Strange Stories UK

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This episode examines the seperate crimes of Ronald Bennell and Barry Bennell, two members of the same family whose offences became part of Manchester’s criminal history. Ronald Bennell was convicted on two separate occasions 15 years apart of rape and murder. Barry Bennell was convicted of numerous sexual offences against boys. Their crimes were their own and there is nothing to imply that there was any blame or wrong doing on other members of the Bennell family. The actions of two people should not define a family. However their story needs to be told.

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Following events in Middlesborough last weekend, on the lunch time news today, Friday 28 August, it seems that trouble continues. I wanted to understand what was going on so put this short podcast together. This was made in two hours so not a very polished but it includes all what is known at present. 

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This is a bit of a ramble about Chelsea, London in 1962. Rolling Stones and the Beatles get a mention as does the Kings Road and a murder.

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This is a short podcast after the sad news that Jason Arday was found dead yesterday, Friday 14 August 2026. As I have made a couple of podcasts on the Arday affair, I thought I would make some final comments.

This matter is not going to be forgotten as a result of the many issues raised. The spotlight now falls on John Moores University Liverpool and Cambridge University and other groups in order to explain their actions. People seem to be trying to deflect by blaming the media and newspapers  for doing their job.

Arday was unfortunate to live in an age of social media where ridicule can be unrelenting.

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This is another podcast concerning the Jason Arday affair at Cambridge University. Although so much has been posted on the subject I was concerned that those involved in Arday’s appointment had not been widely made. I thought I would name them hopefully in a neutral way. 

To make my position clear I will state my political views, in the past I had voted Labour and for the past couple of elections I voted Green for Caroline Lucas at Brighton. I do not intend to vote for the Greens now or for anyone else until some form of Proportional Representation is introduced. There is no party that represents me, my political touchstone is George Orwell.

I recently read the book Broken Vows about Tony Blair by Tom Bower and was amazed with the similarities there are with the Starmer premiership. Both were unprepared for office, Blair got away with it, but social media bought Starmer down. 

This podcast was made in the garden with chickens, dogs and cats all sheltering under a pergola with an intense sun beating down.

Some sad news the cock that always called out during earlier podcasts, ‘Blackie’ which my daughter thought a dreadful non PC name, (he was black). Anyhow he died this week. I don’t know how old he was. He was mature when we got him 12 years ago. I was told he was dead and went out to bury him but he was alive and took a day to die, just sitting there taking an occasional drink of water. He was buried in the pet graveyard in the wood with the rest of departed friends.

Thankyou to anyone listening, there is so much good content to listen to online, I am surprised anyone listens to this podcast. This one recorded on a 2014 Macbook (the two newer ones playing up) and two dodgy microphones, this one recorded on a Rode with a broken screen to stop ‘lisping’sounds. The Yeti mic was too temperamental.

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I have read this story in the news reports today and felt like making a podcast on it. It concerns a Critical Race theory sociologist who was appointed a professor at the University of Cambridge. The person was Jason Arday and he had not been truthful in his claims and should never of been given the appointment. 

The blame lies with the University of Cambridge for not carrying out due diligence on the appointment. Although Arday did not accept that he was delusional blaming his behaviour on his autism. 

I find the story almost unbelievable. I wrote this podcast in a couple of hours this afternoon, posted it from notes and have not listened to its back. Its is lofi, probs lots of mistakes and mispronunciations.

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The Michele Lupo case is the story of a serial killer and also a window into the mid 1980s London of High Society and High fashion. Also of the London GAY community during the AIDS crisis. The whole story will never be told as some influential characters involved thought it best for them to  keep quiet.

The story is loft, told in one take with no editing. I know I stumble over some words.

For a more detailed examination of the case, I would recommend the podcast: AIDS: The Lost Voices-Michele Lupo parts 1 & 2.

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The Peter B's, Fleetwood Mac and the Cobham Apparition explores one of Britain's most unusual ghost stories. In November 1965, four young musicians—including future Fleetwood Mac founders Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood—reported seeing a mysterious figure beside the A3 near Cobham, Surrey, while driving home from a rhythm-and-blues gig. Drawing on contemporary witness statements, Dr A. R. G. Owen's scientific investigation, newspaper reports, and the history of Cobham's ghost traditions, this podcast separates documented evidence from later folklore.  The podcast is lo-fi, recorded in one take wanders off the point and there are continuing microphone problems.

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Some offbeat stories about tattooing in the UK since the late Victorian period up to the modern day. Told in one take outside in the garden, lo fi and with a replacement microphone.

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Ronnie Harries was in his mid twenties, newly married with a baby girl living in rural South Wales, a member of a community where he had lived all his life. How did he think he could kill relatives he called uncle and auntie and take over their farm without anyone asking where they were and what was going on? Recorded in one take with the usual shortcomings. The description says send fan mail, I am not asking this, it comes up automatically and I cannot delete the request.