JULY 2001

Dear Friends

Features

LoA Inc Inaugural Dinner
Marguerite & Nick Stephen's NSW Trip: Part 1
St. Venerius Patron Saint of Lighthouse Keepers
Fielden Wedding

Letters & Notices

Department of Scrounge

New Pages & Links

New Pages for Australia
New Links for Australia
New Links for World

Australian News

White Towers Re-released
Research on Gabo for NAA Lighthouse Exhibition

Join Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Thanks To

Text Only eMail

Past Bulletins

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Dear Friends

Inaugural Dinner

The recent incorporation has been celebrated by the the gathering members for the Inaugural Dinner of LoA Inc at the Bridge Hotel in Mordialloc.

Read all about the night's success in Deborah Kavaliunas's report on the night.

It's still not too late to join as we are open for membership for the 2001- 2002 year.

Trips, Saints and Weddings

Marguerite and Nick Stephen share with us the first part of their recent NSW Coast adventure where they made it out to Montague Island then made their way up to Sydney.

Find out about St. Venerius, the Patron Saint of lighthouse keepers followed by a report from Sharon Fielden about her wedding at the Double Island Point Lighthouse.

News tells us about the re-release of White Towers and you can help contribute your experiences to the Lighthouse Exhibition to be held next year.

Malcolm Macdonald
Bulletin Editor <keeper@lighthouse.net.au>

Features

LoA Inc Inaugural Dinner

[Deborah Kavaliunas]

Saturday, 16th of June saw the Inaugural Dinner, the precursor to the first Annual General Meeting of the Lighthouses of Australia Inc (LoA Inc). The 7:00pm dinner at the Bridge Hotel on the marina of the bay side suburb of Mordialloc was hailed as a great success. The dinner for twenty-five people was organised by our very enthusiastic committee member, Denise Schultz.

Well I can only begin from the beginning, as they say, because it is not all that often one can walk into a room of strangers and immediately feel at home with so many people. For indeed we have all known each other, some for a few years, we just didn't all know each other by sight. One might have expected some awkward introductions but to the contrary people seemed eager to match names to a face at last, of course, many faces appear in the articles we publish but they never do justice to the real person.

LoA Inc members were very pleased to be joined by members of the Australian Lighthouse Association (ALA), Cyril Curtain, Jan and Lin Richards and Laurie Sharp. Other guests included people who had flown from interstate such as LoA Inc committee member Ian Clifford from Kiama in NSW, Gerard Wood and Guest Speaker Christian Bell both from Hobart, Tasmania.

Ed Welcomed the Guests and Malcolm Gave an Address
[Photograph: Phillip Walsh]

After one or two pre dinner drinks, the evening commenced with a welcome speech from our President Ed Kavaliunas who then introduced the founder of LOAP Malcolm Macdonald who spoke about the future growth of the project as a result of the contributions made from committees, state groups and specific interest groups including international affiliations. The growth has been so rapid that any contribution no matter how small becomes invaluable to the progress of the project.

Christian Bell Sharing His Deal Island Adventures
[Photograph: Ed Kavaliunas]

Guest Speaker Christian Bell delivered a fascinating speech about the ongoing work to maintain the lighthouse, the environment and the museum at Deal Island. Christian's speech was both informative and entertaining covering the history and aspects of the natural environment both land and aquatic. Though the light was de-activated in 1992 there remains an active interest in the preservation of this significant island in Bass Strait, for in 1847 the capital raised for the project was the equivalent to that of Melbourne's Citylink network of freeways and tunnels (if you are not familiar with the complexities of Citylink think yourself very lucky!). Christian informed us that this venture was also significant as the co-operation between NSW and Van Deiman's Land was perhaps a precursor to Federation.

The evening concluded with a group photograph and many a shaking of hands and even a few hugs! For those who did not have to travel any distance the remainder of the group continued to 'party' at the home of Marguerite and Nick Stephen.

Proposals are under way to hold the next Annual Dinner perhaps in Perth or maybe in Sydney to coincide with the IALA Conference where we all look forward to just as successful event.

The Group shot of Everybody Who Attended
[Photograph: Ed Kavaliunas]

Marguerite & Nick Stephen's NSW Trip: Part 1

[Margueritte & Nick Stephen]

We departed Melbourne on Sunday 13th of May with enthusiastic anticipation of admiring many 'new' lighthouses.

Sunday evening we arrived at Cann River, and stayed the night. Monday morning we hit the 'frog and toad' and reached the T intersection of Princess Highway and Green Cape Road.

To our dismay there is a sign detailing that 'Lighthouse closed 14-21 May'. With an innate feeling of despondency we continue along the Princess Highway, no Green Cape Lighthouse visit this trip.

The Green Cape Lightstation
[Photograph: Cyril Curtain]

Prior to leaving, a telephone call had been made to Parks and Wildlife (N.S.W.) to ascertain the 'open days' for Green Cape Lighthouse. Advice received was Green Cape was open daily with the exception of Tuesday and Wednesday.

We visited the whale museum at Eden and viewed the small replica lighthouse, which although lovely, did nothing to sate our appetite for the real thing.

On to Narooma for an overnight stay.

The Montague Island Lightstation
[Photograph: Marguerite & Nick Stephen]

On Tuesday there was a change of luck when we met with Mark Westwood, a Parks and Wildlife officer, who, in his own time kindly escorted us on a tour of Montague Island.

Mark took us out by boat on an exhillarating trip that took about 20 minutes to cover the 14 kilometres to the the Island.

We took (too many) photographs of the wonderful lighthouse, which looked resplendent in the full sunshine.

Renovations Being Undertaken at the Montague Keepers Cottages
[Photograph: Marguerite & Nick Stephen]

Mark showed us around the lighthouse precinct, where several trade's persons were undertaking structural repairs to the lighthouse keeper cottages. The cottages are being renovated. Furniture is being sourced and located to the Island. Even the simple curtains have been hand sewn in order to add a Spartan air of authenticity.

We spoke to a National Parks employee who resides on the Island on a shift work basis. He loves the Island so much that on some weekends (off duty) - he elects to remain on Montague.

Some years ago Kikuyu grass was introduced onto the Montague Island. Kikuyu grass has had a negative impact on native grasses and vegetation, and an eradication program is being implemented. Additionally the Kikuyu grass makes it extremely awkward for penguins to burrow holes for nesting purposes.

Nick With Mark Westwood at the Montague Tower
[Photograph: Marguerite & Nick Stephen]

The trip was very special for us as we had seen the lighthouse on the 'Getaway' program on TV in 1999 and had booked to go out when we were passing through shortly after. Unfortunate this initial attempt to go out to Montague Island was met with high degree of disappointment when we arrrived in Narooma to find the trip had been cancelled due to lack of booking.

A very special thanks to Mark Westwood who actively cares about Montague Island, it's wild life, vegetation and the lighthouse.

Leaving Montague to Return to Narooma
[Photograph: Ian Clifford]

On Wednesday we found our way to Point Perpendicular. The light is on land owned by the Department of Defence and used by the Navy as a training range which leads to it's closure 110 days a year. We therefore telephoned the local Ranger on (02) 4448-3411 to confirm that the road is open and ascertain the current road condition.

Even on the days when the road is open for public access the road surfaces and weather conditions are often not suitable for a standard passenger motor car. Should road be in poor condition and the weather is bad or inclement then the road becomes more suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicle travel. Fortunately on arrival we found the road condition suitable for standard sedan use.

The Old and New Point Perpendicular Towers
[Photograph: Marguerite & Nick Stephen]

Point Perpendicular lighthouse casts a watchful eye over the high cliffs at the eastern end of Jervis Bay. However there is a 'tupperware tower' present in the same grounds which emits an air of ugliness.

The Grotto Point Light on Sydney Harbour
[Photograph: Marguerite & Nick Stephen]

On Saturday, May the 19th, the sky above Sydney Harbour was overcast and it was pouring rain. The weather did not deter us in regards to the plan to visit the lovely little lighthouse at Grotto Point. Being Mexicans that do not frequent Sydney all that often, we were fortunate that our Sydney friends, Arthur and Rowena, understood the intricacies of the road network.

In the light to medium rain we trudged through the vegetation along a narrow and sometimes awkward and rocky track that had minimal signage. Eventually we were rewarded with a view of a cute and very small lighthouse. There was not a single name plaque or mounted history board within immediate lighthouse vicinity to assist the enthusiasts.

The Macquarie Lightstation, Australia's First
[Photograph: Jeanne Eve]

The Hornby Lighthouse on South Head
[Photograph: Marguerite & Nick Stephen]

Saturday afternoon the weather improved and we continued with our plan to visit lighthouses in the Sydney region. Our friends escorted us to the Macquarie Lighthouse. Jeanne Eve and John who reside at the lighthouse cottages bestowed wonderful hospitality upon us. A pleasant walk around the grounds of the Hornby Light followed this, which is a photographer's delight.

Continued next month with part 2 of Nick and Marguerite's NSW trip.

Marguerite and Nick Stephen <marguerite.stephen@nre.vic.gov.au>
[Photograph: Marguerite & Nick Stephen]

St. Venerius Patron Saint of Lighthouse Keepers

[Catholic Online via Joan Abrams]

The patron saint of Lighthouse keepers is St. Venerius who died in the year 409. He was the second bishop of Milan (the first was St. Ambrose); friends with St. Paulinus of Nola, Delphinus of Bordeaux, and Chromatius of Aquileia. He supported and defended the Council of Carthage in 401. St. Charles Borromeo brought his relics to the cathedral of Milan in 1579.

It is not clear why Venerius is the patron of lighthouse keepers. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that St. Charles Borromeo once elevated his relics and placed them for all to see in Milan's great cathedral.

As a lighthouse guides the ships through the night, so an elevated saint is a sign and special comfort for all of the faithful. His feast day is May 4.

Sharon Fielden grew up on the Pine Islet, Lady Elliot Island, Cape Capricorn, Booby Island and Sandy Cape and Lighthouses where their father, Gordon Braid, was the keeper. After moving to Townsville where she met her partner Mark, her father was transfered to Cape Cleveland then finally Double Island Point.

Sharon and her brother, Peter Braid, are long time supporters of the Lighthouse Project. Sharon is a member of the committee for the newly established Lighthouses of Australia Inc.

Letters & Notices

Looking for Information on a James Brayden

Hi I've no idea if you can help, but would you happen to know the best source for information about lighthouse keepers on Moreton Island. I'm looking for information on a James Brayden, lighthouse keeper on the island from about 1860ish to I think the 1880's. Thanks very much Gill Corlett <grcorlett@hotmail.com>

Wrecked While Returning From the Tipara Lightship

Dear Sir/ Madam, I am wondering if I could impose on your knowledge of lighthouses to answer a query. He if you are interested is Daniel Murdoch "Murdo" Graham. On 7 July 1864, he was in command of HMS Blanche, when wrecked at Wallaroo while returning from Tipara Lightship to deliver oil to keep the light running. Apparently, he lost everything but his trousers causing a stir when he swam ashore. Also while I am told it was oil should it not have been kero? I am hoping to substantiate the family story with newspaper articles so after I search I would be happy to forward any clippings to you. This is from a family history I am writing. I am hoping you may clear up if "Tipara Lightship" and "Tipara Reef Lighthouse" are the same thing? Or was the lighthouse built to replace the ship? May also have some more material for your project later (if your interested) -- as I get to later chapters in my book. Various members of the family worked in lighthouse (and lightships) in SA and a number of them died on the job. I have already searched some newspapers for these and have clippings that may interest. Cheers Sharon Hawkins <hawkins@fan.net.au>

History of Gabo Island

Hi Malcolm I was wondering if you knew if anyone has ever written a history about the Gabo Island and its inhabitants over the years? I have a relative who was supposedly the first child ever actually born on the island. I am intrigued to find out what they were doing on the island. Were they lighthouse keepers? Their name was McRae. Meg Donnison <donnison1@bigpond.com>

A Lighthouse Enthusiast

Hello I am an American reciever of your Bulletin. I must say I enjoyed the May issue. I love lighthouses and collect any replicas I can find. I was really thrilled to recieve the Bulletin and all the pictures of some of the lighthouses in Australia. Can't wait until I get the next issue. Once again thanks. A Lighthouse Enthusiast June Williamson <Chichi07@aol.com> West Virginia, USA

Looking for Mr Arthur Jeapes

Hello Could you possibly help and let me know who was the Light Keeper for this lighthouse (Cape Leeuwin). I have been told by a Mr Arthur Jeapes that he was born there in 1919. Thank you in advance Jane Reeves <reeveslakey@unite.com.au>

Memories of Montague

Hi, Just a note letting you know I think your web site on the Montague Lighthouse is fantastic. My father was born on the island, and his mother and brother (my Grandmother and Uncle) were the Montague lighthouse keepers for many years prior to it being automated. My uncle received the Order of Australia for being Australia's longest serving lighthouse keeper, and much of his time was spent on Montague. Last year we held a family reunion on the island courtesy of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and it was great to see the old homestead again and to see the light still burning. Thanks again, I'll certainly be showing your site to members of our family. Kind regards, Don Cameron <donc@mudgeeab.com.au> Mudgee NSW

Looking For Cecil Walsh

Hi Keeper I was excited to stumble across your page today. It's very interesting. I love lighthouses, some of my friends say I am obsessed. I was wondering if you could help. When I was young my great uncle was a lighthouse keeper at Nobby's Head. My grandmother is getting on a bit and can't remember dates and locations. His name was Cecil Walsh. I know he returned from the war and went to the Macquarie Lighthouse in Sydney before going to Nobby's Head. I was hoping that you know of any good web sites or places where I could find records etc. I would love to find out more about him and other stories of lighthouse keepers. Also my dream, as stupid as it is, is to be a lighthouse keeper. As this is a dying profession I figure I better hurry up. Do you know of anywhere I can find out the requirement etc to be a keeper. Thanks for your help. Oh and I really enjoyed hearing about the plans of Winsome and Lloyd. Can't wait to hear how it went. Susan Winter <susanwinter@bigpond.com>

Looking For Edwin Frederick Biss

Hi Malcolm I found your site on the Internet and wondered whether you have information on the Queensland Dent Island Lighthouse and the former lighthouse keepers. Edwin Frederick Biss was the lighthouse keeper there I believe in the 1880s. I was hoping to gather some information about him and his family. Two of his young daughters are buried on the island on some graves which I believe are quite close to the lighthouse. Any information you are able to provide on the subject or details of where I can research this information would be appreciated. Many thanks. Regards Barbara Willcocks <r_bdwillcocks@optusnet.com.au>

Johnson Family at Watson's Bay

Hi Malcolm We are trying to locate the history of our Johnson family closely associated with the Hornby Light in Watson's Bay. History notes say a family member Alfred Johnson from Jersey, who spoke fluent French and English was Australia's first light house keeper, but we can't validate this. We know the family lived in Watson's Bay in the white cottage below the Hornby Light and in close proximity to the Hornby Light and in Watson's Bay. We have found the following info from Births Deaths & Marriages NSW and it appears that Henry Johnson may have been called Captain Alf. Dame Mary Gilmore used to have afternoon tea at the lighthouse with the captain and his daughters. We are aware of James Johnson and the Dunbar but do not know if there is any connection. Emily Johnson married a Charles Goodall. Henry Johnson Captain Alf Johnson was born in Jersey [probably called Alf] Occupation: Lighthouse Keeper at Watson's Bay Henry's Family Spouse: Mary A Jones married Henry Johnson in 1852 Children: William H Johnson, Mary A Johnson, Emily Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Alfred Johnson, Louisa Johnson, Alice Johnson Mary A Johnson Born: 1856 Comments: Married Robert Lambert in 1874. Their daughter Emily Lambert married Gerald Goodwin in 1906 Mary's Heritage Parents: Henry Johnson, Mary A Jones Siblings: William H Johnson, Emily Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Alfred Johnson, Louisa Johnson, Alice Johnson Emily Johnson Born: 12-Dec-1859 Died: 22-Dec-1899 Emily's Family Spouse: Charles Goodall married Children: Annie Goodall, Ada Florence Goodall, Kate A Goodall, Mary A Goodall, Henry Goodall, Louisa Goodall, Emily Hilda Goodall, Elsie M Goodall, Vera M Goodall, Myrtle L Goodall, Leslie C Goodall Emily's Heritage Parents: Henry Johnson, Mary A Jones Siblings: William H Johnson, Mary A Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Alfred Johnson, Louisa Johnson, Alice Johnson Have you any ifo on this family at all? Regards, Annie Lotocki <lotocki@ozemail.com.au> Queensland

Feel free to post any request, letters, notices here regarding research, events etc for any Australian Lighthouse on this notice board.

<keeper@lighthouse.net.au>

Department of Scrounge:

If anybody has any of this material on any Australian lighthouses including the ones listed at the Department of Scrounge it would appreciated, especially the high priority ones:

• Original Colour Photographs
• Historical Photographs or Postcards
• History, experiences and anecdotes
• Technical History

Please eMail <Keeper>

New Pages & Links

New Pages for Australia:

New Links for Australia:

No new links for Australia this month

Also, New Links for World:

	Legendary Lighthouses
lightstations.com
	eRealms California Lighthouses
The Bell Rock Lighthouse

If your e-mail does not display in HTML these pages can be accessed from the "New Listing for Month Index" at <http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/New/Index%20New.htm>

Australian News:

White Towers Re-released

Carol Herben <sycado@bigpond.com> has informed us that that the new edition of "White Towers" the Illawarra Lighthouses has just been re released to celebrate the restoration and refurbishment of the old Breakwater Lighthouse (Wollongong Harbour).

Celebrating the Restoration and Reburbishment of the old Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse
[Photograph: Ian Clifford]

First written by the late A P Fleming in 1972 to commemorate the centenary of the Breakwater Lighthouse, Carol continued the story from 1972-2001.

The book is available from:

Illawarra Historical Society Inc.
PO Box 241
Wollongong 2520 NSW

$18-50 plus P & H

The Cape Bailey Lighthouse
[Photograph: Ian Clifford]

Carol gives a very special thankyou to one of our members, Ian Clifford, for the support he gave with the Cape Baily photograph.

Research on Gabo for NAA Lighthouse Exhibition

The Gabo Island Lightstation With Approaching Storm
[Photograph: David Armstrong]

As we heard in the May 2001 Bulletin, the National Archives of Australia is intending to hold (NAA) an exhibition on the history of lighthouse lifestyles to be held during 2001.

Kate Fielding of the NAA is currently undertaking research about lighthouses for the exhibition.

She is currently focused on collecting oral histories from people who are or have been involved in the lighthouse service and was wondering if we could suggest any suitable subjects.

The Cape Otway Lighthouse
[Photograph: Ed Kavaliunas]

Kate said:

"I am especially interested in anyone connected with the Gabo Island or Cape Otway lighthouses and looks forward to your replies."

Kate can be contacted at:

<kate_r_fielding@yahoo.com.au>.

If you know of any news or event effecting an Australian Lighthouse please forward it to us so we can publish in the Monthly Bulletin.

Join Lighthouses of Australia Inc.

It is up to those of you who believe in the Preservation, Protection and Promotion of Australia's lighthouse heritage to throw your hat into the ring, whether it just be a financial member or direct involvement on the committee, web pages, the Bulletin or some other aspect that could enrich the site.

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Thankyou

Thanks to the Following People for Their Help in June:

Annette Flottwell (Photos)
Alan Sweeney (Info)
Denise Shultz (Inaugural Dinner)
Sophia M McHarney (Photos)
Rob McIntyre (Photo)
Phillip Walsh (Admin)

Thanks to all the people who have put links to the site

Thanks to those who let me use their photos for thumbnails.

Regards until the August 2001 Bulletin
Malcolm Macdonald

http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/

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Lighthouses of Australia Web Site First Published: 3/12/97

Photographs & Contributions:

Cyril Curtain for Photograph
David Armstrong for Photograph
Deborah Kavaliunas for Report
Denise Shultz for Photograph
Ed Kavaliunas for Photograph
Ian Clifford for Photographs
Kylie Nicholls for Photograph
Jeanne Eve for Photograph
Joan Abrams for Reference
Margueritte & Nick Stephen for Report and Photographs
Paul Shultz for Video Stills
Phillip Walsh for Photograph
Sharon Fielden for Story and Photographs

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