0:00:02 > 0:00:05Want to know about British history? You'd better get your hands dirty!
0:00:05 > 0:00:06Don't bury your head in a guide book -
0:00:06 > 0:00:08ask a brickie...
0:00:08 > 0:00:10a chippie...
0:00:10 > 0:00:11or a roofer.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Ever since I were a boy, I've had a passion for our past.
0:00:15 > 0:00:16So...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19I'm going to apprentice myself to the oldest masonry company
0:00:19 > 0:00:21in the country,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24mastering their crafts and scraping away
0:00:24 > 0:00:27the secrets of Blighty's poshest piles.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30From castles to cathedrals,
0:00:30 > 0:00:31music halls to mansions,
0:00:31 > 0:00:35palaces to public schools.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37These aren't just buildings,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40they are keys to opening up our past and bringing it back to life.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Today I'm in Sunderland in the north-east of England
0:01:06 > 0:01:10and I'm here to help restore this iconic superstructure -
0:01:10 > 0:01:11Roker Lighthouse.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- Welcome to the best view in town. - You can see for miles!
0:01:16 > 0:01:19'I take time out for a spot of fishing with the locals...'
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- Oh, it's pulling.- Mackerel.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22Belter!
0:01:22 > 0:01:25'..and get my hands on a monster machine down at the docks.'
0:01:25 > 0:01:28As big boys' toys go, this has to be the biggest
0:01:28 > 0:01:29I've ever played with!
0:01:36 > 0:01:37In the 19th century,
0:01:37 > 0:01:42Sunderland became a very prosperous city when its small harbour
0:01:42 > 0:01:44was transformed into a thriving dock.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47And nearby, on the coast of Sunderland,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49is the popular tourist resort of Roker.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52For over 100 years, Roker's colossal pier
0:01:52 > 0:01:54has sheltered Sunderland Harbour
0:01:54 > 0:01:58and its lighthouse has guided returning ships home safely.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06Lighthouse keepers looked after this impressive tower for 60 years.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10But when it became fully automated in the 1970s,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12it slowly fell into disrepair.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Although today it's still a functioning lighthouse,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19it hasn't had any maintenance for years and has suffered vandalism.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21So it's in desperate need of some TLC.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29Construction firm William Anelay have a £500,000 budget to restore
0:02:29 > 0:02:33this much-loved historic lighthouse and its pier.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Contracts manager Sam Weller is going to give me an insight
0:02:36 > 0:02:39into the work going on.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40- Hi, Dave.- Hello, Sam.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42By heck, that's a heck of a front door you've got!
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Yeah, it's a submarine door so it's designed to be watertight.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48The sea crashes over the pier and at times it's been over
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- the lighthouse as well.- Gosh!
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Has this been a particularly difficult job?
0:02:52 > 0:02:55It has. It's the first lighthouse we've done as a company, I believe.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58It's the first lighthouse I've definitely been involved in.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00So what did this place look like when you arrived?
0:03:00 > 0:03:02It was getting on for derelict.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Obviously all the windows were bricked up inside here -
0:03:04 > 0:03:07there were still shutters on the outside.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11The door itself was rusted and all corroded and looked a mess.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13So things like these tiles, are these all original?
0:03:13 > 0:03:16These tiles that you can see here, these are original.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- Right.- And the tiles just behind you there, they're the new tiles
0:03:19 > 0:03:22that basically are as near replica as we can get
0:03:22 > 0:03:24to the existing.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26So that brass rail, was that here or is that a replacement?
0:03:26 > 0:03:28No, that's all new.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31It's an exact replica of what was there before it was stolen.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34They weren't strong enough to get the windows, thankfully.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Are they brass as well?
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Yes. Hopefully now with the new doors, new windows and things,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42we should have it as security tight as it can be, really.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45It's such a symbol of Sunderland as well,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47you want it to be spick and span.
0:03:47 > 0:03:48Yeah, it's a landmark, isn't it?
0:03:48 > 0:03:51It's what makes these parts of the world so good.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Restoration has included the removal and repair of the lighthouse's
0:03:58 > 0:04:00existing brass windows.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03It's undergone 100% external repointing of the brickwork...
0:04:05 > 0:04:08..and there's also been extensive work going on underground.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16When the 600m long pier was constructed,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18a tunnel was built underneath.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20It stretches all the way from the lighthouse
0:04:20 > 0:04:23to the lighthouse keeper's cottage on the shore.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26The tunnel provided a safe alternative route
0:04:26 > 0:04:28when the weather conditions were bad.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Over time it became blocked up with sand and silt.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Part of the restoration was to clear it out,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36but it wasn't an easy task.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Getting on for 700m worth of tunnel there.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43One way in, one way out, and that's how everything came out.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46So it was all bagged up and dragged down to one end and two men in there
0:04:46 > 0:04:48for a couple of weeks with a head torch.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Does your heart drop when you see that
0:04:50 > 0:04:51or do you regard it as a challenge?
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Mine didn't so much, because I knew I wasn't going in there!
0:04:54 > 0:04:55DAVE LAUGHS
0:04:55 > 0:04:58It was to try to find someone who'd upset you recently
0:04:58 > 0:05:02and send them down there for a couple of weeks of misery, really!
0:05:03 > 0:05:05It's brilliant, isn't it?
0:05:05 > 0:05:07You know, the lighthouse is naturally stripy -
0:05:07 > 0:05:12it's built out of alternate layers of red and grey Aberdeenshire granite.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15You know, the thing is, it doesn't need painting, ever!
0:05:15 > 0:05:18But you know, it's more than a 42m high stick of rock.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19To the lighthouse keeper,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23it was his office and sometimes his family's home from home.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33Being a lighthouse keeper was all about hard work and commitment.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37The job criteria was incredibly specific and keepers were on call
0:05:37 > 0:05:41at all times and required to stay awake to watch that the light
0:05:41 > 0:05:43didn't go out or stop revolving.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49Some of the lighthouses had no running water, heating or toilets,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51and dinner came mostly from a tin.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54I'm not sure how long I would have lasted!
0:05:59 > 0:06:03The days of lighthouse keepers here at Roker may have come to an end,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06but the builders are determined to keep any restoration work
0:06:06 > 0:06:09to the lighthouse and pier close to the original.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11On three of the four floors
0:06:11 > 0:06:14the interior walls are covered in mahogany.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18The construction firm are working closely
0:06:18 > 0:06:21with a specialist timber company who will supply
0:06:21 > 0:06:25environmentally-sustainable wood panels to replace the damaged ones.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28It's the conical shape of the lighthouse
0:06:28 > 0:06:30that makes their job difficult.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31Everything in there is round.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33There's not a straight edge to be found,
0:06:33 > 0:06:38so every panel has got to be tapered to a certain radius so when the guys
0:06:38 > 0:06:42go onto the site, all the panels slot together to create that perfect
0:06:42 > 0:06:44radius for the internal panelling.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48It would be nice if they made all their lighthouses square.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51It would save all the curved panels, all curved mouldings,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54all the curved skirting boards - it would be much, much easier.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Already the firm have made 300 tapered wood panels
0:06:59 > 0:07:01for three of the four floors.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04We do one side at a time. We put the tongue on,
0:07:04 > 0:07:09we change the set and we put it back through to create the groove.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12We can start to slot these together.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13One by one...
0:07:14 > 0:07:16..and they'll all slide together.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The panels are finished off with a little sanding and delivered here
0:07:22 > 0:07:25to the lighthouse for the finishing touches.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31Joiners John and Trever have 30 years of experience between them.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Fitting the panels isn't an easy job - it's all about precision
0:07:35 > 0:07:36and a lot of patience.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39With the panelling, we're not working with a straight board,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42so setting stuff out, trying to keep it so it's all plumb,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44it's a bit of a challenge.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45The panels are oiled on site
0:07:45 > 0:07:48to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50And they look as good as the original.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54It's a very nice board and looks the part.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56I can tell the difference,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58but that's only because we work with it.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02And I think it's time I inspected the lads' work.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04This must've been a woodworking job and a half!
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Yeah, it was.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12It was harder for us than it was for joiners way back when.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Right. - Because they put the boards on,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- and then they plastered to the boards.- Yeah.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- We can't cheat by taking the plaster off.- No!
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Did you have to kind of fettle much of it to make it fit as you went?
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Yeah.- Bet you'd never have a round house, though, would you?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32No. Bit sick of it now!
0:08:33 > 0:08:37The design of the lighthouse and pier was the brainchild of engineer
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Henry Hay Wake and was completed in 1903.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43It was an incredible feat of construction.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48The pier took 18 years to build and its massive foundations
0:08:48 > 0:08:51first had to be sunk to bear its weight.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53A giant pump lifted tonnes of sand
0:08:53 > 0:08:57and concrete provided a stable base on the seabed.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Concrete was poured into colossal wooden moulds
0:09:00 > 0:09:03and then when it was dry it was lifted by cranes.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05As the pier got further and further out,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08so the concrete blocks were transported by steam train.
0:09:09 > 0:09:1345 tonnes of granite-faced blocks completed the pier.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16It was a huge operation,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19but essential to protect Sunderland's thriving port.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23The harbour was once a small, hazardous bay.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26But by the end of the 19th century,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29it had become one of the largest coal shipping ports in the UK,
0:09:29 > 0:09:35with an estimated 15,000 tonnes of coal being transported every day.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Jack Curtis grew up by these docks and knows everything
0:09:38 > 0:09:40about its development over the years.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42With the demand for coal came a demand for ships.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Yes.- So what happened,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48the little shipyards sprang up all the way up the river.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52And the men who had the money built little ships and exported coal
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- and made their fortunes.- Fantastic. And that built the city.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00And that built the city. It was a bustling, thriving, busy port.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Yes.- We had ships coming here from all over the world.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07You had shipyards, you had sawmills.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13'And it was engineer Henry Hay Wake who put his stamp on the port
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'and really developed it into what it is today.'
0:10:16 > 0:10:20He extended and he altered and he did quite a few things to them.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24But Henry Wake's great claim to fame
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- is our pier's magnificent lighthouse.- Yes.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34What people don't realise is that the South Pier was never finished,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36otherwise there would have been two lighthouses
0:10:36 > 0:10:38at the mouth of the river.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39Like a proper port entry.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Aye, which could have been fantastic.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Another of Wake's genius designs was this swing bridge.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51Situated on the East Dock,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55it's probably the oldest working piece of equipment in the port.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Pretty much every day, every shipping movement,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00the bridge gets swung off, ships go through,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- obviously get discharged, loaded. - Yes.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08I've got a letter here dated the 15th of June 1888,
0:11:08 > 0:11:09addressed to Henry Wake,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12who was the engineer for the River Wear Commissioners at the time.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15He was also the engineer who built Roker Lighthouse!
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- That's right, that's right. - "Dear Sir,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19"I send you enclosed herewith the completed calculations
0:11:19 > 0:11:22"for the swing bridge, the number three gateway.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24"I'm sorry I've not been able to return them before!"
0:11:24 > 0:11:27That's like the birth certificate of the bridge, isn't it?
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Isn't it amazing to think that all those years ago,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32he sat there and wrote that, and it's still working today?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Yes, he was obviously good at what he did!
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Technology has moved on a bit and today's Sunderland Dock demands new,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42powerful machinery to keep up with the modern shipping industry.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It now relies on humongous cranes like this.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I'm at the docks to find out what this monster crane can do.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Well, I've seen the old side of the port of Sunderland,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58this is definitely a glimpse of the future!
0:11:58 > 0:12:02'Sunderland's ports are still key to the region's economy,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04'transporting goods around the world.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09'But it's fantastic machinery like this that does all the hard work.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13'With a little help from our man Geoff.'
0:12:15 > 0:12:19This is the remote that comes with the crane.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21I bet you had some great radio-controlled cars!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Oh, I did! This is one of the best presents I've had, I'm telling you!
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Good grief! What weight is that?
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Well, the whole crane structure, I would say,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- is in excess of about 350 tonnes. - And what can you lift?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34It can lift a maximum of 120 tonnes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39So it's mobile, so you can actually drive that just like a massive toy?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Yes, it can go all the way round the dock, no problem.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43You've even got a spiral staircase!
0:12:43 > 0:12:44Spiral staircase.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45It's very trendy!
0:12:47 > 0:12:51'It cost a whopping £2.5 million for this beast, but already
0:12:51 > 0:12:54'it's increased the amount of cargo the port can handle.'
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- It's so precise, isn't it?- Yes.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00So you can't go very, very quick, which you wouldn't anyway!
0:13:00 > 0:13:02No north-eastern boy racers with this.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03No, no, nothing like that, no!
0:13:03 > 0:13:05They keep a lid on it!
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- It's fantastic. - It's a good piece of kit.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09So would you like to have a go, then, Dave?
0:13:09 > 0:13:12I've never been the most coordinated of people,
0:13:12 > 0:13:13but I'd love to have a shot.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Right, we might as well have a go. All I need you to do
0:13:15 > 0:13:20is to bring the boom in to 27m cos we're off 31 now.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22It will not travel until you're 27m.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Right.- I've got the safety catch on at the minute.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Yeah.- So I'll take it off and then it's all yours.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29And is this up or down?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32That... If you face the way the crane is, it's a lot easier.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- Yeah.- So you want to pull that back nice and slow and that will bring
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- your boom right back.- To 27.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Keeping an eye on the figures, to 27.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43There's no messing about with this!
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- It overrides a little bit, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- It touched 27.- A little bit more.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53As big boys' toys go, this has to be the biggest I've ever played with!
0:13:53 > 0:13:54It's a belter, isn't it?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I've just seen the future!
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Back on site, I'm keen to get to the very top of this lighthouse.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09They were fit lads, these lighthouse keepers, I tell you!
0:14:09 > 0:14:10I'm only on level three!
0:14:11 > 0:14:15'The renovation isn't just about the aesthetics of the building.'
0:14:15 > 0:14:17We're getting near the business end now.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18I can see electricity.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21'Because it's a fully-functioning lighthouse,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24'everything must work to perfection.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26'Especially its lantern.'
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Hello, I'm Dave.- Hello, Dave, welcome to the best view in town!
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Isn't it? You can see for miles. - Fantastic, isn't it? Yeah.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34So this is a brand-new light, so it's the modern version.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Do you know, I've got to admit,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I always thought the lamp would be massive,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39filling the whole top of the lighthouse.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40This looks rather small!
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Well, this is the modern one,
0:14:42 > 0:14:44which is half the size of the original.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- Yeah.- The original gas-powered one was 45,000 candlelight power
0:14:48 > 0:14:50with a range of about 15 miles out to sea.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- Crikey.- But this, half the size and more range.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Do you know, it's one of those jobs,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59I'd quite like to be a lighthouse keeper.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01I'd be sitting there at my table,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04I'd be building a model of HMS Trafalgar out of match stalks,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06with a bottle of rum by my side.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09And all I had to do was remember to light that gas light.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- And polish the light. I'm glad you offered.- Thank you!
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Is it just...? - Yeah, just clean the glass.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20Do you know, it's fantastic to think that this lighthouse will be here
0:15:20 > 0:15:23guiding people into the port for another 112 years.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24It's a nice thought, isn't it?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Yeah, especially when you've had the chance to work on it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Could you ever work, say, on a modern building site now?
0:15:30 > 0:15:34No, no. I must admit, this is where I like to do my work.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- Yeah.- It's more of a sense of pride.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Yeah. I can see that.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43It's certainly a great view from the top of the lighthouse.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46But I want to find out more about the tunnel down below.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Phil Tweddell, grandson of the last lighthouse keeper,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54got to know it pretty well.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Of anybody, you must know this lighthouse better than most.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Yes, I think I have a lot of experience in the lighthouse.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Very many childhood memories.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Yes?- Of Grandfather being the lighthouse keeper.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Was it a lonely job for him?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10He was here on his own most of the time,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13but I think he quite enjoyed the company of myself
0:16:13 > 0:16:16and my other cousins coming down to annoy him at times.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19If the weather was bad, we would come down through the tunnel
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and he used to have his practical jokes.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24We would telephone him to say we were on our way
0:16:24 > 0:16:27and he would know we were halfway down the tunnel,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29then he would start banging the door on the tunnel.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31And it used to boom!
0:16:33 > 0:16:34Echoed all the way through.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41Phil's grandfather, William Emerson, worked here from 1940 to 1965.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45His job would have included trimming the wick of the oil lamp,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48polishing the lenses, and winding up the revolving mechanisms
0:16:48 > 0:16:51every hour or two to keep the light turning.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55Wow!
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Well, Dave, this is the tunnel.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00And this tunnel goes all the way back to the mainland, to the beach?
0:17:00 > 0:17:01That's right, to the beach, yes.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04So shall we have a wander down?
0:17:04 > 0:17:07So is this tunnel...this is in, like, the main belly of the pier?
0:17:07 > 0:17:10This is in the centre of the pier.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's above the water level, but obviously the water,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15the tide rises
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and that's how you sometimes get the water ingress into the pier.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21The engineering involved in building this tunnel alone
0:17:21 > 0:17:25is pretty remarkable, that somebody had the foresight to build this.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26It's incredible.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30I think the engineering work when it was first built at the time,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- 112 years ago, is absolutely magnificent.- Yeah.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37And now we've come to one of the skylights, Dave,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41where they've now replaced them with extremely strong glass.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Yes.- Where previously it was very thick glass,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45but occasionally they would break.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49And I know my grandad would hammer in little squares of wood
0:17:49 > 0:17:51to stop the water coming in at times,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53till they'd get the proper glass to replace them.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55You know when you see the restoration work,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57does it gladden your heart?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I am over the moon the way this restoration work has gone.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04I give every credit to the people involved,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06who've bought this back to its original condition.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09I think my grandfather would be really pleased.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Time I got some fresh air.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15And what better than a breather on the pier
0:18:15 > 0:18:16with a couple of the locals?
0:18:19 > 0:18:23Since this pier has been paved for the first time ever in its history,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27it has attracted the attentions of more than just a few fishermen
0:18:27 > 0:18:30who come down here to catch a little fishy on a little dishy,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32and do you know what?
0:18:32 > 0:18:35They don't have to wait for the boat to come in, either!
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Oh, it's pulling!
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Mackerel. Mackerel, I would think.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44Yes. It's a decent one, too.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Belter! That's a beautiful fish.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54Whoa!
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Look at the size of that!
0:18:58 > 0:19:01It's a bit late in the season. The mackerel are big this time of year.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02That is beautiful, isn't it?
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- You'll have that for your tea. - I'll have them for my tea,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07or keep them for the dog! Dogs love fish.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10There's nothing better than coming down here for a couple of hours.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13You get deep-sea fishing because you're 2,000ft out.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15That one's going back in, if you're not careful!
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Sometimes we just fillet them and just do a little bit of sushi
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- while we're on.- Can I have a bit? - Yeah, you can, certainly.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Go on, what's your sushi recipe?
0:19:23 > 0:19:25You've got a bit of soy, a bit of lime...
0:19:25 > 0:19:27And a little bit of jalapeno.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- It's nice, isn't it? - That's absolutely brilliant.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34And just takes two seconds.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35Mm.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38Doesn't get much better, does it?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- No, no. - What else can you catch off here?
0:19:41 > 0:19:44This time of year, obviously we're changing from autumn to winter.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- Yeah.- You get a lot of codling, whiting, a lot of flatfish.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Codling are beautiful, aren't they? - Yeah.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51Depending on the size of the tides
0:19:51 > 0:19:53and whether we've got a bit of a swell,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55obviously the bigger the seas, the more fish we catch.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Brilliant, isn't it?- Yeah. - There's food for free.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- Well, it is, yeah. - Hey, well, tight lines, lads!
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- Yeah. Thank you.- Let's have a cast.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Right, who wants their ears pierced?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22'I'm a dab hand at fishing, I'll show them how it's done!'
0:20:24 > 0:20:26I think I've hooked on.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- Aye?- Grrr!
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- Just a technicality.- Yeah.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34'It might be an old bike or something,
0:20:34 > 0:20:36'but it's certainly not a fish.'
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Me heart went then, I thought I'd got one!
0:20:40 > 0:20:41I do love me fishing.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43'Well, better luck next time, eh?'
0:20:46 > 0:20:48Back to the job in hand.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53I've got some work to do, as today's the lighthouse and pier's birthday.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55And it's a grand old 112.
0:20:57 > 0:20:58Not a bad achievement,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00when you consider that these old friends
0:21:00 > 0:21:04have been battered by the North Sea every day of their lives.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07The Right Worshipful Mayor of Sunderland
0:21:07 > 0:21:10will be unveiling a plaque later
0:21:10 > 0:21:12and I'm helping to organise a little knees-up
0:21:12 > 0:21:15so that the locals can celebrate in style.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Time to help the builders get the preparations underway.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Righto, gentlemen, it's not long now until the mayor arrives.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25We need to put the plaque up and we need one of those curtain things.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28You know, like, "I name this lighthouse Roker Light!"
0:21:32 > 0:21:33Are you ready with the screwdriver?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Yeah, we haven't got a plug in that one.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37- There is.- Is there?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Oh, sorry! I'll hush me mouth!
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Should I go? - How good are you with screwing?
0:21:44 > 0:21:47A bit rough and ready, but you know, I'll...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Cos this is only a temporary structure, isn't it?- Yep.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00You know, gentlemen, obviously what you do works very fine.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02But what are your houses like? Are they rubbish?
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Took me three years to put a bit of skirting on at home!
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Wife would play hell with me.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11- Did she?- Every day.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Aye, aye.- Because, well, you don't feel like doing...
0:22:15 > 0:22:16It's like a busman's holiday.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20My wife's a dressmaker, and can I heck as like get curtains?
0:22:25 > 0:22:26One curtain, Dave.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Oh, I've got a hook.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35If I had a brain, I'd be dangerous.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36All thumbs.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42I think I'm there, lads.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44I declare this lighthouse open!
0:22:49 > 0:22:50Mine's worked.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53LAUGHTER
0:22:53 > 0:22:54Mine hasn't.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56You're going to have to stand behind it and pull it.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Just pull it off.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00'It'll be all right on the night, I hope.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02'Next up, it's the bubbly.'
0:23:03 > 0:23:06We've got plastic glasses.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08That's not right, is it, really?
0:23:08 > 0:23:09Oh!
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Always wear a hard hat.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15You think you're safe, but you never are.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Come on, gents, let's fill these glasses.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Now, what you do with the bubbly to open it -
0:23:34 > 0:23:36this is a tip you'll remember all your life -
0:23:36 > 0:23:37so it doesn't fly everywhere,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40you take the cage off the top, then you hold the bottom,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42the top, and turn the bottle.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44And you'll find out it won't go everywhere.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48See.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49Little bit.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- It's a nice sound, that, isn't it? - It is.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58'Bubbly's popped...' Music!
0:23:58 > 0:23:59'..and the brass band are here.'
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Thank you so much for coming. How many musicians have we got?
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- About six.- Oh, nice!
0:24:04 > 0:24:06There's nothing more evocative than a brass band, is there?
0:24:06 > 0:24:08You haven't heard yet!
0:24:08 > 0:24:11'Everyone's come along to celebrate, from local councillors...'
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Builders have done you proud, a spectacular job.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- Fantastic. - Of the old school, aren't they?
0:24:17 > 0:24:20It's very much an intrinsic part of the history of Sunderland.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23You know now it's going to last for another couple of hundred years,
0:24:23 > 0:24:24- so good on you.- It should!
0:24:24 > 0:24:26'..to a raucous local bike group.'
0:24:26 > 0:24:29I've got some drink, you can have a little bit!
0:24:29 > 0:24:32You can have loads. Have as much as you like!
0:24:32 > 0:24:34You'll be all right, you won't fall off the back.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37'It's an exciting time as Carmen Higgs,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40'the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Hay Wake,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42'will be the guest of honour.'
0:24:42 > 0:24:43Hello, Carmen, I'm Dave.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Welcome to Roker Pier!
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- Thank you, you too. - You've come a long way, haven't you?
0:24:47 > 0:24:51I have. Originally from Zimbabwe, but now I live in Australia, so...
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Gosh!
0:24:52 > 0:24:55I've been finding out so much about your great-great-grandfather
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and the effect he's had on this town.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59What does it feel like for you,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01being able to come back here and celebrate it?
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I didn't know much about this.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Coming from Zimbabwe, we'd never seen Sunderland,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08we never knew, really, what this place was like.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09And last year we came over
0:25:09 > 0:25:12and got treated to a sightseeing tour through it.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- That was just fantastic.- Yeah.
0:25:16 > 0:25:17I suppose it's quite touching,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19because it's part of my family history.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23You know, to see that people now are appreciating it and it's still
0:25:23 > 0:25:26standing after 112 years is something.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Well, now it'll stand for another 112.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Well, I've been busy. I've got the champagne out, we've got the band.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- I've even put the curtain up for the plaque.- Oh, good.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37So if it doesn't work, it's my fault.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Go through, Carmen, and we'll get you a drink.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41- Thank you.- Thanks.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47Right, so the dignitaries and the locals are all here.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I've spruced myself up ready for the grand unveiling.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Should I make a little announcement?
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome you to Roker Lighthouse
0:25:56 > 0:25:59and Roker Pier, which I'm sure you all know better than I do.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03We'd like welcome the Royal Worshipful Mayor of Sunderland,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and his Mayoress, to the event,
0:26:05 > 0:26:09which marks the 112th birthday of Roker Lighthouse.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Ladies and gentlemen, I'm deeply honoured
0:26:11 > 0:26:12to have you here as a guest today
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and ask you to join me with celebrating the achievements
0:26:15 > 0:26:18of the team who have delivered this impressive project.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- That's as good as it goes. - There you are.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26'Oh, maybe we should've spent some more time on that curtain!'
0:26:32 > 0:26:33To continue our celebrations,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I would like to invite the Westoe Brass Band,
0:26:36 > 0:26:37who are going to play for us.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41A one, a two, a one, two, three, four!
0:26:41 > 0:26:43BRASS BAND PLAYS
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Today, the people of Roker have come to celebrate
0:26:52 > 0:26:54this magnificent structure.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58This, the guiding light to the ships of the north.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02And the locals can't wait to take a first look at the newly-renovated
0:27:02 > 0:27:04lighthouse and pier.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06What does this work mean to you, that has been done here?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Oh, I think it's wonderful! I live in Roker.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- Yes.- And to know that this pier and our lighthouse will be
0:27:13 > 0:27:15open again for us - well, I've never seen it open...
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Yes.- ..will be magnificent.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21What does Roker Pier and Lighthouse mean to you?
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I've seen a lot growing up. My dad used to fish here as well,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26so it's nice to be part of the community like that.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Coming from the stadium, we used to play at Roker Park as well...
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- Yes!- ..which has got a big link to Roker Pier and the heritage there.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- It's in your blood, isn't it? - It's in the blood, aye.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Happy birthday, Roker! APPLAUSE
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Some buildings try to impress us with their scale and flashy design.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47But this lighthouse,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50it isn't some monument to an architect's inflated ego.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54I mean, Roker Lighthouse has proved its practical worth
0:27:54 > 0:27:57and it's won the affections of the local people,
0:27:57 > 0:27:59and I think that's something that's well worth celebrating.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Next time, I'll be at this stunning stately home,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07Bramall Hall in Stockport, greater Manchester.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10I'll be unravelling some secret medieval cartoons...
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Ride a cockhorse to Banbury Cross! - Yeah, exactly.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16..getting to grips with a bit of woodwork...
0:28:16 > 0:28:18I'd turn the chisel the other way round.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23..and discovering that the area was famous for its luxurious hats.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- I thought it was wool for felt. - Stockport's fur, much higher class.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Really? That's a posh hat.