In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, host Mark Jones welcomes Kimberley Barber, Regional Editor for Newsquest, who oversees seven local newspapers, including the beloved Basingstoke Gazette. Kimberley shares her journey from holiday rep to senior journalist, offering candid insights into how local journalism has changed over the years—technologically, culturally, and physically.

Tune in for stories from the newsroom trenches, tales of cat photo contests and Cornflake globetrotters, and a passionate defense of why local news still matters more than ever.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Kimberley’s unexpected path into journalism
• How local newsrooms have evolved (and shrunk)
• The importance of trusted, local reporting in today’s digital chaos
• What keeps a regional editor up at 5am (hint: it’s not just deadlines)
• Why supporting your local newspaper is an investment in your community

Quote of the Episode:

"Being your local newspaper is a great honour… It’s about recording, reporting, and reflecting our communities — accurately and permanently." – Kimberley Barber

Resources & Mentions:

• Basingstoke Gazette
• Newsquest Media Group titles mentioned: Andover Advertiser, Romsey Advertiser, Hampshire Chronicle, Salisbury Journal, The Forest Journal, Hampshire Chronicle Light

Connect with Us:

• 🎧 Subscribe to Amazingstoke on your favourite podcast app
• 🗞️ Got a story for Kimberley’s team? Reach out to the Basingstoke Gazette

In this jam-packed episode, Mark Jones heads out to the countryside to meet with Roger Walker, the founder of Experience Hampshire, a platform that curates hundreds of unique experiences across the county.

From alpaca walking to penguin feeding, foraging to wing-walking, and even exploring hidden medieval vaults under Southampton, Roger shares how his passion for Hampshire evolved into a thriving business.

You’ll learn:

• How Roger pivoted from international travel to local experiences post-COVID
• The challenges of building a tech-based business from scratch
• The most surprising and unusual Hampshire experiences you probably didn’t know existed
• Why it's time to explore your own backyard and fall in love with local life again

🎁 Highlights Include:

• 🎨 Pottery painting & wreath making
• 🐧 Penguin feeding at Bird World
• 🏰 Secret medieval vault tours in Southampton
• 🚲 Roger’s love of cycling the Hampshire lanes
• 🎶 Favourite tunes from the Buzzcocks to Human League

🌐 Find Out More:

👉 ExperienceHampshire.uk

📲 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow @DestinationBasingstoke & @ExperienceHampshire on social media

🗓️ Subscribe for more Amazingstoke adventures, every other week!

🎤 Final Thought from Roger:

“Don’t wait for a holiday to explore – there’s magic right here at home. Discover something amazing in Hampshire today.”

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the DBAC AmazingStoke Podcast, host Mark Jones is joined by Marie Greenhalgh, Innovation and Development Director at Inclusion Education and local lead for Baton of Hope Basingstoke.

Marie shares the story behind the Baton of Hope – a national campaign raising awareness around suicide prevention and mental health – and details the exciting plans for Basingstoke's role in the 2025 UK-wide Baton of Hope Tour.

From canal boats to tractors, Tai Chi flash mobs to art exhibitions, this is more than an event – it’s a community movement for change, hope, and connection.

💙 Save the date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025

📍 Route Highlights: Basingstoke Canal, Festival Place, Belvedere House, The Tea Bar, and more.

🔗 Learn More & Get Involved:

• Baton of Hope: batonofhope.org
• Inclusion Education: inclusioneducation.org.uk

🎧 Topics Covered:

• The origin and message of Baton of Hope
• Why suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility
• How Basingstoke is getting involved in the 2025 tour
• How to volunteer, donate, sponsor or participate
• The Workplace Pledge and how employers can lead change
• The significance of the Baton design
• Building a legacy beyond the event

Final Thought from Marie:

"Every statistic is a person. Suicide is not inevitable. With the right conversations and the right actions, it is preventable. Let’s create a culture where no one feels they have to suffer alone.”

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke AmazingStoke podcast, Matt Holman, founder of Simpila Wellbeing, shares his personal journey with mental health and the importance of community support.

He discusses with host Mark Jones, the significance of Mental Health Awareness Week, the need for ongoing education, and the role of training in breaking down stigma.

Matt emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, both personally and within organizations, and offers practical advice for local businesses to support their communities.

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, Mark Jones is joined by Andy Brown, Business Partnerships Manager at Treloar’s in Holybourne near Alton, a unique place supporting young people with complex physical disabilities and communication needs from across the UK.

Treloar’s isn’t just a school or a college—it’s a community, a launchpad for independence, and a place where the focus is not on what students can’t do, but what they can achieve. From on-site therapy to assistive technology and residential care, it empowers young people to thrive.

Andy also dives into how businesses can get involved—not just through donations, but by contributing skills, offering internships, and building meaningful partnerships.

You'll also hear about inspiring success stories, including students training for the Paralympics and working at places like Southampton Airport.

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, Mark Jones chats with Darren Higgs about the growth and future plans of Swingate Marketing and Design, a company he acquired four years ago.

He shares insights on the importance of Basingstoke as a business hub, the challenges and rewards of networking, and his personal interests outside of work.

The conversation highlights the company's focus on lead generation and marketing services, emphasizing the demand for effective marketing strategies in today's business landscape.

Following up on our special episode about local government, Mark Jones speaks more to Cllr. Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council about his 23 years of public service, how the area has changed over the years and much more.

In this special episode of the podcast, with changes coming to the way local government in the Basingstoke & Deane area and across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Mark Jones speaks with council leader Cllr. Paul Harvey about what this will mean for the area.

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Stevens, the head of marketing at Castle Trust Bank, based in Basingstoke.

Jeremy shares his journey in the financial services industry, from starting as an administrator to leading marketing initiatives at a bank that has become a staple in Basingstoke.

We discuss Castle Trust's community involvement, including their support for local charities and events, and their commitment to sustainability through tree planting initiatives.

Join us as we explore the impact of Castle Trust Bank in the local community and hear Jeremy's insights on making a difference, both personally and professionally.

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassadors Community 'Amazingstoke' podcast, we welcome Matthew Cleaver, the chief executive of Anvil Arts.

Matthew shares his journey from marketing director to leading one of Hampshire's largest performing arts organisations.

He discusses the evolution of the Anvil, Haymarket, and Forge venues, their diverse programming, and the significant impact they have on the local community.

Listen to discover how the arts contribute to Basingstoke's cultural fabric and economy!