In this special end-of-season episode, we bring you two very different — but equally captivating — lighthouse stories.

Tony Mills – From the Tower to the Pulpit

Ed and Mel talk with Tony Mills, a former Trinity House lighthouse keeper who served in the early 1970s on stations including:

• The Lizard

• Longships

• Round Island

• South Bishop

Tony shares vivid memories of boat and helicopter reliefs, terrifying storms, and late-night fog signals — plus a few unexpected mishaps. He recalls polished brass handrails, paraffin-powered fridges, and makeshift washing routines. And just when you think you've heard it all… he casually reveals his later calling as a priest.

A warm, humorous, and heartfelt interview full of rich anecdotes and the realities of rock lighthouse life.

Annie Spencer – The Lighthouse Explorer

Next, Ed catches up with Annie Spencer, founder of the Lighthouse Explorers YouTube channel and social media presence. Annie shares how her love of lighthouses grew during lockdown — and how it now fuels an ever-expanding community.

You'll hear about:

• Her life on a canal boat

• The joy of organising lighthouse day trips (with 60+ people joining so far!)

• Using TikTok and YouTube to make lighthouse heritage accessible

• Her dream of reaching Iceland's remotest lights

• Why lighthouses offer more than just great views

Annie's passion is infectious, and her grassroots project is proof that lighthouses still capture the public imagination in new ways.

Plus: Lighthouse News

Mel shares another message-in-a-bottle discovery — this time from Cape Bruny, Tasmania — and news of a Shetland lighthouse cottage up for sale (ideal for hardy renovators with a love of wild weather).

Episode Highlights

• A rare glimpse of 1970s lighthouse life from a former Trinity House keeper

• Boat landings, storm damage, and why Tony once got hit with a foghorn blast

• Annie's journey from lockdown explorer to community organiser

• The power of social media in preserving and sharing lighthouse history

• Favourite lighthouses, spooky basements, and seagull-proof fridges

Links & Mentions

• Lighthouse Explorers: lighthouseexplorers.com

• Annie's YouTube: Lighthouse Explorers

• Instagram: @lighthouse_explorers

• ALK Membership: alk.org.uk

Subscribe & Share

That's the end of Season 3 — thank you for listening!

We'll be back soon with Season 4.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and if you've enjoyed the show, please tell a friend or leave us a review.

For comments or to get involved: [email protected]

In this week's episode of Keeping Watch, Ed and Mel discuss a lighthouse Banksy in Marseilles, before Mel interviews Scottish photographer Conor Gault, who is on a mission to photograph every living Scottish lighthouse keeper and the lighthouses where they served.

Conor's heartfelt project is rooted in his family history, his Grandfather having served as a keeper himself. He talks about the artistic process of capturing his images on large-format film, and the emotional stories behind the photos.

You can see Conor's photographs and find out more about the project at his website: https://www.conorgault.com

Key moments

01:05 Interview with Conor Gault 01:41 Banksy's Lighthouse Artwork 06:18 Conor Gault's Photography Journey 07:35 The Lighthouse Project 12:48 Memories and Portraits 19:20 Tributes and Future Plans 22:49 Heartwarming Farewell Stories 24:14 Lighthouse Conditions and Photography 25:55 Visiting Lighthouses with Keepers 27:42 Connecting with Lighthouse Keepers 29:11 The Future of the Lighthouse Project 30:35 Making Art Accessible to Communities 33:19 Expanding the Project Beyond Scotland 39:17 Challenges and Funding 42:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

In this episode of Keeping Watch, hosts Ed Peppitt and Melanie Charles bring you up to date with a roundup of lighthouse news. We welcome special guest Jeremy D'Entremont, a renowned author, historian, and host of the US Lighthouse Society's 'Lighthearted' podcast. They discuss various lighthouse-related topics, including Jeremy's extensive career, Scottish lighthouse keeper projects, lighthouse history, and personal stories from lighthouse keepers around the world. This informative episode also explores Jeremy's passion for lighthouses, key moments from his podcast, and the enduring importance of preserving lighthouse history. Key moments 01:05 Meet Jeremy D'Entremont 01:38 Lighthouse News Roundup 01:54 Gerald Butler's Wedding Announcement 03:00 Lighthouse Honeymoon Destinations 05:10 Photography Project by Connor Gault 08:14 Interview with Jeremy D'Entremont 14:23 Jeremy's Lighthouse Journey 16:08 Writing and Podcasting Adventures 30:43 Meeting the Light Keeper 31:31 Interview with Barry Porter 32:04 Rescue from Boone Island Lighthouse 33:47 Interview with Eric J. Dolin 35:10 Lighthouse Tours and Travels 39:24 Challenges in Lighthouse Preservation 49:06 Favorite Lighthouses and Future Plans 58:11 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

In this week's episode of Keeping Watch, Ed and Mel discuss the community protests against the automation of St John's Point Lighthouse in Northern Ireland, and the recent cliff falls close to Belle Tout in Sussex. This week's special guest, engineer and television presenter Rob Bell, joins Ed to talk about his fascination with lighthouses and the challenges of producing his three series of lighthouse programs. They discuss the logistics and challenges of filming at remote locations, the allure and difficulty of capturing such engineering marvels, and Rob's personal reflections on the heritage of lighthouses. Rob concludes with a heartfelt appreciation for the lighthouse community and how they welcomed him so heartily when making his programmes. Key moments 01:05 Lighthouse News Update 01:36 St. John's Point Lighthouse Controversy 06:38 Bell Toot Lighthouse Erosion Concerns 08:51 Interview with Rob Bell 11:23 Join the Association of Lighthouse Keepers 11:55 Rob Bell's Railway Walk Series 13:41 Behind the Scenes of Lighthouse Series 16:13 Challenges of Filming Lighthouses 18:51 Rob Bell's Favorite Lighthouses 31:35 Future Projects and Closing Remarks

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

This week's episode of Keeping Watch, hosted by Ed Peppitt and Melanie Charles, features a captivating discussion with Mark Lewis, the ALK Education Officer, on lighthouses and the paranormal. Mark shares his exploration of ghost stories, folklore, and scientific explanations related to paranormal phenomena in lighthouses around the world.

Ed and Mel also talk about last weekend's ALK Digital Archive weekend at Bidston Hill Lighthouse.

Key moments

01:05 Lighthouses and the Paranormal 01:25 Weekend at Bidston Observatory 04:53 Digital Archiving Adventures 07:46 Lighthouse News: Long Ships Fog Signal 08:59 Interview with Mark Lewis: Folklore and Paranormal 26:45 Investigating Paranormal Phenomena in Lighthouses 27:36 Ruling Out Natural Explanations 29:14 Suggestibility and Memory in Paranormal Experiences 33:38 Scientific Theories on Paranormal Activity 39:43 Mercury Poisoning and Lighthouse Keepers 41:59 Famous Lighthouse Mysteries and Folklore 45:08 The Romantic Movement and Lighthouse Stories 47:25 Fiction Morphing into Fact 49:31 Favorite Paranormal Stories and Future Projects 53:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

In this episode of Keeping Watch, Melanie talks about her recent trip to Tenerife and her review of the local lighthouses. The main highlight, however, is a wonderfully candid conversation with Lou Medlicott, wife of former lighthouse keeper Gordon Medlicott, who recounts her experiences and challenges of raising a family while married to a lighthouse keeper.

The episode also features exciting news about potential access to Dungeness (new) Lighthouse for ALK members, and a brief nod to Anna B Savage's achingly haunting new single called Lighthouse.

Key moments

01:33 Melanie's Tenerife Lighthouse Adventures 06:59 The Ugliest Lighthouse in the World 08:37 Exciting Lighthouse News 12:37 Interview with a Lighthouse Keeper's Wife 17:28 Life on the Lighthouse Station 25:55 Life with the Fog Signal 26:43 Challenges of Living Above the Engine Room 28:03 Moving Back to Society 29:09 Children's Perspective on Lighthouse Life 31:30 Female Lighthouse Keepers 37:33 Rumors of Death and Acts of Heroism 44:27 Concluding Reflections and Farewell

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

This week, Ed and Mel talk about the various lighthouse tours and events planned by the Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK) for 2025 - including the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, Anglesey and Kent. They also talk with former lighthouse keeper Gordon Medlicott, whose career with Trinity House spanned 32 years, from 1966 to 1998. Gordon regales us with stories from his time in the service, including Gordon's personal interaction with Prince Philip during a special Thanksgiving dinner for lighthouse keepers. Key moments 00:00 Welcome to Season 3 of Keeping Watch 01:19 Upcoming Lighthouse Tours and Events 02:32 Memorable Lighthouse Visits and Experiences 06:48 Exciting Future Trips and Plans 17:10 Special Interview with Gordon Medlicott 19:24 Gordon's Thanksgiving Dinner with Prince Philip 28:08 The Final Days of Manned Lighthouses 32:16 Public Liability and Promotion 32:49 The Lighthouse Exhibition 33:33 A Week of Success 34:53 The Heart Attack Incident 36:23 Navigating the Storm 37:26 The Boatman's Courage 43:52 Travel Troubles 48:43 Hobbies and Downtime 53:06 Promotion and Reflections 55:19 Conclusion and Farewell

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

This episode pays tribute to Ian Duff, former lighthouse keeper and President of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers (ALK), who passed away in November. We share heartfelt memories and stories from Ian's friends, colleagues, and fellow ALK members. Ian's remarkable career spanned from 1976 to 1992, during which he served at numerous Scottish lighthouses. The episode also highlights Ian's deep love for lighthouses, his iconic red jacket adorned with lighthouse patches, and his invaluable contributions to lighthouse history and preservation. Ian shares his own reflections on his career, making it a poignant homage to his life and legacy. Key moments 00:00 Introduction to Ian Duff 01:04 Life as a Lighthouse Keeper 01:46 Environmental Observations and Wildlife Encounters 03:42 Tributes and Memories of Ian Duff 04:44 Ian's Legacy and Contributions 06:46 Personal Anecdotes and Stories 10:40 Ian's Passion for Lighthouses 23:33 Final Reflections and Farewell We are extremely grateful to the Northern Lighthouse Board, Luke Saddler and BBC Blue Planet for allowing to share Ian's personal reflections at the beginning of the episode.

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

In this episode of Keeping Watch, hosts Ed Peppitt and Melanie Charles discuss new lighthouse stories in the news, including the twinning of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse in Stranraer with the Inubosaki Lighthouse in Japan, and the discovery of a 132-year-old message in a bottle at Corsewall Lighthouse. Mel interviews Robert Fong, curator of the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Texas, about the history, challenges, and unique characteristics of three lighthouses in Texas: Sabine Bank, Sabine Pass, and Bolivar Point. We also pay tribute to the late Ian Duff, the Association of Lighthouse Keepers' friend and president. Key moments 01:06 Tribute to Ian Duff 02:12 Lighthouse Twinning Concept 02:49 Henry Brunton's Legacy in Japan 03:47 Characteristics of Scottish and Japanese Lighthouses 06:33 Message in a Bottle Discovery 11:01 Interview with Robert Fong 13:54 Sabine Bank Lighthouse History 24:27 Joining the Association of Lighthouse Keepers 25:02 Sabine Pass Lighthouse 25:42 Lighthouse Structural Integrity 26:49 Sabine Pass Lighthouse History 27:35 Civil War Skirmish at the Lighthouse 30:46 Post-War Lighthouse Challenges 36:21 Bolivar Point Lighthouse 38:41 Hurricane Stories and Lighthouse Resilience 43:39 Lighthouse Preservation Efforts 48:48 Museum of the Gulf Coast 51:14 Podcast Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk

In this episode of 'Keeping Watch,' Ed Peppitt and co-host Melanie Charles talk about some of the mysterious and spooky lighthouse tales, including the tragic story of Henry Hall at Eddystone, the eerie Flannan Islands mystery, and a death on Smalls. Ed meets up at Galley Head lighthouse to talk with former keeper Gerald Butler about the impact of automation on keepers and their families. Gerald reflects on his transition from lighthouse keeper to fisherman and beyond, sharing personal anecdotes about the meaningful aspects of lighthouse life and the changes brought by automation. Key moments 01:19 Gruesome Lighthouse Mysteries 01:56 The Eddystone Lighthouse Fire 05:35 The Flannan Islands Mystery 07:26 The Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy 09:35 Interview with Gerald Butler 11:14 Gerald Butler's Post-Lighthouse Life 14:43 Reflections on Lighthouse Life 16:16 The Importance of Time 29:15 Loneliness and Companionship 32:25 The Magic of Reading 33:11 The Great Lighthouses of Ireland 35:59 Life as a Light Keeper 41:42 Challenges of Automation 52:42 The Future of Lighthouses 01:01:14 A Lifelong Passion 01:03:50 Conclusion and Reflections

KEEPING WATCH is a fortnightly podcast for enthusiasts of lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, light vessels and other aids to maritime navigation.

We're keen to talk with other former light vessel and lighthouse keepers and crew - as well as others currently working in the lighthouse service. Again, you can email me at [email protected].

Please spread the word to friends and family who might be interested in listening. And do like, follow or subscribe to this podcast so that you are notified when each new episode is published. A comment or a splendid review on your podcast platform of choice would be very welcome and really helps us to get noticed.

If you have an idea for a story you'd like us to cover, or an interesting person with a lighthouse connection we might interview, do please drop me a line. Or perhaps you are a fellow enthusiast and would like to contribute to the podcast either once or on a regular basis?

You can contact me at [email protected].

KEEPING WATCH is brought to you in association with the ALK - The Association of Lighthouse Keepers - a charitable trust in the UK dedicated to keeping lighthouse heritage alive.

Visit the Association of Lighthouse Keepers: www.alk.org.uk