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In this third episode of the Findon Sheep Fair Podcast, we bring together two of the traditions that make the fair so special.

We begin with Robert Harris of Harris's Old Tyme Amusements, whose family has been bringing the sights, sounds and excitement of the traditional fairground to communities like Findon for generations. His story offers a fascinating glimpse into a world of heritage, craftsmanship and a way of life that has changed remarkably little over the years.

Then we head from the fairground to the livestock pens to meet sheep farmers Ali Parsons and Katie Lovejoy and their journeys into sheep farming, the breeds they are passionate about and the preparations involved in bringing sheep to the fair. Along the way, they reflect on the importance of helping the public understand farming, the friendships formed through the sheep community, and why events like the Findon Sheep Fair continue to matter.

Together, their stories reveal what the Findon Sheep Fair has always been about: bringing people together. From fairground families to farming families, this is a celebration of the living traditions, community spirit and rural heritage that continue to keep Findon's historic fair thriving today.

Katie's family - Facebook and Instagram pages @lovejoyfarmpartnership 

Ali's - Facebook page (1) Facebook

1st Podcast in the series From Flock to Festival
2nd Podcast in the series It takes a Village (and a clipboard)

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We’re in Findon, where back in 2017 the Community, at remarkable speed, pulled together, when overnight their village shop could have disappeared… They raised the money, bought it back, and reopened it, not just as a shop, but as a community-owned hub.

Today, it’s powered largely by a brilliantly committed group of volunteers. The place hums with life and warmth and yes, there’s milk and bread, but there’s also conversation, connection, and a real sense of belonging. Most people probably signed up to help “for an hour or two” and somehow became part of something much bigger. 

And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The shop even picked up the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - a pretty special recognition for a pretty special community.

If you’re inspired, why not get involved? Whether it’s lending a hand as a volunteer or becoming a shareholder, this is a story that proves a little community spirit can go a very long way.

🎙️Spot the 'deliberate' mistake! In a moment of podcasting genius, I promoted Angus to retiree status. The honour really belongs to Julian. Sorry Julian. 😊

AND if you didn't know about them and need some support and guidance Plunkett UK are there to help!

Home - Findon Village Store

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Hearing voices or seeing things others don’t is something many people misunderstand. In this episode, we explore a different view-that these experiences can be meaningful, and often make sense in the context of someone’s life.

We talk about how extreme mental states can be a human response to difficult or overwhelming situations, and how people can learn to live with and even grow from these experiences.

Trevor joins us with years of experience in social psychiatry. He’s worked closely with the Hearing Voices and Recovery movements, supporting people to understand their experiences rather than simply trying to shut them down.

He’s set up Hearing Voices Groups in Denmark and beyond, creating spaces where people can share, reflect, and find their own meaning.

The focus throughout is on building new relationships with these experiences, ones that support confidence, choice, and hope.

For further information please use the following links. 

Hearing Voices – Independent Voice Hearing Consultant Trevor Eyles

Trevor Eyles - Compassionate Mental Health

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Through its SSWIM (Supporting Social Work in Malawi) project, Children and Families International Foundation (CFIF) works alongside social work practitioners and academics to share experience in practice, teaching and research with colleagues in Malawi. All involvement is guided by the priorities identified by Malawian social workers themselves and rooted in partnership, mutual respect and shared learning. The work values local knowledge, culture and leadership, while remaining mindful of historical contexts. SSWIM’s focus is on supporting a strong, skilled and sustainable social work profession in Malawi, grounded in human rights, social justice and long‑term change.

The conversation centres on the values of partnership, sustainability and long‑term change, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by social workers in Malawi alongside the resilience, leadership and commitment that continue to shape the profession. If you’d like to learn more or support this work, visit childrenandfamiliesinternationalfoundation.org.uk and to view the SSWIM interviews with social workers in Malawi visit 

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Who are the people who shape our lives and the stories we carry with them?

In this episode, Margaret shares a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation with Jo, about William. someone clearly loved and valued.

Through this story, we explore family, connection, and the moments that stay with us. It’s a reflection on what matters most, told with honesty, warmth, and care, living life one step at a time and how loving William has reshaped Jo's heart, broadened her world, and led her, gratefully to who she was always meant to be.  

👉 A gentle and meaningful episode for anyone who values real-life stories, family connections, and the power of shared experience.

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

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In this episode, Margaret shines a light on the volunteers who make local events possible. Through real stories and experiences, we hear why people give their time, what they gain in return, and how volunteering helps build stronger connections within communities.

From small roles to big responsibilities, this conversation celebrates the people who quietly keep things running.

👉 A reminder of the power of community and the importance of getting involved.

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].)

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Margaret sits down with Richard Hill MBE to explore the growth of disability cricket in the UK and the opportunities it is creating for players across the country.

From grassroots teams to elite competitions, this conversation highlights how cricket is becoming more accessible and inclusive, offering not just sport, but confidence, purpose, and belonging.

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.

👉 An inspiring insight into how sport can open doors and change lives.

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

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In this episode, Margaret explores the story behind the Findon Sheep Fair, a village tradition that has evolved into a thriving community festival.

From its origins in livestock trading to the modern-day celebration of local culture, this conversation highlights the people, history, and spirit that continue to bring the community together.

👉 A warm and engaging look at how local traditions survive and why they still matter.

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]. 

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What does it really mean when someone hears voices or experiences things others don’t?

In this episode, Margaret speaks with Trevor Eyles, who shares insight into a topic that is often misunderstood but more common than many people realise.

Together, they explore what it feels like to hear or see things others don’t, the impact this can have on daily life, and why greater understanding and openness are so important.

👉 A thoughtful and reassuring conversation for anyone curious about mental health, perception, and human experience.

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]. 

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How does art capture memory, imagination, and emotion?

In this episode, Margaret speaks with artist and illustrator Jim Pilston about his creative process and the journey of bringing ideas to life through sculpture and design.

With a background in theatre design and illustration, Jim shares how his work often begins with a simple idea before evolving into something unexpected — sometimes an angel, a figure, or something entirely abstract. Together, they explore creativity, storytelling, and the role art plays in expressing personal experience.

👉 A thoughtful and imaginative conversation for anyone interested in art, creativity, and how ideas take shape.

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].