In this special end-of-season episode, we bring you two very different — but equally captivating — lighthouse stories.
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.
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.
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).
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
Lighthouse Explorers: lighthouseexplorers.com
Annie's YouTube: Lighthouse Explorers
Instagram: @lighthouse_explorers
ALK Membership: alk.org.uk
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
