Stratford Calling

Hello! Stratford Calling!

I hope you are all save and well. Fingers crossed we are in the last week of lockdown, but who knows what's going to happen?!

This week I speak to John from CA Rookes Wine Merchant, the oldest wine merchant in Stratford and he tells me about the history of the company and gives me some advice on what to drink on Christmas Day, and some excellent Black Friday deals too!

I also speak to Matt, new Chair of Stratford Christmas lights, and how the lights almost didn't happen this year! They are launching their Love Your Lights campaign to secure the future of the lights, which are such a bug part of Stratford at this time of year. 

Thanks for listening everyone, speak again soon!

Hello! Stratford Calling!

I hope you are all staying safe and well, and coping with the new lockdown. Hopefully the podcast is helping alleviate some of the monotony!

This week I speak to Alex from ToolShed, a new social enterprise in the area, which helps young people with study, employability and work experience. I recorded it a couple of weeks ago, just in case you are confused when you hear it!

I also speak to Sarah from Parents in Mind, a peer support programme from the NCT, helping new mums who might be struggling with their mental health, and how they are continuing to do that through these very difficult times.

Finally I catch up with Melissa, a glass and enamel artist from The Courtyard Gallery who I featured in episode 5, and find out what she has been up to since then and what exciting Christmas goodies she has for you. She also has a special offer for you too, so listen to her interview to find out all about it. 

Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!

Here we are in another lockdown. I hope you are all keeping safe and well. If you are struggling with your mental health, in any way during this time, in this episode I talk about the support available to you and also to James and Phil who can help too.

James is the manager at Lifeways Therapy Centre on Albany Road, and he talks to me about what they offer during normal times, as well as at the moment for all residents of Stratford. I also speak to Phil who has recently set up a mens mental health support group, to help men come together and talk about their mental health. 

If you do need help during this time, do reach out. There are so many wonderful people, groups and organisations available to help in every way. You can also talk to me! You can get in touch if you want a chat via email or Facebook, or let me know what you've been doing during your lockdown. My email is [email protected] and you can message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling. 

Look after yourselves everyone, and thanks for listening.

Hello! Stratford Calling!

This week I speak to Manuela, Rosemary and Sarah about the threat to the woods at Meon Vale, how the community has come together to protect the woodland and how you can help too. We also talk about the creative projects that have come about as a result of the campaign and I play a song inspired by this important natural space.

I also speak to Steve from Sniff n' Bark, the specialist shop for dogs in Stratford. We talk doggy treats, doggy accessories and doggy names, and also about their new member of staff, Baxter! You can also get a 15% discount from the store, both online and when you visit, so keep listening to find out more!

I recorded this episode before the discussions regarding a second national lockdown, so if we do end up being shut indoors again, keep going everyone! It's been such a difficult year but you're all doing great! If you want to share your stories or creative pursuits during this time, please get in touch. Or if you run a business or charity you want to mention, just let me know! I will be happy to chat to you. You can email me at [email protected] or send me a message on Facebook @stratfordcalling. 

Let's try and support our local people and businesses as much as we can. Keep listening to the podcast to hear more from the great community we have in this town, and let's...

Shop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Thanks for listening! 

Hello! Stratford Calling!

This week we have music and chat from Joe O'Donnell's Shkayla, about the release of their new remastered album Gael's Vision, originally released in the 70's. Joe and Adrian (the band's bassist) fill me in on the story behind the album and a much needed musical history lesson!

I also speak to children's author Lawrence Prestidge, who has recently moved to Stratford, about his books and his story about how he became a writer not too long ago.

Thanks for listening to the podcast. If you want to be part of it and talk about a local businesses, charity or if you have an  interesting story to tell, do get in touch. You can message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling, or email me at [email protected].

Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!

This week is a climate change special, and I talk to Stephen and Dave from Stratford Climate Action about the climate emergency and what they are doing to drive change. 

If you want to be involved in the podcast, do get in touch. You can email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling. I love to hear from you!

Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!

This week we have some music from local musician, Lordless (other wise known as Joe Lord) who is releasing his new single LUNA today! Hear that, and some more of his songs throughout the episode, and our conversation about how uni life has influenced his music.

I also speak to Evgenia Golubeva about her creative career in animation, drawing and writing, and how it all started during her childhood in Siberia.

I hope you enjoy the episode. If you have any feedback or want to be involved, you can email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling.

Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!

This week I speak to Tracey from Purple Hat Coaching about how her new practice is helping all sorts of people deal with the stresses and strains of life (as well as why on earth she has called it Purple Hat!), and to Ruth from Team Springboard, about their community garden in Stratford and how it is bringing people together.

If you would like to get in touch I always love to hear from you. If you have a business or charity you would like to tell me about, or have any feedback for me, you can email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling.

If you like the podcast, I would be really grateful if you could spread the word to your friends, neighbours, family and colleagues so we can let as many people as possible know what this great town has to offer.

Happy listening everyone, and thank you!

Hello! Stratford Calling!

A creative episode for you this week with interviews and music from two very talented ladies. Firstly I speak to Victoria of the Tora Wilson Vocal Academy and she shares with us some songs she's recorded herself and as part of the duo PoperaSops. I also speak to Sophie, the lady who designed the Stratford Calling logo, about her new campaign to save the arts in Stratford and her call for help.

If you would like to be involved with the podcast or want to get in touch, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] or send me a message on Facebook @stratfordcalling. 

Enjoy the episode and speak soon! 

Hello! Stratford Calling!

A jam-packed episode this week! I speak to Mick the only electric cab driver in Stratford, Pete from ILEAP, a charity supporting people with additional needs, and Jodie and Giles from Sip 'n' Swig. Find out how cabbies have been affected by the pandemic, how people with additional needs have been enjoying a hole host of fun activities, even during the current situation, and how you can treat yourself or celebrate a birthday in style despite the new restrictions. All this and much more in this week's episode. I hope you enjoy. 

Happy listening!