Keeping Watch

• Lighthouses on television with engineer and tv presenter Rob Bell

  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

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• Paranormal Phenomena in Lighthouses - With Mark Lewis

  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

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  54:33
• Life as a lighthouse keeper's wife - Louise Medlicott

  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

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  46:36
• A Lighthouse Keeper's story - Gordon Medlicott

  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

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  57:03
• A Keeper's Legacy: Our Tribute to Ian Duff

    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

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  37:20

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