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Ernie Coulthard

Ernie belongs to: Souter Lighthouse

Ernie was born in Gosforth, Newcastle. He served his apprenticeship at Vickers Armstrong at Elswick in the gun shops. After retiring Ernie began volunteering at Souter Lighthouse where he has a particular interest in the lighthouse's engineering.

Ernie was interviewed by Carl Greenwood on 2 March 2006. The interview took place at Souter Lighthouse and lasted 10 minutes and 49 seconds.

Photograph of Ernie Coulthard in the Souter Lighthouse engine room

The light

"I think the most interesting part of the lighthouse is the light itself"

I think the most interesting part of the lighthouse is the light itself, you know. You have a four and a half tonne lantern, which people are, never cease to be amazed that you can actually turn it with two fingers, they just never, everybody who goes up there is amazed you can do that, because it floats on mercury. And that’s a wonderful piece of knowledge of people to think of because you just don’t get that now, that is Victorian engineering at its best.

Ernie has 8 memories in the memorynet:

Ernie's memories with a Volunteering theme:

•  Starting volunteering at Souter
•  Role at Souter
•  Favourite part of Souter
•  Social events

Ernie's other memories:

•  Apprenticeship at Vickers Armstrongs
•  The light
•  The Collier's Chant
•  The engineroom at Souter

This memory has these themes:
Equipment

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