Keeping Watch

Flat Holm Island and Lighthouse - News from New Zealand - BBC Radio 3 programme this weekend
 
In Lighthouse News, Mel shares a New Zealand story of last keeper Ray Walter on Tiritiri Matangi near Auckland, who, after automation in 1984, stayed on and helped restore the island by overseeing the planting of 283,000 trees over 26 years, increasing native cover and wildlife.
 
Ed discusses acquiring more lighthouse postcard volumes and the challenge of organizing a growing collection. They note Mel's upcoming ALK AGM trip to Whitehaven and Ed's participation in BBC Radio 3's all-day "music and lighthouses" broadcast from multiple lighthouses, starting at Dungeness.
 
They then introduce an interview with Bridget Box, new President of the Flat Holm Society, detailing Flat Holm's features, history, lighthouse origins (first light 1739), volunteer work, visitor access, and restoration of the foghorn station with hopes it may sound again.
 
Key moments
 
01:05 This Week's Lighthouse News
01:38 New Zealand Island Rewilding
05:25 Postcard Collecting Dilemmas
07:58 Whitehaven AGM Trip Plans
08:55 BBC Radio Lighthouses Special
12:40 Introducing Flat Holm Interview
14:28 Flat Holm Location and Society
15:41 Island Landmarks and Wildlife
16:51 Flat Holm Lighthouse Origins
18:11 Coal Fire Lightkeeper Tales
19:39 Visiting Flat Holm Today
20:15 Planning Your Visit
21:05 Staying Overnight History
22:38 Island Life Essentials
23:49 Wildlife And Flora
24:43 Volunteers And Conservation
26:01 Remembering Jerry Sherwood
28:57 Sticking To The Paths
30:26 Trinity House Maintenance
32:50 Restoration And Foghorn Return
34:49 Where To Learn More
37:09 Final Thanks And Signoff

Keeping Watch returns for Season 4 with Ed Peppitt and Mel Charles back behind the microphones after an extended break. The episode opens with a warm catch-up between the hosts, a little relief that the long-awaited fourth season is finally underway, and the reassurance that the season has been carefully planned, even if the spreadsheet took a while to become finished episodes.
Episode Summary
In this first episode of Season 4, Ed and Mel begin with lighthouse news from around the world before handing over to a full-length interview with Alan Boyers, former lighthouse keeper and long-serving attendant keeper at Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork.
Alan speaks with Mel about a life shaped by Irish Lights: growing up in lighthouse families, following his father into the service, training as a keeper, working around the Irish coast, living through automation, and eventually returning to lighthouse life at Old Head of Kinsale. The conversation ranges from fog cannons, lightning strikes, mercury baths and storm shutters to family memories, keeper hierarchies, lighthouse hobbies, ships in bottles, and the deep friendships formed by those who worked the rocks.
It is a generous, funny, moving interview with someone whose life has been intertwined with lighthouses from childhood.
In This Episode
Ed and Mel discuss:
The return of Keeping Watch for Season 4

News of recovered blocks from the Lighthouse of Alexandria

The scale, design and possible appearance of the ancient Pharos

A volunteer residential lighthouse keeper opportunity at Point Reyes, north of San Francisco

Mel's visit to Cork with the Association of Lighthouse Keepers

Meeting Alan Boyers at Old Head of Kinsale

Why this interview was too rich to split into short excerpts

Mel and Alan discuss:
Fog at Old Head of Kinsale and the old fog allowance

The history of the gunner's house and fog cannons at Old Head

Lighthouse families in Ireland and the decline of resident keeper families

Alan's childhood moving between Irish lighthouse stations

His father's service with Irish Lights and Alan's decision to follow him

Joining Irish Lights as an "improver"

Training at the lighthouse depot and at Dun Laoghaire

Life before and during automation

Returning to the lighthouse world as attendant keeper at Old Head of Kinsale in 1992

Working as a chef alongside lighthouse duties

Life at Old Head with Alan's wife Kathy

The animals at the lighthouse, including tortoises George and Henrietta

Alan's 26 lighthouse stations

Storm Ophelia and the force of Atlantic weather

A lightning strike that forced Alan to switch off the light at night

The four-and-a-half-ton lens at Old Head and the change to LED lighting

Mercury baths, vapour readings and the move toward bearings

Ballycotton, Fastnet, Bull Rock, Skelligs, Tuskar Rock, Roancarrig and other Irish lights

The keeper community, radio calls, WhatsApp groups and old stories

Semaphore, Morse code and changing communication at lighthouse stations

Lighthouse artefacts, uniforms, brass buttons and family keepsakes

The work of wives and children in lighthouse families

Keeper hierarchy, rock station life and friendships

Hobbies on the rocks, including ships in bottles, shell work, Open University courses and fishing

The hardship of long relief delays before helicopters became common

Lighthouse News
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
Mel shares news of work to recover large stone blocks from the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos. The recovered blocks weigh around 80 tonnes each, and archaeologists have found architectural details that may help refine understanding of how the lighthouse looked.
The hosts reflect on the astonishing scale of the Pharos: probably more than 100 metres tall, with a square base, octagonal middle section and cylindrical lantern room, topped by a statue of Zeus. Its light may have been visible up to 50 kilometres away.
Point Reyes Volunteer Lighthouse Keepers
Mel also highlights a call for residential volunteer lighthouse keepers at Point Reyes, north of San Francisco. The role involves helping visitors understand lighthouse life as part of the National Park Service, with accommodation provided and a winter season running roughly from November to May.
Main Guest
Alan Boyers
Former Irish Lights lighthouse keeper and attendant keeper at Old Head of Kinsale.
Alan comes from a lighthouse family and joined Irish Lights at a young age after the death of his father, who had also been a keeper. Across his career, Alan served at 26 lighthouse stations and later became attendant keeper at Old Head of Kinsale, where he has lived and worked since 1992.
Key Themes
A Life In The Service
Alan's story is inseparable from Irish Lights. As a child, he moved between stations including Roches Point, Ballycotton, Tuskar Rock and Rosslare/Whiteford. After his father died in 1972, Irish Lights told Alan he could apply when he was old enough. At 16, he rang them to say he was ready.
Because he was still too young to become a full keeper, he began in the lighthouse depot as an improver, learning practical skills across departments before formal training.
Automation And Change
Alan entered lighthouse keeping as automation was approaching. Irish Lights gave keepers a long notice period, but the change was still painful for people who loved the job. Alan took redundancy, trained as a chef, and thought his lighthouse life was over until Old Head of Kinsale became available as an attendant keeper post.
Old Head Of Kinsale
Old Head becomes almost a character in the episode: beautiful, exposed, fog-prone, storm-battered and deeply loved. Alan explains its fog history, including cannons and the gunner's house, and describes living there through lightning strikes, Atlantic storms and the daily rhythms of an automated light.
The Beauty And Loss Of Lighthouse Technology
Alan and Mel talk about Fresnel lenses, LED lights, mercury baths and fog engines. Alan is grateful that Old Head has retained its lens, even though the warmer character of the old light has changed with LED technology. He also reflects on the practical and health-and-safety changes around mercury.
Family, Memory And Inheritance
Some of the episode's most moving moments centre on Alan's father, RW Boyers. Alan deliberately visited every lighthouse his father had served at, searching for signatures and traces of him. He also still has the lighthouse keeper's cap that was placed on his father's coffin.
Alan reflects on whether his children might have followed him into the service had traditional lighthouse keeping continued. One son did go to sea, and Alan describes lighthouse work as something that belonged to whole families, not just the men officially employed as keepers.
The Hidden Work Of Lighthouse Families
Alan is clear that wives and children did a great deal of work at lighthouse stations: painting walls, polishing lenses, cleaning brass and helping maintain the station. He notes that women in lighthouse families did not always receive the recognition they deserved.
Life On The Rocks
Alan describes the routine of rock stations: four hours on watch, eight hours off; fishing, swimming where possible, making things, studying, and living closely with other keepers. There were hierarchies and difficult personalities, but also lifelong bonds.
The episode captures both the romance and the cost of the job: long absences, family strain, communication difficulties and the impossibility of coming ashore except in the most serious circumstances.
Memorable Moments
Mel and Ed admitting Season 4 has been planned for months, but has only now made it back to air

The hosts marvelling at the possible 100-metre height of the Lighthouse of Alexandria

Alan explaining that Old Head was known for fog and that keepers received fog allowance

Alan describing the house at Old Head as so exposed that opening the front door could nearly blow you away

The story of two foxes getting into the top of the tower during a storm

Alan being bitten while trying to remove them

A lightning strike at Old Head that stopped the rotation of the lens and forced Alan to turn off the light at night

Alan describing the Old Head lens: a four-and-a-half-ton optic still revolving around an LED

Alan meeting his old school principal while in full keeper uniform at Bailey Lighthouse

The "Hilton" nickname for Ballycotton's once-excellent rock station accommodation

Alan camping as a boy near Ballycotton under an Irish Lights flag

The retired keepers' WhatsApp group replacing old radio calls

Stories of Christmas sing-songs over lighthouse radio

Alan searching old stations for his father's signatures

George and Henrietta the tortoises becoming unexpected stars of the visit

Places Mentioned
Old Head of Kinsale

Galley Head

Ballycotton

Roches Point

Tuskar Rock

Rosslare / Whiteford

Bailey Lighthouse

Dun Laoghaire

Ferris Point

Bull Rock

Fastnet Rock

Skelligs

Tearaght / the Tears

Eagle Island

Black Rock

Tory Island

Roancarrig

Mizen Head

St John's Point, County Down

Point Reyes, California

Lighthouse of Alexandria / Pharos

Tallinn Maritime Museum

Links And Resources
Association of Lighthouse Keepers: https://alk.org.uk

Alan's Instagram: oldheadlighthousekinsale

Old Head Lighthouse Kinsale Instagram: search for oldheadlighthousekinsale

Point Reyes National Seashore volunteer opportunities: check the National Park Service website

Lighthouse of Alexandria archaeological news: search for recent coverage of Pharos recovery work

Closing Notes
After the interview, Ed and Mel reflect on what an extraordinary guest Alan is, and Mel shares that Alan and his tortoises, George and Henrietta, will be remembered fondly by the podcast.
Mel also explains that the long break between seasons was partly personal, following the death of her father and a needed step back from volunteering. The episode ends with thanks to listeners, a reminder to subscribe or follow the podcast, and an invitation to return in a fortnight for the next episode of Keeping Watch.




 
Key moments
 
00:00 Season Four Returns
01:35 Why The Break
03:15 Lighthouse News Alexandria
08:06 Point Reyes Keeper Call
10:13 Meet Alan Boy
13:33 Fog Allowance Tales
15:56 Lighthouse Family Life
17:31 From Keeper To Chef
21:49 Pets And Peninsula Life
23:01 Training And Automation
26:22 Storms Foxes Lightning
30:04 Lens Mercury And LEDs
36:03 Join The ALK
36:37 Weather Watching Today
38:41 Stormproofing the House
39:33 Meeting Kathy and Lighthouse Life
40:38 COVID Isolation on Old Head
41:20 Ballycotton Memories and Mentors
44:51 Keepers Network and Radio Days
47:14 Family Legacy and Father's Story
53:28 Favourite Stations and Lost Relics
58:53 Rock Station Culture and Hobbies
01:00:44 Ships in Bottles and Characters
01:07:34 Fastnet Pride and Family Sacrifice
01:10:17 Wrap Up and Podcast Return

 
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 alksoutheast@gmail.com. 
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 alksoutheast@gmail.com. 
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 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: alksoutheast@gmail.com

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 alksoutheast@gmail.com. 
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 alksoutheast@gmail.com. 
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 alksoutheast@gmail.com. 
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 alksoutheast@gmail.com. 
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