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When in 1984 St. Mary's lighthouse was decommissioned, North Tyneside Council, in response to an outburst of popular feeling within the borough, launched an appeal to buy it from Trinity House for the benefit of the people of the North East coast and their visitors. It was felt that such a beauty spot should not fall into private hands, and become out of bounds to the public who had loved its lighthouse and enjoyed its wildlife for generations.

The campaign was led by the pupils of Marden Bridge Middle School in Whitley Bay; and people from all over North Tyneside, from all walks of life, from societies connected with wildlife, marine life, local history and local businesses joined together to raise money to buy the lighthouse.
 

A Trust in the name of St. Mary’s was formed to run the complex, but for legal reasons, and in order to get grants from the Countryside Commission and the R. W. Mann Trust, it was necessary for the bid to be in the Council’s name.

The many local people who had worked voluntarily to achieve this result founded the Friends of St. Mary’s Island in 1990, and it was reformed in 1996. Its members are engaged in a number of activities, including fund-raising, which contribute to safeguarding the future of the lighthouse and its nature reserve.

In 2002, the Friends were successful in obtaining Charitable Status. A new Constitution was written and accepted by the members, so that the objects and aims of the group were more focussed in outlook.

 
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St. Mary's Lighthouse, St. Mary's Island, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS
Tel: 0191 200 8650 Email: info@friendsofstmarysisland.co.uk
Registered Charity No.1093840  Copyright ©