Flat Holm, off the coast of Penarth, South Wales
(Picture: General use licence)Calling those looking for a chance to work on an island off the coast of south Wales.
A job vacancy has been posted looking for a sole warden to work and oversee the upkeep of the tiny island situated at the most southern point in Wales.
Isolated and set in a wilderness retreat, Flat Holm Island is five miles from the Vale of Glamorgan coast, and Cardiff and Barry.
The island is clearly visible from Penarth’s expansive pier and esplanade and is currently uninhabited, with the exception of the wardens, and it is populated instead with large birds and wildlife, as well as flora, including wild peonies.
History of Flat Holm island
In the Dark Ages, the island was a retreat for monks and even cholera patients in a hospital for people with infectious diseases.
An old mine shaft on the north side of the island connects with a series of tunnels and a concealed exit to the sea, making it the perfect spot for smuggling back in the 18th century.
Traditional anecdotes report a small cave in the east cliff at Flat Holm being used for the storage of contraband goods, such as tea and brandy.
On May 13, 1897, Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi, assisted by a Cardiff Post Office engineer named George Kemp, transmitted the first wireless signals over open sea from Flat Holm.
A transmitting mast was then erected on the island, later sending Morse Code with the original paper Morse slip, signed by both Marconi and Kemp, now in the National Museum of Wales, with the first message stating “Are you ready?”.
It was also used as an artillery base in the Second World War, and small fortified buildings still remain.
The job spec for the warden includes fixing equipment and maintaining the buildings on the island, with the perfect candidate being described as hard working, self-motivated, and prepared to work in all weather conditions.
“Sadly, we announce that Pierre, our Island warden, is moving on to pastures new. He will be greatly missed, but it means we are currently in search of someone to temporarily take on the role of Flat Holm warden as soon as possible,” Flat Holm Island Official wrote on its social media pages.
For those interested in the unique opportunity, contact flatholmproject@cardiff.gov.uk
