lighthouse Charity 70th Anniversary - A look into our history
We’re often asked about the history of our charity and the relevance of ‘the lighthouse’ as our logo. So in this, our 70th year, we thought it fitting to share our journey since our humble beginnings in 1956. This information has been hand-plucked from the archives (yes, we mean real, physical archives) alongside a careful curation of all the best photographs we could find. We hope you enjoy learning about our amazing charity.
A Different Time
It was 1956, a time where the average UK construction worker would don a cap, jeans, boots and brace for another dangerous day on-site. They’d balance on steel girders, weaving wheelbarrows along rickety scaffolding and be exposed to the sort of hazards we’d wince at today. Mental health? Never heard of it. But management might extend your smoking breaks for stress!
The Lightbulb Moment
In the Northeast of England, six men sat gathered in a pub, so far unaware that their evening together would be the start of something remarkable. The men in question were all exhibitors at the Gosforth Park Building Exhibition, and they were staying in the nearby Rex Hotel. Amongst them was Eddie Ward: sharply dressed and keen to make a difference. Newly acquainted, they had shared the trials and tribulations of their industry, concluding with the realisation that construction in the UK was built with people, not bricks and mortar.
As they headed home down the darkened promenade of Whitley Bay, enjoying their newfound camaraderie, a beam of light cut through the darkness – the light from St Mary’s Lighthouse. In that moment, an idea was formed and the lighthouse image would go on to be the synonymous logo we all know today.
That unexpected evening of friendship had been a port in the storm, an opportunity to meet up and share the burdens of construction. Inspired, Eddie suggested that they make a fellowship – one that would encourage people from across the industry to come together in friendship and mutual support.
The Lighthouse Club
Eddie and his five friends began meeting regularly, and the group evolved slowly into a network of contractors, site foremen, suppliers and young tradesmen. Their mission became clear – to look out for those in the construction industry who had fallen on hard times. Their motto, ‘Allis cum humanitate’ translates to ‘Consideration for Others’.
From humble beginnings, sharing ideas over dinner and supporting each other’s businesses, The Lighthouse Club slowly became a force to be reckoned with. Their casual dinner became an Annual Gala at Grosvenor House – a must-attend event in the industry year with many of the biggest players queuing up to take their place. Eddie’s talent for bringing people together saw many celebrities performing to this prestigious crowd, including the likes of Eric Sykes, ventriloquist Ray Allen, Mike Yarwood and many more. The group also gained a decorated war hero as their second President, Lieutenant-Colonel A. Charles Newman VC, OBE, DL, a man who passionately shared the club’s vision.
With abundant support and plenty of momentum, the club created the Lighthouse Benevolent Fund – a pot to draw from to provide financial assistance to those in need. This move towards real, tangible help was a huge step towards becoming the modern charity it is today.
Moving with the Times
As the years went on and new governments came and went, Lighthouse rode the rollercoaster and adapted to the changing needs of the construction industry. The 60s were a time of huge growth post-war, whilst the 70s dipped into economic instability and strikes. The 80s saw the fallout from deregulation, but included a win for Lighthouse, as Eddie journeyed to Buckingham Palace to receive an OBE for his services.
The 90s, 00s and 10s were a time of great change for the charity… Dorothy Ambrose became the first female member, new branches overseas made Lighthouse a now global network, and the charity modernised and restructured, expanding its support services and placing more focus on emotional support. In 2012, the Lighthouse Club and the Benevolent Fund officially merged into the new ‘Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity’.
During the ups, downs and in-betweens, one thing had remained true throughout – construction needed this lifeline.
The Great Shake Up
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the world. With the world at a standstill and events strictly prohibited, the charity had to act fast. The people of construction were in the greatest need that Lighthouse had ever seen, and they needed support.
With Bill Hill at the helm (the then CEO), the Lighthouse team and an impassioned team of trustees launched a Crisis Appeal. Going right in at the top, they said, “We need to continue our vital support. What can you do to help?” Overwhelmingly, the community dug deep and over just a few months, almost half a million pounds had been donated. The charity augmented its services in response to changing needs and was able to weather the storm due to the amazing support from the construction community.
From Strength to Strength
As the charity celebrates its 70th year, the annual reports continue to show remarkable growth. Record income year-on-year, vastly expanded services, the introduction of the #MakeItVisible on-site initiative and a new critical-incident team responding to fatalities and serious on site incidents.
The Lighthouse Charity is a beacon of hope for construction workers and their families, offering holistic support, 24/7, 365 days a year. With passion, integrity and support at its core, it has endlessly evolved and adapted to the needs of the industry – reshaping, rethinking and proving its resilience. Today, the Lighthouse Charity’s vision is that ‘No construction worker or their family should be alone in a crisis’ – the words refined over the years, but the driving force the same as it ever was.