The Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the work of Mary V. Wheelhouse, a multifaceted artist who was a prominent illustrator, toymaker, and suffragette. Running until March 24, 2026, the display highlights her early twentieth century career, including her first paid illustration for Little Folks Magazine and her intricate drawings for George Eliot’s Silas Marner. Wheelhouse often collaborated with fellow women writers and artists, mirroring the work of her contemporary, Heath Robinson.

In addition to her success in book illustration, Wheelhouse cofounded Pomona Toys with fellow activist Louise Jacobs. Together they manufactured high quality wooden dolls and toy theaters sold at prestigious retailers like Harrods. A significant portion of the exhibition focuses on her suffrage activism within the Artists’ Suffrage League, where she used satirical artwork to challenge gender inequality. One notable postcard on display depicts a hen leaving a cage to illustrate the struggle for the vote. The exhibition further connects this history to the local area by featuring a vintage Pinner suffrage banner. Located at Pinner Memorial Park, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday with a six pound admission fee for adults.

Marty Rose, an original founder of Radio Harrow, recently returned to the studio to reflect on the legacy of the station he helped establish in 1971 as Radio Northwick Park. During the broadcast, Rose described the station's early years as an era of technical grit and community spirit. He shared anecdotes of volunteers performing live repairs on equipment, such as soldering wires inside a mixer while songs were playing, just to keep the broadcast on the air. The station was built on the foundation of patient participation, offering local news, request shows, and interactive competitions to provide a personal touch for those in the hospital.

Rose expressed pride in seeing the station flourish decades after its opening by the Queen. He noted that beyond serving patients, the station acted as a training ground for many who went on to professional careers in media. The conversation touched upon the transition from vast vinyl record libraries to the modern digital era, though Rose emphasized that the core mission of cheering up the local community remains unchanged. The interview served as a nostalgic bridge between the station's pioneering past and its vibrant present, concluding with a classic interview clip featuring Karen Carpenter.

Brian heads off to the Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner to speak to Assistant Curator Hannah Whyte about their new exhibition celebrating the lift of toy maker, artist and suffragette Mary V Wheelhouse. 

The Skills for Life campaign, recently highlighted on Radio Harrow through an interview with career coach Joanne Mallon, encourages individuals to dedicate small portions of time to personal growth. Mallon explains that even minor commitments to learning can significantly impact one's future, acting like a gift to one's future self. Campaign research indicates that while seventy-five percent of people feel they have not reached their professional potential, many spend ninety minutes daily scrolling on their phones. Mallon suggests replacing this unfulfilling habit with online learning, which allows adults to set their own curriculum and learn at their own pace.

This initiative is particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility, such as long term hospital patients, by providing access to education without requiring physical travel. Mallon empathizes with those who had poor early experiences with education, sharing that she left school at seventeen before later finding success through further learning. She emphasizes that while the future life one wants will not be handed over, anyone can begin making it happen by taking the first step today. Interested individuals can access free courses and professional career advice by searching for the campaign online.

Hannah got an exclusive chance to catch up with the one of the UK's most experienced life and career coaches, Joanne Mallon. In this interview, Joanne talks about her books and how you can make more from life. 

Harrow Today Team Tuesday was joined by a Radio Harrow legend - Marty Rose. 

Marty Co-Founded Radio Northwick Park (Now Radio Harrow) in 1971. Marty tells us some stories about what the radio station was like back in the 70s. 

You can read more about our history and heritage here: https://www.radioharrow.org/about/

The Trinity Orchestra is scheduled to perform its first concert of 2024 on January 20th at Trinity Church in Harrow. Under the direction of conductor Tom Kilworth, the program features late Romantic masterpieces, including Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto and Dvořák’s "The Noonday Witch". The second half highlights Amy Beach’s "Gaelic Symphony," a work gaining renewed recognition for its connection to Dvořák’s influence on American music.

Beyond the concert repertoire, Kilworth shared technical insights into his extensive work within the film and animation industries. He detailed the specialized role of a music copyist, whose expertise in clear notation is essential for efficient, high budget recording sessions. Kilworth also explained how film music utilizes click tracks for precise synchronization with on screen action, shifting the conductor’s role toward diplomacy and expression rather than just timing. Addressing the rise of artificial intelligence, he noted that while technology is a useful tool, it currently falls into an uncanny valley. AI often lacks the intentional, human imperfections that define soulful music. Tickets for the performance are priced at 15 pounds for adults, with a pre concert talk starting at 7:00 PM.

Brian Rose speaks to the Conductor of Trinity Orchestra about their upcoming concert on the 20th January. 

The invisible impact of modern technicians is a central focus of a recent interview with Tyler Terry-Wallace, who works as a simulation technician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. Terry-Wallace highlights a significant knowledge gap, noting that a survey of teenagers in England found only 5% understood the role of a technician. In his specific field, he operates sophisticated, human-like mannequins that can bleed, sweat, and cry to help train healthcare professionals for scenarios ranging from cardiac arrests to complex births.

Terry-Wallace entered this career through an unconventional path, transitioning from an administration apprenticeship after a manager noticed his gaming skills translated well to simulation software. He emphasizes that technical roles are increasingly accessible through apprenticeships and upcoming T-level qualifications. The "Technicians: We Make the Difference" campaign, supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, seeks to bridge this awareness gap by showcasing diverse roles in sectors like film, agriculture, and healthcare. When students are introduced to these specific career possibilities, interest in becoming a technician often rises from 5% to over 40%. Aspiring professionals can explore these opportunities and find career matches through resources available at the campaign's dedicated website.