Final farewell to the historic beacon of light

Heavy seas and thick fog gave nature the last word yesterday as attempts were made to bring a solar-powered lighthouse into service on Guernsey, writes Bill Brown.

As the three keepers packed to leave the Hanois lighthouse for the last time weather conditions on this inhospitable reef a mile from shore showed just why the beacon was built in 1860. The keepers are due to leave this morning, but with gales forecast their final farewell may be delayed.

Maritime history will be made when the transition iscomplete. Hanois was the last manned offshore lighthouse in England and in a new era of high technology it will become the first to be solar powered. Trinity House, which runs lighthouses in England, Wales and the Channel Islands, is confident that solar power will be sufficient to provide an effective, year-round cover. Malcolm Wannell, director of engineering, said: "This change-over tugs at the heart strings because this is the last rock station to be automated, but it will provide the same, quality service."

Local fishermen are sad and disappointed at the changeover. One, John de la Mare, has been the lighthouse postman for 40 years. "They all know me as Johnny the postman. I deliver parcels, fresh food, and freshly baked cakes and pies from their wives," he said.He added that the move was disastrous for the local fishermen. "I'll never fish that area again. If you get into trouble there's no one to see or to help you."

And lighthouse-keeper Dave Appleby said the team of six keepers were sad, but accepted the inevitability of progress. "Every lighthouse is going to be automated and this is another nail in the coffin."