30
June 2014
Organizations: 21
Individuals: 278
Countries
represented:
Australia,
Belgium, Canada, Canary Islands,
Chile, Croatia, England, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Hong
Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
United States of America, Wales
WLS Flickr Group and Facebook
Statistics as of 30 June 2014
Flickr Group Members: 1,797
Photos in Flickr Group: 20,148
Facebook Members: 447
MEMBER PROFILE
NEWSLETTERS
I live in Deal, Kent, a few
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue.
steps from the sea. For the last
10 years I have been a
volunteer at the National
Trust's
South
Foreland
Lighthouse which is a few
miles away on top of the
White Cliffs of Dover and with
a clear view of France.
Images have been kindly provided by members of the WLS
unless specified otherwise and are protected by copyright.
Most of the time I have been
a Guide, but I have also
washed up and cleared
tables in Mrs. Knott's Cafe and
I edited the South Foreland
official guidebook and the
copy for the website (a
consequence of my one-time
publishing career!).
4th Quarter 2014 – 31st December (for publication end of
January)
1st Quarter 2015 – 31st March (for publication end of April)
2nd Quarter 2015 – 3oth June (for publication end of July)
Comments made by individuals in the Newsletter are not
necessarily the views of the WLS.
Copy dates for the next 4 issues are:
3rd Quarter 2014 – 30th September (for publication end of
October)
Editor: Donna Suchomelly (U.S.A.)
Design/Layout: Charles Bash (U.S.A.)
Proofreaders: Rosalie Davis Gibb
Sunderland (England)
(England),
Linda
More recently I have become active with the ALK
[Association of Lighthouse Keepers] and I am the Press and
© 2014 World Lighthouse Society
PR Coordinator.
I work as a local government officer in Central London, but
will sharply reduce my work commitments once I reach
retirement age in August 2014.... more time for South Front: Inisheer Lighthouse, Ireland. Photo by Colin Day.
Foreland!
Back: Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Australia. Photo by Skip
Charles Franklyn (England)
Sherwood.
ON THE COVER
Page 39
2nd Quarter 2014
OFFICER & EXECUTIVE BOARD CONTACT INFORMATION
If you wish to contact the World Lighthouse Society please contact:
f
Chairman:
Jürgen Tronicke
Boskamp 65
D-2414 Gettorf
Germany
Tel: 0049 4346 6000 341
or
[email protected]
Vice Chairman:
Egbert Koch
Stauffenbergstr. 13
22587 Hamburg
Germany
Tel: 0049 40860442
Administrative Officer:
Peter Williams
The Anchorage
Craignure
Isle of Mull
PA65 6AY
Scotland
Webmaster:
Ian Wright
PO Box 1629
Whangarei 0140
New Zealand
Website: www.worldlighthouses.org
Newsletter Editor:
All contributions to the newsletter
should be sent to:
Donna Suchomelly
1 Ironstone Drive
Reading, PA 19606, U.S.A.
Tel: 001 610 779 3260
Esbjörn Hillberg (Sweden)
Donso Backe 16
S-43082 Donso.
Sweden
Lord Hector MacKenzie (Scotland)
60 Oxhill Place
Keil Park, Dumbarton G82 4QU
Scotland
Gerry Douglas-Sherwood (England)
32 Queens Road
Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1RL
England
Rosalie Davis Gibb (England)
Hollyhocks
6 Simpson Close
North Walsham
Norfolk NR28 0HZ
England
Kathy Brown (Canada)
5 Whimsical Lake Crescent
Halifax, NS B3P 2P9
Canada

World Lighthouse Society Newsletter

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