Petersfield Community Radio

Your complete guide to the disrupted bin collection schedule. Shine Radio's Stephen Martin helps you overcome the seasonal confusion with information provided by East Hampshire District Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will you remember from 2025? Our local news team looks back on the year in which buildings and businesses in Lavant Street were affected by fire, a row erupted over the closure of the Rowan Ward, volunteers knitted thousands of poppies and local primary school children published a recipe book. Jo Gray, Julie Butler, Gareth Boyes, Phill Humphries, Mike Waddington from Shine Radio and the Petersfield Post's Paul Ferguson recall the stories they've reported. The programme was recorded in the Tropper Inn at Froxfield and edited by Stephen Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christmas Cracker brings festive warmth, words and music together in a joyful celebration of Christmas. Recorded live by the Lion & Unicorn Players, this special seasonal programme is a miscellany of Christmas-themed poems, stories, readings and music, shared by voices from across our local community. Expect familiar favourites, thoughtful extracts, moments of humour and reflection – and plenty of Christmas cheer. Perfect listening for a cosy evening or a quiet moment during the festive season.Listen on Shine Radio over Christmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The programme editor, Debra Shipton picks her favourite moments from the P pod in 2025. Always on location, the P pod is where Shine Radio meets people across the area to celebrate the huge range of positive contributions they make to the local community. Presented by Julie Butler, Phill Humphries, Laura Sheppard, Andy Catto, Mark Waddington, Stephen Martin and Mark Simpson. The P pod is planned by Ann Marden and the team and is edited by Debra Shipton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Christmas and 5th birthday special programme, creators Kate Fairweather and John Welsman pick some of their favourite episodes to celebrate five years of fun making podcasts together. Episodes referred to in this episode: The National Police Trials 2025 Nathan Foy on the guide dogs that have taken him from boyhood to parenthood, Harley, the peanut allergen detection dog From first steps to a Canicross ultramarathon for Logan the spaniel and owner Sara Billy, the drugs detection dog of the West Midlands Police Dogs with Jobs features the full range of working dogs, therapy dogs, military and service dogs, assistance dogs, bio detection dogs and other, random occupations such as truffle hunting, modelling and more. Browse more dogs with interesting jobs. Do you work your dog or dog? Get in touch with Kate Fairweather if you’re interested in coming on the show on team@shineradio.uk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A concert of carols and readings for Christmas with guest speaker J John and music from the Little Town Choir. Recorded by Shine Radio at Petersfield Festival Hall. Credits Welcome - Esme KellyReading - Zach HarrisPoem - Mo HernamanReading - Anne GlennReading - Killy JohnChristmas Unwrapped talk - J JohnBlessing - John CallaghanChoir - The Little Town ChoirMusic - Steve UdallOrganisers - John, Jon and Josh from Petersfield Area Churches Together Venue Petersfield Festival Hall Recording Petersfield's Shine RadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local author Suzie Wilde and Tim O'Kelly of One Tree Books immerse you in a monthly indulgence of literature, storytelling and the world of books. A zoom guest this month – Ian Skewis who chats about how he’s become a publisher and what, why, when and where all royalties are going (it’s a charity).We are joined in person by Sally, Dorota and Anna from the bookshop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Postie Steve is once again this year collecting your empty chocolate and biscuit boxes. All for Macmillan. An initiative by Green King pubs, Tubs for Pubs raised over £24,000 last year. You can drop your boxes off at the Royal Mail Customer Collect office until the 10th FebruarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leeroy Scott has been doing all he can to raise funds to help his hometown in Jamaica. He was raised in the rural Parish of St Elizabeth and following the devastation of hurricane Melissa in October, is trying to help his community to rebuild their lives again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 14 January 2026 Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery opens a new exhibition: Sara Lee: Chalk Lines. Drawings from the South Downs. Sara was the winner of the Museum's South Downs Open, (2025) when they exhibited 130 artists and a winner was chosen for this prize exhibition. Louise Weller, the Museum and Art Gallery's Head of Collections and the exhibition's curator, tells Mike Waddington about what you can expect from the exhibition and the activities around it (including a South Downs walk and a talk from the artist herself on 7 February.) Louise also announces that thanks to a substancial grant won from The Art Fund, a new resource will be developed at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery to make the thousand pieces in the Flora Twort Collection more easily available and added to. It is a challenging time for the Museum who in the New Year will be open one day less, from Wednesday to Saturday. There are lots of ways to engage with the material the Museum and Art Gallery holds for the community in Petersfield and local support is vital Louise says. More about Chalk Lines at Exhibitions | Petersfield MuseumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is a time for cheer, but some may find it hard to find something to smile about. Agencies working together once again are working with the Salvation Army and the Foodbank to ensure everyone will get a special food hamper, and with every child will have a present to open on Christmas Day. Shine Radio asked Agencies Working Together coordinator, Steve Field how we can all helpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas should be a time of fun, and it can be if you watch for some of the pitfalls. Amanda Whiteland-Smith from Citizens Advice offers advice on how to spend wisely within your means, watch out for those Christmas scams and what help is available for relationship breakdowns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are on the south downs at the sustainability centre. If you were in the navy back in the day you may have known it better as HMS Mercury but these days it is very different. So we're going to speak to the people who run the courses for schools and adults in woodland activities and crafts, organise music and theatre and provide accommodation to walkers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally the stormy weather subsides and field sports return. In football, title chasing Petersfield the Rams travel to Andover needing to keep the pressure up on Stoneham as both teams forge ahead of the pack in search of league glory. https://www.petersfieldtownfc.co.uk/ . Liss Athletic aren't afraid of a tough challenge in fact, they thrive on it. No bigger challenge exists than top of the table Crofton Saints in their back yard. https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/lissathletic . Pompey are now embroiled in a relegation battle and must pick up points from teams also in the same fight. This Saturday they hosted Blackburn Rovers. Also in the football we hear from Ben Bentley, the man charged with all the exciting development projects over at Love Lane and Penns Place. Petersfield rugby club have accepted the challenge of proving they can mix it with the best sides in Regional 2 South league. All that needs doing now is to show it. On Saturday they accepted visitors Winchester who started their own league campaign with 10 wins from 10. https://www.petersfieldrfc.club/ . In the Hockey, the mens 1st side have started to impress recently and it's starting to pay off into results and points. Gillingham come to Bedales in the hope of halting their progress and the womens side take on Aldershot. https://www.petersfieldhockeyclub.com/ . All 6 sides from the Petersfield table tennis club took to the tables last week, we have all the results here. https://www.petersfieldttclub.org.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petersfield author Michelle Magorian is probably most known for her book (and film and musical) Goodnight Mr Tom. She talks to Mike Waddington about her inspirations, her acting roles (including Joseph and HIs Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and her appearance as Orinoco Womble), and her enjoyment in every day conversation despite being socially shy. Her father was in the navy so she spent years abroad and on her return she understood what challenges are. She holds to the Chinese proverb that a problem is a gift in disguise. More at Homepage of MichelleMagorian.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenny Mallin tours around the Petersphere, giving interesting talks, through U3a, about her career at the BBC, serendipity in life and her amazing family history, particularly relating to India. Mark Simpson asked Jenny about her life behind the scenes at the iconic BBC Television Centre, working on legendary shows like The Generation Game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. Compassion, farmers and supermarkets work together Barnardo's and NHS line up with workshops for new parents We review this weekend’s sport and today is the last day of local bulletins for this year on Shine Radio To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 12 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Butler is joined once again this month with Lynn Osborne, Nickki Haggar and Duncan Cameron. This month it is all about Christmas and we talk about families at this Festive period and how generations come together and interact. We also get sound advice from Amanda Whiteland-Smith from East Hants Citizen Advice on how to cope with the extra pressures of Christmas. Then it's over to join the Festive Elves that are running and walking, all in aid of raising funds and awareness of mental health. Listen to the full episode now, and discover advice, inspiration and support from people who have been there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Family support organisation, Home Start Butser, kept its volunteers very busy on Thursday 11 December, wrapping all the presents - hundreds of them - donated through Joe Tully's Annual Christmas Give. 'The community has been so generous.' Home Start Butser's manager, Nicola Winter, tells Mike Waddington, about the amazing generosity of the community, meaning that all the 371 children in the 263 families they support, will receive a gift. Their work continues thanks also to their Big Give appeal - where local donations are doubled by a national charity - and which raised a staggering £43,755,31 in less than a week. Saira Syed, a solicitor at local firm KJ Smith, also talks about why they sponsor Home Start Butser and others. Nicola also thanks Clavio Lounge, Bedales, the Spice Lounge, and Petersfield Lions. She had that morning been at a sponsored Reindeer Run at a local infant school to raise funds for Home Start - Ditcham Park next week! More about Home Start Butser here: Home-Start Butser | the leading local family support charity And Family Lawyers Petersfield | Family Law Solicitors in Petersfield | KJS Family Law See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hampshire Healthy Families provides new parents with confidence building information. The Health Visiting service works with partner Barnardo's to provide workshops in informal settings including the Heath (for a walk every Monday at 1:30pm) and the Library. Sophie Williams from Barnardo's tells us more about them and how they build confidence in new parents. The workshops are free to attend. Sarah James is a Health Visitor at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and she explains the service, the high impact areas they underline and contacting them - also with a handy texting services to ask questions and seek advice from the Health Visiting Team. Hampshire Healthy Families and workshop details at Portal : Hampshire Healthy Families See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. Christmas is the time for presents and cheer, and Citizens Advice says it can be done within your budget Petersfield’s oldest school has risen higher in national rankings Bike marking is all set again after Christmas at the Men’s Shed …and we have a roundup of local job opportunities To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 11 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police are asking everyone to ensure they stay alert and vigilant to the lead up to Christmas. There has been a spate of thefts from outbuildings and this is the time of year where shoplifting is more prevalent. Don’t leave anything to chance. Ensure that everything is securely locked and make sure that you keep all valuables on you when out shopping. Also, if you have a new bike for Christmas there is an opportunity to go and register it after the Christmas breakSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When local Liss man, Keith Budden was told to slow down to relieve stress, he decided the time was right to think about writing his book. There is a catalogue of health issues throughout his life, so he wanted to reflect and put a humorous side to things to help others that maybe in the same position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Current Affairs group, in its last meeting of 2025, turned its attention to compassion for animals in food. Phil Brooke, 27 years at Compassion in World Farming, spoke about work with farmers and supermarkets to end bad practice. He highlights how partnership has helped improve things and how the consumer can help. More at ciwf.org.uk The Current Affairs Group meets again in February 2026, returning to its usual venue at One Tree Books. For more information, contact Phil Selby at pjselby@hotmail.co.ukSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the last EHDC full council meeting, councillors joined and voted together to a motion from District Councillor, Ginny Boxall. The motion to protect protect the rivers that flow through the district is a vital step toward safeguarding our streams and rivers, so they can recover and thrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday everyone came together at the Mubarak Mosque in Tilford to receive their cheques from their walks during the year in the National or Regional walks. Over £380,00 was donated to support communities across East Hampshire and reaching out as far as Farnborough. Petersfield Shine Radio was lucky enough to receive £1500.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. Police want us to be extra vigilant in the Festive period It’s a lifetime of moments Everyone should have something special at Christmas, can you help? And let’s see what is on the foodbank list this week To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 10 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday 9 December, the Duke steamed up to Petersfield to take passengers on a luxury Pullman experience to the Bath Christmas Market. Mike Waddington spoke to some people travelling in it today, as well as those who just came to look. It took up the entire platform, disappointing those who wanted to stand beside the engine but never denting their enthusiasm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. A cross-party agreement recognises the importance of local chalk streams and rivers The Mayor chose his Christmas Card and the TPS winner chose the Heath Petersfield Community Choir Raise the roof! …and after the news we’ve got your Shine Radio What’s On Guide with the latest happenings around the Petersphere To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 9 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mayor of Petersfield, Cllr Chris Paige, chose the winning design for his official Christmas card after reviewing shortlisted works from students at TPS - The Petersfield School. The overall winner was Clover, who told us about her card and why she chose the Heath. Mike Waddington also spoke to Emilie, Noah and Todd about their work - Emilie's was chosen for TPS's own card (which Grace, another student, also contributed to.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. Over fifty charities were presented with cheques from the Beacon of Peace Walk It was a wet weekend but, we’ll bring you the results from the games that went ahead The Panto is right behind you! …and the winning numbers are out in this week’s community lottery. To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 8 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Sheppard sits down with Zoë Maddison, Chair of the Lion & Unicorn Players, to explore the rich history of this much-loved local theatre group. Zoë reflects on the challenging years the Players faced during Covid and the period that followed, and shares how the company is now turning a positive corner with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and ambitious plans for the future. Based in Sheet and performing across the Petersphere, the Lion & Unicorn Players continue their mission to bring vibrant, accessible theatre to rural villages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Winton Players traditional panto - Jack and the Beanstalk - is on at the Festival Hall from 9 th to the 17 of January 2026. Mike Waddington (n the senior chorus himself) speaks to Panto Villain Phil Humphries, King Bertram John Whitaker, and Orla and Rachel from the Chorus. The whole production has about 70 people on and backstage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are upon the slopes of Windmill Hill just south of Petersfield at the amazing Buter Ancient Farm. Yes, we know the farm for lots of events throughout the year. But of course, between those events, they have an ongoing programme of education. So we're going to speak to the people who dressed up as Roman soldiers, who show us how to make swords, and who invite visitors to join them in the wonderfully diverse world of ancient history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. Iconic High Street Building now The White Company Christmas at the library - books, games, cards, and crafts! EHDC Councillors are now paperless to help with the environment and we have a Sports preview To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 5 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Councillors have been issued with laptops, to make significant savings in both cost and the impact on the environment. Dramatic savings will be made as a result of going paperless across the 43 councillors. The first full council meeting in September saved the council £4833 on printing costs, which is over 14,000 sheets of paper. Cllr Nick Drew tells us moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s that time year for everyone to get into the Festive mood. The Taro Christmas Fair takes place on Saturday 6th December. Why not come down to meet Father Christmas, have a hot chocolate and sing along to Christmas carols. It’s not just for children. There’s plenty to do for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local man Roy Ward needed a way to start to come to terms with his loss of his wife Margaret. They had been together for 73 years and always been together in that time. Letters to Margaret is his way of dealing with bereavement and still keeping her memory for him alive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Petesfield Community Choir were in very fine voice and performed 15 “Sounds of Winter” on Wednesday 3 December at St Peter's, including songs in Latin, Ukrainian and Maori. The audience joined in for the carols and Fleur Ash performed four songs. Over £1,000 was raised in the retiring collection for Winton House. The Mayor, Councillor Chris Paige, was the guest of honour. We hear from the Choir, Cllr Chris Paige, Dr Richard Philips, the Chair of Winton House, and Fleur Ash. Choir Leader Ysanne Bonner also speaks about the hard work that came to fruition for the 50 or so singers there on the night - they raised the roof! Contact the choir at Welcome to Petersfield Community Choir Fleur Ash on (3) Facebook Winton House Centre here Winton House Centre | Run by the community for the community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iva Repnytska, offered to share her Ukrainian recipe for borscht with Shine Radio's Recipe queen Noni Needs. Iva said: "My borscht is loved by my British friends and my future British husband. Want to try it?" So Noni went along to her home to meet her and taste borscht cooked to a traditional family recipe. Borscht is a Ukrainian soup made from chopped beets, cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables, and is a symbol of Ukrainian cuisine and culture. As a symbol of culture, borscht is not just a dish, but part of Ukrainian traditions, a symbol of abundance and hospitality, said Iva Repnytska. It has dozens of variations, including the most popular red borscht, green, and cold versions. In 2022, the culture of Ukrainian borscht was inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.For more Shine Radio recipes go to: shineradio.ukSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. The Elves put their best foot forward St Peter’s packed for Headway and Encore Choirs Santa Claus is coming to town at a location near you! …and we have a roundup of local job opportunities To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 4 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petersfield Library is always a hive of activity - on top of a massive collection of books, and they are hosting, for the third year, Cards for Good Causes. Library Manager Stephen Atkinson, speaking to Mike Waddington, tells us more about what's on and also the seasonal selection of books and best sellers (which you can ask them to buy for you to have a lend of.) Lots happening like a Poetry Club which meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 2. 30pm. They have also arranged family activities in Christmas week - lots for children and adults in need of a rest! All the details here: Events in libraries | Leisure and culture | Hampshire County Council See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over a hundred runners and walkers dressed up as elves last Sunday. All to raise funds and awareness for Havant and East Hants MIND. The event highlighted the need for better mental health support during the winter months, the importance of physical wellbeing and to support mental wellbeingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A window into the working life of Billy, a young spaniel with a promising career ahead of him as a drugs detection dog. Billy’s handler, Police Constable Paul King describes Billy’s training and how they navigate the leap into operational work. There's plenty of detail along the way - the difference between proactive and passive drug scanning. Drugs detection work is a great game in some ways - criminals extend themselves to come up with ever more ingenious ways of hiding them and use decoy smells so Paul is alive to any opportunity to keep Billy’s skills evolving, too. Paul explains why the greatest tool in the police toolbox is a dog's nose. Recorded in the back of a police van at Crufts, the UK's largest dog show, in March 2025. (I forgot to photograph Billy, hence going with the stock photo...I will replace it! ) You may also enjoy these connected episodes about the many disciplines within the police: Oreo, the digital asset dog The UK's National Police Dog Trials 2025 P.D. Viper the firearms support dog P.D. Chase and the career arc of a general purpose police dog P.D. Meika, who searches for London criminals' cash, drugs and firearms P.D. Ted, the explosives detection dog with the West Midlands Police P.D. Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Metropolitan Police Champ, the engagement dog working in child protection in the Victoria police Do you work your dog? Or perhaps you know someone else who might like to come on the show? I love all and any working dogs and am always looking for dogs to interview. Get in touch with me, Kate, via team@shineradio.uk. Find more dogs with interesting jobs. © & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio. Biggest children’s play park opened at Penns Place Jane Bown exhibition at the Newlands House Gallery Winton House, a vital asset for the Town And let’s see what is on the foodbank list this week To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500. You make it shine. Published at 4:58am on 3 December, 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Situated in the former NatWest building on the High Street, The White Company opened its doors on the 10th November. The luxury retail brand chose Petersfield as its newest branch after being approached by the new landlord James Duffy. Store manager and local resident Vicki says that the people of Petersfield have been very welcoming and she is excited for what the store can bring to the area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have seen in the Liphook Community Magazine that the Margaret Wilson Community Spirit Award was given to Bryan Jackson. For more than 40 years Bryan has been involved with the Scouting movement in Liphook. he is also a keen supporter of the MAD Theatre Company and has assisted in staging the Liphook Gangshow. Mark Simpson visited Bryan at his home to celebrate his achievements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.