Calder Navigation

In this episode of Calder Navigation, we're going outside and exploring the natural world around us with our amazing guest, Clare Donegan.

Clare Donegan is a passionate advocate for nature and the arts and Artistic Director of Inna Nature, an organisation that supports people to connect with nature.

Clare says she's always felt most at home in the natural world, and she deeply believes in the transformative power of creativity. Clare co-founded Inna Nature during her recovery from a significant illness, aiming to empower and connect communities with the natural world.

The episode explores Clare’s journey to creating Inna Nature and what we can all gain from nature connection practices.

Links from the episode:

Inna Nature's website: https://innanature.org

Clare's website: https://www.claredonegan.com/

Facebook: @InnaNature

Instagram: @inna_nature_cic

John O'Donahue poem, Fluent: https://www.ayearofbeinghere.com/2015/08/john-odonohue-fluent.html

Mary Oliver, The Summer Day poem: https://www.best-poems.net/mary_oliver/the_summer_day.html

Tree Time workshops - https://curiousmotion.org.uk/classes/tree-time/ 

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

In this episode of Calder Navigation, we’re passing the microphone to five incredible individuals: Musa, Sofayne, Hazel, Hina and Abdelhameed who are people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Today (Thursday 20th June) is World Refugee Day and it’s also Refugee Week, which has the theme of Our Home. In this episode we’re showcasing the resilience and creativity of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, who have very kindly agreed to talk to us about what ‘home’ means to them. Today you'll hear beautiful pieces of writing and poetry alongside short interviews.

At Curious Motion, we stand in solidarity with all those affected by war, devastation, and conflict around the world. In this Refugee Week, we extend our deepest support and empathy to those who have been compelled to flee their homes in search of safety and refuge elsewhere. The podcast episode you are about to hear features the courageous voices of refugees currently living here in Calderdale. Through their poignant witness statements, they offer profound insights into their experiences of displacement, resilience, and hope. Their stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Links from the episode:

St Augustines - https://www.staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk/

Northern Broadsides - https://www.northern-broadsides.co.uk/

Clare Shaw - https://www.clareshaw.co.uk/

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

Today on Calder Navigation, we are shining a spotlight on Sowerby Bridge through the vibrant early life of one of the town's own, Geoff Amos. Geoff's life is a patchwork of diverse adventures and endeavours, and his journey embodies the spirit of curiosity and adaptability.

In this episode, Geoff invites us to stroll down memory lane, regaling us with tales of his childhood in Sowerby Bridge, particularly during the 50s and 60s. He shares the enduring impact his childhood has had on his life, including how he's lived through immense changes in the town and in our general way of life. This was such a fun episode to record and our chat covers everything from the importance of libraries to the nature of memory, happiness and wonder.

Jeff also has an upcoming podcast project where he promises to delve even deeper into the mosaic of his experiences, with support from season one guest, Liz Leach Murphy. As you'll hear today, Jeff has a lot to share and it's not possible to cover everything we spoke about in one episode, so keep an eye out for Geoff's upcoming podcast too!

Links from the episode:

Geoff’s website: https://geoffamos.wordpress.com

The Puzzle Hall Inn: https://www.puzzlehall.org.uk

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

Welcome back to Calder Navigation, where each episode serves as a compass guiding you through the vibrant tapestry of Calderdale.

We’re delighted to present Season 2 as part of our Culturedale Commission, celebrating Calderdale's rich cultural heritage during the year of culture. From intimate conversations to profound revelations, each episode is an invitation to connect, reflect, and celebrate the human experience.

Our guest this episode, Adrian Bell, is the Integration Programme Manager at St Augustine's Centre in Halifax. St Augustine's is at the forefront of combatting loneliness and isolation for individuals seeking sanctuary in Calderdale. Adrian shares how the centre fosters a sense of belonging and provides practical support for those rebuilding their lives, including how sport has featured as an important element of this.

We recorded this episode during a boxing session at Star Boxing Club in Halifax, a regular session making boxing and exercise accessible to the refugee community. Adrian explores how partnerships like this are breaking barriers and creating connections across communities.

Listen for more inspiring stories, including an upcoming special episode during Refugee Week, exploring themes of home and togetherness in the valley.

Links from the episode:

St Augustine’s:

Star Boxing Club:

Other things mentioned:

Temperance Movement coffee shop: https://www.visitcalderdale.com/see-and-do/the-temperance-movement/

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

Welcome to the final episode of the first season of the Calder Navigation podcast! It’s been wonderful sharing stories and building connections, and we hope you’ve enjoyed listening.

We have a great listen for you for the final episode. Let's embark on a fascinating journey through the life and experiences of multi talented actor and jazz singer, Hayley Doherty.

What sets Hayley apart is not just her remarkable artistic skills, but her unique lifestyle choice that has shaped her into the person she is today!

So join us as we delve into her captivating story and uncover the harmony between her artistic passions and her lifestyle on her narrow boat.

Keep in touch with Hayley:

Hayley’s Little Big Band website

Hayley’s Little Big Band Instagram

Video for ‘Another Way of Telling’ that Hayley performs in

Useful links:

Canal & River Trust

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

Today we have two short interviews for you with some wonderful people who are part of the Curious Motion community.

This episode is about sharing experiences from people who have come to Calderdale from other countries. A common connection seems to be the similar landscapes that Calderdale shares with other countries, in this case Syria and Iran - we explore this in this episode and chat about life in the area in general.

You'll hear first from Dalia and her daughters Fadila and Hasna, who have lived in Elland for seven years and are originally from Syria. They're now regulars at our workshops and sessions and I was delighted to sit down and chat to them.

The second interview is with the wonderful Mahsid Alavi who has recently joined our team as a project assistant. Mashid is an Iranian artist, project facilitator and community enthusiast. Calderdale has become a special place for Mashid since leaving her home country of Iran for a variety of reasons, including the landscape.

Settle in for these wonderful chats. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

I'm joined today by Liz Leach Murphy. Liz founded the social enterprise Imagineer in 2009 to take her work in health and social care further.

Over the years, Liz and the Imagineer team have moved from a small local organisation to one with a national reach, and they are doing incredible work, making real change for people and families. Liz has also encouraged and supported people to develop their own community initiatives.

Her leadership style, steeped in kindness and an extensive understanding of her work is something we can all learn from.

In today's chat, Liz kindly shares in depth some of her experiences throughout her career, including significant challenges that she's overcome and her thoughts on leading with kindness and putting people first.

A heads up that part of this episode could result in feelings of sadness, grief or distress. Listener discretion is advised and we encourage you to prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing while deciding whether to listen to this episode.

Keep in touch with Liz

Support links:

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

Welcome back to Calder Navigation!

This week, we're joined by Christine Martin, the brilliant artist behind Kissy Colour Art and Crafts. For years, her paintbrushes patiently collected cobwebs and dust until the undeniable need for creative expression could no longer be contained.

Christine's influence doesn't stop on her canvas. Through her workshops, she empowers individuals to unlock their inner creativity, fostering wellbeing, collaboration and personal growth.

So whether you're an art enthusiast, a creative soul, or simply someone captivated by the magical interplay of colours, join us as we set sail into the captivating world of Christine's artistry and creativity.

Keep in touch with Christine:

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

Today we're going on a bit of a different journey as we transport you into the world of live dance. During the last week of July this year, we created a piece of choreography from scratch to share at our Welland Showcase event. We called it This Here Land, and now it's your turn to experience This Here Land, albeit in a slightly different way!

In today's episode, one of the dancers, Matt Lackford, will take you on an audio journey through the work. You'll be transported inside the piece as an opportunity to unleash your imagination and let go of the world around you for a little while.

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative

Let’s go for a walk along the Calder and Hebble Navigation!

This week, I’m chatting to Jim Souper, one of Curios Motion’s volunteers. He helps run our walking sessions, and is an avid nature photographer - perfect fit for a walk along the canal!

So join us for this week’s episode, where we take a mindful walk through nature and talk about the importance of noticing the small things.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:

Find out about Curious Motion:

Production support from Untold Creative