Welcome to another chat-filled digital space competing for space and time in your eardrums as we continue our gentle lollop towards the heady bright days of Spring and Summer.  The island slowly comes alive at this time of year with plenty for us to experience and share with you.

This episode is largely given over to another scoop interview with one of the many generations of Blakes that have shaped much of the Ventnor experience for visitors and residents alike.  Tim spends time with Ed Blake of the fishing dynasty that continue to ply their trade at sea, from Ventnor Haven and as a new generation, online.  Tim gets the inside track on what’s involved in fishing for crab and the rest of the catch in what is a remarkably large fishing ground.  Remarkable insight is shared into the current status of fishing boats on the island. In the second part of this 2-part chat, Ed explains how he was persuaded to get involved in local politics, his motivations and how, as a business owner, he hopes to help influence the changes he thinks are needed to help the local community.

For the rest of the podcast, Rory and Tim, riff around the edge of subjects as diverse as the recent North American total eclipse of the sun, vehicle number plates, transport, and first cars which leads to a promotion of the Rest is History podcast episode with Tom Hanks as their special guest.  Not to be missed.

Another gentle ramble around the workings of our minds ends with tributes to our favourite tribute musical acts and a birthday tribute to Ella, Tim’s other half.  Happy Birthday, Ella.

Thanks for listening

Tim and Rory