Fundraising appeal to secure future of Mousehole Harbour Lights

They want to build a new store where they can keep their displays

Mousehole Harbour Lights
Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 11th Nov 2022
Last updated 11th Nov 2022

A fundraising appeal has been launched to secure the future of a nearly 60-year-old Cornish tradition.

Mousehole Harbour Lights are raising money for a new store, where they can keep their displays between the festive seasons.

At the moment they are stored in old barns and teams often have to spend months maintaining the lights before they can be erected.

Chairman Peter Taylor said: "When we get the pieces out after being stored through the summer, they generally have to be thoroughly cleaned because they're covered in fallout from the roof and the electrics have to be refurbished because they don't take the damp too kindly. 15 to 20 years ago they were struggling with storage and have continued to struggle.

"We've got the site levelled and we've got the foundations for the new building in, we've ordered and have the facility to pay for the new building but we're running about £10,000 - £15,000 short to complete the project."

Their Crowdfunder has so far raised just over £900 since launching last night (Thursday 10 November).

On the fundraising page, it says: "The lights mean so much to those that visit them whether they are locals, visitors from around the county, the country and across the waters!

"We have regular visitors from around the world that message us for updates and to show their support.

"It really is a community project and just wouldn't happen without our team of volunteers that give their time and energy throughout all weathers, but they do it as they know the difference the light of Christmas can make for people.

"People who may be lonely, in need of cheering up or just looking forward to spending time with loved ones at Christmas. It's a Cornish tradition that has been part of people's hearts for nearly 60 years and that's why it's so important that we get the help needed to make sure it can continue."

Peter adds: "We think the lights bring an awful lot to the village, its residents and the visitors. If you see the faces of kids in the streets around Christmas looking at the lights, you can see the wonderment that it brings to them.

"It's a tradition that we want to see continue and we think our visitors want to see continue."

The Lights were started in 1963 by Mousehole-based artist, Joan Gillchrest. A string of coloured bulbs were put along both quays to make the village a bit brighter at Christmas time.

2023 will see Mousehole Harbour Lights celebrate its 60th anniversary.

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