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]. 

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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