Mix 92.6 Podcasts

Writer and producer Howard Guard talks with Jill Burridge about his film, ‘A County at War’, made in 2014 using stills from many local collections to mark the impact of the First World War on the local community as well as the tragic losses by The Hertfordshire Regiment at the Battle of Passchendaele (The Third Battle of Ypres) in 1917.  Includes audio extracts from the film.  The revised "Armistice" edition of this film has been showing at St Albans Museum + Gallery (till November 15th).

After more than a quarter of a century’s involvement with Open Door in St Albans, Kerry Pollard tells Rob Pearman about the history, current situation and future hopes, plans and aspirations for this vital local service for rough sleepers.

Robert Voss, the recently appointed Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, tells Rob Pearman about his background and about the historic role that he has undertaken, as well as his commitment to education and young entrepreneurs.

Hertbeats is a local group committed to helping all who have experienced coronary problems and their families, as well as those with concerns about this medical condition.  It's about exercise, nutrition, life habits and prevention.  Brian Gibson also explains the importance of checking young people who are actively engaged in sport - working with Cardiac Risk in the Young (C-R-Y).  These issues are about thinking ahead and saving lives.

The Jumbulance Trust is an accessible travel charity whose accessible coaches (the “Jumbulances”) make travel possible for adults and children who are disabled or have a serious or complex health condition.  Trustee Gill Berry and Secretary Nicola Offer explain to Rob Pearman how the Trust operates and the wide range of groups and individuals that are able to enjoy holidays, short breaks or a day out in the UK or Europe thanks to the Trust and its affiliated groups of professional, medical and lay volunteers.  With a new vehicle launched in January 2018 and a special link formed with football’s Premier League, the opportunities just keep increasing.

The Crescent will next year celebrate its 30th anniversary, having been founded on the first World Aids Day (1st December 1988).  This drop-in centre in St Albans provides a wide range of advice, information, services and support by and for those living with HIV as well as their families and friends.  It also provides HIV testing and guidance for those at risk.  All its services are confidential.  In this interview, the man who runs The Crescent (Iain Murtagh) tells Rob Pearman about its history (and the history of HIV/AIDS) and then describes the services offered by professionals and volunteers.  He also explains how The Crescent has managed to survive despite its loss of major funding by NHS and Hertfordshire County Council as a result of budget cut-backs.

Sandy Walkington, President of the Arc + Arc (St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society) delves into the past, present and future of this local charity and 'learned society' while adding loads of information about the architectural & archaeological history of St Albans.

'Poppyfields' is an installation at St Albans Cathedral (on the evenings of Friday 26th and Saturday 27th October) using projection, music and video  in commemoration of the end of WWI in November 1918.  Project Manager Helena O'Sullivan tells Rob Pearman about this creative use of our City's most famous building.   Poppies floating down across the nave and shrine, candles in the choir, a music soundtrack in all parts of the Cathedral, a video of Eddie Redmayne reading war poems - all this and more is to be experienced  from 7.30pm onwards on both evenings.  A unique experience not to be missed.

Sue Varvel, Rennie Grove Hospice Care's Director of Nursing and Clinical Services, and Les Pedrick, volunteer at Grove House Day Hospice, St Albans, explain to Rob Pearman the work of one of the region's leading providers of day and home hospice care.

Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Penny Williams, explains to Rob Pearman how the QVAS is awarded, who is eligible and how a voluntary organisation can be nominated.