At the March meeting we were lucky enough to have as our guest speaker Janice Haynes, known as “The Lady of History”. Janice is involved with both the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and the Cape Otway Lightstation as curator and guide. She has an absolute wealth of knowledge in regard to these two lighthouses, as well as many others. Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct includes the heritage listed lighthouse, museum and former lighthouse keeper’s residence. The buildings were constructed from 1859 and are an excellent example of the architecture of the day. It was named after Captain John Schanck, R.N. in the early 1800’s by Lieutenant James Grant while in command of the Lady Nelson. The Cape Otway Lightstation, built in 1848, is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, and is known as the “Beacon of Hope”. It was built after numerous shipwrecks along the coast, and is located on sea cliffs where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean meet. As well as imparting her extensive knowledge, Janice kept members well and truly entertained with her many anecdotes.

We are very grateful to Janice for giving up her time to speak with us. I know that everyone who attended the meeting thoroughly enjoyed her talk – and her semaphore lesson complete with flags!

Photo 1: Prue presented Janice with a copy of the Society’s Book of Memories in thanks.

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