As some of you will know, when we advertised the 2016 Open Days to the Lighthouse, we felt that given the current rate of erosion on the beach, that it would be the last year we could open to visitors.

We welcomed over 700 people to the Lighthouse during the year, many for the first time and not knowing whether it would be for the last time. 

You'll be glad to know we have GOOD NEWS!

Having got half way through the winter, we at Orfordness Lighthouse Trust decided that the Lighthouse had fared so well that it would be worthwhile to do some repair work  to bolster the on the sea defences- the bags of shingle wrapped in geo-textile material- otherwise known as "sausage rolls".  

This decision was taken before the tidal surge that affected the East coast a week or so ago. Although the surge sadly caused some damage elsewhere, as far as the Lighthouse is concerned it had a positive outcome: shingle was deposited high on the beach above the normal High-Water mark.  

So the repair work, which commenced yesterday morning and will continue all week, is even more worthwhile as a result of the surge. We hope to install another 3 shingle filled "sausage rolls", and clear up the residue of the barrages that have done their job to protect the structure.  

With fingers crossed and wishing for fair (and light) winds, it is looking more and more likely that we will have the Lighthouse open to visitors, and maybe hold a few musical and partying events, in 2017. 

Thank you all for your continued support which has enabled us to carry out this work and we hope many of you again in 2017. 

Also a special thank you to the King's Head, Orford, for once again donating hot lunches to the team on the Ness, who are working in very chilly conditions!