The Echo Dispatch

In a special episode of the Echo Dispatch podcast, Jason spoke who three people from Dorset who all moving words to share about Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her family. The episode features interviews with the son of six-time Mayor of Christchurch Eric Spreadbury, a former Dorset Police chief constable who received a Queen's Police Medal and a 90-year-old baker who helped make nine cakes for the Royal Family including wedding and anniversary cakes for the Queen.

In the 14th episode of the Echo Dispatch, Jason visited the headquarters of operator Morebus to interview managing director Andrew Wickham. It has been a unique summer for the bus sector in Bournemouth following the collapse of Yellow Buses after 120 years of trading. Andrew and the team at Morebus mobilised in days to take on the routes vacated by Yellow Buses and also recruited dozens of drivers who had lost their jobs. During the interview Andrew discussed how they pulled this off and the real fears he had for his firm's future during the early stages of the Covid pandemic. The transport industry veteran also discussed recent issues of congestion and anti-social behaviour towards buses.

In the 13th episode of the Echo Dispatch, Jason went to Bournemouth School for Girls to meet Alistair Brien in the final week of his time as headteacher. Alistair had been at the helm of the large school for 18 years and experienced all sorts of tests in this time. During the interview he discussed how the role of a headteacher had changed, what he was most proud of in his time at BSG and the challenge Covid created for schools. The member of the magic circle also explained the advice he had given to his successor and what the future holds for him.

In the 12th episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason chatted over Zoom with Verity Crawley, the Bournemouth-born ten-pin bowling star. Verity, who lives in the United States of America, is Britain's only female professional athlete in the sport and she dreams of one day becoming world champion. During the episode, Verity discusses how she first found a love for ten-pin bowling and the how she trains to compete with the other leading names in the biggest events. She also details how her bowling ball is different from one you might use at your local lane on a birthday party and the difficult experience she faced with securing her visa last year.

In the 11th episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason sits down with David Wood, chief executive of Poole-based charity Helping Homeless Veterans UK. The organisation was founded in September 2019 and since then, despite challenges created by the pandemic, the all-volunteer team has supported more than 230 veterans. During the episode, David discusses his own personal experiences which led to him dedicating his time to supporting veterans. He also details the work the charity does, his dream project which is edging towards completion and his opinion on what more could be done by Government and local authorities to support veterans. **Content warning: This episode contains conversations about mental health and suicide.**

In the 10th episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Debbie Fleming shortly before her retirement from the position of chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. Debbie called time on a 38-year career in the National Health Service at the end of March 2022. The former Poole Hospital chief executive was involved in the huge merger of the NHS trusts in east Dorset and more recently oversaw an annual budget of £700million. During the episode, Debbie discusses the resposibility her senior NHS position carries, the importance of ensuring staff embrace the trust's values and how frontline workers responded to the Covid pandemic. She also provides an insight on her words of wisdom for her successor and how the need to address the challenges in adult social care in what was her final media interview.

In the ninth episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Conker Spirit founder and head conkerer Rupert Holloway. The former desk-bound quantity surveyor launched Dorset's first gin distillery in 2014. He now sells gin and coffee liqueur products internationally from a base in Southbourne. During the episode, Rupert discusses the importance of moving on from mistakes, finding a gap in the market and the business's future focus on sustainability. He also shares the story of how he stumbled upon the name Conker Spirit and the advice he would give himself if he could travel back in time.

In the eighth episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with senior paramdeic George Bell-Starr.Having worked on the frontline in ambulances in the midlands and more recently in Dorset, George now works in primary care.During the episode, George discusses his route into becoming a paramedic, the incredible feeling of saving someone's life and the tough experiences that come with the job.He also provides an insight in the field of event medicine and advice for those considering a career in the ambulance service. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the seventh episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with retired midwife and Poole resident Maggie Richardson.Maggie the Seaside Baker won many fans during her appearance on last year's edition of The Great British Bake Off.During the episode, Maggie discusses her experience on the show, how she ended up applying and what life had been like since it went on air.She also reflects on her career in the NHS and the unique meetings being a midwife can create. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the sixth episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Bournemouth-born artist Stuart Semple.Stuart discusses the developing art scene in his home town, his route into the industry and what inspires his work.He also talks about the dangers 'cancel culture' poses to the field and how he is excited about the next generation of artists. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the fifth episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Jim Cregan, founder of Jimmy's Iced Coffee.Jim discusses building the brand alongside his sister Suze, the switch to aluminum packaging and his viral rap videos.He also talks about the brand's roots in Christchurch and why finally being on the shelves in the Co-op means so much to him. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the Bournemouth Air Festival returns, Bournemouth Daily Echo chief reporter Jason Lewis spoke to Jon Egging Trust founder and chief executive Emma Egging.The charity, known as JET for short, was set up as a legeacy to Emma's husband Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, who died during a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival on August 20, 2011. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the third episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with nightclub, hospitality and events supremo Ty Temel.Ty explains his route from giving out flyers on the street to putting on a festival on Sandbanks beach.He also discusses his role as a mental health ambassador and what the future might have in store for him.Picture: Wes Glover - Bold Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the second episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Poole sailor Pip Hare three months on from her crossing the finish line in the Vendee Globe solo ocean race.Pip discusses how she got into the sport, her fascination with the Vendee Globe and her long and challening journey to being part of the race. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with regional forensic coordinator Ryan Howell about the work of crime scene investigators in Dorset Police.Ryan discusses the challenges of the role, the impact graphic crime scenes can have on members of the team and the feeling when a piece of forensic evidence plays a key part in an investigation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.