The Management of Goleulong 2000 Lightship is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Edward James Fearnley (Ted) as Operations Manager. Ted will take over the day to day administration of the Lightship and head up our Operations Team.
Ted can be contacted on 029 20487609 and
email: admin@lightship2000.org.uk
ON SALE NOW
£1
The Booklet written by Jean Silvan–Evans was produced to celebrate the first
10 years of our establishment in Cardiff Bay. It contains information and notes on the vessel since first commissioned by Trinity House in 1953 to the present time and as an Icon in Cardiff Bay.
You can order your copy by email
admin@lightship2000.org.uk
or telephone
029 20487609
Please make cheque payable to Lightship 2000
and add 50p per copy for postage
On 22nd September 1953 Light Vessel 14 was launched from the yard of Philips shipbuilders of Dartmouth. Later that year, on 27th November, she was commissioned by Trinity House to serve at a number of the stations around the coastal waters of the United Kingdom.
50 years later LV 14 is still serving the community but in a rather different way to her original purpose. In 1988 the Churches of Cardiff were called together by Cardiff Bay Development Corporation to discuss the role of Christianity in Cardiff Bay. With considerable help from CBDC, LV14 was purchased and restoration begun to create a floating Christian Centre providing a bold central focus for the Churches of Wales.
The restoration and refurbishing programme resulting in the vessel we have today, is the result of the commitment, expertise, and skills of many volunteers and supporters working together in a diverse yet positive and imaginative way.
Our Maintenance Team is made up of Chris Debono, the full time Maintenance and Safety Officer and volunteers who have skills in welding, metal work, mechanical engineering, carpentry, electrical and plumbing. We also have a number of enthusiastic volunteers who are happy to assist in the general maintenance of the vessel. For example the generators still work and the engine room is far from being a museum.
The Galley, from which we serve hot and cold light refreshments from a wide-ranging menu, is one of the main focuses of our work. Volunteers not only serve and run the galley they help to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The full time Galley Manager is supported by a team of volunteers who generally work on a rota basis, giving a half-day per week to the Lightship. We are always looking for new volunteers who will be given appropriate training in food preparation, hygiene and counter serving.
The Spiritual Dimension
Lightship 2000 does not exist in isolation from the Churches in an around Cardiff. It is an ecumenical project, supported by the mainline denominations, Baptist, Church of Wales, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic Salvation Army and URC. We rely heavily upon the support of local congregations from where we draw most of our volunteers
Aboard the Lightship we have a Chapel that is at the heart of our spiritual life. Holy Communion is celebrated on the second Wednesday of each month, in Welsh at mid-day with the services in English 1.15am. During the summer months on a Sunday afternoon open-air services are held on the Quayside. The Chapel is available during opening hours and can be used as a place of personal reflection and prayer as well as a place for public and corporate worship.
We were privileged to receive delegations from South Korea, Indonesia, Africa, America, Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand during the year.
Educational Dimension
We are witnessing an increase in the numbers of Groups who visit the Lightship and a number of schools and local church groups are booked for this year. The presentation includes a brief history of the vessel and the geographical locations where she worked, a spiritual presentation on her purpose today and a guided tour of the vessel.
Community Partnership
In the context of this setting Lightship 2000 has been instrumental in helping to create a true sense of community through partnership. We are working with the Probation Service to provide a worthwhile project for those who have been given community hours by the Courts. It has involved up to six young offenders working three days a week on the Lightship under the supervision of their Probation Officer. Some have worked in the Galley serving refreshments to our customers. Others have been involved in a re-painting scheme involving the engine room, foredeck and light tower.
In partnership with Bute Town History and Art Centre we welcome an increasing number of school groups to tour the Lightship. The children are given a presentation that includes the history of the vessel, the location of the stations where she worked, as well as an introduction to her present use. From letters received it is obvious that the Lightship is a major attraction for the children and a highlight of their educational visit to the Bay.
Tourist Attraction
It is as a tourist attraction that the Lightship continues to be a favourite place to visit. Our figures for 2002 indicate that over 100,000 visitors came aboard. Comments in our Visitors Book show that people come from all over the world and are impressed with the imaginative way in which a former Trinity House Lightship has been put to such good use.