'Under The Covers' From Westminster Libraries

In a distinguished journalistic career, Caroline Wyatt has held a number of posts: Foreign Correspondent, Presenter and War Reporter. She recalls the moment she could no longer do danger zones. There's also a reunion which, Caroline says, was 'the most incredible story I think I ever lived through'. And inspiringly, she tells how she's done all this while living with Multiple Sclerosis, or MS.  Caroline also has three wonderful book recommendations.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden is nicknamed 'The Actors' Church', due to its centuries' old connection with the Theatre World. Its Rector, The Reverend Simon Grigg, speaks of how it supported theatre workers in the pandemic. Father Simon also describes its commitment to the ‘Inclusive Church’ initiative. And he recalls a trip to the pub with Hollywood Star, Matt Damon.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

Steve Marchant conducts a walk-through of the fascinating venue, the Cartoon Museum, located in Westminster's Fitzrovia. And he speaks of how he created a graphic magazine called 'Life Under Lockdown' to help children process their feelings about the effects of the pandemic. Steve talks warmly about the enduring appeal of 'The Beano'. And how some comics can sell for millions.

Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

This month marks a year since the podcast was launched and we're celebrating the amazing contributions we've had. This episode features something from each of the 12 guests. Huge thanks to them. And thank you for following 'Under the Covers'. We hope this is a happy reminder. For new listeners, perhaps it's an engaging taster to tempt you to subscribe! 

The music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive  

There are nine million lonely people in the United Kingdom, with a social cost running into billions of pounds. This month we’re hearing from Robin Hewings of the Campaign to End Loneliness. The group brings charities, policy makers and government bodies together to try to tackle the emotional and physical pain of the ‘epidemic of loneliness’.

Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

Caroline Odogwu co-founded 'She Is You' to help young women from diverse backgrounds to achieve professionally and personally. Caroline describes how it came about after an University experience where she initially struggled to 'find her tribe'. She also talks about supporting Apprentices in her 'day job' at Westminster City Council. And in this, Women's History Month, Caroline has an inspirational book recommendation. 

Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

In February's edition we hear from Ashlee Barnard who helps IT and other council departments to connect and really understand each other, as an IT Strategic Business Partner for Westminster City Council.

As with so many people, Ashlee hasn't been able to visit her family overseas for two years, and she speaks about how she's managed that.

And she also has a novel way to tackle those really big books.

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

Sara Nisha Adams talks about her debut novel, ‘The Reading List’, a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards. It celebrates the healing nature of reading and the human connections made in libraries. Sara shares how having success with her first book was exciting, but terrifying. She also works as an Editorial Director for a publishing house and describes the 'magic' of bringing a work from word document to book. And she speaks movingly about making connections with her Grandparents although she couldn't speak their first language, Gujarati. 

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

We hear how lonely elders are gaining a new lease of life when children read to them on the phone. Elisabeth and David Carney-Haworth (both OBEs) talk about their simple, yet genius idea: helping the elderly and improving kids’ fluency of reading. It is forging beautiful intergenerational relationships. They also speak about ‘Operation Encompass’: their pioneering work helping youngsters caught up in instances of domestic abuse. And there’s a book choice that may surprise!

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

Kelly Van Roy speaks about volunteering with Youmanity, a charity celebrating social inclusion, equality and human rights. Kelly, a postgraduate student, talks about her interest in LGBT culture and the politics of identity, and describes how food can be a ‘social force for good.’ She describes how her Forces’ family moved every three years and how she learned to adapt: 'While it was difficult to say goodbye, the next phase was just hello.' Her book recommendations include “Home Going” by Yaa Gyasi and “The Witch Boy” by Molly Knox Ostertag.

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive