From the archive
Inside this issue
This summer issue introduced Ann Cleeves as patron, looked back on Members’ Day and recorded early work towards a more inclusive Hilbre experience.
Issue 80 is a dated record from 2023. Contact details and event notices from that year are not repeated; use the current website pages for up-to-date information.
Friends of Hilbre
Welcoming Ann Cleeves as patron
The issue announced that crime writer Ann Cleeves OBE had agreed to become patron of Friends of Hilbre. It recalled her strong connection with the islands: her husband Tim became custodian of the Hilbre island chain in 1978, and the couple spent the first four years of their married life there.
Ann studied social work at the University of Liverpool while living on Hilbre, helped operate the Coastguard radio and collected driftwood for fuel. She later contributed a chapter to Hilbre: The Cheshire Island, edited by Professor J. Craggs—her first published writing. The couple’s daughter spent her first six months in Telegraph House.
David Gregson wrote that Ann’s relationship with Hilbre, its nature reserve, historic buildings and living history made her an ideal patron as the charity entered a new phase of development.
Island gathering
Members’ Day 2023
A bright day among bluebells, sea thrift and bird’s-foot trefoil provided the setting for the announcement. Marko and Andy from Transition Town West Kirby welcomed members with music before the group crossed to Hilbre.
The programme included visits to the Hilbre Bird Observatory Heligoland traps and cottage, a talk on wasps and moths by Gavin Broad, and time at the historic Canoe Club. Liverpool storyteller Andy Johnson shared the story of Lady’s Cave before a barbecue prepared by Tony and Kate.
Sue McMillan also spoke about her research into her great-grandfather James Askew, a former telegraph master on Hilbre. As the tide retreated, members gathered at the Buoy Master’s Store for a closing singalong.
Access exploration
Developing a more inclusive approach
The newsletter records an Open Day visit involving Dawn, who had no sight, and Alan, who had limited sight. Most of their walk was filmed to help explore what support could be useful for other visitors with visual impairments.
Their feedback highlighted the value of a knowledgeable sighted guide, realistic expectations about mobility and fitness, and an organised event where people could share information. Sensory experiences included the sandstone, crushed shells, Telegraph Station windows, lifeboat-station timbers and the sounds of birds and seals.
The Friends noted that they did not have the medical or practical expertise to take responsibility for leading disabled visitors. At the time, they were exploring ways to combine an experienced companion’s support with the Friends’ knowledge of Hilbre.
This section records a 2023 exploration, not a current accessibility assessment or promise. Read the current facilities and access page before planning a visit.
Read current facilities and access informationA sense of place
The Mystery of Hilbre Island
The final feature is an abridged piece by Ellie Sisson, reproduced in the newsletter with her permission. Written in response to a 2022 university field trip, it describes arriving with a visual impairment, uncertainty about the unfamiliar terrain and a growing sense of excitement as Hilbre’s atmosphere became clearer.
The reflection connects Hilbre’s isolation and strong sense of place with the crime and ghost stories it brought to mind. It ends with the author wanting to return—and remembering to take photographs next time.
This account summarises Ellie Sisson’s contribution, which was reproduced in issue 80 with her permission.
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.