Signal goes out to warn lighthouse keepers of approaching Gathering
Details of the ‘Calling All Lighthouse Keepers’ Gathering were announced yesterday at Hook Lighthouse in Co Wexford, when a small group of past lighthouse keepers discussed plans for the occasion, which takes place from Sept 13 to 15.
Located on the Hook Peninsula, the 800-year-old lighthouse was built by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, in the early 13th century, to guide ships safely around the peninsula. It has been attended by more than 100 lighthouse keepers since around 1810.
The last keeper, TP ‘Tux’ Tweedy, kept watch from 1990 to 1996 and the lighthouse is now automated, with its beacon rotating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Hook Lighthouse manager Ann Waters said yesterday there was great excitement about the Gathering.
“It is something we have been working on for sometime with the Commissioners of Irish Lights,” she said.
“Hook Lighthouse is described as ‘the grand-daddy of all lighthouses’ so where else could you hold a Gathering for lighthouse keepers, their families, enthusiasts and societies from all over the world?”
Ms Waters said there has been “huge interest” in the event so far, particularly from the US.
“It will be wonderful to have everyone here and we are very excited by the stories that will be told over the weekend,” she said. “The event is for everyone; we will have family fun activities as well as talks from lighthouse keepers from here and across the globe, and lots of music, great food, and entertainment.”
“For many lighthouse keepers, particularly in the past, it was a lonely job,” said Mr Tweedy.
“It will be wonderful to meet other lighthouse keepers from across the world and share our tales.”
A symposium will be held for those who want to learn more about the history of lighthouse-keeping, while the highlight of the weekend will be a gala dinner dance, with lighthouse keepers gathered as the guests of honour.
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