"What makes a house a home? For the residents at Crewe's Rough Sleeping Prevention Service, it’s about more than just four walls and Wi-Fi—it’s about a staff team that goes above and beyond. Join us as we explore the tranquil Valley Brook campus and hear why residents feel truly 'cared for' for the first time. We discuss the power of professional support, the importance of beautiful surroundings, and why 'reaching out' is the first step toward a new life."

10 days before opening night "Songs from the Shows" Kev Watson called in on the Curtain Calls Production team and cast of Annie which will play at Crewe's Lyceum Theatre 18th-21st March. Have a listen to what the cast, choreoghaper and director had to say.

In this episode of Time on Your Hands, host Andy Cooke takes you on the ground to the YMCA Sleep Easy event at Christ Church, Crewe.

We start the night in the 'cardboard city,' capturing the sounds and spirit of the community as they construct their shelters for the night. It’s a light- look at the teamwork and creative building required to stay warm, featuring interviews with the volunteers and participants mid-build.

As the temperature drops, the conversation turns serious. Andy speaks with Tammi McClure, Fundraising Manager at YMCA Cheshire, and the Mayor of Crewe, Cllr Sally Graham, about the stark reality of homelessness in our region. We discuss the vital funds being raised to support housing and mental health services, exploring how one night in a box helps provide a lifetime of support for those in need."

Show Notes & Timestamps

• Introduction: Andy Cooke opens the episode from Christ Church, Crewe.

• On the Ground: The sights and sounds of the shelter builds.

• The Mission: Tammi McClure explains how YMCA Cheshire supports local youth.

• Civic Solidarity: Cllr Sally Graham on the importance of community action.

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke with Musical Director Dan and Chair Person Daniel ahead of Must See Musicals "Modern Musicals" Concert at Worleston Village Hall on Saturday 21st March (4:30pm). We looked forward to their production of Shrek in November, 2026 and celebrated some rather good news that they both have had recently.

Guest: Dawn from The Thursday Club, Nantwich

Dawn is a lead volunteer for The Thursday Club, which is part of the Creating Dementia Friendly Nantwich initiative. She helps coordinate this volunteer-led group to provide a safe, welcoming space for people living with dementia and their carers.

• A Community Hub: The club meets every Thursday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at St Mary’s Church Hall in Nantwich.

• Interactive Activities: Dawn shares how the club keeps members engaged with themed activities, music, dance, quizzes, and even kurling.

• Connection and Support: The group offers a vital "drop-in" social environment where members and carers can enjoy tea, coffee, and biscuits while building lasting friendships.

• Breaking Barriers: How the club works to ensure memory loss isn't a barrier to having fun and staying active in the Nantwich community.

• #TimeOnYourHands#Nantwich#TheThursdayClub

  #DementiaFriendly#CommunitySupport#CheshireLife

  #AndyCookePodcast

Welcome to the official podcast of the Bob Hope Academy in Nantwich.

Located at the heart of the Elim Church complex, the Academy is more than just a premier table tennis facility—it is a community lifeline. We believe in the power of "Friday Ping," a specialized program designed specifically for those living with dementia, their families, and carers. Through the simple joy of a game and a cuppa, we use physical activity to stimulate the mind, foster connection, and prove that a diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of an active social life.

In our debut episode, we sit down with Jan Johns, the driving force behind the Academy and a recent recipient of the national "Coach of the Year" award. Jan shares her journey from international play to building this unique space in Nantwich. We discuss the science behind why table tennis is the "perfect" sport for brain health and hear heartwarming stories of how the Academy has become a second home for our local "Dabbers."

Join us as we explore stories of hope, memory, and the community that keeps us all move

Changing Lives is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on providing a "hand up, not just a handout." Operating with a heart for the community, they tackle food poverty and social isolation through their innovative Community Trust Food Pantry and supportive outreach programs. By offering access to affordable food, essential boutique items, and a welcoming social hub, they empower individuals to regain their independence and dignity in a pressured world.

As the Head of Groceries and Retail for Changing Lives, John O'Reilly leads the organization’s mission to combat food poverty and social isolation. Under his leadership, the charity operates as a vital community hub, providing sustainable support through its Community Pantry and Boutique.

• #Crewe#Nantwich#CheshireEast#CreweCommunity

• 
  

Join Andy Cooke for an exclusive radio catch-up from the Detached Network in Crewe. In this episode, we dive into the heart of Cheshire East, discussing local community impact, street-level engagement, and the stories that matter to our region.

From grassroots initiatives to the future of our town, tune in for an authentic look at life in Crewe through the lens of community-driven radio.

Listen in to hear:

• Local insights from across Cheshire East.

• The vital role of the Detached Network in our community.

• What’s next for the people of Crewe.

#Crewe #CheshireEast #DetachedNetwork #AndyCooke #CommunityRadio #LocalVoices

Kev Watson spoke to cast members and the director of North Staffordshire Operatic Society (NSOS) new production - The Great British Bake Off The Musical. It plays Stoke Rep Theatre 10th to 14th March. We discussed the characters and their storylines and of course, the wonderful music, that makes up the show.

Today Des talks to Georgia Smith, owner of The Loud Agency and Georgia discusses how to develop a robust social media strategy.