Podcasts from The Cat 107.9

The Legacy of Mayor Sally Graham"As we look ahead to May, the town of Crewe prepares to say a fond farewell to its 12th Mayor, Councillor Sally Graham.Taking office in May 2025, Sally brought a unique energy to the role, rooted in her deep ties to the St. Barnabas ward and her work within the Methodist Church. Her mayoralty wasn't just about the ceremonial robes; it was defined by a clear, singular mission: The Power of Partnership.Throughout her term, Sally championed the 'Community Collaboration' theme. She moved beyond traditional civic duties to actively bridge the gap between local schools, colleges, and community groups. Her goal was simple but ambitious: to ensure that the inspiring work happening in Crewe's pockets didn't happen in isolation.Key Achievements during her 2025/26 term include:The Collaboration Initiative: Launching a framework for local charities to share resources and volunteers, specifically aimed at boosting their collective impact on the town's most vulnerable residents.Youth Engagement: Working closely with Crewe's local schools to involve the younger generation in practical community service, teaching them the value of civic pride through action.A ‘Working Mayor' Approach: Leveraging her background in the church and local council to facilitate dialogue between faith groups and secular organisations to tackle local poverty and isolation.As she finishes her term, Sally Graham leaves Crewe a more connected place. She proved that while a Mayor represents the town's history, their most important work is building its future—one partnership at a time.

Growing Health Community Garden in the heart of Nantwich.Beyond the raised beds and the polytunnels lies a thriving community built on connection, recovery, and the simple joy of getting your hands in the soil. In the podcast, we explore how this fully accessible green space at the Brookfield Allotments is changing lives—from NHS social prescribing and mental health support to the simple magic of a Tuesday morning "drop-in" session. Whether you're a seasoned grower, a local looking to volunteer, or someone seeking a peaceful place to belong, listen in to hear how they're growing more than just plants—they're growing health.#CommunityGardening #SocialPrescribing #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #TherapeuticGardening #NatureHeals #OrganicGardening #Nantwich

Discover a radically different approach to care. More Than a Care Home explores the 'household model' at Belong Crewe, an award-winning village dedicated to independence and world-class dementia support. Each episode features insights from our specialists and heartwarming stories from the people who call our village home."The "Household" Model: Instead of one big ward, they have 6 small "households" of about 10–12 people. It feels like a real home where everyone eats together and knows their neighbours.Open Doors: Their facilities like the Bistro, Gym, and Hair Salon are open to the entire public, not just residents. This stops the village from feeling isolated.B's Café: They recently launched a monthly dementia café (supported by Crewe Town Council) which is a massive support for local families.LGBTQ+ Inclusion: They are well-known for their "Silver Pride" initiatives and award-winning work in making sure everyone feels safe and seen, regardless of their background.Location: They are right on Brookhouse Drive, famously opened back in 2010 by Pete Waterman!Official Website: Belong Crewe Main PageWhat's On & News: Latest Events at Belong CreweCare Quality Commission (CQC): Belong Crewe Rating (Currently rated "Outstanding" as of their last major report).Dementia Support: Admiral Nurse Service Information

What happens when the cost of living hits home in Crewe? As the manager of Chance Changing Lives, Nadine is on the front lines of supporting our community through the Community Pantry and the Saturday Kitchen.In this episode, we sit down to discuss the reality of food poverty in 2026, the importance of 'shopping with dignity,' and the incredible volunteers who keep the doors open. It's a raw, honest look at the challenges facing Crewe—and the people who refuse to let their neighbours fall through the cracks.The Community Pantry: How it's a "membership" store (not a food bank) to help people feel like shoppers, not statistics.The Saturday Kitchen: Their work at Jubilee House feeding the homeless and vulnerable.The "Working Poor": Nadine often speaks about how many people using the service actually have jobs but still can't make ends meet.Volunteer Spirit: The "unsung heroes" who help sort the food from partners like Aldi and M&S.Website: chancechanginglives.org Location: 11-13 Coronation Crescent, Crewe. #CreweCommunity #Nadine #SocialSupermarket #CreweStrong #CommunitySupport #EndPoverty #CheshireEast

What happens when you give the next generation a multi-million-pound space to call their own? In this episode, we're stepping inside the vision for The Dome—Crewe's brand-new Youth Zone set to open this winterI'm joined by Stuart Manifould, the CEO leading the charge to transform Oak Street into a world-class hub for young people. From his roots as a teacher to his mission of breaking down barriers for youth, Stuart shares why this project is a "once in a lifetime" game-changer for Crewe.Whether you're a parent, a young person, or just proud of Crewe, this is a must-listen look at the building that's set to redefine our town in 2026.Host: Andy CookeGuest: Stuart Manifould (CEO, The Dome)Recorded at: The Dome, CreweFind out more & Register:

Kev Watson spoke to Emily Duffey (Charlotte) and Laura Elizabeth (Anne) - two of the famous Bronte sisters - who feature in the Harlequin Player's new play "The Other, Other Bronte Sister". They discuss their parts, the play and how the playwright makes the story of the Brontes relevant to today.

Today Des talks to Steve Leonard, a co-director of Phoenix Vet Practice and Steve discusses how he gave up a career in TV to develop his veterinary skills and how he intends to compete with the large corporate practices.

In April/May 2026, Rachel Florence is taking on one of the UK's toughest physical challenges: walking the entire Cornish section of the South West Coast Path. Covering 300 miles and climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest, Rachel is trekking for more than just the view. She is walking to raise vital funds for Survive, a specialist charity providing life-changing counselling and support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse.In this episode, we discuss the mental and physical grit required for the journey, the essential work Survive does to help survivors rebuild their lives, and how you can support Rachel's mission to ensure no one has to face the aftermath of trauma alone.The Cause: All proceeds go to Survive (Charity No. 1191837), a trauma-informed service providing professional counselling and a support helpline for survivors of sexual violence.The Challenge: A solo trek of the Cornish Coast Path—300 miles of rugged terrain and steep cliff ascents.The Dates: Starting April 16th 2026.The "Why": Specialist counselling for trauma is in high demand; your donations directly fund sessions that help survivors move from "surviving" to "thriving."Call to Action: "Every penny helps clear the waiting list for someone in need of support. Join me on the path by donating today." https://www.justgiving.com/page/survive-coastal-walk

Nick Rowbottom of Viz Reflectives Ltd explains how his business mind and unique entrepreneurial skills helped him create several businesses that were eventually sold to large corporates.

What does it take to run a charity where every single counselor gives their time for free? Andy Cooke talks to Charlotte Walton from Survive Crewe about the incredible volunteers behind one of our town's most vital support services. From one-to-one counseling to art therapy, Charlotte explains how Survive supports survivors of abuse on their own terms and at their own pace. It's an inspiring look at how local volunteers are using their 'time on their hands' to provide hope and healing to others#SurviveCrewe#MentalHealthMatters#HealingJourney#SurvivorSupport#TraumaRecovery#CounsellingServices#ArtTherapy

More Than a Bed: Care and Connection at Valley Brook "What makes a house a home? For the residents at Crewe's Rough Sleeping Prevention Service, it's about more than just four walls and Wi-Fi—it's about a staff team that goes above and beyond. Join us as we explore the tranquil Valley Brook campus and hear why residents feel truly 'cared for' for the first time. We discuss the power of professional support, the importance of beautiful surroundings, and why 'reaching out' is the first step toward a new life."

10 days before opening night "Songs from the Shows" Kev Watson called in on the Curtain Calls Production team and cast of Annie which will play at Crewe's Lyceum Theatre 18th-21st March. Have a listen to what the cast, choreoghaper and director had to say.

In this episode of Time on Your Hands, host Andy Cooke takes you on the ground to the YMCA Sleep Easy event at Christ Church, Crewe.We start the night in the 'cardboard city,' capturing the sounds and spirit of the community as they construct their shelters for the night. It's a light- look at the teamwork and creative building required to stay warm, featuring interviews with the volunteers and participants mid-build.As the temperature drops, the conversation turns serious. Andy speaks with Tammi McClure, Fundraising Manager at YMCA Cheshire, and the Mayor of Crewe, Cllr Sally Graham, about the stark reality of homelessness in our region. We discuss the vital funds being raised to support housing and mental health services, exploring how one night in a box helps provide a lifetime of support for those in need."Show Notes & TimestampsIntroduction: Andy Cooke opens the episode from Christ Church, Crewe.On the Ground: The sights and sounds of the shelter builds. The Mission: Tammi McClure explains how YMCA Cheshire supports local youth. Civic Solidarity: Cllr Sally Graham on the importance of community action.#YMCASleepEasy#Crewe#YMCACheshire#EndHomelessness#CommunityStorytelling#SleepOut#MayorOfCrewe#AndyCookePodcast

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke with Musical Director Dan and Chair Person Daniel ahead of Must See Musicals "Modern Musicals" Concert at Worleston Village Hall on Saturday 21st March (4:30pm). We looked forward to their production of Shrek in November, 2026 and celebrated some rather good news that they both have had recently.

Guest: Dawn from The Thursday Club, NantwichDawn is a lead volunteer for The Thursday Club, which is part of the Creating Dementia Friendly Nantwich initiative. She helps coordinate this volunteer-led group to provide a safe, welcoming space for people living with dementia and their carers.A Community Hub: The club meets every Thursday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at St Mary's Church Hall in Nantwich.Interactive Activities: Dawn shares how the club keeps members engaged with themed activities, music, dance, quizzes, and even kurling.Connection and Support: The group offers a vital "drop-in" social environment where members and carers can enjoy tea, coffee, and biscuits while building lasting friendships.Breaking Barriers: How the club works to ensure memory loss isn't a barrier to having fun and staying active in the Nantwich community.#TimeOnYourHands#Nantwich#TheThursdayClub#DementiaFriendly#CommunitySupport#CheshireLife#AndyCookePodcast

Welcome to the official podcast of the Bob Hope Academy in Nantwich.Located at the heart of the Elim Church complex, the Academy is more than just a premier table tennis facility—it is a community lifeline. We believe in the power of "Friday Ping," a specialized program designed specifically for those living with dementia, their families, and carers. Through the simple joy of a game and a cuppa, we use physical activity to stimulate the mind, foster connection, and prove that a diagnosis doesn't mean the end of an active social life.In our debut episode, we sit down with Jan Johns, the driving force behind the Academy and a recent recipient of the national "Coach of the Year" award. Jan shares her journey from international play to building this unique space in Nantwich. We discuss the science behind why table tennis is the "perfect" sport for brain health and hear heartwarming stories of how the Academy has become a second home for our local "Dabbers."Join us as we explore stories of hope, memory, and the community that keeps us all move

Changing Lives is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on providing a "hand up, not just a handout." Operating with a heart for the community, they tackle food poverty and social isolation through their innovative Community Trust Food Pantry and supportive outreach programs. By offering access to affordable food, essential boutique items, and a welcoming social hub, they empower individuals to regain their independence and dignity in a pressured world.As the Head of Groceries and Retail for Changing Lives, John O'Reilly leads the organization's mission to combat food poverty and social isolation. Under his leadership, the charity operates as a vital community hub, providing sustainable support through its Community Pantry and Boutique.#Crewe#Nantwich#CheshireEast#CreweCommunity

Join Andy Cooke for an exclusive radio catch-up from the Detached Network in Crewe. In this episode, we dive into the heart of Cheshire East, discussing local community impact, street-level engagement, and the stories that matter to our region.From grassroots initiatives to the future of our town, tune in for an authentic look at life in Crewe through the lens of community-driven radio.Listen in to hear:Local insights from across Cheshire East.The vital role of the Detached Network in our community.What's next for the people of Crewe.#Crewe #CheshireEast #DetachedNetwork #AndyCooke #CommunityRadio #LocalVoices

Kev Watson spoke to cast members and the director of North Staffordshire Operatic Society (NSOS) new production - The Great British Bake Off The Musical. It plays Stoke Rep Theatre 10th to 14th March. We discussed the characters and their storylines and of course, the wonderful music, that makes up the show.

Today Des talks to Georgia Smith, owner of The Loud Agency and Georgia discusses how to develop a robust social media strategy.

This podcast is about some of the work the volunteers do for Homeless people in Crewe and surrounding areas

Today Andy talks to Helen from Age UK . Helen discusses the issues Age UK have, their services and the need for volunteers

I spoke with the cast of CAMS' next production at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre of "Ghost". Heather and Sean Clarke-Wilkinson, Mark Steven Cooper, Natasha Griffiths, Alex Hricko and Michael Burdin who play Molly, Sam, Carl, Oda Mae, Will and Subway Ghost respectively. The musical is in great shape and is sounding wonderful. Have a listen to what they said about their roles in "Ghost" which plays at the Lyceum 15th-18th March, 2026.

I spoke with the creative team behind CAMS' next production at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre of "Ghost". Sean Johnson-Hargreaves, Rheanne Stubbs and Treona Holden, director, choreographer and musical director respectively, provided great insight into how they work with their cast on this intimate, emotional and rollercoaster of a musical. Watch out for the cast interviews too - they were also excellent.

Harvey, a book and play by Mary Baker, plays at Northwich's Harlequin Theatre 24th-28th February. Director Malcolm Barker and Ian Lancaster, who plays the lead role of Elwood Dowd, spoke to Kev Watson about the piece, why it is such a timely piece of theatre, and what audiences might expect to be talking about as they leave the theatre.

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke to Dorothy (Sidney Causer), the Scarecrow (Michael Corteen), the Tin Man (Johnny Viagus) and the Lion (Greg Billing) ahead of MCMT's production of the classic "The Wizard of Oz" which plays the Memorial Court Theatre 18-22 February. The cast talk about the show, their roles and a song you may not have heard about before - "The Jitterbug".

The Cat's Andy Cook interviewed Mayor Sally Graham and Tammy McClure (Fund Raining Manager of Crewe's YMCA) about "Sleep Easy 2026".

Today Des talks to Margarita King the owner of Baby Squids in Nantwich, and Margarita discusses the benefits of buying into a franchise.

Paul Horton, who is playing the part of "Death" in Terry Pratchett's "The Hogfather", at the Harlequin Theatre (26th-29th November), joined Kev Watson to talk about the play, his role, and why the "Auditors" want the Hogfather dead!

The cast of CAYT's (Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre) "Elf The Musical" visited Kev Watson at the Cat Studios to talk about their latest production which will play at the Daneside Theatre 16th November and also the 18th Nov - 22nd November. Ronnie, Alicia, Chloe and Oscar talk about their roles and what being part of CAYT means to them.

Dan Rushton, from Must See Musicals, came into the Cat studios to reflect on the success of Beauty and the Beast in the summer and to tell us about their Xmas Cabaret on the 7th December. Dan also spoke about their Open Evening on Jan 7th and told us exclusively that Must See Musicals will be performing "Shrek" next year.

The Cat presenter Bohdan Panczyszyn interviews Katie McGlynn who played Coronation Street's Sinead Tinker. Katie is to play Cinderella at the Liverpool Epstein Theatre in this years Christmas Pantomime (2025). They discussed how Katie got into acting, her Xmas with family and the show.

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke with 3 cast members from Salt & Pepper's upcoming production of "The Great British Bake Off - The Musical" which will play at the Grange Theatre, Hartford (5th - 8th November). Suzie Low plays Babs (three times married Essex grandmother harbouring secret desires about the blue-eyed male judge), Debbie Allen who plays booze loving judge Dame Pam) and Michael Corteen who plays all round nice guy and wise cracking presenter - Jim.  Listen to them discuss the show, their roles, the amazing job that Jo and Michael (the creatives) are doing and what the audience might expect to see and hear.

The Cat's Kev Watson caught up with Mark Arfur who plays Winston Smith and Francis Harcombe playing the parts of Parsons and Charrington in Harlequin Theatre's production of George Orwell's "1984". They speak about their roles, the director and how relevant the work is today as it has ever been.

This week Des & Dave compare LinkedIn v YouTube and are joined in the studio by Dawn Read, Dave Christie and Matt King.

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke with Max Clay, of the Nantwich Players, who will direct their their new production "The Last of the Haussmann" - a play written by Stephen Beresford. Max discusses the play, the cast and the playwright .Nantwich Players 17th - 25th October, 2025.

Today Des Talks to Will Chitty, the principal of Crewe Engineering & Design College and Will explains how the college collaborates with local business and ensures every student leaves the college 'industry ready'.

Leon Broster from Cheshire Business Expos and Dawn Read from D&G Office Supplies discuss TheCheshire Business Expo on 17th September at The Mornflake Stadium.

Mikey Williams will play Seymour in Congleton Musical Theatre's "Little Shop of Horrors"at the Daneside Theatre (21-25 Oct). Here he talks about the show, his fellow cast members and the Von Trapp family of Congleton (the director, choreographer, actors, singers!) and of course the Audreys!

Today Des talks to Juliette Boland, Community Outreach Officer for West Cheshire Credit Union and Juliette discusses how the Credit Union supports the local community and some of the key benefits of using a credit union instead of a bank.

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke with Bethany Gail and Sandie Laughlin about the Nantwich Player's upcoming production of "Nora A Dolls House" by Stef Smith (after Henrik Ibsen). In its time Ibsen's play was 'shocking and exhilarating' and this modern retelling has 3 Noras. I was intrigued as the award winning director outlined her approach to this classic. It sounds wonderful. Have a listen and you can decide.

Des talks to Charlie Frank, the owner of State 2 Security Ltd and Charlie discusses how he rose through the ranks in the police force and why he decided to launch State 2 Security.

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke with creatives and cast from "Hot Flush" which plays at the Harlequin Theatre in Northwich 10-13th Sept, 2025. They discussed their parts, the joy and poignancy the show and why poor Matty has a bob on his hands. Have a listen it's a fun listen.

Kev Watson visited rehearsals of Acton AOS' Oliver! Have a listen to what the Olivers, Dodgers, Nancy, Sykes and Fagin had to say about the show and their parts.

The Cat's Kev Watson spoke to 4 cast members from the upcoming "School of Rock" which plays at the Memorial Court Theatre in Northwich 13-16th August. They discussed the show, their roles, the amazing talent of the young people in the cast and introduce us to Together for Theatre Productions.

Today Des & Dave talk to Roy Johnson of Sandler Training and Roy discusses how to ensure that your sales and marketing departments are synchronised and the intricacies of the sales process.

Zach and Erin have been at the CAT for a weeks Work Experience.While they have been at The CAT they created the Work Experience show where they introduce music and interview friends on their work experience.

Legs chats to the Reverend Suzie Eddleston about an event at St. Andrews, raising awareness of a charity that helps communities in Uganda.

Today on Any Other Business, Des Machin, Dave Foulkes, Rodger Morris from Crewe Motorcycles and Peter Leydon from Nantwich News Online, discuss 'Cloud Computing and the Future of IT'.

The Cat's Kev Watson talks to Grant Jones, the director, and his cast about the upcoming production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest". It will play at the Nantwich Players 27th June - 5th July.

I spoke with Sharon Dutton the director of The Nantwich Players' next show - Quiz Night At The End Of The Earth. A play in which audience members actually participate in a quiz. Listen to Sharon's description of the piece and her cast members.