In September, Tern Productions visited Lundy to film for a Channel 4’s series called Our Tiny Islands.

There had been quite a few discussions with the researchers in the months running up to the filming. They were looking for three people from the island who were willing to share their island lives.

The crew had originally planned to come at the end of August, but bad weather delayed filming until 7th September. As it turned out, conditions were still far from ideal. We had plenty of showers and strong winds. Regardless, the cameras rolled!

The storyline focused on “life on the island.” It followed three of us who live and work here. I am a General Assistant. Ian Bushell is the Island Carpenter. Tara McEvoy-Wilding is the Assistant Warden.

My filming began in the Marisco Tavern. The crew wanted to capture the pub’s central role in island life. They also wanted to capture some of the day-to-day work of a General Assistant. I got filmed walking to work, serving and interacting with customers.

The next day, despite the rain, we filmed at the Felix Gade Hut to feature my typewriter Haiku project.  

The crew were especially interested in the history of the Lundy Granite Company. They wanted to learn how island life has changed since those days. We headed to one of the quarries for filming too.

I had to answer lots of questions directly to camera – which was a little daunting!

The last part of my filming was much more light-hearted. It was a “Blue Tit dip” off the Jetty. I was joined by a group of fellow dippers. Cold, but fun.

Ian was next to be filmed, first fishing, then preparing his catch with his wife Sarah using fresh allotment vegetables. The crew also captured some of his maintenance work around the island. They filmed the friendly Pumpkin Competition he organised among staff.

Finally, Tara’s turn came. Despite dodging showers, she led the crew across the island. She talked about the Letterbox Challenge. This includes a new letterbox she’ll be adding soon. They filmed her while she was rock-pooling. She discussed Lundy’s Marine Conservation Zone. The team was especially keen to include this topic.

It was a fascinating experience to see how a TV programme takes shape. I’m looking forward and excited to watching Lundy come to life on screen. If I survive the cut!

There are already four episodes of Tiny Island’s available to watch on Channel 4 Catchup. Lundy will feature in a future programme next year.