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The scheme’s
being organised by the Mersey Light-vessel preservation society with
funding from a number of sources including the Countryside Agency
and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The
aim is to interview past crew members and others who worked on the
‘little red ship’ which was often seen entering and leaving
the Mersey.
Many
sailors from both the Merchant and Royal Navies will have fond memories
with project leader John Wilkinson, ex-Merchant chief engineer,
delighted to be involved in such a prestigious piece of research.
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| John
Wilkinson |
“We
are really looking forward to working more closely with people whose
lives were touched in some way,” says John.
“We
will be developing an exhibition based around the information that
people bring forward and make sure that this important local heritage
is preserved for future generations.”
Volunteers
will be needed to conduct interviews and research archives in the
hope of drawing up a complete history of ‘Planet’ and
previous lightships that served on the Mersey Bar. All volunteers
will receive some training and will be provided with the necessary
equipment. A webmaster will also be needed to set up a special project
website.
‘Planet’,
which was built in Dartmouth in 1960, was on station at the bar
1961-72 and is currently berthed at the Historic Warships Exhibition
Area in Birkenhead. After being removed from the Mersey, ‘Planet’
was to be seen at various locations around the south coast. Her
last position, in a long and valuable career, was as Lightship 23
near Guernsey in the English Channel.
For more information or to add your support call John Wilkinson
on 0151 928 4780 or email johnwilki@blueyonder.co.uk
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