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Displaying items by tag: Open Tours

#lighthouses – Among the events celebrating the 500th anniversary of Trinity House this year which included the launch of a commemorative photographic book as previously reported, an 'Open Day' is to be held on 20 September at their headquarters in London, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The origins of Trinity House date to 1514 when Henry VIII granted the Corporation of Trinity House a royal charter establishing it as an authority in maritime matters within his kingdom. Later its remit was expanded to include responsibility for the provision and maintenance of aids to navigation within the waters of England, Wales and the Channel Islands.

On occasions, lighthouse tenders share duties by relieving other vessels working for the three General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA). Asides Trinity House the GLA is also made up by the Northern Lighthouse Board, responsible for Scottish and Isle of Man waters. Our Commissioners of Irish Lights whose remit covers all aids to navigation around the island of Ireland.

In May an official ceremony to mark the quincentenary of the Corporation of Trinity House took place at Trinity House located on Tower Hill overlooking the historic Tower of London. On that occasion another Open Day was held for members of the public to view the house built in 1794.

The House has a wealth of historic and valuable paintings plus antiques, bears out the UK's remarkable nautical heritage. One of its more recent acquisitions is the brass bell from the Royal Yacht Britannia which was decommissioned in 1997 and remains open to public tours in Leith, the port for Edinburgh.

On the next Open Day, there is no need to contact Trinity House, as interested day-visitors can simply arrive and wander about the House at their leisure and information available from expert guides. Visiting hours are confined only to that date (Saturday 20 Sept) between 10am – 3pm.

Otherwise tours of Trinity House are organised (but charged at a fee) on selected dates in 2015.  Booking is essential and can be done by calling 00 44 (0)20 7481 6900 or emailing: [email protected] For futher information, click HERE.

 

 

Published in Lighthouses

About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.