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GB2RS News Sunday the 23rd of February 2025 The news headlines: The RSGB announces the unopposed candidates in its elections The RSGB releases 2025 Band Plans A year in numbers 2024 – some great things to celebrate! Nominations in the RSGB elections have closed. For some roles, a single nomination was received, and the candidate is therefore elected unopposed. They will take up their role at the end of the RSGB AGM in April. These unopposed candidates include the roles of President and also Regional Representatives in Regions 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. In Region 9, no valid nomination was received. For more information about each of these unopposed candidates, see the March issue of RadCom or the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election The RSGB Band Plans for 2025 were published in the March 2025 issue of RadCom. They are also available on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/bandplans. This year's plans incorporate further VHF and UHF changes in response to the increased demand that has been prompted by the new Ofcom amateur licence. There are also a few changes from the 2023 IARU Region-1 General Conference. All amateurs are reminded to consult the Band Plans before operating. Despite continuing challenges nationally and across the world during 2024, the amateur radio community stayed strong and the RSGB supported it. The RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB wrote his annual feature called ‘A year in numbers' for the March RadCom and shared some great things to celebrate, in which RSGB HQ staff often led the way. You can also see the highlights in a brief video on the RSGB YouTube channel. The April RadCom will show in detail the work of the committees and other specialist volunteers. Girlguiding groups will be celebrating World Thinking Day on the Air this weekend so listen out for them and encourage the young operators. To highlight the opportunities for young people to get involved in amateur radio activities, this week the RSGB has published two new videos that celebrate the fantastic ISS contact and STEM day held in the autumn and attended by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh. You can watch both the videos on the RSGB YouTube channel. Between January and March 2024 Bob Bower, GM4DLG took on a one-man antipodean adventure. The DXpedition is currently being serialised in RadCom, and on Monday the 3rd of March, he will be delivering a Tonight@8 presentation to complement these features. The trip was eight weeks long and covered 27 activations from 11 sites on six islands. Bob operated on 20, 40 and 80m with 100W SSB into vertical arrays of his design, with his holy grail being a valid 80m greyline QSO with Great Britain. Visit rsgb.org/webinars to find out more. Join the presentation live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. Don't forget to submit your entry to the RSGB Construction Competition by Saturday the 1st of March. You'll need to email a short description of your entry and up to four photographs. It is also recommended to send a link to a video that demonstrates your entry working. More details on submitting your application can be found via rsgb.org/construction-competition The results of the competition will be announced during the 2025 RSGB Annual General Meeting in April. Exercise Blue Ham will take place on the 29th and 30th of March on the 60m band. Stations will be active between 9 am and 6 pm. Blue Ham exercises provide a platform to further develop Cadet radio operator skills and confidence by engaging with the amateur radio community via the MOD 5MHz shared band. Cadet radio operators, under supervision, will exchange radio messages with amateur radio operators in the UK and Europe. The Cadets hope to speak to many radio amateurs on the air. For more information visit alphacharlie.org.uk/exercise-blue-ham The 26th European Hamradio School Stations Day will take place on Monday the 5th of May from 0700 to 1700UTC. This is an activity day, not a contest, so the focus is on personal radio contacts and QSO partners should take time for a short exchange. The organisers look forward to seeing many schools, universities and training centres on the air again. To find out more, go to tinyurl.com/european-schools Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Red Rose Winter Rally is taking place today from 10 am at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2PJ. Please note that the maximum number of five-foot tables per trader has had to be reduced from six to five. On a brighter note, the price remains as it has been for several years at £10 per table. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk The Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally will take place on Saturday the 1st of March at Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR. The doors open at 10.30am. For more details visit lvars.uk On Sunday the 2nd of March the Exeter Radio Rally is taking place at a new venue. The event will be held at The Kenn Centre, EX6 7UE, from 10 am. Traders and catering will be available on-site. For more information phone Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374 or email g3zvi@yahoo.co.uk Now the Special Event news On 26 February 2025, the 90th anniversary of the Daventry Experiment will be commemorated, marking a pivotal moment in the development of British radar technology. The Daventry Experiment had a lasting impact on both military strategy and civilian applications. To honour this milestone, several special event stations will be active. The Bawdsey Radar Museum will be hosting GB2BRS, with BRS representing Bawdsey Radar Station, whilst Coventry ARS from near Daventry will operate GB9ORE, with RE representing Radar Experiment. Chelmsford ARS from Great Baddow in Essex will activate GB9OCH with CH representing Chain Home since Chelmsford is where one of the original Chain Home radar masts still stands. Special callsign S5701DX is running during February in memory of Slavko, S57DX who became a Silent Key last February. The station has been heard recently using CW and SSB on the HF bands. For more information visit QRZ.com From the 1st to the 28th of March George, MM0JNL will once again be activating special event station GB0GTS. This year the station is active in support of the Great Tommy Sleepout. This national challenge aims to raise funds and awareness for all former UK service personnel who are living homeless. More details are available at QRZ.com and rbli.co.uk Now the DX news Datta, VU2DSI is operating from Lonar Lake in India until tomorrow, the 24th of February. This unique location was formed by the impact of a meteor around 550,000 years ago. The station will be active on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. More information can be found at QRZ.com Now the contest news The CQ 160m DX Contest started at 2200UTC on Friday the 21st and ends at 2200UTC today, Sunday the 23rd of February. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. USA stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province. The REF Contest started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 22nd and ends at 1800UTC today, Sunday the 23rd of February. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The UBA DX CW contest started at 1000UTC on Saturday the 22nd of February and ends at 1300UTC today, Sunday the 23rd of February. Using CW on the 80 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Belgian stations will also give their section code. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 20th of February 2025 It seems we were a little over-ambitious in suggesting that last week would be better for HF propagation. It looked like we would avoid coronal mass ejections and see the Kp index fall to lower levels. Unfortunately, the Sun had other ideas and a fast-moving solar stream, often moving faster than 500 km/s, had a south-pointing Bz, which coupled more easily with Earth and sent the Kp index up to four or more. So even by Wednesday the 19th, the Kp index was hitting five. However it seems that the geomagnetic disturbance merely lowered the MUF from around 40-45MHz to 31-32MHz, so it barely affected HF propagation. At the time of writing, there had only been one M-class solar flare in the past five days, but more than 50 minor C-class events. There were no Earth-directed CMEs. Nevertheless, there was DX to be had with the standout stations being the V73WW DXpedition to Majuro Atoll on the Marshall Islands, TI1RRC Costa Rica, and 5N9DTG in Nigeria. Upcoming DX next week includes OX3LX (Greenland), Dave G4BUO as 5W0UO (Samoa), TO3Z (Guadeloupe), 4S7SPG (Sri Lanka) and FS/VA3QSL (St Martin). Next week, NOAA predicts that the week commencing the 23rd of February could see the solar flux index starting at 170, but then rising to 195-200 as the week progresses. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to start quietly, with a Kp index of two, but then become unsettled by the 27th to the 29th, with a maximum predicted Kp index of five. If this scenario does pan out then we may expect the best HF conditions to occur at the beginning of next week, from the 23rd to the 26th. As always, keep an eye on solarham.com for day-to-day solar news, and perhaps monitor PSKreporter, the Reverse Beacon Network and DX Clusters for digital, CW and SSB HF propagation updates. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current spell of unsettled weather seems likely to continue through to the end of next week. There will also be significant windy weather at times. It is therefore not a particularly good period for Tropo, or big antennas for that matter. This leaves us with rain scatter on the GHz bands and some of these scattering regions will be large areas affecting the whole of the country as weather fronts pass by, rather than more isolated and harder-to-follow showers which often provide our rain scatter. Meteor scatter is still within its quieter period with no major showers and better chances coming from random meteor activity, which tends to peak in the hours before dawn. Recent solar activity has provided some weak auroral conditions on many days. As usual, check for high values of the Kp index as a good indicator, or even listen for a watery tone on the LF bands. Ultimately you will need to see the Kp index going to at least five to make it worth checking for auroral signals on VHF. We are still in the dormant period for Sporadic-E propagation, which is a shame given the powerful jet streams likely during this stormy weather. These would produce good Es prospects in the main summer season, but weaker Es at low VHF are still a possibility despite being out of season. Moon declination is at minimum today, Sunday the 23rd of February, and path losses are decreasing as the Moon moves closer to Earth as it heads to perigee on Saturday the 1st of March. 144MHz sky noise goes high this weekend, beginning Saturday the 22nd. And that's all from the propagation team this week.
GB2RS News Sunday the 13th of October The news headlines: The RSGB 2024 Convention is taking place this weekend Two new volunteer Youth Champions have been appointed by the RSGB Celebrations are underway to mark the first trans-global two-way radio communication The RSGB Convention has been in full swing this weekend. If you haven't been able to attend, the RSGB has provided a packed live stream on each day and those live streams are available for anyone to view. Full of presentations, interviews and videos to inspire you, this is another way to enjoy your Convention, in your way. Either go directly to the RSGB YouTube channel or head over to rsgb.org/livestream to see the programme of presentations and the links to the livestreams. The RSGB is delighted to announce the appointment of two new volunteer Youth Champion roles. Chris Aitken, MM0WIC will be the RSGB's School Youth Champion and Rhys Williams, M0WGY/AJ6XD will be the University Youth Champion. Chris is a Computing Science teacher at Wick High School, Caithness. Since 2023, Chris has been running the Wick High School Radio Club, GM0WHS, providing students with a wide range of experiences in amateur radio. He has four students who have passed their Foundation licence exam and are now taking on leadership roles within the club and assisting the latest cohort in their studies. He is also a member of the RSGB Outreach Team. You can contact Chris via youthchampion.school@rsgb.org.uk Rhys represented the RSGB at the Youngsters on the Air Camp in Prague this year. He sent back daily reports on his activities which you can still see on the website under the summer camps tab at rsgb.org/yota He is starting a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Oxford and is keen to help the RSGB support the growth of amateur radio in universities across the UK. You can contact Rhys via youthchampion.uni@rsgb.org.uk Ben Lloyd, GW4BML is the Board Liaison for youth activities. He said that he welcomes Chris and Rhys to their new youth volunteer roles and looks forward to working closely with them in the future to attract and grow RSGB youth membership. He explained that the three of them have already had some positive conversations and shared some good ideas, which they will be putting into place over the coming months. This week marks the centenary of the world's very first trans-global two-way radio communication. On the 18th of October 1924 Frank Bell, 4AA, from New Zealand, and Cecil Goyder, 2SZ, from North London, changed how we communicate forever by making contact on amateur bands. To commemorate this historic contact, special callsigns will be active, and awards and QSL cards will be available for those who make contact with these special stations. GB2NZ and ZM100DX have already been active since the start of the month. Starting tomorrow, until the 20th of October, calls reflecting Goyder's callsign, G2SZ, and Bell's, ZL4AA, will be active. This will include activity here in the UK from Mill Hill School in North London which is the original location from which Goyder made his contact. On Friday the 18th of October, radio amateurs will also be recreating and re-enacting the first contact between Goyder and Bell. It is hoped that the QSO will be made on a wavelength close to that used in 1924. To find out more about this unique celebration go to gb2nz.com YOTA Month is just around the corner, and the RSGB is looking for volunteers to host the GB24YOTA callsign throughout the month of December. As in previous years, schools, clubs, guide and scout groups and also individuals are invited to host young radio amateurs whilst they operate with the callsign. Each day during the month has been split into a number of operating slots that you can book. In recent years, this system has allowed many more youngsters to get on the radio throughout the month. You can see the operating calendar by visiting QRZ.com and searching for GB24YOTA. Operators should be below the age of 26. Those who do not hold a Full amateur radio licence should be supervised by an appropriate Full licensee whilst operating. The RSGB is pleased that previous activators have already reached out to book their operating slots but there are still many more up for grabs! To book an operating slot or for more information about YOTA Month, please email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk During last month's Hamfest in Newark, the ICQ Podcast team spoke with RSGB President John McCullagh GI4BWM, RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant G3YSX and RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas M1ACB. Listen to Episode 440 of the podcast series to hear them discuss some of the many events that the Society is currently involved with. This includes the recent Amateur Radio on the International Space Station contact, which Girlguiding and HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh took part in, as well as the RSGB Convention. The second part of the interview, which features the Chair of the RSGB's Propagation Studies Committee, Steve Nichols, G0KYA will be aired during upcoming Episode 441. Visit icqpodcast.com to listen to episode 440 now. The RSGB has been delighted with the number of responses that it has received in response to its call for Jamboree on the Air participation, which is taking place between the 18th and 20th of October. The Society has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event and has shared it on its website. The list is available by going to rsgb.org/jota and choosing the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air' link on the right hand side of the page. If you are planning to get involved with JOTA and would like to be added to the list, please get in touch via comms@rsgb.org.uk with a summary of your station name, callsign and any other relevant information. The RSGB would love to see your photos of Scouts getting involved with JOTA, so tag @theRSGB and also use #JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. If you're not involved with a JOTA station do listen out for them on the air and encourage the young operators. And now for details of rallies and events The Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally is taking place today, the 13th. The venue is Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton in Devon. The usual bring-and-buy area, trader stands, refreshments and free parking are available. The doors are open from 10 am and admission costs £2.50. For more information visit dartmoorradioclub.uk or email 2e0rph@gmail.com Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally is also taking place today, the 13th, at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. The doors are open from 10 am. For more details visit hornseaarc.com or contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252 293. The Mexborough and District Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place on Saturday the 19th of October at The Place, Castle Street, Conisborough, Doncaster. The doors will be open from 10 am to 4pm but traders can gain entry from 8am. Light refreshments will be available and the rally will feature a bring-and-buy sale. The cost for booking a table is £5. To book please email madarsrally@gmail.com The date has been confirmed for the Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. It will be going ahead on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland in Fife. Lunch will be provided and an optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. The programme is now confirmed and, at the moment, 35 people have booked to attend the event. There are 15 places left so please book as soon as possible. Booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by email to Colin, GM4HWO at gm4hwo@gmail.com Now the Special Event news Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of Radio Beograd in 1924, members of the Belgrade Amateur Radio Club, YU1ANO, in Serbia, are active as YT100RB and YU1924RB until the 30th of November. For details of a certificate that is available for contacting these stations, see yu1ano.org Special callsign HB50VC is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Swissair Amateur Radio Club, HB9VC. QSOs will be uploaded to the Logbook of the World. QSL cards will not be provided. You can download a certificate for working this special event station from tinyurl.com/HB50VC-24 Now the DX news The PX0FF Dxpedition team is active from Fernando de Noronha, SA-003, until the 21st of October. The team is working on the 160 to 6m bands, including the 60m Band, using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via DJ4MX, ClubLog, OQRS and Logbook of the World. A team of amateurs will be active as C91BV from Mozambique from the 17th to the 24th of October. Operators will be working on the HF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via EB7DX. For more information about the DXpedition, see QRZ.com Now the contest news On Tuesday the 15th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 16th, the RSGB Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 17th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Germany Contest starts at 1500 UTC on Saturday the 19th and ends at 1500 UTC on Sunday the 20th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 20th, the RSGB 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Wednesday the 9th of October 2024 What a difference a week makes when it comes to HF propagation! This last week has been characterised by solar flares, coronal mass ejections, or CMEs for short, and an elevated Kp index. Put together, this has resulted in dire conditions on HF, reminiscent of a solar minimum. A visible aurora was seen from the UK once again after the Kp index hit 7.33 on the 8th of October. Numerous CMEs have hit the Earth and the solar proton flux has risen, resulting in a moderate S2 radiation storm as particles blasted away from the flare site. This means poor trans-polar paths until the solar wind abates and the storm settles. Maximum usable frequencies have been badly affected and struggled to get much past 14MHz over a 3,000km path on the 8th of October. Geomagnetic storms were also forecast for Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th. That's a shame as, before the CMEs hit, HF had been humming with a lot of DX on the 28MHz band and many five-watt beacons romping in from the USA. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may drop back into the 170s, but it's anyone's guess as to how geomagnetic conditions will pan out. We have had three X-class solar flares over the past week and on Wednesday the 9th the probability of another X-class solar flare was estimated at 30% and an M-class event at 75%. So, it may be a case of ‘batten down the hatches' on HF until the storm conditions pass. This is not uncommon at this point in the solar cycle and unsettled conditions are likely to continue as we move along the downward portion towards the solar minimum. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current spell of unsettled weather is probably going to flip into high-pressure mode a couple of times during the coming week. The first of these will be today, the 13th, and through the first half of next week. However, by Wednesday the next change back to low pressure should be with us, closely followed by another attempt to build high pressure later in the week. This offers something for everyone with prospects for rain scatter on the GHz bands and the possibility of Tropo. The prospects for meteor scatter are also good with October offering several useful meteor showers. While 50 and 70MHz are the best for the mode, look at 144.360MHz in MSK144 digimode. Or, if it's a shower peak, 144.200MHz, the SSB meteor scatter calling channel, to see what's around. The solar conditions continue to behave like a solar maximum and, with several recent powerful flares and CMEs to stir things up, we should continue to check the bands for signs of aurora. The recent RSGB CW 80m Autumn Series Contest on Monday the 7th of October was about as auroral as it gets with a strong flutter on signals and a challenging hour and a half for participants – so not just an effect for VHF. The RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest coming up next week on Tuesday the 15th may be on the changeover from high pressure to low. Tropo might be limited to eastern areas for paths across the North Sea to northern Europe. For EME operators, Moon declination is still negative but will rise to positive by Tuesday night. Path losses are falling towards a minimum at perigee on Thursday the 17th. So, we have increasing peak Moon elevations and longer Moon windows with the lowest loss for the coming week. 144MHz sky noise is low for the rest of the week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.
Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte (1785-1879) was one of America's first international celebrities and self-made women. But how did this Baltimore girl come to count royalty among her in-laws—a century or two before the likes of Wallis Simpson and Meghan Markle snagged their princes? The answer may lie in her unique triple-view portrait by Gilbert Stuart…or is that only part of Elizabeth's story? Today's Image: Gilbert Stuart, Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte (1804). Oil on canvas. Private collection. New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch! Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.com Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast Twitter: @ArtHistoricPod TikTok: @artofhistorypod // @matta_of_fact
Poetry from around the world! A fortnightly celebration of Poetry and The Commonwealth - the journey begins at Clarence House in London where award winning podcaster Gyles Brandreth and his daughter Aphra meet HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and Dame Joanna Lumley. Over the coming weeks Gyles & Aphra will be visiting each of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth, meeting poets, performers and people who love poetry and discovering new poems each episode.
The Commonwealth is an association of 54 countries from across the world. It's home to a third of the world's population including from Australia, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya to the UK, Canada and many island nations in between. The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world's oldest international writing competition for schools. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall talks to Tina Daheley about the competition. She also shares her passion for books and how her father instilled in her a love of reading. The Duchess is also joined by two competition winners, Ethan Charles Mufuma from Uganda, Hiya Chowdhury from India. We hear from Nigerian novelist Chigozie Obioma, author of The Fishermen and An Orchestra of Minorities. He's in conversation with the Jamaican writer of Here comes the Sun, and Patsy, Nicole Dennis-Benn. Both novelists explore the peoples and culture of their respective countries in their work and encourage the next generation of writers. Shehan Karunatilaka is a Sri Lankan writer best known for his cricketing novel Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew, which won the 2012 Commonwealth Book Prize and was recently chosen by the BBC as one of its Big Jubilee Reads, celebrating 70 books from across the Commonwealth. He told us about the work of art that has inspired him - the 1985 track 'Russians' by UK popstar Sting, about the Cold War threat of nuclear attack, a song that continues to carry a very human message. Producer: Andrea Kidd
As 2021 comes to an end, the bible of modern royal fashion has released its annual tally of the wardrobe costs of several royal women… and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is first, with a wardrobe worth €100,000. Join us as we discuss prices of bespoke clothing, the tally, the impact it can have on Catherine's popularity, and whether it's an issue or not that royal women wear such expensive clothes during a pandemic.
Выпуск получился серьезным - мы поговорим о том самом деле HRH The Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers Ltd. Попробуем разобраться с самого начала, в чем там суть, кто виноват, кто жертва, и при чем тут Дж.К. Роллинг!Как обычно, подборка фотографий к выпуску у нас на Инстаграм - @korolevskie_nekorgi.Приятного прослушивания!
Shortlisted authors Anuk Arudpragasam, Damon Galgut, Patricia Lockwood, Nadifa Mohamed, Richard Powers and Maggie Shipstead join Samira Ahmed live in Broadcasting House's Radio Theatre for the announcement of the winner of the 2021 Booker Prize. Last year's winner Douglas Stuart is in conversation with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. And 30 years on from his historic Booker win, Ben Okri reflects on how the prize changed his life. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Simon Richardson
Episode 61In Episode 61, Jeff from Vancouver asks Chris about the differences between Cunard and Olympic classes of ships plus a great round up of the biggest cruise news of the week!This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXCruise News:Royal Caribbean Arrives to Warm Welcome in Grand BahamaWith lively Junkanoo performances and celebrations, government officials and key business leaders welcomed Royal Caribbean International (RCI) with open arms on Friday, June 18 as Adventure of the Seas completed its inaugural homeporting ceremony in Grand Bahama Island, with 1,000 eager passengers.Following a 16-month hiatus due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the return of cruising to Grand Bahama Island marks a pivotal moment for the local community. It signals the commitment to revitalization following the economic challenges first introduced by the devasting impact of Hurricane Dorian and then worsened amid the global pandemic shutdowns. Freeport Harbour is thrilled to serve as the newest homeport destination responsible for major provisioning and refuelling before the vessel returns to Nassau.Adventure of the Seas debuted its seven-night getaways from Nassau on June 12, which feature two back-to-back days of thrills at Perfect Day at CocoCay, adventures in Cozumel and a full day of unwinding on Grand Bahama's white-sand beaches every Saturday throughout the northern summer.Luxe-adventure Cruise Brand to Offer First Suite-category Accommodations for Single TravelersAtlas Ocean Voyages announced that it is introducing the industry's first dedicated Solo Suites. Solo Suites will be available for booking aboard World Navigator voyages departing March 22, 2022, and onward, and offer individual travellers the suite-level experience without a single supplement.Appointed in retro-chic, simply elegant décor, Solo Suites measure 183-sq.-ft / 17sqm. and will be among World Navigator's four categories of suite accommodations, which provide guests an even more lavish experience on their once-in-a-lifetime, luxe-adventure journey to remote and captivating destinations around the world.Each Solo Suite features a plush queen-size bed, flanked by twin bed side tables with embedded USB and power outlets, and lay opposite a 42-inch, flat-panel television and infotainment system. The suite is illuminated with sconces and recessed ceiling lights for a soothing ambience, while a large, picture-frame window hangs over a rich-wood desk, which also encloses a mini-fridge stocked with the guest's personal beverage preferences. The ensuite, marble-panelled bathroom features L'OCCITANE bath amenities and is accentuated with a mosaic-tiled shower with surround body jets and rain shower for a restorative, spa-like experience in the privacy of the Solo Suite.HAL cancels Australia, Asia and South AmericaHolland America Line has cancelled Oosterdam departures in Australia through to and including 22 Dec. The latest batch of cancellations also includes Westerdam departures in South America through to and including 14 Dec, and Noordam departures in Asia through to and including 20 Dec.Celebrity Apex debuts in Athens Excitement, anticipation, and awe. These three words captured the feeling of passengers and onlookers as Celebrity Apex, the world's most anticipated new-luxury cruise ship, sailed out of the Port of Athens, today, to begin her maiden voyage and first summer season in the Aegean.The much-anticipated sailing marks an historic moment for the company, which had originally planned to introduce its newest ship in late March, 2020. Guests and fans of the brand have waited ever-since with huge anticipation to experience the fleet's new flagship.That moment came as Celebrity Apex sailed gracefully out of port at 8:30pm Eastern European Summer Time, ushering in not only an important return to European sailing, but a new standard of luxury travel. With the vivid and vibrant backdrop of the azure Athens sky, Celebrity Apex, the second ship in the brand's transformational, multi-award-winning Edge Series, set sail on a seven-night cruise of the historied Aegean, delighting those who have waited with patience for more than 15 months to explore the world by sea. The company's return to the Aegean is all the more poignant given Celebrity Cruises' proud Greek heritage. Founded in 1988 by the Chandris family of Greece, the company later became a part of the Royal Caribbean Group. Celebrity Cruises is still rooted in its Greek origins today, with 70% of marine officers across the fleet, hailing from Greece with more than 40 Captains and Chief Engineers, including the Captain of Celebrity Apex, Dimitrios Kafetzis.Guests travelling on the Greek Islands and Cyprus itinerary will have the chance to visit the ancient city of Rhodes, with its stunning classical Acropolis and unparalleled Medieval architecture; the beauty and mythology of Mykonos; the incredible island of Santorini, a world heritage site and bucket list destination famous for the colourful blue and white palettes that pepper the architecture of this fascinating and historical coastal town. And finally, Limassol. Tucked away on the southern coast of Cyprus, it exemplifies all that is great about the unique island culture – with heavy influences from eastern neighbours, Turkey and Egypt.P&O Cruises has announced its expected deployment and phased re-start plan for the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022.Britannia will begin the planned western Mediterranean itineraries on September 25 and Iona will start her Atlantic coast holidays from the same date. These cruises will follow the series of UK coastal cruises beginning in June.Ventura's first cruises will be the planned programme of Atlantic islands holidays from October 3.Following the Mediterranean season, running until October, Britannia will reposition to the Caribbean for her winter season as scheduled, followed by Azura which will begin Caribbean fly/cruises slightly later than published from December 10, 2021.The length and complexity of Arcadia and Aurora's planned long haul cruises from January next year has forced their cancellation and these two ships will not begin sailing until next year. However a replacement itinerary for Aurora, with winter sun (northern winter) appeal, will be announced shortly.New cruise schedule for 2021/222Iona – UK coastal cruises from August 7 to September 25 then sailing Atlantic coast beginning with G133 on September 25, 2021Britannia – UK coastal cruises from June 27 to September 25 then sailing Western Mediterranean beginning with B122 on September 25, 2021Ventura – Currently paused up to September 4 – two new cruises cancelled (N118 and N119) – then sailing Atlantic islands cruises from N120 October 3, 2021Azura – Currently paused up to September 1 – cancelled A118A to A124A inclusive – then sailing Caribbean fly/cruises from A125 / A125A December 10, 2021Aurora – Currently paused up to September 1 – 9 new cruises cancelled – then sailing R202 Central Med on April 13, 2022 (although replacement itinerary for early 2022 will be announced shortly)Arcadia – Currently paused up to September 14 – 10 new cruises cancelled – then sailing J204 March 27, 2022Former Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service to name Saga's newest ship, ‘Spirit of Adventure'.In a mark of respect to the medical profession that has worked so hard over the last 18 months dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, Commodore Inga J. Kennedy CBE QHNS QARNNS, senior Royal Navy officer, former Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service and Non-Executive Director of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, has been named today as the Godmother of Saga Cruises' newest ship, Spirit of Adventure.She follows in the footsteps of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, who was Godmother to sister ship Spirit of Discovery in 2019 and is currently Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service.Commodore Kennedy will officially name Spirit of Adventure during a special ceremony to be held in Portsmouth on 19 July, coinciding with the UK's ‘Freedom Day' when coronavirus restrictions are scheduled to end. In naval tradition, she will offer a blessing of safe sailing and good fortune, marked with the smashing of a bottle on the ship's hull. Reflecting Saga's British heritage, the jeroboam in question will be English sparkling wine from the Kent-based Balfour Hush Heath Estate. The ceremony will also be streamed on Facebook Live.Commodore Inga J. Kennedy, CBE QHNS QARNNS said: “I was thrilled to be asked to become Spirit of Adventure's Godmother and feel I'm accepting this on behalf of the wider medical community who have worked so tirelessly throughout this pandemic and will continue to do so long after this crisis period fades.“Personally, it is also a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Spirit of Discovery's Godmother, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, given her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service. I wish Spirit of Adventure, and all who sail on her, the very best voyages.”Following her naming ceremony on 19 July, Spirit of Adventure will undertake her inaugural voyage on 26 July, calling at some of Britain's most famous ports. She will join sister ship Spirit of Discovery out on the waves, which will set sail on 27 June.Traditional coin ceremony for MSC Seascape A traditional coin ceremony for MSC Cruises' second Seaside EVO class ship was held at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy where the keel was laid.The name of the new ship was revealed – MSC Seascape – and pays homage to the beauty of the ocean and demonstrates the ways in which guests will be able to enjoy the stunning sea views from the ship thanks to the innovative design features.As with her sister ship, 65 per cent of MSC Seascape's public spaces have been re-imagined, enhancing the guest experience and offering guests different venues and locations to connect with the sea:2,270 cabins with 12 different types of cabins and suites with balconies including coveted aft suits11 dining venues, 19 bars and lounges with plenty of options for dining and drinking al frescoSix swimming pools including a stunning aft infinity pool with incredible ocean viewsThe MSC Yacht Club will be the largest and most luxurious in MSC Cruises' fleet, with almost 3,000 sqm of space with sweeping ocean views from the foredecks of the shipAn expansive 540-metre-long waterfront promenade close to the waterA spectacular glass-floored Bridge of Sighs at deck 16 with a unique vantage point of the oceanMSC Seascape is one of three vessels currently under construction as part of the Company's continued long-term growth plans.MSC Seascape is one of three vessels currently under construction as part of the Company's continued long-term growth plans.Swan Hellenic's first bespoke expedition cruise ship SH Minerva floated outSwan Hellenic announced that Helsinki Shipyard had floated SH Minerva out of dry dock. Her twin ship, SH Vega, was floated in dry dock on the same day (23 June 21). Moreover, a few days earlier, steelwork production started for the third and largest vessel commissioned from Helsinki, which currently has the project name Vega 3. The Swan Hellenic fleet is thus coming together on schedule to take adventurous and discerning voyagers on a wide range of distinctive cruises, some already entirely sold out.All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards, while also being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port as well as wildlife and marine reserves.SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. At 115 m, the 10,500 GRT vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.Providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service, priding itself on one of the highest GRT-to-passenger ratios in its category. The very latest hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with HEPA filters and UV sanitisation systems.Designed for immersive experiences from extensive open views, SH Minerva features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The on-board amenities include a gym, spa, sauna, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving world-class cuisine, as well as a pool deck with bar.SH Minerva will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in October 2021, SH Vega in Spring 2022 and the third ship, temporarily named Vega 3, in Autumn 2022.NCLH strives for carbon neutrality Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”) (NYSE: NCLH), a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, has announced the creation of its long-term climate action strategy and goal to reach carbon neutrality through reducing carbon intensity, identifying and investing in technology including exploring alternative fuels and implementing a voluntary carbon offset program. In addition to ongoing initiatives to reduce its emissions rate, the Company has committed to offset three million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) over a three-year period beginning in 2021 to help bridge the gap in its decarbonisation efforts until new technology becomes available. As part of the Company's global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, combatting climate change is a material focus and the Company previously signed the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) historic commitment to reduce the carbon emissions rate industry-wide by 40% by 2030, from a 2008 baseline.Long-Term Climate Action Strategy – The three focus areas of the Company's long-term climate action strategy include:Reduce Carbon Intensity. The Company continually seeks opportunities to reduce its overall footprint by minimising fuel consumption and increasing energy efficiency. Ongoing investments in systems and technologies have resulted in a reduction of fuel consumption per capacity day of approximately 17% from 2008 to 2019 for the entire 28-ship fleet. In addition, the Company achieved an estimated approximately 14% reduction in CO2 emissions per capacity day across its fleet, between 2015 and 2019. As nine new and more fuel-efficient vessels are introduced to the fleet through 2027, this rate is expected to further decrease.Invest in Technology & Explore Alternative Fuels. The Company has partnered with CLIA and other maritime organisations to propose the establishment of a collaborative shipping research and development fund dedicated to the ultimate goal of eliminating CO2 emissions from international shipping. If approved, funding would come from a contribution per tonne of marine fuel purchased for consumption and is expected to amount to US$5 billion over a 10-year period. These funds will be used to finance the development of zero and near-zero GHG fuels and propulsion technologies. As new alternative fuel sources become available at sufficient scale in the future, the Company will evaluate how these can accelerate its long-term carbon reduction strategy.Implement Voluntary Carbon Offset Program. The Company has announced its commitment to purchase carbon credits to offset three million MTCO2e over a three-year period to help bridge the gap in decarbonisation efforts until new technology becomes available. Offset purchases are expected to ramp up in future years to reach the goal of carbon neutrality.Carnival Cruise Line To Grow Fleet By Two Additional Ships By 2023Carnival Cruise Line announced plans today to grow its fleet by two additional ships by 2023, taking the delivery position of an Excel-class ship that had previously been assigned to sister line AIDA Cruises that will arrive in late 2023, as well as taking ownership of Costa Magica from another of its European sister lines, with that ship going through a dry dock, renaming and Carnival-branded conversion and joining the fleet by mid-2022.These two ships are in addition to the new capacity growth represented by Mardi Gras, Carnival's first Excel-class, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship which starts sailing from Port Canaveral on July 31 and her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which will be delivered and sail from Miami starting in late 2022, as part of Carnival's 50th birthday festivities.The addition of these four ships will bring the Carnival fleet to 27 by year-end 2023, and these ships bring many new amenities and features for guests, as well as environmental benefits and enhancements as Carnival continues to exceed and expand targets for emissions efficiencies.Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names Newest Ship Seven Seas GrandeurRegent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the name of its highly anticipated new ship as Seven Seas Grandeur™. Embodying a 30-year legacy of perfecting luxury travel, the sixth member of the Regent fleet is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2023. Jason Montague, president & CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, revealed the name in an exciting video, which also unveiled the ship's beautifully reimagined design of Compass Rose, the cruise line's signature restaurant.Seven Seas Grandeur will host only 750 guests and have a gross tonnage of 55,254, providing among the highest space ratios and staff to guest ratios in the industry. She is a sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer®, the most luxurious ship ever built and Seven Seas Splendor®, the ship that perfects luxury.Further details about Seven Seas Grandeur's suites, restaurants, amenities and onboard experiences will be revealed at RSSC.com/Seven-Seas-Grandeur leading up to her 2023 debut, with her inaugural season unveiled and open for reservations on 23 September, 2021.Hurtigruten Expeditions continues expansion: Introduces exclusive Galapagos expedition cruisesHurtigruten Expeditions, the world leader in exploration travel, is expanding its global offering to one of the most iconic destinations on the planet: The Galapagos Islands.Famous for its unique nature and wildlife, the isolated archipelago some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador has mesmerized travelers and scientists for centuries. From January 2022, Hurtigruten Expeditions will expand its breadth of destinations to include the Galapagos Islands offering modern-day explorers in-depth adventures described as ‘beyond imagination'.To offer guests one-of-a-kind experiences, Hurtigruten Expeditions has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, the most experienced and renowned travel company in the Galapagos.Guests will explore the Galapagos in style and comfort onboard the fully upgraded 90-guest MS Santa Cruz II, adding to Hurtigruten Expeditions' growAnd more...Ethical Cruise T-Shirts Now available branded podcast t-shirts, cruise-tees and Christmas gifts or design your own in the studio. All using organic cotton, printed using green energy and plastic-free packaging! https://bit.ly/32G7RdhJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/ Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisCunard Peter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF Castbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u I heart Radio: https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8 Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One of my favorite things about the community we have around this show is the ongoing conversation not just between my guests, but with you, the listener. Whether it’s through my email newsletter, social media, or texting, the community we’ve built over 10+ years is real. This year, many of you asked for guests who are on their way up. Folks who have put what they've learned into action. Well, I could not think of a better show to bring in the New Year with one such guest, Paul Ninson. Paul is a documentary photographer and aspiring Cinematographer, born in Kumasi, Ghana. He's also a long time listener of the show. Having discovered this podcast and CreativeLive as a curious and budding photographer, Paul decided to sell his phone to buy his first camera. That was just three years ago. His path from then to now is incredibly inspirational, including a chance meeting of Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York in Ghana, connecting with yours truly, and eventually making his way to his dream school at the International Center of Photography in New York where he was awarded the Director's Fellowship and George Moss Merit Scholarship. To date, Paul's work has been featured in the World Photography Organization, and exhibited at the British Council. He was one for the official state photographers for the HRH The Prince of Wales and the HRH The Duchess of Cornwall's visit to Ghana. He has worked for various NGOs and organizations including Discovery Learning Alliance, Ark Foundation, United Nations, and many many more. Very excited for you to hear Paul's story and I hope you get a chance to view his work. You can find him at @pninson on instagram or paulninson.com. Enjoy + Happy New Year! Today's episode is brought to you by CreativeLive. CreativeLive is the world's largest hub for online creative education in photo/video, art/design, music/audio, craft/maker and the ability to make a living in any of those disciplines. They are high quality, highly curated classes taught by the world’s top experts -- Pulitzer, Oscar, Grammy Award winners, New York Times best selling authors and the best entrepreneurs of our times.
The GCBC team are joined by Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be, the UK's leading school-based mental health charity. Catherine discusses the impact of the pandemic on children's mental health; the benefits of having HRH The Duchess of Cambridge as the charity's patron; and the charity's plan, in partnership with Young Voices, to smash the Guinness World Record for "largest simultaneous sing" by leading thousands of children in a rendition of Bill Withers's "Lovely Day" for Children's Mental Health Week in February 2021. Good Charity, Bad Charity is presented by Keith Davis, Camilla McGibbon and David Prest. It is produced by Dan Hardoon at Whistledown and supported by the Centre for Charity Effectiveness.
Join our national Christingle service, marking the Third Sunday of Advent. In partnership with The Children's Society, this online service for all ages features HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the bishops of Derby, Gloucester and Dover. Follow along with the order of service at http://cofe.io/Advent3Service (cofe.io/Advent3Service).
Live from the Roundhouse, London, Front Row brings you the 2020 Booker Prize ceremony. Who will be the winner of the £50,000 prize for fiction in this extraordinary year? Taking part in the socially distanced proceedings will be Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, last year's winners Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo, chair of judges Margaret Busby, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, former President of the United States Barack Obama - and of course, the winner. The evening will be hosted by Front Row's John Wilson and broadcast simultaneously on BBC iPlayer. The shortlisted authors and titles are: Diane Cook, The New Wilderness Tsitsi Dangarembga, This Mournable Body Avni Doshi, Burnt Sugar Maaza Mengiste, The Shadow King Douglas Stuart, Shuggie Bain Brandon Taylor, Real Life Presenter: John Wilson Producer: Sarah Johnson
This week we return to Wisley for a very special event as HRH The Duchess of Cambridge opens the new Back to Nature Garden, which was inspired by show gardens co-designed by HRH alongside landscape architects Andrée Davies and Adam White at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace flower shows. It's a place for families and friends to have fun in nature, while hopefully igniting a love for gardening and growing plants. Plus seasonal gardening advice from entomologist Hayley Jones who offers timely tips on dealing with bugs, Mark Tuson who's busy planting bulbs at Wisley and we meet master daffodil grower Ron Scamp.
Hello #SussexSquad, in today’s podcast, we wished HRH The Duchess of Sussex a very Happy Birthday. We discussed the British Vogue edit and many more! Inori thank you so so much for joining me! Tina! Where to get Meghan’s British Vogue Edit: you can buy hard copy on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles when available in the USA etc meanwhile, you can download digital copy on Apple :https://apple.co/2LMCZkF on google play: http://bit.ly/2K7xhWY Please don’t forget to send letters to Harry, Meghan, and Archie using this address! The Duke & Duchess of Sussex Clarence House London SW1A 1BA England United Kingdom Please subscribe YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMD_ukTo0t6ZfvOXP_y0xQ and hit the notification button!
This week we're going back to nature at the world's biggest annual flower show. Designer Jo Thompson explains how she's gone wild with the BBC Springwatch Garden, Dave Green shares his meditative spaces in the Stop and Pause Garden and Matthew Childs contemplates new approaches to energy use in the Smart Meter Garden. Plus we visit the RHS Back to Nature Garden (co-designed by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, Andrée Davies and Adam White), discover a drought-tolerant garden in memory of horticultural hero Beth Chatto, meet community allotmenteers and hear a surprising botanical cocktail recipe from food writer Mark Diacono.
Weddings in the News-Spring 2018 - Episode #167 Join our Facebook Group This episode is a fun one, man-gagement rings, the royal wedding, and wedding stats! Man- gagement http://fromringtoveil.com/mangagement https://jezebel.com/eight-reasons-why-the-mangagement-ring-should-totally-1524567911 https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/02/the-rise-of-the-man-gagement-ring/283827/ Royal wedding info Prince Harry designed the custom engagement ring he gave to his fiancée -- and it includes some special sentiments. The center stone is from Botswana, where the two visited in August. But the two stones that flank the center jewel honor Prince Harry’s mother as they're from Princess Diana's collection. The ring was made by court jewelers Cleave and Company, according to Town & Country magazine . The wedding is on Saturday, May 19th, 2018 at midday at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry was christened. What about the best man and bridesmaids? The Duke of Cambridge is expected to be Harry's best man, or perhaps jointly take on the task with one of Harry's childhood friends. William has already joked that he is yet to be asked by his younger brother. Prince George and Princess Charlotte look almost certain to be page boy and flower girl. The siblings already know the score - they performed those roles at the wedding of Pippa Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister, to James Matthews in May last year. Ms. Markle may also choose some grown-up bridesmaids from her close set of friends - most likely Canadian stylist Jessica Mulroney and Indian actress and philanthropist Priyanka Chopra. She might even pick a best woman. New royal titles Ms. Markle will become an HRH and a senior royal after marrying Harry and joining the Windsors. She is also expected to become a duchess , as Kate Middleton, who is expecting her third child in April, did when she became the Duchess of Cambridge after saying her vows in 2011. By tradition, male members of the Royal family receive a title from the monarch on their wedding day, and the vacant title Duke of Sussex is regarded as the most likely choice for the Prince, meaning Ms. Markle would become HRH The Duchess of Sussex. Like Prince Harry, the previous Duke of Sussex lived at Kensington Palace, and he also married for love, rather than choosing brides who fitted the traditional royal mold. 2018 Stats (wedding wire) Embedded diamond for engagement rings http://q13fox.com/2018/03/16/millennials-replacing-engagement-rings-with-diamonds-embedded-in-their-fingers/ ***Listener Question*** Hi ladies! My fiancé and I had been planning a wedding for May 2019, then recently realized that we had to get married for health insurance purposes. We did it at court--no ceremony, just paperwork--and still plan to have a wedding next year. It's NOT a secret that we did this. But I'm scared that people will be angry if we have a ceremony next year since it won't be the "real deal." Do you have any thoughts? TeePublic FRTV SWAG! http://fromringtoveil.com/tee THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Join our Facebook Group Subscribe to the podcast: { Apple Podcasts } { Spotify } { Google Play } { Stitcher } { Youtube } { iHeartradio } -Until next time, No Stress No Worries Keep Calm and Listen On-
We find out what happened when HRH The Duchess of Cornwall visited The Holocaust Survivors Centre, Mira Awad talks about her forthcoming trip to the UK, Andrew Alexander tells us about One Family UK and one the Schmooze we talk about Jewish jokes.
May 2015 First this month we talk to our official photographer Shaun Armstrong who’s pictures help to tell the story of our new exhibition; Bletchley Park Rescued and Restored. Shaun was on hand to capture images from the start of the £8 million phase one restoration project, right through to the official opening in June 2014 by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. Sarah Harding, director of the 2nd series of The Bletchley Circle was one of last years speakers in our Bletchley Park Presents series of talks. After her sold-out talk Sarah and her sister Gillian sat down to tell us about more discoveries of their mum’s Bletchley Park past. Over nearly 3 years of the podcast we have had the honour to interview around 40 of our amazing Veteran’s so far. These interviews, along with the Official Oral Archive, are building an invaluable resource of first-hand history, for not just the listeners of the podcast but for future generations to come. It is 70 years since Victory in Europe and to pay tribute to all the men and women who served we bring you the sounds of VE Day and from our own archive, the memories of our Veterans, not only remembering May 1945 but what they did next. For our Veterans their service didn’t end in 1945, as for 30 years and more in many cases, they kept the secret of their vital war work hidden from the world. The Veteran’s featured, in order of appearance are: Betty Flavell (WRNS 1944-1945) Joyce Bogoni (WAAF 1945-1947) Lady Marion Body (FO Civilian 1944-1945) Gwendoline Page (WRNS 1944-1945) Betty Webb (ATS 1941-1945) Elizabeth Marshall (WRNS 1944-1945) Dot Tuffin (WRNS 1943-1945) Jane Fawcett (FO Civilian 1940-1945) Marigold Freeman-Attwood (WRNS 1943-1945) Many thanks to The Three Belles for the use of their music. For more information go to http://thethreebelles.com Picture: Betty Webb & Marigold Freeman-Attwood ©shaunarmstrong/mubsta.com #BPark, #Bletchleypark, #VEDay70, #Enigma, #WW2Veteran, #History
August 2014 This month’s episode is all about Inspiring Women. We first take you to the launch of McAfee’s Cyber Security Exhibition and Computer Learning Zone which was held in the ballroom. The focus is on Online Safety for all ages, but especially children, as well as encouraging more women to Cyber Security. We have highlights of the speeches from McAffee’s Ross Allen & Raj Samani, Natalie Black of The Cabinet Office & Bletchley Park Trust Chairman Sir John Scalett, as well as interviews with our own Online Education Officer Nicola Halls & Veteran Betty Webb. You can find out more at https://www.workingwithbletchleypark.co.uk/ Next we bring you a Q&A session held at the end of our most recent Bletchley Park Presents Event – The Real Women of Bletchley Park. Historian & Bletchley Park guide Bob Horner, put questions from the sell-out audience to four Veterans, Ruth Bourne, Gwendolyn Page, Jean Valentine & Betty Webb. Finally we bring you a truly serendipitous & heart-warming conversation between the Architect who led the restoration of Bletchley Park and the Hut 6 Veteran who inspired her. Architect Janie Price literally bumped into Veteran Jane Fawcett during the recent visit of HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. Jane was Janie’s tutor in building conservation at the Architectural Association and was an expert in historic flooring. * A message from mcfontaine * The sound on The Real Women Package is not up to our usual high quality due to a technical problem that was completely out of our control on the day, but we have improved it as much as possible & felt we should include it because of the importance of the content. We hope it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment. Picture: Janie Price meeting HRH The Duchess of Cambridge ©shaunarmstrong/mubsta.com In memory of Jane Fawcett, who passed away on 21 May 2016. #BPark, #Bletchleypark, #ww2veteran, #enigma, #McAfee, #cyberhero
July 2014 HRH The Duchess of Cambridge visited Bletchley Park on the 18th of June to mark the officially opening of the 8.5 million pound restorations, but she also had a much more personal reason for her visit as both her paternal grandmother & great aunt worked in Hut 16 at The Government Codes and Cipher School during World War 2. Lady Marion Body worked alongside the twins, Valerie and Mary Glassborow and one of the highlights of the Royal Visit was when the Princess sat down with Lady Body to find out more about what her ancestors had done during the war. In this EXTRA’s episode we bring you both an interview that Podcast host Katherine Lynch recorded with Lady Body a few weeks before the special day and one from Gareth Lloyd of BBC 3 Counties Radio, a few minutes after her meeting with HRH. Thanks to Nick, Gareth, Nia and Mark from BBC Three Counties for allowing us to bring you their interview. Picture: ©shaunarmstrong/mubsta.com #BPark, #Bletchleypark, #ww2veteran, #enigma, #BritishMonarchy, #BBC3CR
July 2014 This month we take you behind the scenes during HRH The Duchess of Cambridge’s visit on 18 June, meeting the Veteran who worked with her grandmother and some of those involved in the transformation of Bletchley Park. Valerie Glassborow, The Duchess of Cambridge’s paternal grandmother, worked as a Foreign Office Civilian, towards the end of the war, alongside her twin sister, Mary, in Hut 16. They went on to marry the Middleton brothers. But before that, they shared a very special moment in history with their friend and colleague, Lady Marion Body, who met The Duchess and told her all about it. Also in this month’s episode, the school holidays are fast approaching and if you’re wondering how on earth to fill the long, hazy days, look no further. Bletchley Park will hold Family Fun Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays, with spy and craft workshops, special trails, guided tours for children and the chance to handle artefacts. We listen in on Volunteer Guide Derek Cullen’s special tour, for a taste of what’s in store this summer. Picture: ©shaunarmstrong/mubsta.com #BPark, #Bletchleypark, #ww2veteran, #enigma, #BritishMonarchy
June 2014 The transformation of Bletchley Park is now complete & on the 18th of June, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge will visit to launch the completed restoration. In this month’s episode we take you inside Code breaking Huts 3 and 6 & the new Block C Visitor Centre with the first people to see them restored to their wartime glory; the Veterans themselves. We join RAF Veteran Sergeant Bernard Morgan when he met his modern day equivalent, RAF Aerospace Battle Manager, Flight Lieutenant Vikki Thorpe, on a recent visit to Bletchley Park. He shares his D-Day memories with us & finally gets to use the once Top Secret Type X machine that he used to help direct aircraft in the days following the Normandy landings; that he thought he would never see again. The importance of Bletchley Park’s role in the D-Day deception should not be underestimated. Senior Archivist, Richard Lewis & founding member of the Bletchley Park Trust, Peter Wescombe, explain how messages decrypted at Bletchley Park showed that the feint had been swallowed whole, leading Germany to believe that the invasion would be at the Pas de Calais rather than Normandy. A new exhibition, Secrets Revealed - Introducing Bletchley Park, uncovers the Government Code and Cypher School’s involvement in D Day in depth. Picture: ©shaunarmstrong/mubsta.com #BPark, #Bletchleypark, #AudioMo, #DDay70, #WW2, ##BritishMonarchy, #enigma,
May 2014 The Duchess of Cambridge will visit Bletchley Park, on Wednesday 18 June 2014 to mark the completion of the year-long restoration project, which has restored the site to its World War Two appearance. Her Royal Highness will view the restored location, tour the WW2 Codebreaking Huts and will hear about the achievements of the Codebreakers whose work is said to have helped shorten the war by two years. During the visit, Her Royal Highness will meet Codebreaker veterans who worked at the Government Code and Cypher School during WW2, where encrypted messages sent by the Navy, Army and Air Forces of Germany and its allies were decrypted, translated and analysed for vital intelligence. In our next monthly episode we will take you inside Huts 3 and 6 and the new Block C Visitor Centre with the first people to see them restored to their wartime glory; the Veterans themselves. This recording gives you a taste of some of the reactions at that 1st VIP Preview. Picture: ©shaunarmstrong/mubsta.com #BPark, #Bletchleypark, #ww2veteran, #enigma, #BritishMonarchy
March 2013 In this episode we bring you the longer versions of some of the interviews featured in the last episode of The Bletchley Park Podcast. They were recorded by mcfontaine and our new roving reporter Kerry Howard, after the visit of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Featuring Aileen Hasdell, Gwen Flavell, Peggy Dorrington & Alba Whiteman. #bpark, #enigma, #bombe, #bletchleypark
The castaway in this week's edition of Desert Island Discs is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. After a lifelong devotion to music, she will be whittling down her choice of eight records with great difficulty. Now Patron of the Leeds Piano Competition and the Yehudi Menuhin School, as well as President of the Royal Northern College of Music, the Duchess of Kent studied music herself until she was twenty-five. Her Royal Highness will be talking to Sue Lawley about her love of music, her Yorkshire childhood and her prolific work for charity.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Ave Verum Corpus by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: A do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Lamp with solar batteries
The castaway in this week's edition of Desert Island Discs is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. After a lifelong devotion to music, she will be whittling down her choice of eight records with great difficulty. Now Patron of the Leeds Piano Competition and the Yehudi Menuhin School, as well as President of the Royal Northern College of Music, the Duchess of Kent studied music herself until she was twenty-five. Her Royal Highness will be talking to Sue Lawley about her love of music, her Yorkshire childhood and her prolific work for charity. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Ave Verum Corpus by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: A do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Lamp with solar batteries