Stratford Calling

Hello Stratford!Sorry for the long delay. It's been a bit hectic here getting back into normal life and trying to juggle everything! Thanks for bearing with me.The plan now is to podcast every month and I also hope to do more face-to-face events and other things, now restrictions have eased. So, if you have any ideas, want to be involved or keep updated, email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or follow me on socials - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.This week I speak to Trevor Preston who created Changex - an alternative way of supporting people with their mental health. Trevor has his own mental health issues, but he doesn't let that get in the way of helping others...Also, if you want to get involved with the other groups I mention, please get in touch.Thanks for listening everyone. Speak again soon!EmmaStratford CallingShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!This week I speak to Caroline Creswell, local interior designer, declutter-er and space transformer. We talk about how she helps people declutter their space and her upcoming Christmas event at Midsummer Garden, where she and some friends will be demonstrating how to decorate your Christmas tree, this years trends and lots more Christmas tips! Tickets are limited so do book as soon as you can.If you want to come onto the podcast to promote your business or a local cause, do get in touch. You can contact me on stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on socials.I hope you are all keeping safe and well.Thanks for listening.EmmaShop Local - Support Local - Celebrate Local

Hello Stratford!Sorry for the lateness in podcasting! It's been a bit hectic here, what with one thing and another. But I am back with a new episode for you. Today I speak with Lawrence Prestidge - local author and old friend of the podcast now - about his new book "The Boy Who Lost His Smile". It's an autobiographical book about Lawrence's struggles with depression, alcoholism and suicidal thoughts, so a bit different from his children's literature! Lawrence talks to me about how he bit the bullet to write this book to try to help others who may be going through difficult times.If you have a story, business or cause you want to share with Stratford, please do get in touch. You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com.Thanks for listening (and for bearing with me!).Speak again soon.Shop Local - Support Local - Celebrate Local

Hello Stratford!I'm back! Again! Sorry for the delay but hoping now the holidays are over I can get back into the swing of interviewing some of the great people in Stratford to help you shop, support and celebrate local!This week I speak to Janet Palmer from Stratford Friends of the Earth about the Great Big Green Week and some the exciting events that are happening from 18th-26th Sept. If you want to appear on the podcast to talk about your business, charity or group, do get in touch. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or contact me on socials.Thanks for listening. Speak again soon.

Hello Stratford!It's been a while hasn't it?! How have you been? Hope you're all ok and coping with everything!Sorry for the delay in getting another episode out to you. But I am finally back with lots of things to tell you!The podcast will be a bit different from now on, but find out more when you listen. I am still supporting local, so do get in touch with anything you want to tell the people of Stratford about. You can contact me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com.In this episode I speak to Emily Leadbetter, otherwise known as 'A Reluctant Ecowarrior'. She talks to me about why she's a reluctant ecowarrior and what her journey into the world of all things green has been like so far. Follow her page on instagram to find out more and share your own eco-friendly tips and advice - a_reluctant_ecowarrior.Emily and I have also joined a new group in Stratford to make our town plastic free. Find the group on Facebook (@plasticfreestratforduponavon) or email me to join and get involved!Thanks for listening everyone. Speak again soon.And don't forget...Shop local - Support local - Celebrate local!

Hello Stratford!Can you believe it has been one whole year since I launch Stratford Calling?! Thank you to everyone who has been part of this thing! It has been so fun to do and so great to meet such lovely and amazing people.In this short episode, I announce the winner and runner up of the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition - we had over 300 people listen and vote for their favourite and it was very close!I will be having a break for a bit while I get myself organised, but I will be back with more interviews, videos and competitions too!Thanks to you all for your support. Enjoy the sunshine! Speak again soon.Oh and don't forget...Shop local - Support local - Celebrate local!

Hello Stratford!Sorry for the delay in getting this episode out. It has been a manic week with the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition but so fun! I have loved hearing all the stories and also seeing which ones you have enjoyed! There is still time to listen and vote - you have until the end of Thursday 3rd June to hear them all and vote on the link. It's a close run thing, so every vote will make a difference!This week is a bumper episode with interviews with Jon Stiff, local artist who has used almost every part of his body as a canvas (!), Clare Thomas from Stratford Music Network and some of their young band members ( a couple of which provide the music for today's episode), and Melissa and co from The Courtyard Gallery at Stratford Garden Centre, about their new studio space and upcoming plans.It's a jam-packed episode to mark the end of Creative Stratford Month - I hope you've enjoyed the chats, videos and the competition. I will let you know who has won very soon, and also keep updated on socials for what's coming next, and on YouTube for the videos of some of today's interviews too!Thanks for listening and supporting. Speak again soon.EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate localp.s. Sorry Luca - I realised after I published that I misread your song title. Luca's song at the end of the episode is called 'Crappy Moments and Red Dresses'. Enjoy!

Hello Stratford!Here is the final instalment of the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition.Today we have a poem by Michelle Dale, entitled A Walk by the River, and a short story by Rachel Dealtry called Donna. These are the final 2 shortlisted entries in the competition, so afterwards I tell you the link where you can cast your vote for your favourite out of the 6 finalists. You have until next Thursday to vote and you can listen back to all the entries if you need to hear them again.Thanks again to everybody who entered, the judges, Hannah Young and you guys for listening.I hope you have enjoyed the series as much as I have.Enjoy!P.S. My next usual episode will be a bit later next week after the excitement of all this! So keep checking your podcast provider and socials to find out when it's out.

Hello Stratford!Day 2 of the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition! Today we have a piece of flash fiction written and read by Valerie Deacon entitled Coffee Mate, and a short story by Gabriella Szaszko called Jupiter Road, read by Hannah Young.I hope you are enjoying listening to these as much as I am! Stay tuned for the final instalment tomorrow, where you can find out how to vote.Enjoy!Emma

Hello Stratford!I am so excited to be bringing this special series of podcasts to you, for the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition.Over the next few days, the 6 shortlisted entries will be read out for you to enjoy, and on Thursday, you can find out how you can vote for your favourite. Today we have Bubbles of Fun, a poem written and read by Julie Taylor, and Almost There, a short story by Charli Pacaud, read by Hannah Young.So grab yourself a cuppa, sit back and enjoy.Emma

Hello Stratford!I have a literary week planned for you this week!Today I speak to Myles McLeod, one half of The Brothers McLeod, about their new book Knight Sir Louis and the Dragon of Dooooom! He also tells me about their plans for more books, events and TV shows!Then over the next few days, you will be able to hear the shortlisted entries in the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition. There are 6 finalists altogether, and you will be able to hear them all, and choose your favourite! And the winner and runner up will be announced later in the month. Come back tomorrow to find out more! I am so excited!!Do get in touch if there is anything you want to share with me. Email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on socials. Keep updated there too, as well as on the Stratford Calling YouTube channel.Thanks for listening. Speak again tomorrow!EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!A bumper episode for you today! I speak to Second Thoughts Drama Group, The Music Cafe and Prestige Academy of Performing Arts. And thank you to everyone who has submitted an entry into the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition. All the entries are with the judges, who will send me their shortlist soon. Due to unforeseen circumstances, you will have to wait a little bit longer than planned to hear them, but keep updated on the podcast and social media, to find out when they will be read out. Happy listening everyone!EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!This week I speak to Rachel from Betty and Mabel, a creative whizz with a needle and thread, and Glenis from Avon Flow Art, a painter with some really mesmerising pieces. Podcasts aren't a great way to talk about visual art, so at some point this week, the interviews will also be available to view on the Stratford Calling YouTube channel, so you can see the ladies and their creations too. Bear with me though, as technology hasn't been friendly this last few weeks! I will keep you updated on socials.There is also still time to enter your poetry, flash fiction or short stories into the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing competition, to be in with a chance of winning £100 and a 3-month coffee subscription to Monsoon Estates Coffee Company. Email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com for the rules and an entry form. The deadline is this Thursday (13th) at 5pm. Best of luck to everyone who's entering and thank you to those of you who have already sent in your entries. I am really looking forward to hearing them on the podcast next week.Hope you are all keeping well and warm this very dismal May!Happy listening!EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!This month I am launching Creative Stratford - a month of podcasts and videos highlighting and celebrating the wealth of creativity here in Stratford. This week I speak to the two judges of the Monsoon Estates Creative Writing Competition - Chris Howard from Monsoon Estates Coffee Company and Sophie Clausen, local author and founder of ARC (Arts Rising Collective). These two lovely people have agreed to read the entries to the competition and create their shortlist which will be read on special episodes of the podcast later this month. Then you will have the chance to vote for your favourite!There is still time to enter too! Check out the Stratford Calling social media pages or email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com to find out how. The deadline is Thursday 13th May at 5pm. Good luck!And here is the link to the survey Sophie mentions, to find out more about what you want from a creative hub in Stratford. It only take 5 minutes to answer and will help so much. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxUDV_a0CZnFceDabyLSYp52Pt0LW7iUpG9ZrbV4kGse-IVA/viewformThank you!Speak again soon.EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!This week I speak to the Reform UK candidate for Stratford South, James Crocker. He is the only Reform UK candidate in Stratford, so find out what his plans are if he were to be elected.This is the last of my candidate interviews - unfortunately I didn't get a response from the Green Party candidates, so couldn't put your questions to them. I hope these interviews have been helpful though, and whatever your political view point, please do take the time to vote on May 6th.Next month I am launching Creative Stratford, a series of podcasts and videos (technology permitting!) highlighting and celebrating the creative arts and the people behind them. I am also launching a new competition in partnership with Monsoon Estates Coffee Company. Listen to the end of the episode to find out more!Thanks for listening everybody. Speak again soon.EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!This week I speak to Samantha Scott, Labour candidate for Stratford North. Find out about her ambitious plans and ideas that she wants to put in place, if she were to be elected.The other Labour candidates for Stratford South and Stratford West were unavailable for interview. Hope you're all enjoying the lovely weather!Speak again soon.Happy listening!EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!Here is my interview with the Conservative candidates; Tim Sinclair for Stratford North and Marilyn Bates for Stratford South. The candidate for Stratford West was expecting a baby at the time of the interview, so we wish him all the best for his new arrival.Thanks for listening everybody. Speak again soonEmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!After the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, political candidates are pausing their campaigns today. So the interview with the Conservative candidates will be released tomorrow.So today, I will share an interview with Hannah from the RSC and their new pop up in Bell Court. They are only around this week, so do pop along if you are feeling creative!Come back tomorrow for the next episode.Happy listening everyone!EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!I'm back! Sorry about the delay. Needed to rest a bit. But I'm back now and raring to go!This April, I am focusing on the local elections and my plan is to interview as many of the local candidates as possible. This week I start with the Liberal Democrats and speak to their candidates for Stratford North, Stratford South and Stratford West. Thank you to those listeners who sent in questions. I hope you like their responses!At the end of the episode I also ask for any locals who want to be part of a new group to help save our town centre. Listen to find out more, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also keep updated on the Stratford Calling social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Thanks for bearing with me everyone. Hope you enjoy.Happy listening!EmmaShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello Stratford!Young people have been severely effected by the pandemic over the last year, with uncertainty around school and exams, isolation and the increase in mental health issues all a big part of that.This week I teamed up with Rachel from Lifespace to focus on the young people in Stratford. She helped to bring together a number of people from different organisations who work with children and young people, to answer questions that many families might have about their children at the moment.We also worked with Stratford Youth Forum to help them design and create a week of support and advice for other young people, relevant not just to those in the area but also around the world.This is the last week of Stratford For Families, and I hope you have found it interesting and helpful. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved. Yet again I am overwhelmed by the amount of businesses and charities that are here for families and the brilliant services and products they have on offer.I will be taking a break over the next few weeks to recharge and plan the next episodes. I will keep you posted on socials - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - and you can still keep in touch with me, as I do love to hear from you! Email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or send me a message, if you have anything you want to share on the podcast, whether that be a business, charity or story.Fingers crossed for good news later. Hope you're all staying safe and well and positive! Thanks for listening everyone.Speak again soon.Shop local - Support local - Celebrate local 

Hello Stratford!It's half-term! Hurray! And Week 3 of Stratford for Families. Hurray!This week I speak to Caroline at the Parenting Project, Gemma at the NCT and Tara at Stratford Town Trust. Throughout the week I will also be posting local activities for families to enjoy over half term on Stratford Calling socials, including the Stratford Safari. I have created a safari with a difference, as you can use the map to discover the strange and wonderful creatures living amongst us! Visit SC socials to get your safari guide and next time you're on your walk, pack some binoculars and a camera, to see if you can spot the unusual creatures in our town. And see if you can find any I've missed!Tonight (Monday 15th Feb) at 7.30pm Stratford Parent Champions are hosting a drop-in session for families, who have any questions they need help answering. Parent Champions are able to signpost families to services and support and get the answers they need to their family-related questions. So if you need some answers and don't know where to turn, come along to the session so you can speak 1-2-1 with a Parent Champion. Email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com for the Zoom details. If you can't make the session, you can email me with your questions and either myself or another Parent Champion can get in touch with you.Next week, I will be speaking to some mentors from LifeSpace, and putting some questions to them about how we can help our older children who might be struggling with lockdown. Email me with your questions and I will "Ask LifeSpace" next week, the final week of Stratford For Families. Phew! That's enough to be getting on with isn't it?! I hope you can all enjoy a rest this half-term. And do get in touch if you want to let me know about anything exciting happening!Thanks for listening everyone. Speak soon.

Hello Stratford!Week 2 of Stratford For Families sees me talking to Victoria from OneFitMama, Graham from Barnardo's and Claire from The Sticky Spoon Cakehouse.OneFitMama is an exercise class specially designed for mums, and Victoria tells us all about how it came about and also about her free taster class tomorrow evening on Zoom. There are still spaces available so email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com to book yours! Barnardo's runs the Children and Family Centres in Stratford and Graham tells me what they have on offer for families at the moment, as well as the community work he is involved in.Finally, Claire from The Sticky Spoon Cakehouse, tells us about the amazing creations she has made for the birthdays and special occasions that have been a little different this last year, to say the least! I would really recommend checking out her website to see the Harley Davidson cake she talks about!If you want to get in touch, if you have anything to share with Stratford or want to find out more about what's coming up on the podcast, you can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or find and follow me on socials - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram now! You can also visit the YouTube channel to catch up on all the videos from the last few weeks, and subscribe to keep up-to-date with what's coming up next. Thanks for listening everyone.

Hello Stratford!This month I launch Stratford For Families - a month of podcasts, online events and videos for families with children of all ages. I'm still finalising the programme so keep updated on Stratford Calling social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) or email me for more information at stratfordcalling@gmail.com. You can also subscribe to the Stratford Calling YouTube channel to make sure you never miss any videos on there.This week I speak to Sue and Debbie from the Family Information Service, about how they can help families with all sorts of questions, from childcare and schooling, to housing and money management. I also speak to Frankie from Zest Dance, about her dance classes for children (and adults!) and the taster session she has created for the youngest members of the family to have a go at. Visit Stratford Calling on YouTube to have a wiggle!This week is also children's mental health week. If your children are struggling at the moment, visit childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk to find tips, advice and activities to help support them. And you can also contact the Family Information Service to find out where you can access support in the area. Stay safe and well everyone. Speak again soon.

Hello Stratford!This is the final week of Stratford Wellbeing Month. I hope you have found it interesting and helpful. I know I have!This week I speak to Fleur and Stacey from The Recovery and Wellbeing Academy about anxiety and how we can manage it. Fleur will be running a live session tomorrow (Tuesday 26th Jan) at 7.30pm on Zoom to tell us more and give us some simple tips and techniques to help us manage our anxiety during this difficult time.  This session is open to all. To book a space email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com with your name and postcode and I will send you all the details. In this episode I also speak to Barbara and Virginia from Stratford Samaritans. We speak about how important it is to talk about how we are feeling and how we can all become better listeners. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved with Stratford Wellbeing Month - Sarah at Stratford Time Bank, Jane the Time Bank member who taught us mindfulness, Tracey from Purple Hat Coaching, Miranda from PixieFit and Fleur and co from the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy - and everyone who has been on the podcast too. Don't forget you can catch all the sessions so far on the Stratford Calling YouTube channel too, so don't worry if you missed them!And also a big thank you to all of you for listening and taking part. It's great to hear your feedback and if you have any ideas of of theme's you would me to focus on, or if you have a business, charity or story you want to let people know about, do get in touch, I love to hear from you. Email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on social media. Next month I am launching Stratford For Families - a month of podcasts, events and videos for families of all ages. Keep updated on social media and the YouTube channel to find out what's happening, when. Hope you're all keeping safe, well and sane! If you are struggling, do reach out. Someone is always there to listen. Take care everyone.

Hello Stratford!Been a difficult week here at Stratford Calling HQ. But it's great to hear such positive feedback and appreciative comments from you lovely listeners, so thank you for those.This is Week 3 of Stratford Wellbeing Month and  we have a Zumba Gold session with Miranda from PixieFit. I speak to her in this episode about what Zumba Gold is and what we can expect from the session on Wednesday. If you want to come and give it a go, the session will be over Zoom at 7.30pm. Just email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com with your name and postcode to book your space. If you can't make it, you can watch a recording of the session on the Stratford Calling YouTube channel shortly afterwards.This week I also speak to Karen from Escape Arts, who have so many projects and exciting, creative things for you to get involved with to help your mental health right now. Thanks for listening everyone. If you have any thoughts or comments, or any ideas of future events you might want to see, or if you have a business, service or cause you want to tell people about, email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or get in touch on the socials - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Take care Stratford, and speak soon.

Hello Stratford!I hope you are all coping with the new lockdown. Such a shame we are in this position again, but hopefully the Stratford Wellbeing Month I've created with Stratford Time Bank can help you with the pressures and uncertainties surrounding us all.The second week of the programme  is all about stress - quite apt, I'd say! I speak to Tracey from The Purple Hat Coaching Company about what stress is, why we need it and how, in her live session on Wednesday, we can find out more about ourselves to learn new ways to deal with our stress and become more resilient. To book your space, email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com with your name and postcode and I will send you the details. Spaces are filling up. If you can't make it, you can watch a recording of the session on the new Stratford Calling YouTube channel. As with all things to do with mental health, if you have an existing condition, or are unsure about attending, please speak to your medical professional before signing up.In this episode I also speak to Nick who started Laptops4Learners at the end of last year, to help reuse old laptops and computers by updating them and giving them to students who are unable to access online teaching during the lockdowns and self-isolation. It's a great initiative and if you have an old computer knocking around at home, you can donate it to them to help local pupils get the education they deserve.Thanks for listening everyone. Enjoy! Take care and speak again soon.

Hello Stratford!Happy New Year! I hope you have all been able to make the most of this festive period, in spite of everything that has been happening. It is such a very strange time still with lots going on and so much uncertainty.Which is why I have teamed up with Stratford Time Bank to bring you Stratford Wellbeing Month this January. We will be bringing you a series of podcasts and live (all be it, online!) events, to support you and your mental health during this difficult time. This week is all about mindfulness. In today's podcast, I speak to Sarah Coxall, Manager of Stratford Time Bank, about how important looking after our mental health is, and to Jane Grafton, a retired Corporate Mindfulness Trainer, about mindfulness and the first of our live events, where she will tell us more about mindfulness and give us some techniques we can use to help with our mental health going forward.If, after listening, you want to take part in the live Zoom session on Wednesday 6th January at 7.30pm, please email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com with your name and postcode and I will send you all the details.If you want to find out more about the session, you can do so on the Stratford Calling Facebook page, @stratfordcalling, or email me for more details. There will be more interviews and events throughout January about a range of topics such as stress, physical fitness and anxiety, which you can find out more about on the Facebook page, or email me for a full programme. I hope you find Stratford Wellbeing Month helpful and hope to see some of you at the live sessions over the coming weeks.Keep going Stratford. And look after yourselves.Thanks for listening.

Hello! Stratford Calling!Here is the last episode of the year. And it's a cracker! I speak to Councillor Kate Rolfe about Stratford Town Support and the future of Stratford, Midsummer Garden the new licensed coffee house on Sheep Street (stay tuned for another exclusive listener offer!) and Hannah from Bordon Place about their community pom pom project. There are also Christmas messages from past interviewees who wanted to say thank you and merry Christmas to all you lovely listeners. I also wanted to say thank you (and manage to just about make it without crying!). I am also pleased to announce the plans for next month and Stratford Calling's 'Stratford Wellbeing Month', in collaboration with Stratford Time Bank. The details are still being finalised so stay tuned on Facebook to keep updated with developments as and when they are announced. We will be putting on a series of podcasts and virtual events around the theme of mental health and wellbeing, with guests and experts in the field and best of all, they are all local!Thank you to all of you for all your support over the last few months. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Look after yourselves and each other, and I will speak to you again in 2021. Happy listening everyone.With all my love,Emma GShop local - Support local - Celebrate local

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to Rio from Shakespaw Cat Cafe about what a cat cafe actually is and how they are doing their bit to help rescue cats find a new, loving home.I also speak to Marie from HomeStart South Warwickshire, a new charity in the area, supporting families with young children with practical and emotional support when it's needed most.I invited Councillor Tony Jefferson to speak this week, about his action of sending a Judicial Review to the government about Stratford being placed in Tier 3. Unfortunately no response, but it's good to see him standing up for the local businesses in the area! I will try and get him on for next week!Next week will be the last episode of the year, so stay tuned for your usual fill of Stratford news as well as some other bits and bobs, plus exciting developments at Stratford Calling HQ. Stay tuned, and happy listening, Stratford!

Hello! Stratford Calling!With the news that we will be entering Tier 3 in December, it is so important we continue to shop, support and celebrate local. Keep listening to the podcasts to hear from a variety of local businesses, and follow us on Facebook for regular updates about what this town has to offer.If you have a business or something you want to promote, do get in touch. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling.In this episode I speak to Richard from Bonds about how the lifestyle store came about and what they have been doing, and are planning on doing, to keep trading through this difficult period. There is also an exclusive listener offer for you, so keep listening to hear that!I also mention a new virtual Christmas market that has been set up, to support local businesses, makers and creators. Well worth a look with over 120 stalls offering everything from beauty products to handmade gifts.I hope you are all ok. Thanks for listening and I'll speak again soon.

Hello! Stratford Calling!I hope you are all save and well. Fingers crossed we are in the last week of lockdown, but who knows what's going to happen?!This week I speak to John from CA Rookes Wine Merchant, the oldest wine merchant in Stratford and he tells me about the history of the company and gives me some advice on what to drink on Christmas Day, and some excellent Black Friday deals too!I also speak to Matt, new Chair of Stratford Christmas lights, and how the lights almost didn't happen this year! They are launching their Love Your Lights campaign to secure the future of the lights, which are such a bug part of Stratford at this time of year. Thanks for listening everyone, speak again soon!

Hello! Stratford Calling!I hope you are all staying safe and well, and coping with the new lockdown. Hopefully the podcast is helping alleviate some of the monotony!This week I speak to Alex from ToolShed, a new social enterprise in the area, which helps young people with study, employability and work experience. I recorded it a couple of weeks ago, just in case you are confused when you hear it!I also speak to Sarah from Parents in Mind, a peer support programme from the NCT, helping new mums who might be struggling with their mental health, and how they are continuing to do that through these very difficult times.Finally I catch up with Melissa, a glass and enamel artist from The Courtyard Gallery who I featured in episode 5, and find out what she has been up to since then and what exciting Christmas goodies she has for you. She also has a special offer for you too, so listen to her interview to find out all about it. Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!Here we are in another lockdown. I hope you are all keeping safe and well. If you are struggling with your mental health, in any way during this time, in this episode I talk about the support available to you and also to James and Phil who can help too.James is the manager at Lifeways Therapy Centre on Albany Road, and he talks to me about what they offer during normal times, as well as at the moment for all residents of Stratford. I also speak to Phil who has recently set up a mens mental health support group, to help men come together and talk about their mental health. If you do need help during this time, do reach out. There are so many wonderful people, groups and organisations available to help in every way. You can also talk to me! You can get in touch if you want a chat via email or Facebook, or let me know what you've been doing during your lockdown. My email is stratfordcalling@gmail.com and you can message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling. Look after yourselves everyone, and thanks for listening.

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to Manuela, Rosemary and Sarah about the threat to the woods at Meon Vale, how the community has come together to protect the woodland and how you can help too. We also talk about the creative projects that have come about as a result of the campaign and I play a song inspired by this important natural space.I also speak to Steve from Sniff n' Bark, the specialist shop for dogs in Stratford. We talk doggy treats, doggy accessories and doggy names, and also about their new member of staff, Baxter! You can also get a 15% discount from the store, both online and when you visit, so keep listening to find out more!I recorded this episode before the discussions regarding a second national lockdown, so if we do end up being shut indoors again, keep going everyone! It's been such a difficult year but you're all doing great! If you want to share your stories or creative pursuits during this time, please get in touch. Or if you run a business or charity you want to mention, just let me know! I will be happy to chat to you. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook @stratfordcalling. Let's try and support our local people and businesses as much as we can. Keep listening to the podcast to hear more from the great community we have in this town, and let's...Shop local - Support local - Celebrate localThanks for listening! 

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week we have music and chat from Joe O'Donnell's Shkayla, about the release of their new remastered album Gael's Vision, originally released in the 70's. Joe and Adrian (the band's bassist) fill me in on the story behind the album and a much needed musical history lesson!I also speak to children's author Lawrence Prestidge, who has recently moved to Stratford, about his books and his story about how he became a writer not too long ago.Thanks for listening to the podcast. If you want to be part of it and talk about a local businesses, charity or if you have an  interesting story to tell, do get in touch. You can message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling, or email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com.Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week is a climate change special, and I talk to Stephen and Dave from Stratford Climate Action about the climate emergency and what they are doing to drive change. If you want to be involved in the podcast, do get in touch. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling. I love to hear from you!Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week we have some music from local musician, Lordless (other wise known as Joe Lord) who is releasing his new single LUNA today! Hear that, and some more of his songs throughout the episode, and our conversation about how uni life has influenced his music.I also speak to Evgenia Golubeva about her creative career in animation, drawing and writing, and how it all started during her childhood in Siberia.I hope you enjoy the episode. If you have any feedback or want to be involved, you can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling.Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to Tracey from Purple Hat Coaching about how her new practice is helping all sorts of people deal with the stresses and strains of life (as well as why on earth she has called it Purple Hat!), and to Ruth from Team Springboard, about their community garden in Stratford and how it is bringing people together.If you would like to get in touch I always love to hear from you. If you have a business or charity you would like to tell me about, or have any feedback for me, you can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling.If you like the podcast, I would be really grateful if you could spread the word to your friends, neighbours, family and colleagues so we can let as many people as possible know what this great town has to offer.Happy listening everyone, and thank you!

Hello! Stratford Calling!A creative episode for you this week with interviews and music from two very talented ladies. Firstly I speak to Victoria of the Tora Wilson Vocal Academy and she shares with us some songs she's recorded herself and as part of the duo PoperaSops. I also speak to Sophie, the lady who designed the Stratford Calling logo, about her new campaign to save the arts in Stratford and her call for help.If you would like to be involved with the podcast or want to get in touch, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook @stratfordcalling. Enjoy the episode and speak soon! 

Hello! Stratford Calling!A jam-packed episode this week! I speak to Mick the only electric cab driver in Stratford, Pete from ILEAP, a charity supporting people with additional needs, and Jodie and Giles from Sip 'n' Swig. Find out how cabbies have been affected by the pandemic, how people with additional needs have been enjoying a hole host of fun activities, even during the current situation, and how you can treat yourself or celebrate a birthday in style despite the new restrictions. All this and much more in this week's episode. I hope you enjoy. Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to Martin from Esquires Coffee at the Arden Quarter, about how his cafe is more than just a coffee shop, and to Rachel from Life Space, about the amazing work their volunteers do for the young people of Stratford. If you want to be involved in the podcast, you can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook @stratfordcalling. If you have a small business or run a charity or social enterprise, or if you just have an interesting story to tell, I would love to hear from you.Happy listening everyone!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to Rozie T from Rozie T Dance Academy (a dancer, not a DJ!) about her dancing career and how she became the Lockdown Dancing Queen! I also speak to 9 year old Emilia about how her creative talents have been the inspiration for The Shakespeare Hospice's latest fundraising competition. I speak to Mahnie from the Hospice to find out what they do and more details about how you can get creative and raise money for such an amazing local charity.If you would like to be involved with the podcast, or you have any feedback for me, please get in touch. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling.And I would be really grateful if you could let all your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues know about it too. Every new listener we get means we have been able to spread to word about the great people in this town even further. Thank you!Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to John, Director of The Attic Theatre about how he almost lost the theatre, without even knowing it! And also to Sara, Chief Executive of Stratford Town Trust, about what the Trust is all about and how the work they do helps the town and its residents. If you would like to be involved with the podcast, do get in touch. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page @stratfordcalling and send me a message. Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!I'm back! And I've missed you!This week I speak to Julie from Stratford Baby Bank about how she is helping even more families during the pandemic and her plans to continue to help them for as long as they need, and also to Hannah from Potty About My Planet about...(drum roll please!)...toilet roll! (I know how to treat you on my first episode back, don't I?!) She tells us about how her toilet paper is good for the planet and also gives you lovely listeners a discount code so you can try them for yourself!Thanks for listening and if you want to get involved with the podcast, you can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling. Speak again next week! Oh FYI the next episode will be released on Tuesday 1st Sept.Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This is the final takeover episode from Stratford Youth Forum. This week they discuss the impact of travel on the environment, and tell us about their interesting trips on local public transport! They also speak to Yatek from Plantarium, Stratford's only vegan cafe. If you were ever thinking of trying something vegan, then Plantarium is the place to go! Unfortunately we were experiencing some technical difficulties with this episode so I'm really sorry for any sound issues. Please stick with it as the members and Yatek have so much for you to hear! I just want to say a massive thank you to Alfie and the other members of the forum for taking over the podcast and letting us know what they do and what they are passionate about. It has been great to have you involved!To find out more about Stratford Youth Forum, you can email them at soayouthforum@gmail.com or find them on insta @forumstratford. If you or someone you know is a young person and would like to join the forum, please get in touch with them.And to find out more about Plantarium, you can visit their website http://Plantariumcafe.co.uk or find them on Facebook @plantariumcafe. Or why not pop down and see them at The Minories in town.Happy listening everyone, and I will be back next week (technology permitting!)

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week the podcast has been taken over by Stratford Youth Forum. They have developed, recorded and edited the whole episode themselves and I have to say, I'm very impressed! They are a wonderful group of people and are a credit to our town.I will leave Alfie and the other members of the Forum to tell you all about who they are and what they do. And they also speak to Beth from Sport4Life about the work they do for young people in the world of education, training and employment. To find out more about Stratford Youth Forum, or if a young person you know would like to be a part of it, you can find them on insta @forumstratford or email them at soayouthforum@gmail.com. And to find out more about Sport4Life you can visit their website sport4life.org.uk or visit their social media pages @sport4life.I hope you enjoy this episode and you will hear more from the Forum next week, to find out what else these young people are passionate about.Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This is a special episode as I spent a lovely couple of hours down at The Farm, in Snitterfield. I spoke to real live people face-to-face which was a nice change to talking over a computer screen!In this episode you will hear from Charlie who owns The Farm and just how passionate she is about good, local food and the local community; as well as some of the concessions who make and sell there - Holly from The Slab, Mark from Swirls and Robin from Crombie's Butchers. If you want to find out everything about The Farm, you can visit their website thefarmstratford.com and their social media pages - Facebook @thefarmstratford, Twitter @TheFarmSUA and Insta @thefarmstratford. You can also show your support for their signage campaign, by signing their petition here: https://www.change.org/p/stratford-upon-avon-council-small-business-support-stratford-upon-avon?recruiter=279903386&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_petition&recruited_by_id=de14ee70-e5e6-11e4-9ba6-3107efd04242&utm_content=fht-23194662-en-gb%3A4.I would love hear your stories of trips to The Farm. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling.Happy listening!P.S. Find out what's happening on the podcast next week!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to the new Mayor of Stratford, Councillor Tony Jackson, and find out exactly what it is a Mayor does, and to Sophie from Happy Paws in the Shire, about doggy holidays to the beach and fussing and feeding our feline friends. I also speak to local blogger, Alice, who writes the blog 'My Housemates A Mermaid', about her very interesting housemate, and she shares her lockdown poem with us.If you would like to be involved in the podcast, be interviewed, or share a story, you can contact me by emailing stratfordcalling@gmail.com or messaging me on the Facebook page @stratfordcalling.Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I speak to Myles and Greg, otherwise known as The Brothers McLeod, about their new children's book released at the beginning of August, and how being brought up in a very supportive family (yes, they really are brothers!) has allowed their creativeness (and silliness!) to bloom.I also speak to Penny from Welcombe Radio, Stratford's very own radio station. Listen to find out what sort of shows you can hear and also what they have planned coming up. Throughout the show you can also find out where you can buy your face masks from in and around Stratford to help you continue to shop, support and celebrate local. If you would like to get involved with the podcast you can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook @stratfordcalling. I always love to hear from you.Happy listening!

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I talk to Delphine and Melissa, two artists who exhibit at The Courtyard Gallery at Stratford Garden Centre, and their curious curator, Paula, about how they and the gallery has been creatively adapting during lockdown, and just why you can't put glitter in a kiln!I also talk to Marion, manager of Stratford Food Bank about how lockdown has brought about big changes for them and how you can help them to support people who might be struggling during this time.I hope you enjoy the episode. I always love to hear from you so send me an email at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or drop me a message on Facebook @stratfordcalling.Happy listening!This episode is sponsored by Sharpe Print Limited. Find out more about what they can do on their Facebook page @sharpeprint. "If you can name it, we print it!"

Hello! Stratford Calling!This week I talk to Sasha from Hoorays and ask her what 'gelato' actually is, and to Georgia from Clopton Nursery Trust and find out how gardens and play doh have featured heavily in their lockdown support.I would love to get your feedback on the podcast and your thoughts on how Stratford has been for you since lockdown has eased. You can email me at stratfordcalling@gmail.com or message me on Facebook, @stratfordcalling.Happy listening!