Draycott Diaries

An amazing woman and a massive participant in our community life. Mother, Willow Sculptor, Instructor, House Builder, Church Bell Captain, Horse Expert, and devoted lover of everything to do with Nature. Sophie will be missed by her family who we are thinking about at this time, but friends will miss her too, as she touched […] The post 057 We pay tribute to Sophie Courtiour, resident of Rodney Stoke. appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

As Patron of the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind). Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate advocate for the rights of blind and partially sighted people. With that in mind we are delighted to re broadcast the podcast we made with Ella Caulfield two years ago. A young lady who became totally […] The post 056 Blindness Is Never Dark appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Alison Quill, who was President of the branch from 2019, until her death in April 2022. Tiggi talks to Natalyia Wills, a member of the local WI since 2015.  She is on a mission to bust the myth that the WI is not only ‘Jam and Jerusalem'. […] The post 055 Rodney Stoke and Draycott WI appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Having faced a life changing diagnosis and a need to re navigate her life, two and a half years ago, Alison Ironside and her Mother moved from Cornwall to Draycott.  They wanted to join a community and ideally buy some land. Bingo! A vineyard came up for sale nearby called PERCH HILL. Boasting a south […] The post 054 Perch Hill Vineyard Near Draycott appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

I had a real scoop this month.  For our Draycott Diaries Jubilee Special, I chat with internationally acclaimed choral conductor, composer and organist Barry Rose OBE. As resident organist and Master of the Choir at St Paul's Cathedral in London from 1974, Barry participated in many royal services. These included the 1977 Silver Jubilee and […] The post 053 Draycott's Jubilee Celebration appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

The romance of an historic steam train, puffing along through the gorgeous Somerset countryside. Children waving as passengers disembark at Draycott Station. Watched from the windows of the Railway Inn opposite.  This was the Cheddar Valley Line, later re-named The Strawberry Line due to its delicious cargo of rich, red, ripe and juicy strawberries heading […] The post 052 Draycott And The Strawberry Line appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Village resident Adam Clark had two passions as a boy, soldiers and trees.  As he chats with Tiggi we learn so much from his past experiences.  As a student army cadet Adam once organised an expedition in Nepal to the base of Mount Everest.   On this trek he met some retired Gurkha soldiers they inspired […] The post 051 The Draycott Arborist appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Tiggi and her guide dog Jackie set off three years ago to record stories from a rural village.  Many said this wouldn't work. How very wrong they were. As a special guest on BBC Radio 4 and other media platforms, growing an international following, the proof is in the listening.  Tiggi is convinced she has […] The post 050 Draycott Diaries Celebrate 50 Episodes appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

John Connor is this months podcast guest. Tiggi learns that every person she chats to on Draycott Diaries have hidden depths, and village resident jet pilot John Connor is one of them. A true biography of extremes. Thrills of flying at over one thousand miles an hour in the notorious Phantom jet. Aerobatics at incredibly […] The post 049 The Draycott Pilot appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

A brand new year and a brand new pantomime for the local community. This month Tiggi hooks up with three members of the local drama group Mendip Players. Revelations include the debacle of walking on heels for the first time and the perils of business negotiations dressed as a pantomime dame. However, the group have […] The post 048 Draycott Drama appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

A woman sets out with her Guide Dog, Jackie, seeking out the true meaning of Christmas in our community, walking the Mendip hills looking for enlightenment. With food and beverages part of their research, the dynamic duo stumble on, through the wind and rain they tread together with festive spirit in their hearts. Bringing us […] The post 047 Draycott Diaries Christmas Special 2021 appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Tiggi chatted to Ian Maclachlan (the Draycott Postman) just before he embarked on the race of his life. Raising funds for “Hounds for Heroes”. Ian left Draycott with hope in his heart, declaring the support of the local community would spur him on in times of self doubt. It transpires that proved the case when […] The post 046 Draycott's Postie's Journey – For Charity appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Peter Bright, a resident in the beautiful Mendip area of Somerset for many years, is our guest this month. Peter is a retired Biology Teacher and natural historian with an extensive knowledge of local wildlife. Tiggi asks questions that have come to her mind whilst trudging through the Autumn leaves in her walks on the […] The post 045 Draycott in Autumn appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

It's Raining Men Tiggi and Kayleigh have been on a Somerset binge this month covering life changing topics including what to wear if unexpected visitors drop from the sky. Guests include Emily Ellis an inspiring local Zumba instructor. Ian MacLachlan the local postman about to run across the Sahara desert. And a group of committed […] The post Talk Local 003 appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

AS A VILLAGE LETS SUPPORT THE COURAGE OF OUR POSTMAN AS HE HAS SUPPORTED US THROUGHOUT COVID AND BEYOND. From 1st to 11th October 2021, our much beloved Postman Ian Maclachlan, will begin the toughest delivery of his life …………… 250 km. Not around our beautiful Somerset village, but across the Sahara Desert ! Billed […] The post 044 Draycott's Running Postman – Listen Now! appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

A Draycott resident of nearly 30 years and active in both the local Church and the Parish Council, Dr Richard Dingley OBE, KStJ is at the centre of the community. Although few people know about his fascinating past. Fresh from medical school in the 50's he joined the RAF. Stationed in Singapore, he acted as […] The post 043 The Draycott Doctor appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

A Pound in the Head is a Coin well spent! Labradors, mistakenly identified and old Somerset words are served up on this months Draycott Diaries Unplugged.  Showcasing music from Axbridge composer and musician Clara Mann  and talking local to Draycott's newest entrepreneur Clare Love-Jones.  With sandwiches entangled in microphone leads and presenters dribbling chocolate, this […] The post Talk Local 002 appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

A resident of Draycott for many years, Martin Grass heads up the Mendip Cave Rescue team as their Chairman. His passion has always been Caving and Geology. The Mendip Hills in Somerset are famous for their unique combination of sandstone and limestone. They are undoubtedly the custodians of countless undiscovered secrets. After visiting Wells museum […] The post 042 Draycott Underground appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

For this brand new trail blazing episode of ‘TalkLocal', Tiggi and Kayleigh, are joined by new entrepreneur Joy Sindry of ‘Chasing Rainbows'.  Stories shared Include painting over valuable antiques. But the ensemble agree, positivity, humour and coffee are the way forward. You will learn about the recent sighting of the ‘Beast of Draycott‘ and the […] The post Talk Local 001 appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

In this ‘unplugged' episode from the much loved Draycot Diaries life stories series.  You find out the true story behind a new idea. ‘Talking Local' ‘Supporting Local'. How does it work?  How will it work?  Tiggi and Co-Presenter Kayleigh sling ideas around like creative confetti.  With two snoring guide dogs at their feet.  A very feint […] The post Draycott Diaries Unplugged The Trailer appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Nick Boyd LOVES Bees! A long time resident of Draycott. Nick is an active member of the Wedmore and Cheddar Bee Keepers Association and has an apiary containing about 80,000 bees in each of his 6 hives. See a short video of Tiggi looking for the Queen Bee with Nick by clicking here Tiggi was […] The post 041 Draycott Bees appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Tim Haselden is Development Officer for the Mendip Hills AONB, responsible for an area covering 198 square kilometres – equivalent to 20,000 football pitches. Set up 50 years ago to protect our surrounding landscapes. AONB stands for  “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” “AONB The Voice of the protected landscape. Naturally beautiful , nationally protected.” Originally […] The post 040 Draycott's Protected Landscape appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Tiggi chats to long time residents of Rodney Stoke, Colin and Jo Symes.  They relate wonderful stories from their past, including their participation in the “Maurice Symes Dance Band”.  However, their life time passion has always been around the village Church of St Leonards and the community that surrounds it in Rodney Stoke, Somerset.  Both […] The post 039 The Bells of St Leonards appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Kirk Purnell moved to Draycott from Bristol three years ago.  His job is Director of Teaching and Learning Assessment based at Wiltshire College. During the first lock down and with a space for his own personal learning, an extraordinary skill came to his consciousness which he had been totally unaware of.  Inspired by a photographer […] The post 038 Draycott's New Photographer appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Tiggi chats with friend and professional colleague Margie Cooper, Antiques Specialist on the BBC’s “Antiques Roadshow” and latterly “Antiques Road Trip”. Two professionals connected by a common cause. Their responsibilities were very different though. Margie, selecting Antiques for filming, and Tiggi, as Events Manager, orchestrating up to six thousand visitors to the show. Feeling uniquely […] The post 037 On The Antiques Trail With BBC’s Margie Cooper appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Robert Nurden, a journalist for over 25 years with the Independent, Telegraph and Guardian newspapers, has written a fascinating book all about his grandfather, Stanley James. In 1916 Stanley and family lived in Rodney Stoke in Somerset. Living off the land was a harsh existence, but still, happy memories were made. It seems Stanley was […] The post 036 A Journey With My Grandfather appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

As part of our retrospective series we look back to a sunny day in 2019 when Tiggi chatted to the Rev Stuart Burns. He revealed a fascinating life story. Born in South Africa during turbulent times of apartheid, Stuart witnessed brutality at close range. This ignited his desire to serve God and use his faith […] The post 035 The Vicar of Draycott Revisited appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Tiggi chats to Santa! What is Christmas going to be like for him in 2020?   The post 034 Draycott Diaries Ding Dong Christmas! appeared first on Draycott Diaries Village Podcast.

Gerald Dally, alongside his daughter Maria, surprises and enlightens Tiggi with tales from the past about the Somerset village of Draycott. They look back at a community that has quadrupled in size since he was a small boy. Gerald talks candidly about his school days and a successful career as a vegetable and strawberry farmer, […] The post 033 The Draycott Trophy Winner appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Tiggi takes a retrospective look at our community shop one year on. With personal loss, exhilaration & challenges at its core. 2020 saw lots of early excitement, but then lockdown hit us for the first time. This is the story of a community who came together in a crisis and have learnt to go forward […] The post 032 Draycott Community Shop One Year On appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Thea Oliver chats to Tiggi over coffee about her recent and massive achievement. A resident of Draycott for many years, Thea has brought up a large family. To this day she continues to work hard for her family and as a nurse practitioner. With a strong religious faith and values from birth, Thea has always […] The post 031 Draycott’s Deacon appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Will Ewens is the new Head Teacher of both Draycott & Rodney Stoke First School and Shipham First School. Two rural places of learning for young children. Both schools with a history of excellence and their locations surrounded by Somerset’s beautiful Mendip hills. Will, a Somerset resident from birth, has already faced many challenges since […] The post 030 Draycott Head Teacher appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Helen Dance is one of the pillars of the communities of Draycott and Rodney Stoke. An experienced volunteer with CAM (Citizens Advice Mendip), Clerk of the Card Trust, Editor of the Parish newsletter and owner of 2 raucous parrots. She reveals a fascinating and surprising tale of John and Joseph Card.  In the early 1700’s […] The post 029 The Draycott Charity appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Tiggi and Ella chat about their guide dogs Jackie and Rio. How their lives have become enriched with assistance from their canine pals. However, the road to enlightenment never runs completely smoothly! A gentle and amusing conversation between two friends sharing in the joys and tribulations of life with sight loss and unpredictable dogs. The post 028 Draycott’s Version of BBC Radio4’s ‘The Listening Project’ appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Lori Tomms, Landlady of the Strawberry Special, describes their recent renovations, all geared to safeguarding customers and staff alike. Everything is directed toward the doors re-opening as soon as the Government says GO! The post 027 Draycott Pub Confronts Covid-19 appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

This is a very moving life story. Ella Caulfield is an extraordinary young lady. Living with partial sight loss as a child growing up was a massive challenge. In 2015 fate administered another bitter blow. Ella has encountered many extreme challenges throughout her young life. However, a new friend Rio, her guide dog, has joined […] The post 026 Sight Loss – Courage and Endeavour appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Tiggi catches Chris Seager on the move for a catch up. Seagers are facing the limitations of Brexit, a wet February, followed by arguably the hottest months of April and May on record. To top everything, along came Covid-19 with the massive restrictions enforced by government. How are they coping right now? The post 025 Draycott Strawberries Re-visited appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

After what was arguably the hottest May on record, Tiggi talks to local natural historian, Peter Bright. She learns about the impact of Covid-19 on flora and fauna, and the effect it has had on our wildlife. The post 024 Covid-19 and Conservation appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Mary Woodhouse a Draycott resident for over 70 years, tells Tiggi how isolation really feels. The post 023 Mary Woodhouse – 75 Years a Draycott Resident appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Tiggi talks to Elaine Reynolds, Trustee of the Cheddar Valley Foodbank about the increased need for donated food. In these troubled times, the community are still amazingly generous. Tiggi finds out how it all started and what it means to some people. The post 022 Draycott’s Local Foodbank – A Coronavirus Lifeline appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Tiggi talks to Dot Prince, a Draycott resident about her work in the NHS. Dot explains that everyone at the Weston-Super-Mare hospital are working as a team to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. All combined with a large dose of compassion. The post 021 Draycott’s Nursing Sister, Florence Nightingale and Compassion Over Covid-19 appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Chloe is one of the top 20 British hat designers. Awarded this lofty title thanks to her ethical approach to making hats. Tiggi wants to find out how it all started. From humble beginnings making fascinators for friends weddings, Chloe now designs and makes stylish, sophisticated and beautiful hats. All from reclaimed materials. With several […] The post 020 The Draycott Milliner appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Emily Syms is a small animal vet. Tiggi talks to her about the impact of COVID-19 on veterinary practices and our pets. The post 019 Cats In Crisis Over Covid19 appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

In these troubled times we all want to help. That’s exactly what a group of people have been doing for our NHS and carers. Tiggi talks to Jan Kinsman about a local group who are sewing to help our heroes. How did it all start? What exactly are they making, and how do they maintain […] The post 018 Draycott and Rodney Stoke Good Neighbours Sew to Help Protect the NHS and Care Workers. appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

With the help of technology, Tiggi chats to the Draycott Community Shop committee. How has the Coronavirus pandemic changed things since the shop opened? In particular, how are they keeping the village supported, as a life line in these dark times! The post 017 Draycott Diaries Documentaries Revisits the Community Shop appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

1917, Star Wars and James Bond.  Just a few of the feature films Charlie Adcock and his team at Event Horizon have worked on. From an early age Charlie wanted to blow things up!  Inspired by the gift of a tiny amount of Potassium Nitrate, his  life passion began, making explosives bend to his will.  […] The post 0016 Draycott Dynamite appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

This time I chat to Seagers, who are strawberry growers providing some of the highest quality fruit in Draycott. Father and son combo, Andrew and Chris, talk about :- their strawberries the use of bees for pollination the ups and downs of farming life. Most importantly they tell me what community means to them. I […] The post 015 Draycott Strawberries and Cream appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Willow is synonymous with the Somerset levels and Draycott Moor. Sophie Courtiour is by definition a willow artist, but Tiggi finds out she is so much more. A single mother who built her own eco home, surviving artic weather living in a tent during the build. Having no art training but needing an income, Sophie […] The post 014 Draycott Willow Artist appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Lori Toms, co-proprietor of the Strawberry Special, an old country pub full of ghosts and history. The beating heart of Draycott. Lori left a high-flying job in America, following her heart to Somerset after a chance meeting with a dark Welshman. There was no going back! The post 013 Draycott’s Strawberry Special – A Village Pub appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

Tiggi re-visits some of the contributors she chatted to earlier this year, asking them about their fantasy Christmas. With interesting celebrity mystery guests and stockings full of sloppy food, their answers make a festive and filling Christmas special!   The post 012 Draycott Christmas Special appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.

A funny, informative and slightly bonkers look at life in a Choir! Kate Lynch is a Musical Gem! Choir Director and Vocal Coach in Draycott, as well as Director of Cheddar Valley Voices. A total of four choirs made up of both children and adults from across the local area. Tiggi, as a founder member […] The post 011 Draycott Divas appeared first on Draycott Diaries Podcast.