This article appeared on the CBC PEI website yesterday...
Panmure Lighthouse group
needs more volunteers
Open house
being held to attract more muscle and brain for lighthouse reno
CBC News / November
4, 2015
The
Panmure Island Lighthouse Association is trying to drum up more support to help
with renovations, and to keep the lighthouse going. The
group is holding an open house next week in Montague, trying to turn more
of their plans into action. Regally
placed at the end of the beach, it's one of the most photographed lighthouses
in the Maritimes.
Jackie Brown of the Panmure Island Lighthouse
Association calls
the causeway one of the most beautiful views in P.E.I. (CBC)
"The
Panmure causeway is one of the most beautiful views in P.E.I.," said
Jackie Brown, president of the lighthouse association. "When you drive
over the causeway to Panmure Island and you see the lighthouse... I would hate
to think what would happen if that lighthouse...if that wasn't there. It would
be very sad."
Lighthouses
decommissioned
That
almost happened four years ago, when the federal government decommissioned 40
P.E.I. lighthouses. The
Panmure association was formed to save it, and will soon take over ownership.
Now the real challenge begins, making the much-needed renovations with just an
$80,000 federal grant. The
first level will be the gift shop. Before the snow falls, the floors, walls and
ceiling will all come down to reveal the original wood underneath. That's
to show everyone the oldest wooden lighthouse on P.E.I., built in 1853. Next
summer, they'll tackle the exterior painting. "We're
very anxious to see the lighthouse painted," said Glenna
Campbell-Peardon, a volunteer. "That's going to be my first big
celebration, when we see this all nice and white again with the red trim. It's
going to be beautiful."
The
second floor will become a museum, showcasing artifacts and historic
information about the building, and its keepers. "We
find that people that visit this lighthouse are fascinated with the history of
the lighthouse, how it came about, and the fact that it's 162 years old,"
said Roger Gallant, another volunteer with the lighthouse association.
Brain
and muscle needed
So far,
about 100 people have joined the association, donating $10 a year in support.
But
only a small number of them have been doing the hands-on work, and coming up
with an action plan. That's
why the call for more help, especially from graphic designers, history buffs,
ane young people with fresh ideas. The
open house will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12 at the CBDC Building, 540 Main St.
in Montague.
No comments:
Post a Comment