From the Chair
A year of practical progress
The report thanks committee members, volunteers, members and partner organisations for their contribution during a significant year for the charity and Hilbre’s historic buildings.
Names, roles, financial figures and project status are recorded as reported in September 2025 and should not be read as a current governance register.
Year in review
Growing support and a changing role
The report describes 2025 as a historic year following Wirral Council’s award of a three-year lease to Hilbre Community Land Trust Ltd, of which Friends of Hilbre is a member. Securing a longer-term lease remained an objective for the partnership.
Members
Membership recorded in August 2025, with the total continuing to grow.
Green Flag and Heritage
The report records another Green Flag Award and a first special Heritage Award.
Volunteer activity
Open Days and midweek tasks were well supported, with weekend numbers also rising.
People
Committee and acknowledgements
The following committee was elected unanimously at the 2025 AGM. These roles are a dated record from the report.
David Gregson
Chair of Friends of Hilbre and trustee of Hilbre Community Land Trust Ltd
Julie Forshaw
Secretary and vice-chair
Tony Lamberton
Chair of Hilbre Community Land Trust Ltd
Sue McMillan
Hilbre for All and trustee of Hilbre Community Land Trust Ltd
Trish Oates
School liaison
Christine Longworth
History and archaeology
The Chair thanked Andy Williams, who stepped down from the committee after many years but intended to continue supporting task and Open Days. The report also notes that Sue McMillan replaced Peter Hinton on the Community Land Trust and that Ann Cleeves OBE continued as patron.
Particular thanks were given to Allan Conlin of Hilbre Bird Observatory for helping to transport supplies and people, and to Greg Leasor and Andy Williams for tackling larger jobs on the island.
Finances
Healthy finances supporting more activity
The report says expenditure had increased while donations, Open Day talks and grants continued to provide income.
- Business current account
- £7,298.07
- Business reserve
- £15,805.23
Buildings and the Land Trust
Restoration, maintenance and new responsibilities
The report records that Wirral Council granted Hilbre Community Land Trust Ltd a three-year peppercorn lease in September 2024. Work continued to coordinate the three organisations involved and develop a coherent approach.
Work completed
- Completed work on external guttering and removed redundant internal pipework.
- Moved tools from the Tool Shed into Fog Cottage and treated and painted the Tool Shed wall.
- Removed old furniture from the buildings.
- Painted the Telegraph Station windows and repaired its roof.
- Restored and reinstated the Telegraph Station wind vane.
Funded next steps
A £16,000 Burbo Bank Community Fund grant was secured for curved oak fascia and guttering at the Telegraph Station, together with a rainwater-harvesting system on the rear wall of the Day Room.
Risk assessments were being updated for group use, while work remained outstanding in the Day Room kitchen area.
The report also records early restoration work by BADA and Hilbre Bird Observatory at the Buoy Masters Complex and Telegraph House respectively.
Community and participation
Opening Hilbre’s stories to more people
Day Room and heritage centre
Choirs, walking groups, artists and schools had already used the Day Room. The report anticipated more community use, with visiting groups asked for a donation.
Inclusion and schools
Sue McMillan was developing links with local disability groups and the Hilbre Memories initiative. Trish Oates was coordinating school visits alongside Wirral Council.
Task and Open Days
Extra over-tide task days supported restoration. Bracken had been cut three times, and volunteers continued to support popular Open Days, refreshments and seal watching.
Talks and island activities
Seven organisations received talks during the year. The Friends attended the Heritage Fair at Hulme Hall and supported history talks and Matt Thomas’s sunset walks.
The Friends also funded a people counter so that island visitor numbers could be monitored.
Looking ahead
Heritage, publication and long-term stewardship
Plans included converting the Tool Shed into a small museum and restoring the Telegraph Station as part of a heritage centre focused on people who lived on Hilbre or made a significant contribution to its history.
The Friends also aimed to finance publication of The Archaeology and History of Hilbre, edited by Christine Longworth, following long-term research supported by members’ photographs and information.
Report context
A dated publication record
The Chairperson’s Report was circulated following the 1 September 2025 AGM. For current governance, membership or project information, contact Friends of Hilbre directly.