Cultural Quarter of an hour

Cultural Quarter Of An Hour is back for 2021 after a bit of an extended Christmas break. We're kicking things off by talking to two Staffordshire University Journalism students about the Future Journalism Awards. The awards are run and organised by the students as part of their final year assessments. And this year the awards are going national. School children can enter and show Charlotte a thing or two about journalism while they're at it via the https://blogs.staffs.ac.uk/futurejournalist/ (Staffordshire University website ) You can follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/CQHPod (@CQHPod )and send me DMs there - let me know what you are up to and get yourself on the podcast. I want to hear your stories!

I'm talking podcasts on the podcast this week. In September 2020 a new podcast series was launched by The Social Agency. They are a group in North Staffordshire for people with autism. Remote Operations was recorded during the Covid-19 lockdown (spring/summer 2020) It was devised and performed by autistic and learning disabled adults working in partnership with professional artists from Rideout (Creative Arts for Rehabilitation). It was funded by Arts Council England, and the National Emergencies Trust administered by The Community Foundation for Staffordshire. Charlotte spoke to Saul Hewish the Artistic Director of Rideout. Don't forget you can follow me on social media Twitter - https://twitter.com/CQHPod (@CQHPod ) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CQHPod (facebook.com/CQHPod) Email cqhpod@gmail.com

I'm involved with a lot of podcasts - that's the joy of running a podcast business. One of the most special I'm involved with is called Purple Rainbow Pancreatic Cancer Podcasts. It comes out monthly and I host it on behalf of North Staffordshire campaigner Lesley Goodburn. I want to share with you an episode of that podcast through this podcast. At the beginning of each episode you hear Lesley talk about why these podcasts exist. They are to raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer in honour and in memory of her husband Seth. Another way Seth's story is being told is through a play - based on Lesley and Seth's experience using letters Lesley wrote. In this episode Lesley is joined by Siobhan, Steph and another Lesley. They've been using Homeward Bound in a project and it's had a huge impact on those involved. And Lesley also tells us about how the impact has reached the other side of the world too. You can find out more about Purple Rainbow herehttps://purplerainbow.co.uk/ ( https://purplerainbow.co.uk/) Music Credithttps://www.purple-planet.com/ ( Purple Planet Studios) DISCLAIMER: All views, information or opinions expressed in this podcast series are solely my own and those of individuals interviewed and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Pancreatic Cancer UK , Pancreatic Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund And The Elizabeth Coteman Fund  The charities and their employees are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to inform, but it does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.

We're facing a very strange Christmas not just in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire but also across the country. So I thought I would re-start the podcast early and bring you an interview with Santa Claus himself. Santa has been worried that children across North Staffordshire are missing him during lockdown so he's set up some Zoom calls (yes Zoom works in the North Pole!) and he's been chatting online to families. It's a Christmas miracle. You can get in touch with the podcast via email cqhpod@gmail.com Twitter @CQHPod Facebook @CQHPod Music Credits Written By Benjamin Caleb Johnson Performed By BRASKO Produced By BRASKO

This week Charlotte's talking to Amanda and Gemma from the Collective Skills Project. They've been putting on a special lockdown project for people who live in Hartshill to help bring the community together. It's called Community Clay and has seen the streets turned into living art galleries! You can find out more Collective Skills Project https://www.collectiveskillsproject.co.uk/ (here) Charlotte would love you to get in touch with what you're up to - drop her a message on twitter https://twitter.com/CQHPod (@CQHPod) Or email cqhpod@gmail.com

This week Charlotte speaks to story teller Alan Barrett. During lockdown he's been commissioned by The National Literacy Trust as part of Stoke Reads to create six stories based on the six towns of Stoke on Trent. Charlotte caught up with Alan as he recorded "Fenton Felony" his story all about, well the town of Fenton. You can hear and see all the stories so far on the https://literacytrust.org.uk/communities/stoke/six-towns-storytelling/ (The National Literacy Trust website) where there are also activity sheets you can download to go alongside them Charlotte would love you to get in touch with what you're up to - drop her a message on twitter https://twitter.com/CQHPod (@CQHPod) Or email cqhpod@gmail.com

Lockdown has affected our lives in many ways. It's created uncertainty for many and forced many of us to isolate. But it's also provided an opportunity to go exploring - but instead of heading off on a far flung adventure we've been finding new places on our door steps. This week Charlotte speaks to Laurel - one of the co-directors of Urban Wilderness. They're one of many organisations given funding by Arts Council England to commission five artists to create new work connected to doorstep green spaces in Stoke on Trent. If you want to find out more about Urban Wilderness you can visit their website https://urbanwildernesscic.com/ (here) Connect with me on https://twitter.com/CQHPod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/CQHPod (Facebook) just search for @CQHPod Music Credit: Track Title: Bounce Artist Name(s): BRASKO

Cultural Quarter Of An Hour is back to help you be creative in lockdown. Today Charlotte is talking to Glen Stoker who is the Chair of Friends of Spode Rose Garden. The plans for the garden and the garden's community have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions, but that's not stopped them from getting people involved. You can find out more about the Friends Of Spode Rose Garden https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpodeRoseGarden (here ) Charlotte would love to hear from you about what you're up to during lockdown - get in touch https://twitter.com/CQHPod (@CQHPod) on twitter is normally where you'll find her.

It's time to bring the podcast back! After around 9 months off Cultural Quarter Of An Hour is back. Charlotte's starting the new run of episodes with a look at some of the ways local groups have been coping with lockdown. It's part of the Get Creative At Home project - not for profit organisations have been given micro grants thanks to a collaboration between Voluntary Arts England and Stoke on Trent City Council. This week Charlotte speaks to Sharon Morley from Stoke North Live At Home. Normally the scheme helps people who live alone feel less isolated by organising events and gatherings. But during lockdown these can't happen. But that's not stopped craft queen Sharon from encouraging members to use crafty creativity to help beat the loneliness of lockdown. You can find out more about Stoke North Live At Home via the https://www.facebook.com/MHAstokeNorthLaH/ (facebook page ) You'll also find Sharon's videos there too. Charlotte would love to hear from you about what you're up to during lockdown - get in touch https://twitter.com/CQHPod (@CQHPod) on twitter is normally where you'll find her.

This week's episode has come as a bit of surprise! Charlotte had no idea she was going to meet or even interview this week's guest until just a few minutes before she met him. And that makes this episode an absolute joy of discovery! This week Charlotte is chatting to The Terrain Tutor, aka Mel. Unsurprisingly he helps people create model terrains for all sorts of reasons - games, model trains, just for fun! But his story and knowledge is not what Charlotte expected! If you fancy checking out Mel's videos his youtube channel is here (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx_aro8CTHw7ZD5H661hC6Q) Music Credit  https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For the past couple of weeks people in Stoke on Trent have been finding fragments of a poem painted on to buildings around the city. Today Charlotte finds out more about the art work and what's behind the graffiti. You can find B Arts here (https://www.facebook.com/BArtsStoke) Miusic Credit https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you're on social media you have probably seen the hashtag #MyStokeStory, but what's it all about? Charlotte's been to see Paul Williams from Stoke on Trent Cultural Destinations to find out more. Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com (https://www.purple-planet.com) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Charlotte speaks to Kat Hughes and Kat Boon from Potboiler Theatre about their new production Stoke, a love story. You may remember Kat and Kat from an episode in 2017 when Charlotte spoke to them about their production Girls, Girls, Girls. This time around they've gone bigger and bolder! Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charlotte's been to the Spode Works in Stoke for the opening day of Dust Rising. While the BCB celebrates all things ceramic in the China Hall, just around the corner is The Meadows building. Inside here you will see a celebration of visual art. Music Credit:  https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Charlotte heads to Burslem to find out more about Arthur Berry the artist and poet. She goes on a special walking tour delivered by historian Mervyn Edwards and hosted by Barewall Art Gallery (https://www.barewall.co.uk/) Music Credit:  https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Charlotte's been to Big Feast in Hanley. It's a free outdoor performing arts festival organised by Appetite and takes place around the city centre. Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today Charlotte has popped over to Chesterton in Newcastle Borough to find out more about what goes on in the Pavilion in Chesterton Park. Elite CIC is a not for profit group supporting people to live independently, in fact Elite stands for Enabling Living Independently Today and Everyday. It's a fantastic group which is placing itself firmly in the community with a desire to boost the area. Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On Sunday 11th August 2019 Staffordshire Cycling Festival came to Newcastle. Charlotte went along to see what the event was all about (and yes there's more to it than lots of people in Lycra) and even got on a bike herself. Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The gloves are on in Longton. OK maybe they're not but a brand new community boxing gym has opened in the city in memory of a local boxer. Charlotte went along to the opening day where it was very noisy and spoke to the team at the Chris Edwards Academy Community gym about what it is they are doing and why boxing is so important. Music credit:  https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Some people make a huge impact on you. Today's guest, Edward Mckenzie and his wife Runa are without a doubt two of those people. Charlotte went to Edward's studio in Tunstall and spoke to him about his life, work and how he ended up in Stoke on Trent. Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Earlier this year Charlotte was asked by Stoke and North Staffs Women's Network to host an International Women's Day event discussing Women in Ceramics. It was held at the Potbank Hotel at the old Spode site in Stoke and featured a teaser for a film the network had commissioned and worked on called Bound By Clay. The project comes to an end this month so Charlotte caught up with Vicki McGarvey from Stoke and North Staffs Women's Network. Credits Clips from Bound By Clay filmed by Inspired Film & Video (https://www.inspiredfilmandvideo.co.uk/) Music by Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The D road aka the A500 is the basis of Claybody Theatre's next production. In preparation for the play the Deb McAndrew is asking for your memories, thoughts and feelings towards the road so Charlotte went to one of the drop in sessions being held to find out more. Of course she used it as an excuse to tell her story about how she thought the D road was in shape of a lower case 'd' when her dad told her all about this mythical road in Staffordshire! If you want to get involved the Claybody Theatre website is http://claybodytheatre.com/ (http://claybodytheatre.com/) Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charlotte loves a bargain so she headed to Burslem's new outdoor market where she chatted to some of the people she met there. The first is June Cartwright, founder of the Our Burslem facebook page and second she also chats to Mike Watson who is chair of the Burslem Park Partnership. The market takes place every Wednesday 3pm - 8pm and it needs your support! Music Credit Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Charlotte heads to The Portland Inn Project to find out more about what's going on. Yes there is food, but what she also finds out is there's a large and growing sense of community where just a few years ago there was a feeling the area was being ignored. Thanks to everybody who spoke to Charlotte. Music credit  Purple Planet Studios (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Charlotte was invited to For The Love Of Shards which was held at Clayhead in Stoke. It was a public conversation organised by artist Nicola Winstanley (http://nicwinstanley.com/) to get people talking about the shards of pottery which they have collected over the years. She's doing this as part of her a-n Bursary project called Shards. You can hear all about it in this episode. Music credit Purple Planet Studios (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was a rain filled Stoke on Trent Pride but it was still a fun day in Hanley Park. Charlotte had a great afternoon dodging showers/downpours and talking to lots of people. A special thank you goes out to Tony and Toni from Urban Wilderness CIC (https://urbanwildernesscic.com/home) for helping Charlotte protect the VERY water sensitive recording equipment from the deluge! You'll be hearing from them all on the podcast soon! Music Credit Purple Planet (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The weather outside is indeed frightful so Charlotte is taking it upon herself to cheer you all up by talking about Christmas! Well not quite but this episode does feature a Christmas tradition - the pantomime. Earlier this month auditions were held at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley to find this year's Hanley Babes. If you're scratching your head about what or who the Hanley Babes are then don't panic because that's just one of the things Charlotte asks Tim Churchill who is part of the team coming up with this year's panto at the Mitch. You'll also find out just what it takes to be a Hanley Babe too. #spoileralert Charlotte does not qualify by at least 18 years. Music Credit: Purple Planet Studios (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is where you'll hear the children who spoke to Charlotte about MakeFest, half term and all sorts of other things! Music Credit Purple Planet Studios See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cultural Quarter of an Hour is back for the latest series of podcasts all about Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire. You may remember last year Charlotte went to MakeFest and spoke to lots of exhibitors, well this year Charlotte was an actual exhibitor herself! MakeFest is all about showing off the creativity and makers based in this area and giving children the chance to experience all sorts of activities such as coding, animation, screen printing and even peg doll making. Some very lucky people got to try their hand at podcasting! Yes, CQH Pod was mainly recorded on site. Music Credit - Purple Planet Studios (https://www.purple-planet.com/upbeat) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Charlotte talks to Stoke on Trent music producer Scott Evans who is taking his love of all things music and turning it in to his career. He's also a member of more bands than Charlotte's had hot dinners. Scott's building his studio so Charlotte get's a chance to geek out over microphones during their chat, but they also talk about playing instruments and how being part of a band should be part of growing up! You can find out more about Say Music Studios here (https://www.facebook.com/saymusicrecordingstudio/) Sine Wave Circus info is here (https://www.facebook.com/sinewavecircus/?eid=ARDOhoKvaN4UqHKlouSm17JAb1ezSlepi7VEWdQTe06ZpBscBEFz1M6vTVfb-yIH9PVC9szHoKX4WQgf)   Intro music credit: Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

25 years ago if you were a teenager or in your twenties and hanging around Stoke on Trent you'd no doubt have seen an issue of Bomb Magazine. It was a fairly DIY publication talking about the club and music scene of the time.  It was set up by brothers Alex and Ned Hough and in this episode of Cultural Quarter of an Hour Charlotte talks to Alex about the magazine, the area 25 years ago and plans for Bomb number 51! Music credit www.purple-planet.com (https://www.purple-planet.com/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What on earth is a touch tour? If you don't know you'll find out in this episode as Charlotte goes behind the scenes at the Regent Theatre in Hanley to find out more about how people with sight loss are included when it comes to culture. If you or a family member want to find out more about the different access options out there you can get in touch with Tim Calvert from Access to Entertainment either via the here (http://localoffer.stoke.gov.uk/kb5/stoke/directory/service.page?id=M9EGveFe3yA) Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/ Full blog and show notes at www.cqhpod.co.uk (https://www.cqhpod.co.uk/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fred Hughes is a local historian, author, former Policeman and ex politician. I spent a lovely hour chatting with him a couple of Saturdays ago. For full disclosure I've enjoyed many a chat with Fred over the years I've lived in North Staffordshire thanks to working at BBC Radio Stoke. This interview could easily have gone on for hours but we kept it tight. Don't forget to head over to the CQHPod website for more information about the topics we discuss. Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cultural Quarter Of An Hour IS BACK! This week we visit 6 Towns Radio and party at their award night. You'll find out what the station is all about, what's important to the presenters and most importantly you'll find out if Charlotte actually wins Stoke City Player of the year award!  Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/ (https://www.purple-planet.com/) Full blog and show notes at www.cqhpod.co.uk (https://www.cqhpod.co.uk/) (I've paid money for this site will somebody humour me and use it please!) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's hard to deny there's a bit of a movement against single use plastic and waste at the moment. It's now easier to do your bit to cut down on plastic and waste AND shop locally. A new package free shop, Life Unwrapped, has opened up in Longton Market so I went to have a look. #SoTCulture Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Continuing the Christmas theme because it's December and it's my podcast and you can't stop me, here's a chat I had with some of the guys performing in Cinderella at the Mitchell Art Centre in Hanley. #SoTCulture Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Did somebody say party? Yes they did! And it was all taking place at Affordable Food Stoke in Blurton. The shop was celebrating its first birthday, but as you'll find out it's far more than just a place to get cheap food. #SoTCulture Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

So this is Christmas - well it's close enough. All around North Staffordshire people are getting ready for Christmas. I make no apologies for loving the festive season. One of the best things about Christmas is the light switch ons that take place. Of course you never know who you are going to meet… Stay tuned to the end of the podcast for a special announcement! Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is part two of my conversation with Stephen Seabridge. He's the recently (ok it was in June) appointed Poet Laureate of Stoke on Trent. If you haven't listened to part one you really should first! Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is the first of a 2 part interview with Stoke on Trent's first Poet Laureate Stephen Seabridge. We spent ages chatting about poetry, Stoke on Trent and all things culture. Part two will be along next week! Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sorry for the missed, well actually just delayed, episode last week! Here it is this week instead. In this episode I explain the The curse of Mondays in October and I go behind the scenes of Newcastle Commemorates. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I went to Spode to find out more about the latest Claybody Theatre production Hot Lane. It's written by Deb McAndrew and directed by Conrad Nelson. The performances will take place at Spode in November and you might recognise a couple of faces… Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I love it when you tell me about things going on around here that I need to know about. I really, really love it when you tell me about somebody I need to talk to. This week's episode features a person you all need to hear about. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on Cultural Quarter of an Hour I speak to Becka Sutton. She's a self published author who writes about vampires. She tells us what it's like to write a novel and why writing is so important to her. If you want to get hold of her work here's the links... Kindle version (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Haventon-Born-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B0173ZMMJG)   EPub version (https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/haventon-born or https://gumroad.com/l/vPqCG) PDF (http://www.lulu.com/gb/en/shop/becka-sutton/haventon-born/ebook/product-22422949.html) Paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/becka-sutton/haventon-born/paperback/product-22559297.html See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On the podcast this week I chat to a group of people from Stoke on Trent who've just got back from Bosnia. They went to find out more about the war and in particular the massacre in Srebrenica of 8000 men and boys. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dust is Rising in Stoke on Trent. In places you wouldn't expect. So I've been to Hanley to find out more about this exhibition. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

At the back end of August in the dying embers of the school summer holidays a group of children were helping to transform Burslem Port. The bit of land not far from Middleport has been a little unloved, but now Feral Spaces are getting children to take over and create a space were they can have adventures and play. I spoke to Laurel from Feral Spaces earlier this summer as she was hoping to win £50,000 in a national competition for funding. Today she invited me to see Feral Spaces in action! Photo Credit: One of the youngsters who took park in the event. Go to Feral Spaces on Facebook to see more. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This year the RAF is celebrating it's centenary so I spend some time with one man who is celebrating the anniversary in Newcastle. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week I speak to Restoke, the team behind Man Up. An examination of masculinity and mental health. Photo by Jenny Harper www.jennyharperphotography.com (http://www.jennyharperphotography.com) Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week after a mild panic about not managing to organise an interview I speak to Dan Townley. He's not only the self appointed saviour of the podcast, but you may well be woken up by him on 6 Towns Radio. And even though he's a Man United supporter who has RED SAUCE on his oatcakes you'll love hearing how passionate he is about Stoke on Trent. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week I chat with artist and cultural champion for Hanley Joyce Iwaszko about her work and why she's so passionate about culture in Hanley. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.