Oxford Lives

Today's guest is journalist, academic, novelist, and poet, Jake Lynch. In a varied career, Jake has been Sydney Correspondent for The Independent, Political Correspondent for Sky News, and BBC World Television newsreader. He is also a leading advocate for Peace Journalism, recently winning the Luxembourg Peace Prize. His two novels are both whodunnits: Blood on the Stone, set in 17th century Oxford, and Mind Over Murder (co-authored with wife Annabel McGoldrick), a detective story set in contemporary Oxford. Here to tell us about the many strands of his career, and how he splits his time between Oxford and Sydney, Jake certainly has some compelling points to make.  https://www.jakelynch.co.uk  

Today we talk to archivist for the Oxford Welsh Male Voice, Sharron Jenkinson. It's a fascinating story of talent, tradition, and brotherhood, borne out of Welsh migration to the city in the Great Depression. The Choir is still going strong to this day and will shortly be celebrating its centenary. We also talk to Sharron about her life as an historian, teacher, schools' manager and the range of fascinating projects she is still involved in. Links: Oxford Male Voice Choir  www.oxfordwelshmvc.org.uk https://oxfordwelshmvc.org.uk/see/ https://www.steventonhistory.co.uk/  

Today's episode of Oxford Lives feateres writer, poet, storyteller, historian and social anthropologist, JC Niala. With a career spanning cities and continents, JC NIala has a vast experience in multiple art forms and specialises in cultural preservation. JC currently serves as the Head of Research, Teaching, and collections at the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford.  Links: Oxford Male Voice Choir  www.oxfordwelshmvc.org.uk History of science museum www.hsm.ox.ac.uk  

Today's guest is Danny Dorling, Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at the School of Geography and the Environment, here at the University of Oxford. Danny has published (with colleagues) more than a dozen books on social inequalities in Britain and several hundred journal papers. His work concerns issues of housing, health, employment, education and poverty.  Danny is currently attached to St Peter's College in Oxford. Prepare for some fascinating insights.  Link: https://www.dannydorling.org/

In the latest edition of Oxford Lives we interview Dr Jim Holt, retired consultant physician and former Director of Studies at Oxford Medical School. Dr Holt has spent most of his professional life in Oxford and has seen vast changes in medical practice. On the eve of his ninetieth birthday, Dr Holt reflects on his long and varied career and provides some forthright opinions on government health policies. We also learn about his time as a Fellow of Linacre College and how he had a substantial role in the setting up of Green College. Essential listening.

In this Episode of Oxford LIves we talk to writer, tour guide and wine aficionado, Marcus Rees. In a packed interview, we cover Marcus's student days at Jesus college, his early trips to French vineyards, and discuss his latest book Oxfordshire Uncorked - A guide to the vineyards of Oxfordshire and North Cotswolds. As well as giving us a whirlwind tutorial in how to develop one's palate, Marcus explains how climate change is creating an environment more conducive to wine making in the UK. A fascinating listen.

This episode of Oxford Lives features Julie Kleeman and Yeshi Jampa, who run the fabulous Taste of Tibet restaurant in Easy Oxford and can currently be seen selling thier exquisite cuisine all over the festival circuit. Here we learn about their backgrounds, how they met, early days in Gloucester Green market, success on the festival scene, and how everything came together during the pandemic with the opening of their already legendary restaurant. We also discuss their new cookbook, which has received rave reviews from such culinary gurus as Hen Hom. Prepare for your mouth to water.

New College was founded in 1379 by master mason William of Wykeham as a self-contained institution to quarantine and train priests at the time of the Black Death. As well as being one of the first Oxford colleges to take undergraduates and to appoint tutors to teach them, New College was the first in Oxford to be deliberately designed  around a main quadrangle and still maintains many of its ancient features. In today's episode we talk to former Assistant Catering Services Manager and Butler to the Wardens, Nigel Ewers. Nigel retired in 2018 but was then reinstated as Visitor Liaison Officer and is a familiar sight to Oxford residents with his affable manner and fascinating anecdotes. We also talk to Nigel about his compelling life story and what drew him to the city in the first place.

Oxford Covered market 250th Anniversay Special with Malcolm Graham   The Covered Market is currently celebrating its 250th anniversary. From its origins as a meat market built to declutter the bloodied city streets to a thriving community hub and tourist hot spot, John Gwynn's 18th century classic still occupies a pivotal spot in Oxford life. Here to talk about the evolution of the market and to reflect upon his own evolution as a popular local historian, Malcolm Graham joins us on this commemorative edition of the show.

In today's episode of Oxford Lives we talk to Anna Eavis, who has just taken over the role of CEO for Oxford Preservation Trust. We ask Anna about the role of the trust in maintaining historically significant buildings and green spaces throughout the city, the importance of volunteers and the forthcoming Open Doors Weekend. We also look at Anna's previous role as Ciritorial Director of English Heritage, where she played an integral part in allocating London's blue plaques and setting up the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. A fascinating listen. 

50th Anniversary Special. To celebrate 50 episodes of the podcast, we recently held a live recording at the Bullingdon on Cowley Rd. The event was a panel discussion on 'Parallel Oxfords' with three previous guests taking part: multi-media and spoken word artist, Rawz; local historian, Liz Woolley; and author of Real Oxford, Patrick McGuinness. It turned out to be a fascinating evening with a free-flowing discussion that uncovered the real Oxford in all its complexities. Let us know what you think.https://www.patrickmcguinness.org/https://linktr.ee/forgottenstoriesoxfordhttp://lizwoolley.co.uk/     

This episode of Oxford Lives features an interview with musician, rapper, poet, and community artist, Rawz. Rawz has seen Oxford from both sides, having grown up in the Town (Greater Leys) and worked in the Gown (St John's College). Along the way, he has participated in a number of local projects from Digging Crates (Pitt Rivers Museum) to My Two Oxfords (Old Fire Station). His latest venture is an ‘off the beaten track' walking tour, Forgotten Stories of Oxford. For further info: https://linktr.ee/rawz_official and https://www.torch.ox.ac.uk/oxfords-forgotten-stories 

Tolkien-Lewis Special. In this edition of Oxford Lives we examine the lives of two of Oxford's most esteemed residents: JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. They first met at a Merton College English Faculty meeting in 1926. In his diary, Lewis recorded some apprehension, writing of the “smooth, pale, fluent little chap” with “no harm in him: only needs a smack or so.” From such unpromising beginnings, their relationship flourished. Here to pick up the story is Tour Guide and Inklings aficionado, Jonathan Self

Karen Ford is a prolific actor with a vast range of experience in stage and screen to her name. Perhaps her best-known role is that of Miss Booth in the BBC children's drama, Grange Hill, playing a major role in two of the series' most iconic storylines – Zammo's drug addiction and her relationship with troubled student, Danny Kendall. Karen's new play, Serpent's Tooth, is coming to Oxford's Burton Taylor theatre on Saturday 23rd September, after rave reviews in Edinburgh. You can book tickets for this powerful, darkly humorous performance on https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-serpents-tooth 

On this episode of Oxford Lives we interview Ronak Sahni from SWAT (Sikh Welfare & Awareness). SWAT are a charitable organisation committed to transforming the lives of disadvantaged members of the community. You can see the SWAT team every Thursday night on Broad Street distributing free food to the homeless. Here SWAT volunteer Ronak Sahni outlines SWAT's ethos and outlines the logistics of the project he is involved in. You can find out about SWAT's remarkable story at https://www.nishkamswat.com/

Today's guests are from the Oxford Artisan Distillery and are both leading experts in their field. Master Distiller Francisco Rosa (AKA Chico), and Head of Whisky, Charlie Echlin, talk us through the process of distillation and explain what makes their brand so unique, from locally sourced farming to traditional biodiversity techniques. If you would like to go on one of their intoxicating tours (#1 on Trip Advisor), then please visit the following link: https://www.theoxfordartisandistillery.com/shop/tours 

We enjoyed his company so much the first time, we asked him back! This time Jeremy Smith is here to talk about the Oxford music scene, of which he has a vast knowledge, stretching back four decades. In a fascinating interview, Jeremy takes us on a journey through Oxford's musical history, taking in the bands, the venues, the shifts in attitudes and tastes, not to mention some hair-raising nights out. You will not be disappointed. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him on 07763 386886 

Today on Oxford Lives we interview academic and writer Tinashe Mushakavanhu. Tinashe is a Junior Research Fellow in African & Comparative Literature at St Anne's College, here in Oxford. In a fascinating interview, he talks about deconstructing the myth of Africa, re- reading the continent, and making archival source material more widely available. We also discuss two Oxford-educated rebel poets, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Dambudzo Marechera.

Oxford Pub Special – The Bear, Turf Tavern, Kings Arms. Oxford is blessed with an array of historical pubs, blending tradition, atmosphere, sumptuous ales, and some fantastic stories. Here, real ale connoisseur and official pub tour guide, Jeremy Smith, takes us on a virtual tour through some of the city's finest, combining his unique knowledge of the brewing trade with some fascinating personal insights. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him on 07763 386886 – he will be happy to serve.

INSPECTOR MORSE SPECIAL – In this latest episode of Oxford Lives, we discuss all things Inspector Morse with Oxford's resident Morse expert, Melanie Clarke-Jacques. Intrinsic to the novels and TV show is Morse's relationship with Oxford. Here we explore Oxford's role both as atmospheric backdrop and crime scene, and how the city itself has shaped Morse's personality. Expect revelations galore - a must for all fans of the show. For enquiries about Melanie's tours please contact: melanieceej@gmail.com

Our latest guest is academic, critic, novelist, poet and author of Real Oxford, Patrick McGuinness. The book is a tour de force of travel writing which sheds light on the Oxford behind the picture postcard image. In this riveting interview, McGuinness reveals his fascination with aspects of the city seldom depicted in cinema and TV drama: its polarities and peculiarities, quirks and contrasts, and the visible remnants of a past constantly nudging at the present. 

Today's edition of Oxford Lives is an interview with writer and publisher, Julia Cameron. Julia has produced a remarkable guide to Oxford, from the viewpoint of a cat. Specifically, Julia's cat - Simeon, for whom she works diligently as editor and typist. Julia also talks about her publishing company Dictum Press, her years as an obituarist and another fascinating title she has written entitled, Oxford and Cambridge Reformation Walking Tour. Both titles are available from Julia's website https://dictumpress.com/ or from Blackwells. A purrfect listen. 

In this episode of Oxford Lives, we talk to former Lord Mayor Craig Simmons about his time in office, his years as a councillor representing the Green Party, and his work as a sustainability consultant advising high profile companies on how to reduce their carbon footprint. An erudite and committed environmentalist, Craig is full of wisdom and practical advice on how we can all do our bit and help save the planet. He also tells us about his love of yachting.  

Host Jeremy Allen and Lee Woodward talk about their new theatre project, Analyse Thou, a Zoom-based drama that puts Shakespearean characters on the therapist's couch. This original piece of work has been produced in conjunction with Response and Oxfordshire MIND, two leading Oxford-based mental health organisations, over a series of writers' workshops. As well as shedding new light on familiar Shakespearean texts in an accessible fashion, the play seeks to raise awareness around trending mental health issues

Korky Paul is a world-famous children’s book illustrator whose Winnie the Witch series has sold millions of copies all around the world. In a highly engaging interview, Korky reflects on his childhood in Zimbabwe, college years spent in apartheid South Africa, and his European and American travels before settling here in Oxford and getting his big break with OUP in the mid-Eighties. He talks about his highly detailed and anarchic illustration style, love of Marvel comics and, of course, his time in Oxford.

Dr Mary Miller is a Consultant in Palliative Medicine, specialising in end-of-life care. Mary qualified from University College Cork in 1988 and has practised around the work, coming to Oxford in 1998. Here Mary discusses the challenges of caring for the terminally ill and how her role perhaps requires a different philosophical attitude to that commonly held in the West. Mary also reflects on the last year and the Covid pandemic, elaborating on some of the challenges faced by carers, patients and their families.

Anand Menon is Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College Londin and director of UK in a Changing Europe, an initiative promoting independent research into UK-EU relations. An authority and leading speaker on the subject, Anand has numerous television and radio appearances under his belt. Anand also lives in Oxford and touches on his time here, why the city voted Remain and how the post-Brexit environment could impact on our local economy. 

What is the Census? How did it evolve? What is all that information used for? And why is it so important we complete it? Here Census Engagement Manager Sinead Leach tells us everything we need to know, how to get help if we need it, and allays our fears about data security. Don’t forget that the Census will be here on March 21st and it's crucial we fill it in so that our Oxfordshire community receives all the resources it needs. For more info: www.census.gov.uk   

Tim Wraith is Corporate Partnerships Manager for Sobell House. But he’s more than that. Much more. Tim is a true force for good in our community, uniting individuals and organisations in the common cause of kindness. Here Tim talks about the vital role Sobell plays in the lives of so many in our city. He also talks Park Runs, half-marathons, charity cricket matches, and cooking 1500 meals for the homeless. An inspirational listen. 

In this latest edition of Oxford Lives we welcome back author and comedian, Richard O Smith. Richard is here to talk about three new projects he’s been involved in, each with a distinctly Oxford flavour: The Best Ladled Pans of Rice and Penne- “62 Snapshots of Oxford Life”;  Oxford Z-A, in collaboration with Korky Paul; and his intriguingly titled Eccentric Oxford walking tour. 

In 1971, Chris Heap moved from the riot-torn streets of Derry to the tranquillity of Oxford. Here he talks about growing up in a city dominated by the car industry and dwells at length on the glory days of East Oxford, from Irish social clubs to Silvester's hardware store. He also reflects on his time working for Oxford Instruments, a company with a pioneering role in the development of magnetic resonance imaging. He now trains volunteers for the Oxfam Superstore, which has just celebrated its 1st birthday

Today we talk to Jane Cranston, Chair of Oxford Homeless Movement. Homelessness has been a growing problem in Oxfordshire over recent years, due to a variety of factors, many of which Jane outlines here.  Jane destroys many of the misconceptions we might have about what it means to be homeless and how people fall into it. We also talk about why prevention is the best remedy and how we can all help redress this urgent situation as a community. Finally, Jane tells us about her time as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire.  

Today’s guest is a familiar sight for regular visitors to the centre of Oxford. His name is Alasdair de Voil, but you will probably know him as The Mad Hatter. Here, Alasdair talks about his lively character-based tours and his relationship with our great city. We also discuss his political career as a candidate for the Monster Raving Looney (Tea) Party and touch upon his colourful campaign history. An effervescent character with a wealth of stories, Alasdair will entertain and inform you in equal measure.

Welcome back to Oxford Lives- in Lockdown! It’s been a while since our last outing, so here we launch a series of fresh interviews with fascinating Oxonians via video platform du jour,Zoom. We start with producer Graeme Fry. With a background in engineering, Graeme has carved out a career in management consultancy, and independent filmmaking. Here Graeme discusses his life, background and multiple interests. We also talk about what it’s been like for him in Lockdown, and what he misses most about our great city.

Larry Sanders is a living legend. New York born and raised, Larry moved to Oxford fifty years ago and can now safely call himself an Oxonian. Health Spokesperson for the Green Party of England and Wales, Larry's extensive career spans academia, social work and politics. He has recently been heavily involved with Democrats Abroad, supporting his brother Bernie on his US Presidential campaign. Here, Larry expands upon his life and career, and provides some fascinating insight into modern political culture.

Nobody embodies the spirit of Oxford more than Andrew Manson AKA Mani AKA The Big Orange M. You’ll recognise his distinctive art work from around the city: Cowley Road, Covered Market, New Theatre, to name a few. Painter, street artist, accomplished sketcher, Mani embodies the concept of a community artist. Here he waxes lyrical about his life in Oxford, his love of the city, and discusses his extensive portfolio. He also educates us on his influences and contemporaries. To get an idea of Mani’s breadth and talent, visit his website: https://www.thebigorangem.com/

Jerome Arab is a Zimbabwean rapper, singer, songwriter and entertainer with a following in 40 countries. He spends his summers in Oxford and was kind enough to pop into Oxford Lives to share with us his creative message and plans for the future, which include a forthcoming album and the release of 52 tracks (one per week) in the New Year. A fountain of positivity and a paragon of self-motivation, here Jerome tells his incredible story from homelessness in Manchester to Big Brother Africa finalist.

Liz Woolley (MSc Dist.) is a highly acclaimed local historian with a wealth of knowledge about Oxford and its multifaceted past. She is particularly interested in the “town” side of the city, as opposed to the “gown”, and her many talks reflect this with subjects as diverse as industrial architecture, rural life, and the rise of the suburbs. Here Liz regales us with a stunning array of facts and sheds light on those everyday landmarks and architectural features we often take for granted.

Part Two of this fascinating interview with Oxford-based artist, biochemist and teacher Jamal Ibrahim. Here we pick up where we left off, with Jamal telling us an interesting story about a Samurai sword he once owned. He also talks about his time in Malaysia and lets us into the secrets of his trailblazing artistic techniques. 

Jamal Ibrahim has a fascinating story. As a scholarship student back in the early seventies, he was plucked from a working class Malaysian background to win a place at an English public school. From there he progressed to New College, Oxford and then a career as a Biochemist, conducting cutting edge research into HIV at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. After many years an Oxford teacher, Jamal also turned his hand to Art, developing a groundbreaking technique to produce his abstract masterpieces.

An integral part of the Oxford cultural landscape for the last five decades, Modern Art Oxford is renowned for its diverse and progressive artistic programme. Here Director Paul Hobson recounts the history of the gallery, expands upon its remit and tells us about the range of recent community engagement projects. A fascinating discussion that references an eclectic range of innovators from Jackson Pollock to Tracey Emin to currently featured video artist Akram Zaatari.

Our one-year anniversary special continues with plenty of juicy topics dissected by our panel of four. Conversation veers from contentious statues, the Steve Bannon Oxford Union protests, privileged politicians, Dragon School actors, the X90, rotting play parks and whether it's really worth young people moving to Oxford. We discuss personal highlights and look ahead to future projects. With Jeremy Allen, Graeme Fry, Steve Larkin and Richard O Smith.

Oxford Lives is one year old. In this anniversary special, we invite back two of our most popular guests, poet Steve Larkin and comedy writer Richard O Smith, here to give their take on events in Oxford over the last twelve months. Producer Graeme Fry also joins us for this lively panel discussion covering a range of locally-related topics from homelessness to the Westgate to the closure of The Cellar music venue.  Part Two to follow. 

Following on from our Remember Them event at Oxford Town Hall we caught up with David Juler, Museum Development Assistant at the Museum of Oxford. The museum is in the process of refurbishment with many exciting developments planned for the re-opening. A micro-museum currently houses a Windrush exhibition and various community projects and events are upcoming. We also address David's love of museums and the time he has spent in Oxford.

A special live edition of the podcast recorded at Oxford Town Hall in conjunction with The Museum of Oxford. To coincide with The Armistice commemorations, Oxford Lives hosted a panel discussion to explore the city’s role in The Great War. Our guests were Margaret Bonfiglioli, Caroline Roaf (previous OL guests) and Sue Smith, local expert on Conscientious Objectors. Also featured are performances by Jennifer Johns and Rachel Mae Brady of UnderConstruction Theatre. You do not want to miss this!

In the 1960s, a series of letters were found in an attic, chronicling the WW1 experiences of Pleasance Walker, a volunteer nurse who left Oxford to join the French Red Cross. Caroline Roaf discovered the letters a decade later and diligently made photocopies. Now, inspired by The Centenary, Caroline has edited and published them in book form. Here Caroline describes her process and also reflects on her Irish upbringing, work in comprehensive schools and the current political system.

Bill Spectre's award-winning Oxford Ghost Trail has been named as one of the ten best ghost tours in the world by Trip Advisor. Here we ask Bill (real name Bill Ritchie) the secrets of a successful ghost tour and why people are so drawn to ghost stories. We address some deep themes -  the supernatural, human consciousness and life after death. Bill also gives us a glimpse of his act, with a chilling story to make your blood run cold!

In this podcast we visit the MINI plant in Cowley to interview Jason and Tanya Field. Jason started as an apprentice on the plant thirty years ago and still works there as an IT/Telecoms engineer. It was here he met Tanya and both share a passion for the MINI brand, not to mention other classic cars. Here we learn about the history of the factory, Tanya’s love of British Leyland and her family connections to William Morris, not to mention The Italian Job. Special thanks to Steve Wrelton for facilitating this interview.

Stephen Hosking is facilitator for the Oxford OCD Support Group which meets twice a month at the Restore Centre in Manzil Way. Here Stephen discusses the nature of the illness, its treatment and the many misconceptions surrounding it. Stephen also tells us how the group works and outlines his responsibilities as group leader. For those who think they may have OCD or need support in this area, please contact ox.ocd.support@hotmail.com or call 07976 726803

Harley Evans and Susie Barker are a pair of East Oxford creatives who have lived and worked in the city for many years. As professional photographers and designers they have worked with many celebrity clients and photographed the weddings of the rich and famous. They are also successful business people having renovated and restored properties in Oxford and beyond. In this lively interview they talk about life in the city, photographing VIPs and their philosophy on women in business.

Margaret Bonfiglioli has lived in Oxford all her life. A few years ago, Margaret discovered that a Luis Vuitton trunk on her landing contained hundreds of family letters, most dating back to The First World War. The letters were published in book form as ‘Full of Hope and Fear- The Great War Letters of an Oxford Family’ (OUP).  Here Margaret talks about the process of putting the book together with editor James Munson, her life in Oxford, and touches on late husband, Kyril, creator of the Mortdecai novels.