From the archive
Inside this issue
Island filming, a generous transport offer, restoration at the Telegraph Station and the Friends’ growing work with community groups all feature in this issue.
Plans, roles and anticipated dates are recorded as they were reported in January 2026 and may since have changed.
On screen
Our Tiny Islands comes to Hilbre
The newsletter reports that Gary Wright, series editor of the Channel 4 documentary Our Tiny Islands, approached the Friends about filming on Hilbre. The programme had previously featured small British islands including Bardsey and Gigha.
The planned Hilbre feature focused on the Friends’ work and development of the Buoy Master’s area occupied by the British Art and Design Association. David Gregson and a group of volunteers were filmed walking out and working on the island in September, with broadcast anticipated during the following year.
Volunteer support
Tim’s Land Rover
Maintaining the historic buildings means moving volunteers, tools and materials across the sands. The newsletter thanks the Wirral Ranger service and Allan Conlin of Hilbre Bird Observatory for the transport help they had provided.
It also records that midweek task volunteer Tim Baldock bought a Land Rover in October and offered to use it to help transport volunteers to the island. The Friends thanked Tim for the generous gesture.
Buildings
The Telegraph Station
Tony Lamberton painstakingly restored and refitted the wind vane on the Telegraph Station roof. Volunteers also continued repainting the station window, while a compass rose was attached to the ceiling.
The issue records £16,000 raised through the Burbo Bank Extension scheme, with the hope that the funding would support replacement of the wooden fascia and guttering in the new year.
The newsletter’s photographs also captured birds quickly making use of the restored wind vane.
History and records
Hilbre Memories and the island archive
The Friends were working with Christine Longworth to publish her book about Hilbre’s archaeology and history. The issue thanks everyone who supplied photographs, with particular thanks to Hilbre Bird Observatory, the Cox family and the Canoe Club. Matt Reed and Alan Summers were working on the book’s format.
A Hilbre collection was also being established within Wirral Archives so that material about the Friends and the island could be preserved for future generations.
- Vicky Seagar became Hilbre’s first female warden in 1989, when wardens still lived on the island.
- Ann Cleeves lived on Hilbre with her husband Tim during the 1970s, and their daughter Sarah spent her first months there.
- Dr Lewis McAfee was resident on Hilbre in 1965 and hosted the Duke of Edinburgh during a visit.
Beyond the island
The Friends in the community
The newsletter describes work on and off Hilbre to support groups wishing to use the island’s facilities and to share its stories with people who might no longer be able to make the crossing.
Activities included a visit involving Heather Mount Care Home in Heswall, a Tide and Trail group visit and use of the Day Room by members of an astronomical society. A night-time photograph of Hilbre was credited to Matt Thomas in the original issue.
Archive context
A dated record from the archive
Stories, roles and announcements are recorded as reported at the publication date. Use the current Visit, Open Days and Contact pages when planning a trip or getting in touch.