Folk Tales

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Richard Percy, CEO of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, and Ellie Gennings, Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Bournemouth University about youth engagement initiative, boatgen.

In September 2021, boatfolk and the Andrew Simpson Foundation took to the boatfolk stage at the Southampton International Boat Show to launch boatgen, a joint initiative aimed at developing the UK's next generation of boater. They were joined on stage by Olympic Gold Medallist, Eilidh McIntyre and boatgen ambassador, Tim Long and since then have been on a mission to engage young people from all walks of life around the life-changing benefits of getting afloat.

Richard and Ellie share their background and experiences in this episode of Folk Tales and explain why boatgen is such an important initiative as we look ahead at the future of our sport.

Happy listening!

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Dr Camilla Hickish, cancer-survivor and volunteer for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

Camilla speaks with East Cowes Marina Manager and Assistant Manager, Mike Townshend and Jess Olden about her experience of working with the Trust following successful treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2010. She recalls what it was like being diagnosed with cancer at just 15 years old,  and shares what working with the Trust and being on the water has meant for her.

Camilla is incredibly inspiring and she has an amazing story to tell.

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with David Cusworth, lifelong sailor and Community Partnerships Manager at boating innovator, Savvy Navvy.

From a career in the Royal Navy, to selecting new recruits for the Clipper Round the World Race, through to emigrating to Denmark to work for tech disruptor, Savvy Navvy, David has had a remarkable life on the water and shares all with us in this episode of Folk Tales.

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with recent boating convert and Penarth Marina berth holder, Enya-Jai Broughton.

Having bought Hela, a 26.5 ft sailing boat in need of some love, in 2020, Enya-Jai set about restoring her using nothing but some friendly advice and YouTube tutorials!  All while battling with what she calls her "invisible disability".

Through blood, sweat and tears, Enya-Jai has given Hela a new lease of life and is on a mission to put Hela through her paces and to chart a course for new and exciting adventures.

Enya-Jai has a courageous attitude, fantastic perseverance and a brilliant story.

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Neil Garrick-Maidment from  environmental charity, The Seahorse Trust.

Neil has been working with our team at boatfolk to develop and launch a ground-breaking project to bring eco-moorings to Studland Bay in Dorset. Following recent approval from the Marine Management Organisation, the landmark project is set to change the future of Studland for good.

Neil chats with eco-warrior and Haslar Marina Manager, Ben Lippiett about the project and about the fantastic work that the Seahorse Trust does at championing this mysterious and incredible species.

Neil has some incredible experience and a story well worth listening to.

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Angus Johnston from sustainable cleaning company, Ecoworks Marine.

Ecoworks Marine was founded  5 years ago by Angus, his brother Fraser, and father Scott with a single mission; to champion the sustainable revolution in marine cleaning. Their unique range of environmentally-conscious boat cleaning products are used the world-over, and they have fast become the go-to brand for sustainably-minded boaters.

We chat to Angus about the current crisis faced by our seas, from ocean plastics to biohazardous waste, and we discover how Angus at the team at Ecoworks are doing their bit to reduce their impact on the planet.

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Dr Tim Ferrero from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Tim talks to us about the fantastic work that the Trust do and about his experience of protecting our oceans through important initiatives like the Living Seas project and Secrets of the Solent.

With over thirty years of experience in marine conservation, Tim is the authority on what lies beneath the waves in the Solent and we're lucky enough to get the inside scoop!

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Tim Davies from charitable sailing project, Sail2Help.

Following the tragic suicide of his son, George, in December 2020, Tim set-up Sail2Help to  raise awareness of mental health issues among young people, and importantly raise funds in order to offer much-needed support to those that need it most. Working to support Papyrus, the UK’s main suicide prevention charity for young persons,  Sail2Help seeks to help fund projects that aim to reduce the incidence of suicide.

Tim shares his story with us and his belief in the the power of sailing to help provide much-needed respite for those suffering from the loss of a loved one. This episode may be triggering for some listeners and we ask that you please decide if this is suitable for you before listening.

www.boatfolk.co.uk
www.sail2help.com

In this episode of Folk Tales we speak with Celine Gamble of the Zoological Society of London and Maria Hayden-Jones of Bangor University about the pioneering project that sees Conwy Marina becoming a focal point for the rewilding of native oysters.

In April 2021, 1,300 native oysters were returned to waters in Conwy Bay. Part of an ambitious restoration project known as the Wild Oysters Project, the aim is to bring back these ‘ocean superheroes’ from the brink of extinction.

The Wild Oysters Project is a partnership between ZSL (Zoological Society of London), Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and British Marine. It aims to help restore healthy, resilient coastal waters around the UK. The nurseries are currently set up in various sites including one at Conwy Marina in conjunction with Bangor University. 

Celine and Maria take us through the project, its aims, and the vital role that oysters will play in the safeguarding of our waters for generations to come.

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk
www.wild-oysters.org

Honest Conversations is a Folk Tales mini-series focused on all things mental wellbeing as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.

Today's theme is "Connect", and we're chatting with Tom and Matt, founders of the hugely successful charitable coffee business, Frontline Coffee.

Frontline Coffee was founded in 2018 by firefighters Tom and Matt to offer support to fellow members of the emergency services suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What started as offering a safe place to come for a cuppa and a chat has become a coffee empire selling beans and make at home coffee products followed by the opening of the first Frontline coffee shop on Portland at the end of last summer and the ‘coffee hydrant’ trailer by Portland Castle during spring 2021.

Proceeds from the sale of the coffee beans go to various emergency services support charities such as The Fire Fighters Charity, Laura Hyde Foundation and RNLI.

Happy listening!

www.boatfolk.co.uk
www.frontlinecoffee.co.uk