Needles Lighthouse at Christmas, part 1, 1992

This film (in 2 parts) was filmed in 1992 on board the Needles Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, England. I was sent with about 2 days notice, when the Keeper who should have gone, said he was too ill to go. I had been hoping to record for posterity, Christmas on a Lighthouse, so this is my recording of that trip.
If you don't like Christmas, New Year celebrations or Lighthouse Keepers humour
or life in a Lighthouse, then perhaps this isn't for you!....In any case, Merry Christmas to you, and a Happy New Year.
PS. If you have an interest in Lighthouses, then check out the Association of Lighthouse Keepers
at the following alk.org.uk/
It's not only for Lighthouse Keepers.

[@RockDodger]

Here i am, Back again to watch Christmas at the Needles.. Happy Christmas all.

[@PeterHalil]

Only just found this message by chance. Thank you very much and I hope you had a great Christmas too. Take care.

[@user-zy3zd3sx2d]

Being at a light house, even for just a spell, would be like being in a time from long ago.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you for your input. Stay safe

[@sandrodasilvasantos]

Mr. Halil thank you for your wonderful films. I've always been fascinated by lighthouses and was always curious about their workings. Cheers from Brazil.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you for your kind words and hello Brazil, so nice to think that my videos are able to travel the world, hope you and your family are staying safe during this horrible pandemic, take care, cheers.

[@cpat2265]

Mr. Halil, I have always been fascinated and interested in lighthouses and how they functioned. Your videos have given me a more appreciation of your former profession and a more curious admiration for lighthouses. Watching these videos reminds me of my days as a firefighter. Close living quarters, daily duties, "sketch" and dangerous working conditions, and commitment to duty. Cheers from a fan from across the pond!

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much, always appreciated, especially from across the Pond. I have a great respect for Firefighters, a very dangerous job indeed. Cheers Mate and stay safe.

[@SuperMattyde]

What you have done for Britain’s history is outstanding, by filming this you have cemented your place in history, god bless you . I thank you

[@PeterHalil]

Wow, thank you very much. I'm just glad that most people have liked the videos. Thanks again and stay safe

[@richardwilkinson4419]

I was 10 in 1992 and now hear I am , 30 years later watching you eat Christmas diner

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers HaHa!, Hopefully, in many years to come your children's children will still be able to watch me eat Christmas dinner too? Take care and stay safe

[@sharkamov]

Again,: These recordings are absolutely _priceless!_ . . . . (In many respects this reminds me of all the Xmases I've had at sea over the years, good crews and good food made it memorable...) Brilliant as always Peter! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@PeterHalil]

Thanks again Eric, and yes, if you have the right people around you it makes "moments" more memorable. cheers.

[@Seiskid]

What an extraordinary record of something that probably seemed simple at the time but has now passed. Great to see. That switchboard seems like something else with all the exposed contacts. Obviously dates from a much earlier time.

[@PeterHalil]

Thanks, yes that Frankenstein switchboard was something to behold, and a bit daunting to use, cheers

[@IKS-Exploration]

Christmas on the lighthouse amazing timing :) super as always Peter and merry Christmas :)

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you, cheers.

[@Riccardocampagnieri]

Enjoyed this video as well as other videos. God bless you. It must have been exciting.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, yes for me it was a brilliant time.

[@jonathanparker9670]

I’ve just started watching your programmes and they are brilliant and thank you for making them so we can enjoy them it’s something I would have loved to do especially when I was a kid my parents took me to south stack lighthouse in wales on its last tour before it went fully automated

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much, and welcome to my channel. I was one of the last keepers at South stack, so sad that we were all made redundant and the Lighthouses made automatic. However, that was the main reason why I started to do all the filming, before it was lost forever, glad you like them. Cheers and stay safe.

[@jonathanparker9670]

Thanks so much Peter. Just seen your filming at southstack so that will be my next watch. Take care and thanks again

[@NapierNimbus]

Lovely film, gorgeous donation hamper of goodies, nice touch from the school to do those xmas cards. Someone there is a super cook as those meals looked gorgeous. Loved the fog horn blasting away at New Year. But at the start of the film when sounding for real, makes me appreciate how it must penetrate to your bones and teeth when on for hours and hours.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, Yes the fog horn got to me the 1st night, till I got used to it. Gerry is well used to cooking on that beastie of a cooker and did us proud. The cards from the kids school were great and of course all those goodies, yes it was nice to have been thought of by very kind souls at Christmas time, Happy Christmas.

[@NapierNimbus]

@@PeterHalil Merry Christmas to you as well. I was lucky once to be invited to a roast cooked slow in the oven of a coal fed Aga by someone who had grown up with it so well experienced in its handling. So tender and such flavour.

[@mihalmacmaghnusa]

Thanks Peter.Really enjoying your videos. Best wishes, Mick.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Michael, take care

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Thank you from USA 🇺🇸 Merry Christmas to you and a very Happy New year. 🥂🎅

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers, hope you have a good one, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you as well.

[@mjallenuk]

Came back to watch more of the Needles Lighthouse... How interesting to see how generous people were. I never considered that or the cards from the kids! It's these details which really paint a picture!

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Matt, I always think that the cards or letters from the kids are a little bit special, take care

[@bender7565]

Thanks for sharing your memories. I was glad there wasn't any kissing at the stroke of midnight.

[@PeterHalil]

HaHa!, I'm glad also about the lack of "Kissing" at midnight, glad you like our efforts, cheers mate, take care.

[@marthaperdew]

This is awesome! I have every one of your videos in my Playlist

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much. So glad you like my videos and found my channel. Take care and above all else, stay safe.

[@MrManagra]

These videos are fantastic Peter, thank you so much! Being a big fan of lighthouses, I've always wanted to see inside them. Best wishes from New Zealand :)

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Geoff, glad that you enjoy them and hello New Zealand. Cheers and stay safe.

[@VanlifeHQ]

Absolutely brilliant, can’t wait for p2 want a fantastic thing you captured all them years ago before the ease of pulling your phones out,

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it, part 2 will be out next week, cheers.

[@stephendavies923]

Excellent. Looking forward to part 2. Cheers

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, it will be up next week, cheers

[@Contrafactum]

Soon to become a Christmas classic. Merry Christmas!

[@PeterHalil]

HaHa!, thank you, Merry Christmas.

[@Rusty_Nickle]

I'm so glad I happen to run across these videos. I'm having a blast watching them. You know it's one thing to read about things. Learn about things. Look at diagrams about how things used to be done. But this is A totally awesome rarity. Not only seeing it be done but seeing the lives behind the people doing it. That is the part about history that keeps me entranced. Sure is the old stuff is neat but I want to know about the people behind the old ways.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much, so glad you found my channel. That is how I tried to video it all. Some turned into just walk throughs when I raced around trying to get as much before the inevitable. I would have loved to have interviewed more Keepers, but not everybody was willing. Thanks again and stay safe

[@jackharrison6771]

Brilliant Peter and thanks. All the best to you and yours. KEEPERS IN THE FAMILY. The boy sat by the lighthouse tall; the workplace of his family, since he was small. Fishing by the rocks, or hunting lobster and crab; as his Father serves on the tower of Nab. These communities of Keepers, wives and children; ensured the lines of most extraordinary men. From Skellig Michael to Orfordness; and from Cornwall, to the Butt of Lewis. A tradition for some, until 1998; but it's all in the past now, new entrants are just too late. Whether Trinity House, Northern Lights Board, or the western- Irish Lights; they no longer crew the Lantern room, through Watches of the night. From Muckle Flugga, to Les Hanoi; for this and other Keeper's boys, much different futures, there are. These towers, now run by automation; with Solar Power, a very different situation. BY JACK D. HARRISON. 6TH DEC-2019. (Les Hanois of course, is pronounced Le Han-war, not Han-oy It caused me a little hitch with the last stanza Haha).

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers Jack, take care mate.

[@dazsalomon529]

Great video, wathchin this Christmas eve 2020

[@phaedracollins6051]

What a great video. This Lighthouse isn't far from me and I've often wondered what life was like out there when it was manned. Many thanks.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Phaedra, I was sent back there again for a short spell, right in the middle of them automating the place. Hopefully i will post that video in the not too distant future. Glad you enjoyed this video, take care.

[@2.7petabytes]

Such a great video Peter!

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much, so glad you liked it. Cheers and stay safe.

[@wailingentity]

Saying it doesn't seem like Christmas, with that carol playing in the background made me feel quite melancholy, but in a good way. Great video I will watch again in December. Love the channel!

[@PeterHalil]

Glad you liked it, I enjoyed my Christmas on the Needles, cheers

[@ecosseza4030]

i LOVE the New Years Eve fog horn celebration and I'm sure any of the locals or ships in the vicinity did too. Bravo!

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, I have to agree, a unique way to welcome in the new year, cheers. Merry Christmas.

[@drakemcfee9138]

@@PeterHalil Good grief how many decibels is that thing?? Ill bet everyone within 20 miles heard that!! very cool way to celebrate new years, i doubt anyone could be louder!!! "Happy New Year!" everyone "WHAT??? IM DEAF"

[@pairojeans]

Another great video thanks Peter

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, part 2 here soon,cheers

[@CrazyRach]

I love this video it’s fascinating thank you just a shame there unmanned these days thanks peter

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much, so glad that you enjoy it. And yes, what can I say about unmanned Lighthouses? It was/is a crying shame and I do miss the life. Thanks again and stay safe.

[@sarkybugger5009]

Seasons greetings to you and your family, Peter. Many thanks for sharing these fascinating videos.

[@PeterHalil]

Seasons Greetings to you and yours, have a Happy one,thanks.

[@johnforshaw3711]

Thanks for this video

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you John, it was a joy to have filmed this one. Cheers and stay safe

[@Deborahboenke2]

Cheers Happy Christmas 🎄 your making me hungry 🤣

[@PeterHalil]

Happy Christmas to you too Deborah, yes, Christmas Pudding mmm! stay safe.

[@gavinhusband181]

The endless sound of a lister diesel banging away in the back ground! Fantastic videos really enjoying them👍

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Gavin, glad you are enjoying the videos, much appreciated, stay safe

[@npc77107]

I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Carlos, glad you like it.

[@sidewindersid4180]

Once again Mr Halil, I dont mean to overcrowd the comments section but I watched this particular video over the Christmas many times and it really cheered me up in these testing times (and reignited a taste for Christmas pudding, which I hadn't had since my army service). Thank you for these videos, I shall continue to enjoy them for years to come.

[@PeterHalil]

Mmm, Christmas pudding! thanks, glad you enjoyed it, the video I mean, best wishes and stay safe

[@suspendeddisbelief401]

Just going to watch this now, Christmas Eve in Cornwall. Fascinating and wonderful to watch & hear about your he lighthouse's . So many here in this part of the country & this helps to picture how they were & the people who worked on them. Thank you & merry Christmas.

[@PeterHalil]

Have a very Happy Christmas and a brilliant New Year. Thanks for all your kind comments. Take care and stay safe

[@foxtrotkilomike]

200 Likes. These video captures are incredible. back then its not often than people would take the time to record such memories and still convert them to KZbin, thank you.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Frazer, much appreciated, more to come. stay safe.

[@straybullitt]

600 likes. My thoughts precisely. We are so fortunate that Peter had the foresight to document this way of life before it was gone forever. I have never seen anything like it, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of his videos.

[@PeterHalil]

Just by accident found your kind comments. I'm answering this 7 Months late because I never got the notification. Sorry, thanks again, take care and stay safe.@@straybullitt

[@adammorris5315]

There are two type of people in this world. People who get on beds with their shoes on and normal people

[@SIONARAFLORIDA]

WOW This film is epic. Happy Holidays!

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers Norman, Hope you also have a Happy Christmas and New Year.

[@robbiegoldsmith8727]

Hi Again Peter, I should have said that Ralph and I were on the Hanois Lighthouse Christmas 1973. All the best. Robbie.

[@pairojeans]

Hi Robbie, I wonder, could you still spend Chistmas on the Hanois? Bet they removed the bedroom and all the kitchen fittings when it was automated? Happy memories though :-)

[@robbiegoldsmith8727]

@@pairojeans Hi, After I was made redundant I became the attendant for both the Casquets and Hanois Lighthouse and they left both the bedroom and the kitchen just as they were as we still needed them when the Trinity House maintenance staff and engineers had to stay on board. Have a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2020.

[@pairojeans]

@@robbiegoldsmith8727 Thanks Robbie all the best to you and your family too, Merry Christmas and a wonderful New year to you from New Zealand.

[@Superfandangoo]

I use to live in Totland Bay IoW approx 3 miles away from the Needles often taking my boat or jetski upto the lighthouse bob about quandaring about its working. Thank you for a wonderful insight into yesteryear. Off to pt two 👍👏

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much. I was stationed at St. Catherine's there for a few years, so learned to love the Island. Cheers and stay safe

[@Superfandangoo]

@@PeterHalil What a coincidence we bought a house down Castlehaven Lane Niton Undercliffe in 2003, Thats a beautiful outlook and lighthouse there.

[@PeterHalil]

@@Superfandangoo Yes a beautiful spot indeed, I envy you living there. Take care

[@chunt5073]

What a fantastic video 👍🏻

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you for that, so glad you enjoyed it, more to come, take care.

[@chunt5073]

@@PeterHalil Brilliant 👍🏻

[@johnkelly1083]

Watching this Christmas eve 29 years later! Merry Christmas Peter!

[@uncleambient]

I'd love to spend Christmas and New Year on a light house. Great video, thank you Peter.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, yes it was a special moment for me and so glad that I was able to capture it for posterity. Take care and stay safe

[@ronnieadam8710]

The Christmas dinner looked lovely, great video Peter, all the best to you 👍

[@PeterHalil]

It was lovely thanks Ronnie, all the best to you too, glad you liked our movie.

[@hellooldchap]

A very young Gerry! Bottled gas I guess? Even in an offshore lighthouse, you couldn't get away from Noel Edmonds at Christmas...

[@PeterHalil]

Yes and yes to bottled gas, Gerry does a full walk through of the Needles in part 2, explaining as only he can, Cheers and Merry Christmas.

[@michaelmyers9875]

Awesome video

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you, glad you liked it, Happy holidays.

[@deanb4799]

It wouldn't be Christmas without watching this video Peter. Merry Christmas to you and your family from Vancouver Canada!

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Dean. A big Merry Christmas to you and your Family and I hope you have a Great New Year too. Take care.

[@user-lx5ue4wm5k]

Just love this Peter.happy xmas to you and family

[@user-sh9bq9vf5r]

Happy holidays! What an interesting video. I really enjoy watching your channel

[@PeterHalil]

Happy Christmas, glad you like them, take care

[@SMX815]

Great video Sir, wow an interesting insight to the running of such an iconic lighthouse in the hay days 🙏👏👍

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Simon, glad you liked it, we enjoyed making it. Cheers and stay safe

[@TheKilroyman]

The old Supertyfons are now on display at the Needles Visitors Center. I'm glad they preserved them instead of melting them down.

[@PeterHalil]

Thanks for the info,cheers.

[@TheKilroyman]

@@PeterHalil It's my pleasure. I don't just do this research for my own gain, I do it for other people's benefits too. ^^ Apparently it appears that only one bank of Supertyfons out of the three is at the Needles Visitors Center. The other two might possibly be in storage. There is a placard on the front of the bank of air horns at the Needles Visitors Center that says Trinity House saved all three banks of air horns rather than just one.

[@Contrafactum]

After A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th St., and It's a Wonderful Life, now we watch Needles at Christmas; the new Christmas tradition. Merry Christmas Peter, and thanks for all your great work.

[@PeterHalil]

Ha Ha!, Thank you for that, if only the local TV stations would do that too, Hope you and your Family have had a safe and healthy Christmas, stay safe, cheers.

[@marksythes1393]

hello peter cant wait to see part 2 have a good christmas and new year to you an family

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers Mark, Hope you and your family have a great Christmas and New Year to

[@christopherhampson265]

27mins in . The supply vessel sounds like an Avro Lancaster ❤❤❤

[@christopherhampson265]

Dam Busters 😂

[@PeterHalil]

I haven't been anywhere near Trinity's new ships, but I assume they will be much quieter, cheers take care.

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

Its strange how much simpler life seemed then compared to now. No smart phones, no youtube. Life seems a much more leisurely pace. I really love these videos, its not that long ago that the world was such a different place. Its strange to younger people now, that people used to man the actual lighthouses.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you for that, appreciated. Yes I've seem masses of changes in my lifetime, not all for the better but some great changes. Take care and stay safe.

[@bernardstander7642]

I see you don't drink alcohol, Peter. Same here. Never touched the stuff in my 46 years. All the best from South Africa!

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers Bernard, yes I'm teetotal, thanks. Happy Christmas to you in South Africa.

[@mat-mat420]

born here on the iow. and have watched this a few times but i cant stop watching wishing it was still like this today. i have been right out side looking up at the tower wishing i could get a glimpse inside. but i know the ins and outs from these videos witch i cant say for a lot of other things on the iow thank you for the awesome videos

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoy them still. Yes the Needles was/is a special place to me too. Take care, stay safe and have a Great Christmas

[@lewis3128]

The noise of the motor would drive me nuts

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers Lewis. I'm not sure whether we put the engine noise into the background or the video camera enhances the sound more. Also this being a shorter Tower, you are always closer to the engines. Take c are

[@Xoferif]

unwrap... unwrap... Refreshers! Result! =)

[@PeterHalil]

Ha Ha! Merry Christmas.

[@danielson101]

my favorite show Star Trek!!!

[@PeterHalil]

Yes, even on Lighthouses, Live long and prosper.

[@danielson101]

I love the ocean and lighthouses, my dad and grampaw on moms side were in both wars, im 66

[@PeterHalil]

A lot of service there, thanks again@@danielson101

[@danielson101]

Last is dad born in Pei

[@adam-spry]

Thank You Peter, I wonder if all those years ago you, whilst filming, you ever envisaged this wonderful thing called KZbin, where you would be able to share your days on the lights?

[@PeterHalil]

No I didn't ,and it took a few other things to fall into place to enable me to finally get my butt in gear to do this. I'm just so glad that people, such as yourself, actually like them. Take care and Merry Christmas.

[@josephkent3238]

Very cool , thank you

[@Sagittarius-A-Star]

I would never have thought about filming things like this or during war or a movie production. Now for me the people filming these events are somehow pioneers who guessed that it would be interesting for people decades later.

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you for your very kind comments, much appreciated. Cheers and stay safe

[@gazwoods7026]

Great video and an amazing place!! I'm mostly always on my own so I'd be the perfect person or role to be a keeper ,it would suit me to the ground(or should I say Rock) I love watching these old tales/stories from these old maritime historians of sea and rock!! I don't sopose you have much use for anyone like me wanting to do my bit for the shipping lanes or just helping the ships or fishing vessels in our waters 🇬🇧

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much Gaz, glad you enjoyed the video. Ralph, who was in the video, at some point , worked as a volunteer coastguard. I'm not sure if that was whilst a Keeper and in his spare time or not, maybe that's the way to go to do your bit for shipping etc? Cheers and stay safe

[@shadedflower5237]

It must have taken some time to sweep those steps, I would imagine there were quite a few x you're all so adorable

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Shaded, I've been called lots of things in my life, but adorable has got to be a first! and yes lots of stairs to clean, cheers. Stay safe and take care.

[@chocolatejellybean2820]

Great legacy for generations to come and hope it's not lost on people. What I see is the ability of people to cooperate, the absence of greed and selfishness. But why they can't soundproof those engines?

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Jonathan for your very kind words, much appreciated. As for the engine noises etc, why indeed didn't they ever think of that. When they automated and got rid of us all, they updated the places with all new quieter engines and brand new kitchens! cheers and take care.

[@mintysgt]

Just sat down. With a tot or 2 or rum and this wonderful video of the needles at Christmas. Merry Christmas Peter, and of course Gerry and Ralph should you ever see this comment. P.s I didn’t mind be late to work on Xmas eve. All the best

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Minty, I hope Ralphy and Gerry get to see this too. Have a Happy Christmas, and above all else, stay safe

[@bernardstander7642]

This is too awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you Bernard, Merry Christmas.

[@bernardstander7642]

@@PeterHalil The same to you!!!

[@davidvernon4828]

The noise from the generator must of sent them crazy

[@PeterHalil]

The noise from the engines are naturally amplified by the mike on the video camera, it never sounded that loud unless, in the engine room. Cheers and stay safe.

[@pikeywyatt]

16:23 that looks just like my rayburn.but mine is in a farm cottage on the land.(pebsham farm).

[@christopherhampson265]

What make are the generators ? My 1980 10 KW Hawker Siddeley Lister St3 ex Telecom exchange would have been a better lullaby , but what your using sounds good for another 50 years !! Thank you for sharing real life history with us !!

[@PeterHalil]

Hi, most of our engines were gardener/listers and the compressors were mainly by reevel of Ipswich, but I can't give you an answer about the generators for the Needles, sorry Cheers take care.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

I've been fascinated by your films giving such a detailed insight into your lives. It's so sad to think these are now all automated. I'd imagine the job of a keeper is one which chooses you and not the other way around? Thank you again 🙂

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you very much, glad you found my channel. It was one of those dream jobs that as soon as the bosses discovered we were enjoying it, we had to go! Ha. Yes you soon knew if a new Keeper was taken on if he was going to stay or not, it was that sort of job. Cheers and stay safe

[@jbradshaw4236]

Thanks for sharing this great insight into the life of a keeper. Yet another profession lost to the mists of time/advancement of technologies. .... Might I ask what you feel the hardest part of the role was? Many aspects would have appealed to me, started in the the Army, then emergency worker to date. I mean no disrespect by this, the role does seem quite a good number when things are going right! Atb.

[@PeterHalil]

Hi J, To be honest the hardest part was probably when the ship called to give you water and top up the fuel. The rest was just keeping on top of the cleaning and making sure of no problems, and yes when things are going right it was a very good number, take care

[@jbradshaw4236]

@@PeterHalil thanks. Your videos are really great. Stay safe atb.

[@judgeroybean6930]

A very heartwarming video this with what looks like a very happy crew. The first I've see of any of your videos Peter. If possible perhaps you can give me a link or I'll search them out where I can. I'm sure you were all occupied with your tasks but it made for very 'cosy' watching. I saw a comment the other day about a lighthouse had or perhaps could have been blown over or destroyed IF the weather, wind and storm were bad enough but I didn't believe this were possible. Also, HOW ARE or WERE they 'tested' in the past if at all possible. Thanks for this.

[@PeterHalil]

Hi Patrick, thanks for that. Just click on my name or search my name on you tube and there are lots of my ongoing Lighthouse video series there, more coming out most weeks now, till I run out of footage. I've never heard of a Lighthouse being in danger of being destroyed by storms, most out to sea in UK are victorian overbuilt very strong lighthouses, so no problems there, cheers, stay safe

[@drakemcfee9138]

BTW at around 38 minutes what was that you guys were eating you poured some kind of hot cream on it? Just curious

[@PeterHalil]

Hi Drake, We were eating Christmas Pudding which we would normally pour fresh cream over to eat, but we only had custard, stay safe.

[@drakemcfee9138]

@@PeterHalil ah, thanks

[@sirronnitram8937]

At 1:58 we see the open gravy jug being carried up the landing steps on arrival. We next see it at 20:55 on the dining room table for Xmas day lunch. Had the gravy been at home before the relief started ?

[@PeterHalil]

Hi, the jug that goes to and thro from the boat is a jug of tea for the boatman or an empty coming back!

[@robbiegoldsmith8727]

Hi Peter, Another great video. Nice to see Ralph once again, we spent Christmas 1973 together with Norman Wakley when the Earlwood Mead Ore carrier run aground on the rocks near by on Christmas Eve. I first went to the Needles as an SAK in January 1972 after having just spent Christmas on the Nab Tower. (2 months on the Nab followed by 2 months on the Needles, then a month on the Royal Sovereign with out touching shore) Have a great Christmas Peter and all the best for 2020.

[@paulclements6315]

Is this the same Robbie from Peter's video on the Hanois? If so, good to hear from you again. That video with you, Peter and Barry is one of my favourites, plus I enjoyed your interviews as well.

[@robbiegoldsmith8727]

@@paulclements6315 Hi Paul, Yes that is me, Peter has to be congratulated on all these video's that he has made and put out for us all to see. He must be kept very busy editing them and replying to all the comments.

[@PeterHalil]

Cheers Robbie, Christmas on the Nab!, that must have been cold?. Part 2 of the Needles has Gerry doing a walk through tour like you did for the Hanois tape, also next year I've got a Royal sovereign tape coming out, Have a Happy Christmas Robbie, take care.

[@robbiegoldsmith8727]

@@PeterHalil That's great Peter, I look forward to seeing both part 2 of the Needles and the Royal Sovereign video in the near future.

[@PeterHalil]

@@robbiegoldsmith8727 Cheers Robbie

[@davidbutler4363]

Who is that young guy with beard,thank you Peter.merry Xmas 👍😁👏👏👏

[@PeterHalil]

Ha Ha, and I didn't grow any bigger!, Merry Christmas

[@operatorjeffdeathstar7759]

Wine in your glass 23:00????

[@PeterHalil]

Not guilty, can't remember whether it was a cola or vimto, but I'm tee total.

[@judirving643]

Mr Halil. I hope you are doing well. A quick question if you don't mind. I was watching this video again and I realized on Christmas eve the crew are not wearing particularly warm clothes, was the Needles kitchen well heated? It had to be freezing that time of the year in such a remote, aquatic spot? Thanks as always!

[@PeterHalil]

Hi Jud, Thanks for that, as for the heat in the tower the AGA cooker was throwing out masses of heat plus the engines down below, so we didn't seem to suffer from the cold like some tower rocks that certainly didn't have an AGA and there were several more floors between the living accommodation and the engines. Cheers and stay safe.

[@ruston1200]

Gardner engines and DC system?

[@timothydevine7064]

How often do the new automated systems break down?

[@PeterHalil]

I'm sorry, but us ex Keepers aren't included in any information regarding that. I don't know if there is any Trinity Techies etc out there that can answer that one for us. Cheers and stay safe

[@Mickey-qq3dg]

Hi Peter, With a crew of 3 how many keepers were awake at anyone time? How does the shift pattern typically work for the 28 days on? Great video Kind regards.

[@PeterHalil]

Hi Mickey, Thank you for that. 1st day, 0400 till 12 mid day then back on 8pm till midnight your next shift is 2nd day, 12 mid day till 8pm then back on midnight till 0400, then you are off duty till 0400 the next day, you also quite often have a couple of hours kip before your midnight call out. It is normal for the 1st day man to go to bed for a few hours in the afternoon on that day, so 2 Keepers are awake then. When you are on the morning shift ie, 0400 start, you are the only one up till one of the others get up for his breakfast. Also you are the only one up and awake on the middle watch which is the midnight till 0400 shift, this is your only free from the other 2 time, which is great! but when you have technicians as extras come on board, they never adhere to this and never seem to want to go to bed! which doesn't always go down well as we all need our alone me time Ha Ha. Stay safe, cheers PS your 0400 till 0400 free from duty bit is when you catch up on sleep etc but if any joint work crops up, you muck in with the other 2 and do it.

[@Mickey-qq3dg]

@@PeterHalil Thank you Peter,for your informative reply.Take care.

[@richardcollins9856]

Great video, i would of been 7 years old when this was filmed. Can i ask do you miss those times, from watching your videos i get a sence that you where all friends and all enjoyed been part of the same team with a great purpose, I bet when the day came when you had to give it up it was a sad time kinda like the end of a era and friends parting ways.

[@PeterHalil]

Exactly Richard, a very sad day & time. And now I've been reliving those times all over again doing these videos. Cheers and stay safe

[@richardcollins9856]

@@PeterHalil Thanks for the reply, Can i ask when you answear the phone at 43 mins into the video was that someone checking up on you as seems very random why anyone would call for a fog/weather update right after the clocks have just hit new year lol also from all your reactions its like you knew they where going to do it

[@PeterHalil]

@@richardcollins9856 Ha Ha, no, I had no idea about that phone call, total surprise. It was my Wife Isla. Cheers and take care

[@richardcollins9856]

@@PeterHalil no not the wife call the one after where you was looking out the window giving wind direction etc

[@PeterHalil]

@@richardcollins9856 Oh, OK, that would have been our local weather for the coastguard I think. Cheers

[@paulford8651]

jesus, that generator noise.

[@PeterHalil]

Hi Paul, It was pretty much a constant din, cheers.

[@paulford8651]

@@PeterHalil, great to get an insight into the life of a keeper. Cheers!.

[@TempoDrift1480]

What is running?

[@PeterHalil]

If you mean the noise in the so called background? an engine is running 24/7 to power the building, not sure if that is the case nowadays though as lots of lights went to solar power.

[@paulclements6315]

Do you just become deaf to the continual humming of the engines? Seemed noisier in this video than some of your other ones.

[@PeterHalil]

I expect we do somewhat, also this tower is quite short so the noise travels further, and the engine room is just 2 floors down from the Kitchen/Living room. Merry Christmas.

[@russrh]

I love all your movies.but this one in particular. They just seem like a good bunch of blokes you could have a beer with. Why don't they resupply via helicopter?

[@PeterHalil]

Thank you for your very kind words. This was one of the last places that they did boat reliefs etc to and from. The Keepers there were very protective of keeping it and had a very high regard to their boatman Tony Isaacs. Thanks again and stay safe.

[@gromit3315]

Shouldn’t you have all rise for the Nationa Anthem @ 24:06? 😄

[@PeterHalil]

Ha Ha...yes we probably should have, cheers

[@sk8anddestroy792]

hope someone brought a couple sacks of the Royal cannabis to the xmas party

[@moonlightttt156]

Who was the best cook in the lighthouse peter

[@PeterHalil]

Hi Barry, When I joined the Lighthouse Service, we all seemed to be cooking for ourselves. I was never anywhere where they still had a cook of the day, so, I can't really answer that one. The only time, we mucked in together for a meal, was the Christmas on the Needles. Cheers and stay safe

[@moonlightttt156]

@@PeterHalil you to thank you for ur reply

[@dazsalomon529]

Great video, wathchin this Christmas eve 2020