By Sue Clark on Jun 3, 2008 in Featured, Lighthouses For Sale | 5 Comments
Offshore Lighthouses (And a Lightship) Up For Sale
Both lighthouses have bids on them as of 31 July. Old Orchard Shoals is sitting at the minimum bid of $10,000 USD and West Bank is up to $15,000 USD. A special viewing for registered bidders was scheduled at both lighthouse (weather permitting) on Tuesday, July 5 at 10:00 am EDT. See the auction page for more information. RSVPs are due by July 22.
By Sue Clark on Jun 2, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
New Owners May Move Light Away From Cliff
Although the Belle Toute Preservation Trust didn’t become the owners of the Sussex lighthouse, at least their goal of having the lighthouse as a bed and breakfast will become a reality. The new owners of this lightstation near Beachy Head, Eastbourne have indicated they will be fulfilling the dream of Rob Wassell and the Trust to have it opened to the public, and preserved for generations to come. And that may include moving it away from the crumbling cliffs near which it resides. The final selling price of this landmark light was £500,000 ($991,295 USD), a far cry from the original asking price of £850,000.
By Sue Clark on May 28, 2008 in Featured, Restoration | 0 Comments
When Well-Intentioned Repairs Go Awry
In July 2007, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in Maryland reopened to the public for tours after a challenging restoration. Challenging partly because of the location in Chesapeake Bay, but also challenging because of well-intentioned but misguided repairs while under the management of the Coast Guard. Adrienne DeRan, of Structural Preservation Services in Maryland, has written an article detailing the challenges of repairing the repairs in a recent issue of Associated Construction Publications.
By Sue Clark on May 26, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
Vandalism, Neglect, Weather Takes Toll
One of New South Wales’ most endangered lighthouses, Crookhaven Head, may get some help to restore it to its natural beauty. The Shoalhaven City Council will be meeting May 27, 2008 to discuss options for restoring this most neglected of Australia’s lighthouses. In a story at the South Coast Register, the council’s Crown Reserve, Works and Community Operations committee discussed the community’s concern with the state of the light tower ad considered ways to turn the lighthouse and headland into a major tourist draw.
By Sue Clark on May 23, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
Malaysia Loses Claim to Horsburgh Lighthouse
The United Nations International Court of Justice at The Hague, Netherlands, today announced its decision in the 30 year dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over the island called Pedra Blanca (or Pulau Batu Puteh in Malaysia) and awarded the island to Singapore. The island is home to Horsburg Lighthouse, built in 1851, and is an important navigational aid at the busy entrance to the Singapore Straits.
By Sue Clark on May 9, 2008 in Featured | Comments Off
An Act To Protect Heritage Lighthouses Finally Passes
After eight years and many incarnations of the bill, Canada’s Parliament has finally empowered their communities to protect their maritime assets, their many lighthouses. Every province except Alberta and Saskatchewan has lighthouses, and they have been without any federally mandated protection since they were automated. The bill, originally sponsored by British Columbia Pat Carney and the late Nova Scotia Senator Michael Forestall, passed Parliament May 7. MP Larry Miller, whose Ontario riding (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound) has several historic lighthouses, carried the bill through the House of Commons. It will take effect in 2010.
