In our last episode, “Flock to Festival,” we traced how the Sheep Fair began and how, over time, it’s been shaped by the people who care for it. 
This time, we’re turning the microphone toward the Volunteers: the friendly faces who appear exactly when you need them, often with a cup of tea, a laugh, and that quiet “mucking in” spirit that keeps the whole day moving. 

You’ll hear real stories from the Community and why people step forward, what surprised them, and how volunteering can build confidence, friendships, and a genuine sense of connection. 
Whether you’re young or old, new to the area, or simply curious, there’s a role with your name on it: a couple of hours pointing cars, answering questions, helping behind the scenes, even rocking a high-vis jacket with a clipboard. 

For the Sheep Fair to thrive for decades to come, it can’t rely on the same small group it needs an army of helping hands. 
If you’ve ever wondered “Could I do that?” This episode is your gentle nudge to take the first step and be part of something bigger.

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

Disability cricket is still relatively unknown and yet tens of thousands of people now take part across the UK, with the Disability Premier League and the ECB’s support England is leading the way. Talking with Richard Hill MBE who has been a pivotal figure in the advancement of disability cricket, we explore how cricket is becoming a place of belonging, opportunity, and ambition for players with physical, learning, and sensory disabilities.

From grassroots community teams to county pathways and elite competition, disability cricket is growing fast. The biggest barrier isn’t opportunity, it’s awareness. This isn’t adapted cricket, but a structured, competitive system where players are valued and challenged. 

We look at the impact this has on players’ lives, the rise of the DPL, and the role cricket is playing in opening doors and changing perceptions, proving that when inclusion is done properly, players don’t just take part… they find their place.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) - The Official Website of the ECB

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

Sheep have been ambling into Findon for more than 300 years, and they’ve seen it all, auctions, admirers, and now the glamour of the sheep‑judging ring. The Southdown was once the undisputed star of the show, but as the years rolled on, other breeds joined the cast, and the traditional auction eventually became too small to keep going.

Findon, however, is a village with a wonderfully stubborn heart. Rather than let the tradition drift away, the community gathered itself, as villages do, and created the Findon Sheep Fair and Village Festival to keep the story alive. Each September, Nepcote Green fills once again with wool, laughter, and the gentle chaos that only sheep can bring.

What keeps it all going isn’t just the sheep, but the goodwill and elbow grease of volunteers, the people who set up pens, guide visitors, and occasionally negotiate with a determined ewe who has her own ideas about the day.

If you can spare a few hours over the weekend of the Fair, or in the days leading up to it, the team would be delighted to welcome you. It’s fun, it’s friendly, and you’ll be helping to keep a much‑loved village tradition very much alive.

To find out more or to put your hand up, wander over to: https://findonsheepfair.org.uk/

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

In this episode I talk with Trevor Eyles who shares real insight into a topic which many know very little about, and others will feel reassured and acknowledged.  

The phenomenon of hearing and seeing things that others don’t is universally misunderstood.  
Extreme states generally occur as a sane response to insane circumstances.
Meaning can be found in these experiences, and people can, with guidance, learn to cope and thrive.

For further information please use the following links. 

Hearing Voices – Independent Voice Hearing Consultant Trevor Eyles

Trevor Eyles - Compassionate Mental Health

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

"When starting, I have a vague sense of an intended outcome, but I begin working on a piece and just see who emerges. An angel, a devil, god or monster."

After studying Theatre Design and Illustration, Jim Pilston worked as an illustrator for many years. Over time, his illustrative work began to emerge as three-dimensional pieces. Using papier-mache and mixed media, he explored folklore and legend – both local and European. 
 
His style has now developed into a quirky and distinctive sculptural style, based on narrative and clever characterisation. The sources he draws on vary greatly but the stories, pictures, films and children’s television of his 1970s Cotswolds childhood are never far away. Jim shares some of his memories from family to school and beyond - all have contributed to successful pieces of art which now adorn the walls and floors of many homes worldwide.
 
The materials he uses are, almost entirely, sourced within a mile or two of his Stroud home. They are found materials that are repurposed and recycled. The paper is from the used paper recycling process, the structures are made from scrap wood and plastics, such as discarded estate agents signs and, in the main, the paints and varnishes are the incorrect mixes and “mis-tints” from paint manufacturers and DIY stores.

To see more of Jim's work and learn more about him : Jim Pilston Instagram    

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

In this episode I talk with Cameron Cooper, who since he and I spoke can now boast an MBA in Comparative Education & International Development. This podcast reflects how Cameron, against some considerable barriers, has been prepared to extend his reach to beyond the boundaries of most people’s expectations and has scored several sixes along the way.  A really strong message for us all and I felt privileged to be getting the full story firsthand.   

Cameron has had a successful season captaining Yorkshire’s D40 Quest Team in the National County Competition and I am sure you will agree he should be proud of that alone!! YorkshireCountyCricketClub 

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

In this episode, I'm joined by Andy Salmon, aka Sir Linkalot, who says that we need to put an end to expressions like 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check', 'Rote learning', 'Pyramid writing' and 'Just learn it!'. Sir Linkalot is an award-winning app that helps children of all ages and abilities learn any fact, cross-curricular, by using the extremely powerful yet underused technique, a mnemonic. Or, as Andy likes to call it, a link. 

Having presented to over 150,000 children and 30,000 teachers at 700 schools since 2008, he will be telling us that we need to get students involved in the learning process for three reasons: 1) It encourages them to use their imagination 2) It instils confidence that they can achieve in school and beyond 3) It makes them feel part of a community

Andy is currently talking to three major broadcasters about an animated TV show for young children based on Sir Linkalot that will sit nicely alongside phonics-based programmes like Alphablocks. 

To find out more  Sir Linkalot taster video

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

Anita Frost is the Author & Founder of Green Bean Studios® located in Manchester. Over the years Green Bean have won several awards including being named one of Britain’s Top Black Entrepreneurs | Business Live 2024.

Anita leads a team of talented professionals who have come together to create precious moments for children and families through a fun, educational range of books, toys, games and other music/TV productions! 

Margaret and Anita discuss some of the lessons learnt from "no-tech" days for early-years children and the future of play, citing Play England who have launched a ten year strategy – an amazing mission worth everybody’s support.

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

Max Wainewright has written dozens of educational books and software titles for children. His programs and websites have won a number of awards including BETT, ERA and Practical Pre-School Gold Awards. 

Max has led projects and created products for many companies and organisations including LEGO, Discovery Education, 2Simple (Max was a co-founder), The London Grid for Learning, Ladybird, OUP, Espresso and Hachette. He has worked as a school board Educational Technology Advisor and run teaching projects for the Ofsted. Max currently teaches Coding part-time in a London primary school. 

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected]. 

After 20 years in the classroom teaching Business, ICT, and Computing to students aged 11–18, Chloe decided to take her passion for digital wellbeing and community support in a new direction. In 2024, She founded Cole Collective — a space dedicated to supporting local businesses with social media strategy and offering guidance to parents and carers navigating the ever-evolving digital world.

Through Cole Collective, she delivers practical workshops on managing screen time for children, helping families create healthier digital habits, and where possible, advocating for a smartphone-free childhood. She's passionate about bridging the gap between technology and wellbeing, ensuring both businesses and families feel confident and supported in the digital age.

(You can also catch up with previous episodes via [email protected].)

If you have something you would like to #justshare or #justchat about, please get in touch - [email protected].