16/09/2026
On Sunday evening I went down to the beach on a complete whim, looking for sea glass and filming one of my usual little rambles. Walney Lighthouse happened to be there in the background, so naturally it found its way into the video too.
I had no idea when I posted it what memories that little glimpse of the lighthouse was going to bring back for somebody hundreds of miles away.
Tony Airey commented and shared these wonderful pieces of his family history with me. His father, Edwin Albert Airey, and Edwin’s twin brother served as anti-aircraft gunners here on Walney during the Second World War. Tony has since returned to Walney himself, and even has his own little lighthouse and cottage in his garden back home in West Sussex.
He told me, “Walney is my special place.” ✨🩵
I’m always so touched when my pictures and videos prompt people to share their memories.
So Tony, you said you’d love to see my photographs of the lighthouse. I’ve been digging through my archives, and these are for you. Along with some pictures I took of some war time relics 💙
I spend an awful lot of time wandering these shores, picking up bits of glass, taking photographs and talking about whatever catches my eye. I still find it quite extraordinary sometimes that those little rambles travel as far as they do - and that every now and then they find someone carrying their own piece of Walney with them.
Thank you for sharing yours. 🌊✨
