Podcasts about Monmouthshire

Alistair Budd, from Caldicot, Monmouthshire, Wales, United KingdomYou can read Alistair's article in The Christian Science Monitor.

Message us.In this final full episode of Season Eleven, host Andrew Martin meets genealogist, writer, and storyteller, Olwen Moseley. She tells him how she got hooked on researching family history and how she inherited lots of research, she shares her love of death certificates, and explains how she feels like a detective when researching.THE LIFE STORY - MARY ANN BOWLEROlwen has chosen to tell the life story of Mary Ann Bowler - but it took Olwen a long time to realise that Mary Ann existed. This is a case of a group of young women - all cousins - united by the care of their grandmother and the fact that they were mostly all orphans, and died as young adults. When research hints keep flagging a connection to Bristol in England, rather than Llangybi in Wales, Olwen kept dismissing them... but... a newspaper article caught her eye, with Olwen assuming they'd made a mistake with the name 'Mary Ann Bowler' rather than Mary Jane Bowler.Further investigation was needed when the references started to stack up... resulting in Olwen discovering Mary Ann Bowler existed, and that her story was just as fascinating as the others.THE BRICK WALL - ELIZABETH BOWLERAn Elizabeth Bowler (another of the cousins) is what is giving Olwen a research headache - particularly when it comes to her life after the 1851 census.Where did Elizabeth go after appearing on the 1851 census with her parents Joseph and Elizabeth at Market Street, Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales? Olwen knows that Elizabeth (her mother) dies in 1858... so what becomes of the family by then?If you think that you can help Olwen with a clue or a research idea, then you can send her a message via her Substack account, or via the email address she gives in the episode. Alternatively, you can send us a message and we'll pass it along to her.In the meantime, Olwen is happy to accept Andrew's offer help, but they're in for a bit of a shock...- - -Episode Credits:Andrew Martin - Host and ProducerOlwen Moseley - Guest Support the showThank you for listening! You can sign up to our email newsletter for the latest and behind the scenes news. You can find us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you liked this episode please subscribe for free, or leave a rating or review, or consider giving us a 'tip' to keep the show funded.

Helen Meech is Executive Director of the Climate Coalition, the UK's largest group of organisations dedicated to action on people, climate and nature. Over 130 member organisations, from the National Trust to Oxfam to Save the Children, plus a network of around 3,500 community organisers across the UK. And yet most people have never heard of them. As Helen explains, that's deliberate.We talk about Great Big Green Week, the Coalition's flagship campaign, running this year from 6 to 14 June. It has more than doubled in size every year for three years: 250,000 people, then 600,000, then 1.2 million last year, with around 2 million expected this year. The stat that matters most: over a third of attendees had never engaged with climate or nature before. They came because someone they knew organised something, or because it was free to do with the kids on a Saturday.We also dig into where power actually sits. Helen's framing, "creating the space for politics to move into," challenges the idea that change is something politicians do to us. And we compare notes on the People's Emergency Briefing, which we recently screened at the Grange Hub, and the tension every communicator in this space wrestles with: realism versus hope.The post-interview chat gets into Tom's view that the era of being polite about the emergency is over, Chloe's case for hope grounded in community rather than technology, and why we still don't have a Help for Heroes equivalent for the climate movement.About the guestHelen Meech is Executive Director of the Climate Coalition. She has spent 25 years in environmental campaigning and movement-building, including roles at the National Trust and the RSPB, where she was Head of Movement Building and led the development of the People's Plan for Nature. Her work is built on a single belief: people are powerful, especially when they come together.The Climate Coalition: theclimatecoalition.org Great Big Green Week: greatbiggreenweek.comChapters00:00 - Welcome and intros 01:30 - Grange update: screening the People's Emergency Briefing at the Hub 04:30 - Watching hard truths in community, and why that changes the experience 06:55 - Tom's case: the days of being polite about the emergency are over 07:30 - Wilder Connections summer programme: co-design with young people 10:57 - Who is the Climate Coalition? 14:59 - Why most people haven't heard of the Climate Coalition (on purpose) 17:24 - "Creating the space for politics to move into" 20:05 - Everyone has power: protest, community organising, media, culture 22:18 - Great Big Green Week: nightclubs, litter picks, fetes and school assemblies 23:59 - The infrastructure behind 6,000 local events 29:54 - Flooded pitches: why grassroots sport is organising 30:30 - The unexpected challenge: keeping the big NGOs on board 32:43 - Greenwashing and a brand with a life of its own 34:15 - The Coalition's three policy asks 36:50 - The five million target, and matching Children in Need for awareness 39:43 - Helen's reaction to the People's Emergency Briefing 42:28 - Rebecca Solnit and hope as an action 44:35 - How to get involved in Great Big Green Week 46:03 - Tom and Chloe debrief: community action vs direct action 48:27 - The 3.5% rule, and whether the research still holds 50:45 - The school drop-off apology problem: why we need a safe movement to belong to 53:40 - Hope vs fear: did the briefing get the balance right? Key takeawaysOver a third of Great Big Green Week attendees have never engaged with climate or nature before. They come because the event is organised by someone they know, connected to a community they're already part of, or simply free to do with the kids. Over 80% of those newcomers wanted to do more afterwards.Great Big Green Week has more than doubled in size every year for three years, and reached a media audience of over 60 million last year. Around 11% of the UK population recognises it when prompted, on a par with campaigns that have run for decades.Helen's core argument about power: if we say politicians are the only ones with power, we're handing ours to them. The Coalition's job is to make the public mandate visible so politicians have space to move into.The Coalition's three policy asks: climate finance flowing where it's most needed, fairness at the heart of climate action (bills, jobs, just transition), and the urgent protection and restoration of nature.Fear needs to be combined with agency. Helen cites the Branding Biodiversity report: hard-hitting information without a path to action paralyses people. Twenty-five years into her career, the People's Emergency Briefing still made her cry. Her response was to write a to-do list.Hope is an action, not a mood. Rebecca Solnit's framing: pessimists and optimists both excuse themselves from doing anything.Resources and links mentionedOrganisations and campaignsThe Climate Coalition: theclimatecoalition.orgGreat Big Green Week (6-14 June 2026): greatbiggreenweek.comNational Emergency Briefing / People's Emergency Briefing, including the screening map and how to host one: nebriefing.orgWilder Connections, Chloe's charity growing a movement for nature connection in young people: wilderconnections.charityClimate Psychology Alliance (facilitation training Chloe mentioned): climatepsychologyalliance.orgMore in Common (audience segmentation partner): moreincommon.org.ukBristol Stepping SistersNational Trust, RSPB, Oxfam, Save the Children, Co-op (Coalition members referenced)Ideas and referencesRebecca Solnit, Hope in the DarkJoanna Macy, Active Hope: activehope.infoBranding Biodiversity report (Futerra): fear combined with agencyThe 3.5% rule (Erica Chenoweth's research on nonviolent resistance)The People's Plan for Nature: peoplesplanfornature.orgCome and stay with usIf this conversation has you craving time somewhere slower, our off-grid cabins sit in a quiet corner of Monmouthshire surrounded by 80 acres of recovering nature. Visit grangeproject.co.uk and click "Stay with us" in the top right corner.

Adrian Chiles with a pop star, a comedian and a writer, but there's a lot more to each of them than that.Tom Fletcher was starring on the West End stage at the age of 10. 30 years later he's been back there writing the music for Paddington - The Musical. In between he's squeezed in popstardom with the hugely successful band McFly. Bethany Handley grew up loving life in the great outdoors of Monmouthshire and she has written a memoir, My Body is a Meadow: Finding Freedom in the Outdoors.And with Russell Kane there's an awful lot going on. Terrifyingly clever, award-winning comedian, writer, children's book author and now Shakespearean actor. Producer: Gareth Nelson-Davies Assistant Producers: Ribika Moktan and Sofia Popova Production co-ordinator: Josie Hardy Editor: Andrea Kennedy

We join Jon as he negatives through the Boston Airport to talk about The Mekon's new album HORROR and HORRORble the Dub companion album!   Mekons, who will be celebrating their 50th year in 2027, will be touring in support of the upcoming re-release of their 2025 album HORROR on June 12 in conjunction with a an entire new album of Dub remixes, entitled HORRORble (mekons Vs. Tony Maimone In Dub Conference) by Pere Ubu's Tony Maimone via Fire Records as a 2xCD, white vinyl and digital configurations and can be ordered here. June -3-26th Cleveland OH The Mekons at The Music Box Supper Club Tickets here mekons-june3   About Jon:       Jon Langford born October 11, 1957, Newport, Monmouthshire is a Welsh-born musician and artist who is presently based in Chicago. He is the younger brother of science-fiction author and critic David Langford Langford was originally the drummer for the punk band The Mekons when it formed at the University of Leeds in 1977, but he later took up the guitar as other band members left. Since the mid-1980s he has been one of the leaders in incorporating folk and country music into punk rock. He has released a number of solo recordings as well as recordings with other bands outside of The Mekons, most notably the Waco Brothers, which he co-founded after moving to Chicago in the early 1990s. He is involved with the Chicago-based >independent record label >Bloodshot. Langford is also a prolific and respected visual artist best known for his striking portraits of country music icons including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. His multimedia music/spoken-word/video performance, “The Executioner's Last Songs,” premiered at Alverno College in 2005, and has been performed in several other cities. He illustrated the comic strip Great Pop Things under the pseudonym Chuck Death. Since 2005 he has co-hosted a weekly radio program, “The Eclectic Company,” broadcast on WXRT 93.1 FM in Chicago. He has contributed to This American Life. Among Langford's musical side projects have been the Three Johns (with John Hyatt and John (Phillip) Brennan), who released several albums of drum-machine-fueled punk in the 1980s; the country-punk Waco Brothers (with Dean Schlabowske, Tracey Dear, Alan Doughty, Mark Durante, and Mekons drummer Steve Goulding), who have been recording since 1995; the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, a revolving assortment of Chicago musicians who have backed both Langford and other musicians such as Kelly Hogan; and Ship and Pilot. He became a father figure to the local music scene, encouraging many of his labelmates on Bloodshot Records and championing anyone he thought worthy of scrutiny, often lending his services as a musician or visual artist or inviting local musicians to guest on his releases. Langford's first official solo album, Skull Orchard, a look back at his hometown of Newport, Wales, was released in 1998. He followed it with All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, in 2004, Gold Brick in 2006, and Old Devils in 2010. Langford is an accomplished artist and is renowned for his multi-layered paintings of famous and forgotten figures from the dawn of country music. Nashville Radio, a collection of his artwork and writings, was published in 2006. In January and February 2009, Chicago's Walkabout Theater Company and Collaboraction premiered a stage adaptation of Langford's Goldbrick that featured a live band, two actors and video projections. In November and December 2009, The House Theatre of Chicago staged a production of “All the Fame of Lofty Deeds”, written by rock journalist Mark Guarino and based on Langford's art and 2004 solo album. Collaborations with other musicians Langford initiated a project, the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, which performs the music of other country music groups. Several alternative country musicians have guested on these recordings. Langford has guested on numerous recordings, including with Dutch punk band the Ex, The Old 97s, Chip Taylor, as well as Austin, Texas legend Alejandro Escovedo, and has recorded joint albums with Sally Timms, Kevin Coyne, Richard Buckner, Kat Ex and Rosie Flores.

The invisible forces shaping what you eat, why they stay hidden, and what it actually takes to change them.Sue Pritchard is CEO of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC) and a farmer just down the road from us in Monmouthshire. In this episode she lays out exactly how the modern food system works, who benefits, who pays the price, and why the polite assumption that "people just want cheap food" is one of the most damaging myths in British public life.We go into the ABCD commodity giants most people have never heard of, the three forces reshaping our plates (commodified, consolidated, financialised), the citizens' assemblies that proved the political class has been misreading the public for decades, and why Sue thinks it might finally be time to bring back the word shame.This was one of those conversations where a missing piece of the puzzle dropped into place. Not cheery in places, but clarifying and energising.In this episode:What we actually mean by "the food system" and why the definition mattersThe ABCD companies: the four private firms (plus one Chinese state company) that control over 80% of global commodity tradeWhy Cargill's profits jumped 27% while the rest of us absorbed food price spikesCommodified, consolidated, financialised: the three words that explain how we got hereWho's really losing: farmers on below real-living-wage incomes, citizens paying twice (at the till and through their taxes), and our public healthThe assumptions keeping the system stuck: "people only want cheap food", "nobody wants a nanny state", "this is a middle-class concern"What happened when FFCC actually asked people what they want from food (spoiler: the response rate was five times the norm)The role of anger, and why Rowan Williams called it the "appropriate emotional response"Rutger Bregman, shame, and whether it is time to make certain jobs socially unacceptable againFinding your lane: why we do not all have to do everything everywhere all at onceThe "What Works Here?" inquiries and the stories of hope already on the groundApproximate timestamps:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction05:00 - Farm Start with Rachel Hammond (starts next month, places still available)06:00 - Community Day, 16 May, plus the screening of the People's Emergency Briefing08:20 - Introducing Sue Pritchard09:30 - What the FFCC is and why it was set up after Brexit12:30 - What we actually mean by "the food system"18:30 - The winners: ABCD companies, Cargill, the Amazon, and chicken sheds in the Wye Valley24:00 - The losers: farmers, citizens, public health26:20 - The assumptions that keep the system stuck28:45 - Sue "spits the dummy" and launches the citizens' assemblies36:30 - Anger, Rowan Williams, and what to do with it42:45 - Bregman, shame, and raising the social cost of harm44:30 - Working inside the system: the conversations that actually move people49:20 - Where hope already lives: the "What Works Here?" inquiries54:30 - Tom and Chloe unpack it: invisible winners, shame, food security, and the search for brave leadershipSue's best lines"Perhaps anger is the appropriate emotional response to the degree of injustice that we are finally seeing.""How do we tell the stories of the future that is already coming to life all around us? It's just not evenly distributed and it's not visible enough.""Don't do bad things and don't be a dick. Those would be my missions for government."Links and resources mentioned in this episodeSue Pritchard and FFCCFood, Farming and Countryside Commission: https://ffcc.co.ukThe Food Conversation: https://thefoodconversation.ukFFCC's overview of The Food Conversation and Citizen Mandate: https://ffcc.co.uk/so-what-do-we-really-want-from-foodPeople and works referencedHenry Dimbleby's National Food Strategy: https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.orgRutger Bregman's 2025 BBC Reith Lectures, Moral Revolution: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9Rutger Bregman, Moral Ambition: https://www.moralambition.orgNate Hagens, The Great Simplification: https://www.thegreatsimplification.comHodmedod's (Josiah Meldrum): https://hodmedods.co.ukRowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and former Bishop of MonmouthThings growing at the Grange right nowThe Grange Project: https://grangeproject.co.ukWilder Podcast (Episode 52 is the full Grange update): https://grangeproject.co.uk/podcast/three-years-in-the-honest-truth-about-rewilding-80-acresEvents, including Community Day on 16 May with the People's Emergency Briefing screening: https://grangeproject.co.uk/eventsFarm Start with Rachel Hammond and other courses: https://grangeproject.co.uk/events/farmstart-a-six-day-hands-on-course-for-people-ready-to-earn-from-growing-food-with-rachel-hammondWales Seed Hub (Hwb Hadau Cymru): https://www.seedhub.walesReal Seeds: https://realseeds.co.ukThe National Emergency Briefing / People's Emergency BriefingNational Emergency Briefing: https://www.nebriefing.orgFind a local screening: https://www.nebriefing.org/screening-mapIf this episode moved youThe one thing that genuinely helps us is a rating and review wherever you listen. It nudges the podcast up the rankings and puts it in front of people who might benefit from it too.If you want to come and experience any of this in person, the Community Day on 16 May is the easiest way in. Walk the land, get your hands in the soil, share food, watch the People's Emergency Briefing with people who are paying attention. All links above.Until the next one.Tom and Chloe

Send us Fan MailJoining me on today's episode of the English Wine Diaries is Lucy Alford, from The Dell vineyard, in Monmouthshire. Lucy and her husband, Dan, planted 5,000 Pinot Noir and Solaris vines on their family farm between the Usk and Wye Valleys in 2022, and have recently added a further two acres of Cabaret Noir, Pinot Meunier and Souvignier Gris. Their dream of owning a vineyard started some 10 years earlier when, after getting married, they spent six-month traveling around the Southern Hemisphere on honeymoon and fell in love with wine. Life ensued and with busy careers as an ICU nurse and graphic designer working in Bristol, and then the birth of their first child, Rowan, owning a vineyard seemed like a pipedream. Until 2021, when the pandemic hit and the toll it took on Lucy, who was working on the frontline, signalled it was time for a new direction.Just three weeks after deciding to make the leap, Lucy and Dan began leasing an existing vineyard in Monmouthshire, while preparing to plant their own on Dan's family farm. Now, with a fully established vineyard – and with a second little on in tow – the family has a portfolio of still and sparkling wines, including their rose, which was heralded best still wine in Wales at the 2025 Welsh Wine Awards. Keep up to date with the goings on at The Dell by following them on Instagram @thedellvineyard or visiting thedellvineyard.co.uk.This episode of The English Wine Diaries is sponsored by Rankin Bros & Sons — trusted suppliers of corks, closures, and packaging solutions to the UK wine industry since 1774. To learn more about how Rankin is supporting the future of British wine, visit rankincork.co.uk. Thanks for listening to The English Wine Diaries. If you enjoyed the podcast then please leave a rating or review, it helps boost our ratings and makes it easier for other people to find us. To find out who will be joining me next on the English Wine Diaries, follow @theenglishwinediaries on Instagram and for more regular English wine news and reviews, sign up to our newsletter at englishwinediaries.com. 

Who is the faceless figure drifting silently along the banks of the River Wye? What happens if you anger the spirits said to live within an ancient Welsh oak tree? And what crashes through the night on a long-lost road… even after the road itself has vanished?  In this episode, we head to Monmouthshire - an area packed with strange sightings, old stories and accounts passed down through local newspapers and word of mouth. There are tales of phantom stagecoaches racing through the dark near Rockfield, said to appear only on stormy nights… and always ending in disaster. In Newcastle, people speak of spirits tied to a great oak tree, with a habit of punishing anyone who took more than they should. And then there's the Faceless Lady of Hadnock - seen late at night by the River Wye. Who is this glamorous spectre who walks after midnight? Taken from a little-known mid-20th century collection, these Welsh ghost stories have been gathering dust for decades. Lock the doors, dim the lights, and step into the local folklore and haunted landscapes Monmouthshire… if you dare!

In this conversation, we update you on two big milestones for the Grange Project, the launch of the Welsh Rewilding Alliance and our OECM recognition, before sitting down with Professor Mike Berners‑Lee. We ask Mike to explain the polycrisis: how climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, food insecurity and geopolitical instability are all interlinked. Mike helps us see why recycling alone won't cut it: plastics are produced almost entirely from fossil fuels, their emissions could eat up a large chunk of the remaining carbon budget and their additives disrupt hormones. We also talk about why technology by itself isn't enough, how misinformation slows progress and what practical steps we can all take-like switching to trustworthy media and supporting a national information campaign to wake up and act.Episode journey:[00:05] Introduction and mission. We open the show by explaining why we started the Wilder Podcast: to share our learning about rewilding and the wider forces shaping our world. We remind listeners that we created the Grange Project two and a half years ago to restore nature, grow food, support eco‑businesses and reconnect people with land.[02:24] Two big updates. We proudly announce the launch of the Welsh Rewilding Alliance and its report A Welsh Way to Wild. We also share that the Grange Project has been recognised by the Welsh Government as an OECM, a big step in confirming that our land management has rigorous governance and real biodiversity benefits.[07:08] Introducing Professor Mike Berners‑Lee. We explain how we first encountered Mike's work-reading There Is No Planet B inspired us to buy the farm and start the Grange Project. Mike introduces himself as a professor, consultant and author.[11:09] What is the polycrisis? Mike explains that the polycrisis is a tangle of interconnected challenges driven by humanity's unprecedented power. He emphasises that disasters like pandemics and wars no longer happen in isolation; their severity comes from the cascading effects they unleash. For us, it was eye‑opening to see how our economic and political systems amplify these stresses.[16:58] Examples of cascading crises. We discuss real‑world examples: the COVID‑19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine amplifying food and energy crises. Mike highlights that plastic production has boomed since the 1950s and plastics are a major source of emissions and endocrine disruption. It reinforced for us how everything is connected.[20:43] Wake‑up call and the National Emergency Briefing. Mike tells us about the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster, where experts covered nine dimensions of the crisis from health and food to national security and no one thought the situation was exaggerated. We both feel this shows how widely the severity of the crisis is recognised and why we need national action.[23:05] Misinformation and media ownership. We explore how misinformation is blocking progress. Mike challenges the narratives that climate action will leave us poorer and colder, and explains how social‑media algorithms spread disinformation. We urge you to choose trustworthy news sources and recognise manipulation.[29:14] Techno‑optimism vs. systemic change. Mike says that simply scaling up renewables isn't enough. He points out that although renewable capacity has grown massively, fossil energy use has also climbed, so overall emissions keep rising. That's why systemic measures like carbon pricing and fossil‑fuel constraints are critical.[33:35] Human psychology and leadership. Together we discuss why people aren't inherently selfish. Neuroscience and social history suggest we can cultivate cooperation and empathy. Mike encourages us to seek leaders who are kind and honest, and we talk about the courage it takes to speak up and push for change.[47:19] Calls to action. We finish by encouraging you to sign the letter at nebriefing.org, host local screenings of the briefing film and start conversations in your community. Mike notes that facing these issues head‑on feels liberating, we felt it too.[49:05] Host reflections. After the interview, we reflect on our own nerves and gratitude for Mike's clarity. We discuss doing a mini‑series on the individual crises and debate whether information alone prompts action. We conclude that people need both facts and relatable stories of hopeful change.About the guest:We were honoured to speak with Mike Berners‑Lee, a professor at Lancaster University and founder of Small World Consulting. He advises organisations on sustainability and wrote There Is No Planet B and A Climate of Truth. Mike is known for making complex issues accessible and for advocating systemic solutions to interlinked crises.Resources and links:National Emergency Briefing – A national information briefing on the climate and nature crisis with expert videos, action guides and community‑screening resources. Learn more at https://nebriefing.org.The Welsh Way to Wild report – The Welsh Rewilding Alliance's report sets out a practical vision for rewilding in Wales. Download the report at https://rewildingalliance.cymru/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Welsh-Rewilding-Alliance-Report-2026.pdf.Small World Consulting – Mike Berners‑Lee's consultancy helps organisations understand sustainability challenges and thrive in a volatile world. Visit https://www.sw-consulting.co.uk.There Is No Planet B – Mike Berners‑Lee's handbook on climate, biodiversity and practical solutions. Learn more and find retailers at https://theresnoplanetb.net .A Climate of Truth – Mike's latest book explores honesty in politics, media and business as a critical lever for tackling the polycrisis. Details and purchase links are at https://climateoftruth.co.uk.National Emergency Briefing open letter – Add your name to the open letter calling for a televised national emergency briefing at https://nebriefing.org/open-letter-keir.Screw This, Let's Try Something Else – A hopeful podcast featuring community-led projects that are changing food, energy and housing systems. Listen on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/screw-this-lets-try-something-else/id1863391095.The Grange Project – Our own rewilding project in Monmouthshire, where we experiment with nature restoration, food growing and eco‑business. Learn more at https://grangeproject.co.uk.Why this episode mattersAs rewilders, we see how climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, public health and social instability are woven together. This episode shows that tackling one issue in isolation isn't enough we need to change the systems that drive multiple crises and challenge misinformation. By combining big‑picture analysis with concrete steps, from signing a letter to choosing better media, we hope to inspire you to join us in building a more hopeful, resilient future.

In this episode we explore the story of the 3rd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment during 7 days on the Ypres battlefield in May 1915. We discover what Ypres looked like before it was destroyed by shellfire. We learn of the tragic story of the father and son who died on the same day. And how almost the entire battalion was wiped out, mainly because of a terrific artillery bombardment on their shallow trenches. We discover how a young Officer saved the life of one of his men by using his body as a shield, and the Welshman who was captured but returned home and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1969.

Leticija Petrovic, the local food policy lead at the Food Foundation leads a panel discussion about school food, what works to improve school food menus and children's nutrition, and what we can learn from what is already happening on the ground.The discussion is inspired by a new research project led by the University of Birmingham, and the panel includes: Dr Katie Edwards, research fellow in Psychology at the University of Birmingham; Sarah Newton, who leads the food system team in Public Health Division at Birmingham City Council as well as the Birmingham Food System strategy, and is a driving force behind Birmingham Food Revolution; and Sian Kidd, Food Security Engagement Officer at Monmouthshire County Council. Sian is also the founder and director of Secret Soup Society, a social enterprise working to reduce food waste and provide healthy, nutritious food for the community.Click here for more information on the University of Birmingham research, here for Birmingham's Food System strategy, and here for Chwedlau Bwyd, the creative food education programme that was delivered for Year 3 pupils in primary schools across Monmouthshire.Click here for the Food Foundation newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Plodcast host Fergus sets out to find signs of spring in seldom-visited woodland in south Monmouthshire. Listen on for a mindful Plodcast full of eerie midwinter atmosphere. Later, Fergus returns to his garden to record a Big Garden Birdwatch for the RSPB. The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pôsobivý príbeh o láske a strate, o rodinných tajomstvách a zabudnutej minulosti. Je to už tridsať rokov, čo Greta Simpsonová odišla z prekrásneho sídla Marchmont Hall ukrytého medzi vrchmi vidieckeho grófstva Monmouthshire. Strašná nehoda jej vymazala z pamäti viac než dve desaťročia života, preto si po návrate do sídla, kam ju na Vianoce pozval dávny priateľ David Marchmont, nespomína na nič z toho, čo tam kedysi prežila. Na prechádzke zasneženým lesom narazí na náhrobný kameň s ledva čitateľným nápisom, z ktorého sa dozvie, že v hrobe leží malý chlapček… V tej chvíli sa v Gretinej mysli roztočí vír spomienok. Odhodlane sa vydáva na dobrodružnú cestu do vlastnej minulosti, ktorá ju privedie k tajomstvám života jej nie celkom anjelskej dcéry Chesky, žijúcej v lesku hollywoodskych filmových ateliérov, vnučky Avy a priateľa Davida Marchmonta, ktorý jej oddane stojí po boku už od čias, keď ako mladé dievča ušla pred násilníckym otčimom. Potom sa stala jednou zo slávnych windmillských tanečníc a zahľadel sa do nej pekný americký dôstojník… „Riley napísala ďalšiu prepracovanú a pútavú rodinnú ságu, ktorá predstavuje historické a kultúrne postoje doby a miesta, v ktorom jej postavy žijú… Príbeh je elegantne vymodelovaný a bohatý na históriu… poteší fanúšikov romantiky, ako aj milovníkov historickej beletrie.“ — Library Journal Audiokniha: Anjelský strom Autor: Lucinda Rileyová Interpret: Lenka Košická Dĺžka: 18:42 h Vydavateľstvo: Publixing a Tatran Audiokniha Anjelský strom na webe Publixing (MP3 na stiahnutie) Audiokniha Anjelský strom na webe Audiolibrix (MP3 na stiahnutie)

It's a big week for the NHS in Wales. The Covid inquiry report lands, waiting lists results are published, and health boards are facing tough questions. We're joined by experts including Professor Jon Barry and Dr Helen Howson to ask: what's next for the Welsh NHS? Plus, after devastating floods in Monmouthshire, we speak to Dr David Clubb from the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales to discuss what more can be done to protect at risk communities.

Guest: Tom Johnson – Founder of We Are Nature BasedHost: Tom Constable (co‑founder of The Grange Project)Episode overviewIn this special episode, Tom Constable talks to flood‑management expert Tom Johnson about the catastrophic flooding that recently hit Monmouthshire and large parts of Wales. We explore what drove the event, whether it was simply a natural flood or part of a climate‑induced trend, and what practical solutions exist to reduce future risk. This conversation is grounded in both data and lived experience; it also responds to a social‑media debate where some posts dismissed any link between climate change and flooding.About Tom Johnson:Founder of We Are Nature Based, a community interest company that helps water companies, local authorities and land managers adopt natural flood management techniques.Works across the UK integrating nature‑based solutions with traditional (grey) infrastructure, including leaky woody dams, tree planting and wetland creation.Previously collaborated with the Grange Project to install around 50 leaky woody structures in their stream – an effort that Tom Constable credits with slowing water on the farm.Episode highlights:[00:00] Introduction & purpose – Host Tom Constable explains the devastating floods that struck Monmouthshire and his aim to explore whether the floods are climate‑induced or natural.[01:50] Acknowledging the impact – Guest Tom Johnson sends sympathies to affected communities, noting the hardship and setting the tone for a thoughtful discussion.[03:20] Why Tom Johnson? – Tom Johnson outlines his credentials as the founder of We Are Nature Based and his expertise in natural flood management.[04:30] What happened? Rainfall & river levels – The conversation turns to the flood statistics: nearly 120 mm of rain fell in 12 hours (more than 10 % of the annual average) and the River Monnow's defences were overtopped.[06:30] Are floods climate‑induced? – Tom Johnson explains that while floods are natural, the frequency of heavy rainfall and droughts is increasing due to climate change.[09:00] Land use, soils & runoff – They discuss how centuries of land drainage, river straightening and intensive farming have compacted soils and accelerated runoff; Tom uses a dried‑out sponge analogy to describe baked soils repelling water.[13:00] Dredging vs. slowing the flow – A pragmatic discussion on dredging where it's needed and why slowing the flow with leaky dams, ponds and vegetation is often a better approach.[16:00] Grange Project anecdote & climate projections – Tom Constable shares how hedgerows, tussocky grass and woody debris have slowed runoff on his farm; Tom Johnson discusses predictions of more flash‑flood events in Wales.[19:00] Beyond higher walls: budgets & catchments – They question the wisdom of endlessly raising flood walls and advocate investing some flood‑defence budgets in catchment‑wide natural solutions.[22:00] Policy & planning recommendations – Tom Johnson suggests permeable paving for new developments, smart rainwater butts, incentives for farmers to hold water on their land, and integrated...

Monmouthshire's MP Catherine Fooks describes the situation in Monmouth after Storm Claudia's devastation. Isabel Hardman decants the goings on at Westminster and who is briefing against whom. Former BBC governor, Merfyn Jones CBE mulls over the BBCs difficult week, former Conservative special adviser Lauren McEvatt discusses the pros and cons of abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners. Green Cymru CEO Stuart George tells us why the power grid in Wales needs to be upgraded and veteran journalist Martin Shipton remembers suspensions of Senedd past. Carole Burns and Sarah Rees review the papers.

Eleanor is joined around the campfire by storyteller priestess Christine Watkins to talk all about her home county of Monmouthshire.Christine was born in Monmouthshire, where her family has deep roots. She has been crafting words for speaking live or in broadcast since 1980 - stories of belonging and apartness, discovery and creation. She's the author of Gwent Folk Tales and the host of the podcast Around Goes The Rambler, in which she walks Monmouthshire over the course of a year and a day.You can learn more about Christine and her work, and listen to the podcast, on her website at christinewatkins.co.uk.For now, though, let's gather round the campfire in the shadow of the Sugarloaf and talk about all things Monmouthshire with a true Local Legend, Christine Watkins.Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the madness of Haunting Season, we're returning to Series 7 and the history and folklore of Monmouthshire in south east Wales!We discuss the county's history of invasion, by the Romans, the Normans, the English, and of course by heavy industry, and its many changing names - Caerwent, Gwent, Wentland and Monmouthshire.We couldn't fail to mention our favourite son of Monmouthshire, Geoffrey, as well as some of the incredible landscape and cultural features of the county. We're helped along in this by some excerpts from our Local Legends interview with Christine Watkins.Then we dig into folklore, finding surprising cures for warts and meeting cunning men, wily bridge-building parsons, and some rather mean-spirited fairies.Eleanor's story "Winter's Eve" has the chilling Gwrach y Rhibyn drifting through a cloud of mist, and a whole host of Nos Galan Gaeaf customs.We hope that you enjoy the episode, and we'll speak to you again on Thursday with a new Magic and Medicine episode all about Reiki!The Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Haunting Season 2025 is over, so in this month's Update Episode we're looking ahead to the continuation of Series 7!As usual, the episode offers the main Three Ravens news from the last month, the plan for the month ahead, and the opening chunks of last month's Patreon Exclusive episodes.First comes the initial 25 minutes or so of Eleanor's conversation with historian and demonologist Fiona Dodwell about cursed and haunted dolls, which is followed by the opening of our Film Club episode for October, as released last Thursday, about the 2007 cult horror comedy 'Trick 'r Treat.'Speak to you again tomorrow on our new County Episode all about Monmouthshire, for which Eleanor has written a pretty freaky monster story that we hope you'll very much enjoy!Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our final Local Legends interview of Haunting Season 2025, Eleanor speaks with Tony Walker, author and host of the Classic Ghost Stories podcast. We are huge fans of Tony's work, from his narrations of well-known ghost stories and lesser read hidden gems to his own original fiction.Though as we discuss during this conversation, Tony's interests in the uncanny and peculiar started in childhood. He has worked in ghost tourism, spent many years as a mental healthcare professional, and has traveled almost as widely as he has read.His own writing, which prompted the creation of the Classic Ghost Stories podcast, speaks to his genuine, deep-seated interest in the Gothic, the paranormal, and the 'super-normal' - he has an open mind, natural curiosity, and a warmth and friendliness that make him wonderful to spend time with.In this interview, Eleanor chats to Tony about the formula for the perfect ghost story, real life ghost stories, his favourite spooky tales and places, and lots more, from the intersection between storytelling and gaming to the replica Punic mask he bought on holiday which seemed to become home to an errant nature spirit...To find out more about his work simply search up 'Classic Ghost Stories' on the app you're using to listen to this, or visit his Substack here.Otherwise, we thoroughly hope that you have enjoyed our third annual Haunting Season, and will speak to you tomorrow in our November Update episode, then again on Monday when Series 7 continues with our exploration of the history and folklore of the historic Welsh county of Monmouthshire!Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Wilder Podcast, we sit down with Ben Goldsmith, financier, conservationist, and passionate rewilding advocate, to explore the deeply personal and global dimensions of nature restoration.Ben shares how the tragic loss of his daughter, Iris, became the catalyst for rewilding his Somerset farm, transforming grief into a living love letter to her wild spirit. We also explore his belief in the healing power of nature, both for individuals and for landscapes, and why reconnecting young people with the natural world is one of the greatest challenges of our time.From there, we broaden the lens to global rewilding projects and the emerging role of nature credits, from carbon and biodiversity credits to water quality markets, in funding large-scale ecological recovery. Ben explains the opportunities, risks, and integrity challenges of these markets, and why, despite their imperfections, they may be one of the most powerful tools available to scale restoration at speed.Key TakeawaysHow the loss of Ben's daughter Iris inspired his family's rewilding journey.The healing role of nature in times of deep grief.Why rewilding can happen on any scale, from a window box to thousands of acres.The promise and pitfalls of nature credits, from carbon markets to biodiversity net gain.Why reconnecting young people with nature is essential for our collective future.How hope, optimism, and pragmatic financing can fuel a wilder world.Timestamps00:00 – Weather, drought, and the Grange Project's changing landscape09:30 – Introducing Ben Goldsmith and his lifelong passion for nature16:00 – Rewilding in memory of Iris: grief, love, and transformation27:00 – Nature connection, childhood, and ecological identity33:00 – The return of beavers and winning hearts for rewilding36:00 – Nature credits explained: carbon, water, biodiversity46:00 – Risks, integrity, and scepticism in new nature markets52:00 – The future of Welsh farming and policy courage01:00:00 – Reflections on accountability, funding gaps, and next stepsGuest Bio – Ben GoldsmithBen Goldsmith is an environmentalist, investor, and writer. He chairs the Conservative Environment Network and is the founder of Rewilding the World, a podcast sharing stories of global restoration. His memoir, God is an Octopus, documents his journey through grief and the solace he found in rewilding his Somerset farm after the tragic loss of his daughter Iris. Ben has also worked extensively in green investment, particularly in natural capital and renewable energy, seeking ways to channel finance into large-scale ecological recovery.HostsTom & Chloe Constable are the founders of the Grange Project, an 80-acre rewilding initiative in Monmouthshire, Wales. Through the Wilder Podcast, they document their journey in restoring nature, raising a young family, and exploring the wider rewilding movement with leading voices from around the world.The Wilder PodcastThe Wilder Podcast explores the people, ideas, and projects driving the rewilding movement. From family farms to global landscapes, we share honest conversations about restoring nature, finding hope, and building a wilder future.Connect with Us

Julie Morgan MS, Lord Wigley and Anthony Pickles dissect the latest polling with a year to go until the Senedd elections. Ian Gerrard, head of Ysgol Aberconwy discusses the use of smartphones in schools and their effect on behaviour. NUS Wales president Deio Owen talks about the possible plan to allow free movement of students across Europe and Dr Anne Harrington from Cardiff University reminds us that the second world war continued in the pacific after VE day, ending only with atomic warfare. Journalist Abbie Wightwick and conservative group leader at Monmouthshire council, Richard John review the papers.

Latest up from Spoken Label (Spoken Word / Poetry Podcast) features making his debut is Bethany Handley.Bethany Handley is an award-winning writer, poet and disability activist from Monmouthshire. Named one of the UK's ten most influential disabled people in politics, law, and media by the Shaw Trust 2024, she campaigns for disability rights and better access to nature. An ambassador for Country Living's Access for All, Wales Coast Path, and Ramblers Cymru, her debut poetry pamphlet Cling Film was published by Seren in February 2025. She co-edited Beyond / Tu Hwnt, an anthology of Welsh Deaf and disabled writers. Her work has been featured by the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Wales, BBC Radio 4, Country Living and more.Bethany's Website is: bethanyhandley.com 

Welcome to the first episode of The Greenprint! In this inaugural episode, we dive into the incredible story of Raglan Golf Club in Monmouthshire, Wales—a course that has truly risen from the ashes. After closing its doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, Raglan was purchased in early 2024 by a group hailing from Monmouthshire, and its rebirth is nothing short of inspiring. Lucy, the driving force behind the revitalization, shares her journey in transforming the course from a state of disrepair to one that's ready to open in early April. From rebuilding greens to adding new tees and bunkers, Lucy has tackled every challenge, including restoring irrigation systems and improving drainage. She also discusses the agronomic hurdles of reopening a course after being closed for over two years, including selecting the right grass species for greens that were initially sown with fescue. This episode is a fascinating look at how a struggling venue can be brought back to life with the right vision, support, and the dedication of passionate people. Tune in for an encouraging and insightful story of revival and community focus. https://www.raglangolfclub.co.uk/   The Greenprint on Linkedin  https://www.instagram.com/thegreenprintuk/   Subscribe to the show to make sure you receive all episodes as they are released

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Minister Darren Jones sorry for comparing benefits to pocket money Sutton Hoo helmet may actually come from Denmark, archaeologist suggests Gigil, alamak among new words in Oxford English Dictionary Numb and humiliated Why Chinas football dream lies in tatters Ask for Angela Daughter wants more to be done to protect women Hundreds lose life savings in whisky barrel scam Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal could run dry in days, operators warn Scottish govenrment minister Christina McKelvie dies aged 57 Trump announces 25 tariffs on car imports to US Journalist at centre of Trumps Signal chat scandal speaks to BBC

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Trump announces 25 tariffs on car imports to US Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal could run dry in days, operators warn Numb and humiliated Why Chinas football dream lies in tatters Scottish govenrment minister Christina McKelvie dies aged 57 Minister Darren Jones sorry for comparing benefits to pocket money Sutton Hoo helmet may actually come from Denmark, archaeologist suggests Hundreds lose life savings in whisky barrel scam Ask for Angela Daughter wants more to be done to protect women Journalist at centre of Trumps Signal chat scandal speaks to BBC Gigil, alamak among new words in Oxford English Dictionary

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Scottish govenrment minister Christina McKelvie dies aged 57 Numb and humiliated Why Chinas football dream lies in tatters Hundreds lose life savings in whisky barrel scam Journalist at centre of Trumps Signal chat scandal speaks to BBC Sutton Hoo helmet may actually come from Denmark, archaeologist suggests Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal could run dry in days, operators warn Ask for Angela Daughter wants more to be done to protect women Minister Darren Jones sorry for comparing benefits to pocket money Trump announces 25 tariffs on car imports to US Gigil, alamak among new words in Oxford English Dictionary

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Journalist at centre of Trumps Signal chat scandal speaks to BBC Gigil, alamak among new words in Oxford English Dictionary Hundreds lose life savings in whisky barrel scam Trump announces 25 tariffs on car imports to US Sutton Hoo helmet may actually come from Denmark, archaeologist suggests Scottish govenrment minister Christina McKelvie dies aged 57 Ask for Angela Daughter wants more to be done to protect women Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal could run dry in days, operators warn Minister Darren Jones sorry for comparing benefits to pocket money Numb and humiliated Why Chinas football dream lies in tatters

In this episode of the Pencil Pushers Podcast, host Mike Rosado reconnects with illustrator Louise Lockhart, founder of The Printed Peanut. Since her last appearance in 2019, Louise has made significant life changes, relocating with her family from city life to a farm in Monmouthshire, Wales. Mike and Louise discuss the impact of this move on her creative process, business, and personal life.Louise shares her experiences of balancing motherhood, managing her business, and maintaining creative inspiration, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks and making decisions that prioritize personal fulfillment over financial gain. Reminiscent of their last talk, the conversation is filled with humor and candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of choosing an unconventional path. Louise's story serves as a testament to the courage needed to embrace change and the pursuit of a fulfilling artistic life. I really enjoyed catching up with my fellow art pal from across the pond and I know you'll enjoy it as well. So, without further ado, sit back, pull up her Instagram and enjoy my chat with Louise. Host: Mike Rosado (mrcraleigh.com) (instagram.com/ekimodasor) Post Production: Max Trujillo (instagram.com/trujillomedia) Sponsors: MRC (mrcraleigh.com) and Burny Wild's (burnywilds.com) 

Join a quest in the little-visited no-man's land between Monmouthshire and Herefordshire to seek out a mysterious church built by the Knights Templar 800 years ago. Who were these warrior monks and what were they doing in this corner of the British countryside? And should we believe any of the modern legends about the Templars? As ever, there will be wildlife surprises along the way. The Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme music was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Visit the Countryfile Magazine website: countryfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Christmas Eve and the Plodcast team of Hannah, Jack and Lewis have gathered at host Fergus' cottage on a farm in the Monmouthshire countryside. The fire is lit, the mulled wine is poured and guest Kevin Parr is about to deliver the infamous Plodcast Christmas Quiz. Plus, we take a look back at highlights from 2024. So pour a drink, grab paper and pen, make yourself comfortable and join the festivities. And from all the team, have a wonderful and merry Christmas. The Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme music was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Visit the Countryfile Magazine website: countryfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, host Samuel Goldsmith brings you engaging conversations with Matt Tebbutt and Becky Excell. Matt shares his culinary adventures and passions, beginning with his excitement for last night's dinner. He discusses his new book, 'Pub Food', which showcases elevated pub classics and foraging-inspired dishes from his time as a pub owner in Monmouthshire. Matt also talks about his favourite pub food and the importance of locally sourced produce. We then shift gears to Matt's experiences on 'Saturday Kitchen', where he regales us with stories of his favourite guests, including Tom Allen, Gary Barlow, and the charismatic Idris Elba. Matt shares his Christmas culinary favourites, culinary confessions and Christmas cooking disasters. Becky Excell shares insights into cooking and eating gluten-free. From her recent release, 'Gluten-Free Air Fryer', to her upcoming book, 'Budget Gluten-Free', Becky discusses the challenges and joys of gluten-free cooking. She talks about her favourite Christmas dishes, her love for the air fryer, and tips for making delicious and inclusive gluten-free meals. Tune in for a heartwarming and informative episode filled with culinary inspiration, laughter, and festive cheer. Subscribers to the Good Food app via App Store get access to the show ad-free, and with regular bonus content such as interviews recorded at the good food show. To get started, download the Good Food app today. Find even more inspiration at the Good Food Show Summer at the NEC, Birmingham from 12-15 June, where the Good Food team will be on hand with summer recipes, and you'll be able to watch James Martin, Si King, Nadiya Hussain and more cooking live! Plus, you'll be able to enjoy tips and tricks from top chefs and experts, hands-on workshops and tastings, unique dining experiences and a huge variety of producers and brands to shop from.   Simply use the code GFPOD for 25% off tickets*, and get a FREE Big Kitchen seat in selected sessions. Ends 31 January! https://www.goodfoodshow.com/summer/?utm_source=goodfoodpodcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast   *Offers valid on standard entry tickets only, across all days. Free Big Kitchen seats in selected sessions only and are subject to availability. Not all celebrities appear on all days. Ends 23:59 31 January 2025. Not valid on VIP tickets, 2-day tickets or added extras, or with any other offer. £3.95 transaction fee per e-ticket order. Details correct at time of print. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Overcrowding and lack of capacity in prisons has been dominating the headlines recently but at the UK's only prison dairy farm, state of the art milking machines have been installed, in the hope of improving the chance for prisoners to gain employment on release and cut reoffending rates. Mariclare Carey-Jones goes on a visit to Cilwrgi Farm, near Pontypool in the historic county of Monmouthshire and hears how it's a working dairy farm but with a difference - it's home to a herd of 120 pedigree Holstein cattle, managed by staff and prisoners working as a team at HMP Prescoed.

The eight-toothed spruce bark beetle - landowners across Wales are urged to be on the lookout for signs of a pest that has been found in Monmouthshire for the first time.Agricultural pollution - a three month ban on muck-spreading came into force across Wales this week. We hear what it means for the industry and the environmentA community wetland - how a Welsh housing group has helped its tenants save an area of wetland in Cynon Taf, which was once intended for housing.and in fine voice at a church in Llangollen, there's a revival of the ancient art of Gregorian chanting

Nada Surf front person Matthew Caws chats with Paul about the themes and inspirations behind his band's shiny new album Moon Mirror (New West Records) and reflects on the band's three-decades making records, including tales of being mentored by the late great Ric Ocasek, having an early hit with "Popular," and working on the new one at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, Wales. But as you'll hear, while it's fun to look back, today, Nada Surf do what's in front of them now.  The Record Store Day Podcast is a weekly music chat show written, produced, engineered and hosted by Paul Myers, who also composed the theme music and selected interstitial music.  Executive Producers (for Record Store Day) Michael Kurtz and Carrie Colliton. For the most up-to-date news about all things RSD, visit RecordStoreDay.com)   Sponsored by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (dogfish.com), Tito's Handmade Vodka (titosvodka.com), RSDMRKT.com, and Furnace Record Pressing, the official vinyl pressing plant of Record Store Day.   Please consider subscribing to our podcast wherever you get podcasts, and tell your friends, we're here every week and we love making new friends.

The UK general election is now in its final stages and while the union-wide result hardly seems in doubt, each constituency and candidate has a story to tell. Here at the Hiraeth Pod we are recording a series of short interviews with new candidates who are contesting constituencies across Wales. These are new faces on the national scene and will no doubt feature in the 2026 Senedd campaign even if unsuccessful this time around. We plan to speak to each of the main parties in Wales, which we consider to be the ones standing in every constituency at the start of the campaign (though since then some have fallen away, as you are no doubt aware). So we will be sharing interviews with Conservative, Plaid Cymru, Green, Reform, Liberal Democrat, and Labour candidates as we try to uphold the values of public service broadcasting in the digital age. In this pod we speak with former Senedd Member William (Bill) Powell, who is representing the Liberal Democrats in the Conservative-dominated seat of Monmouthshire. A long time councillor and respected parliamentarian in his own right, Bill is facing an uphill task to win the seat as Labour's Catherine Fookes is in pole position but, as ever, Bill is seeking to represent the best of big and small 'L' liberalism in this key border territory. You can find Bill on Twitter/X here: https://twitter.com/WmPowell2021 The candidates in Monmouthshire are: Conservative and Unionist Party: David TC Davies England and Wales Green Party: Ian Chandler Heritage Party: Emma Meredith Independent: Owen Lewis Liberal Democrats: Bill Powell Plaid Cymru: Ioan Bellin Reform UK: Max Windsor-Peplow True & Fair Party: June Davies UK Labour: Catherine Fookes As always, you can find the latest from us @hiraethpod on most social media, including Twitter/X here: twitter.com/HiraethPod We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

The UK general election is now in its final stages and while the union-wide result hardly seems in doubt, each constituency and candidate has a story to tell. Here at the Hiraeth Pod we are recording a series of short interviews with new candidates who are contesting constituencies across Wales. These are new faces on the national scene and will no doubt feature in the 2026 Senedd campaign even if unsuccessful this time around. We plan to speak to each of the main parties in Wales, which we consider to be the ones standing in every constituency at the start of the campaign (though since then some have fallen away, as you are no doubt aware). So we will be sharing interviews with Conservative, Plaid Cymru, Green, Reform, Liberal Democrat, and Labour candidates as we try to uphold the values of public service broadcasting in the digital age. In this pod we speak with Cllr Catherine Fookes, who is standing for the Labour Party and seeking to replace David TC Davies as MP in a seat that has a long track record of returning Conservatives. Unseating a Secretary of State would be a significant accomplishment for Labour and the polls indicate that this is a distinct possibility but it is clear that Catherine and the campaign team are taking nothing for granted. You can find Catherine on Twitter/X here: https://twitter.com/CatherineFookes The candidates in Monmouthshire are: Conservative and Unionist Party: David TC Davies England and Wales Green Party: Ian Chandler Heritage Party: Emma Meredith Independent: Owen Lewis Liberal Democrats: Bill Powell Plaid Cymru: Ioan Bellin Reform UK: Max Windsor-Peplow True & Fair Party: June Davies UK Labour: Catherine Fookes As always, you can find the latest from us @hiraethpod on most social media, including Twitter/X here: twitter.com/HiraethPod We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

New physical checks have been brought in on some imports of food and plants from the EU. Products deemed high or medium risk now have to be inspected - including live animals, meat and some plant products. We report from a border control post to find out how it works.An investigation is under way following the large scale illegal dumping of waste at a site in Kent. Local residents describe a steady stream of lorries carrying waste being brought to the site.And the largest cider manufacturer in the UK - Heineken - has ripped up thousands of apple trees in a 140 acre orchard in Monmouthshire. The orchard was planted by Bulmers - which is now owned by Heineken - more than twenty years ago. Some local people have raised concerns about the effect on ecosystems in the area, but the company says it's selling the land due to a fall in the cider market.Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

//The Wire//2100Z April 18, 2024////ROUTINE////BLUF: 911 CALL CENTER OUTAGE REPORTED OVERNIGHT. EXPLOSION AT BAE SYSTEMS FACILITY IN MONMOUTHSHIRE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-United Kingdom: An explosion was reported at the BAE Systems munitions factory in Monmouthshire. The explosion occurred at a remote part of the facility where munitions were being manipulated by remote control. No injuries were reported, and blast containment procedures were reported to have functioned as designed.-HomeFront-USA: Last night a cascading failure of 911 call center services impacted many states around the country. Services have mostly been restored as of this report. No official word on the cause of the outage, however unconfirmed rumor suggests that a fiber optic cable being cut may have been the cause for the incident.In Congress, the U.S. Senate votes to dismiss the impeachment of DHS Secretary Mayorkas without trial.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: While entirely possible, it is hard to imagine that a single cable being cut could impact 911 call centers in a wide range of states, among seemingly unrelated systems. However, even without knowing specifics most public infrastructure (especially telecoms) is just that vulnerable on an everyday basis. Despite the obvious vulnerabilities that have been created, many public service telecoms networks have transitioned to cellular systems, or otherwise more centralized systems which, while vastly more efficient, often times do not allow for the hardened and robust nature of more traditional networks.Analyst: S2A1//END REPORT//

This week on the show we're joined by Ivan Carić and Emily Carding of The Key of Dreams, the follow up to the hit overnight immersive experience in the Welsh countryside which was reviewed for us last year by Ellery Weil, who also joins us on the pod for the first time.The Key of Dreams draws on the literary tradition of weird fiction to create a strange and thrilling experience in Treowen Manor an early 17th-century manor house in Monmouthshire where guests stay overnight.We dive in deep on what goes into delving into the realms of the uncanny in a historic locale in this week's interview.SHOW NOTESThe Key of Dreams Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for an exclusive interview with acclaimed author Tim Lebbon as we delve into his illustrious writing career and his latest bone-chilling eco-horror masterpiece, "Among The Living." Hailed as the master of eco-horror, Tim Lebbon has captivated readers worldwide with his gripping narratives and atmospheric storytelling.Born in London in 1969, Tim spent his formative years in Devon and Newport before returning to the countryside with his wife Tracey and their children Ellie and Daniel. Settled in the picturesque village of Goytre in Monmouthshire, Tim draws inspiration from the surrounding countryside, which often features in his evocative writing.Tim's literary journey began in his teens, where he embarked on writing novels, eventually leading to his first published story in UK indie magazine Psychotrope in 1994. Since then, he has penned over forty novels, published by esteemed houses such as HarperCollins, Bantam Spectra, and Titan, among others. His works have been translated globally, captivating audiences with their haunting narratives and richly drawn characters.Notably, Tim's novel "The Silence" was adapted into a Netflix movie starring Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka, showcasing his talent for crafting cinematic tales of suspense and terror. Additionally, his novella "Pay The Ghost" was adapted into a feature film starring Nicolas Cage, adding to his impressive repertoire of cinematic adaptations.Beyond writing, Tim is an avid triathlete, often seen swimming, biking, and running across the Monmouthshire countryside. His passion for endurance sports permeates his writing, as evidenced in novels like "The Hunt" and "Eden," as well as his non-fiction book "Run Walk Crawl: Getting Fit In My Forties."Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the mind of a literary master as we explore Tim Lebbon's extraordinary career and his latest foray into the realm of eco-horror. Subscribe now and join us for an unforgettable conversation with one of the genre's most compelling voices.Buy Tims latest release, Among The Living, here: https://amzn.to/497SElfWATCH THIS EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE: https://youtube.com/live/QuxTs_DoCN4______________________________________Find out more: www.TheWritingCommunityChatShow.ComTHE WCCS – TOGETHER AS ONE WE GET IT DONE!If you would like to advertise your #book on the show, to enroll in a book launch interview, or to have a WCCS social media shout out, visit here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheWCCSFOLLOW US► Our website – https://www.thewritingcommunitychatshow.com► Universal link – https://linktr.ee/TheWCCS► Buy the show a coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheWCCS► Use hashtag TheWritingCommunityChatShow or TheWCCS on social media to keep us current. This show will only succeed with your support!► Support us through Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/WCCS► For our FIVERR affiliate link click here (we will earn a little from you signing up through our link and more if you use the service. We back this service and have used it with great results! – https://fvrr.co/32SB6cs► For our PRO #WRITING AID affiliate link click here – https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=15286Hey! We have spent 3 years using StreamYard. You can see how much we love its features, and how we can make it look great for live streaming. We are huge fans and they are constantly improving their service. Check it out with our link and we could earn from referrals!https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4835638006775808Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Hidden in a peaceful corner of the Monmouthshire countryside is a site steeped in blood, treachery and revenge. Plodcast host Fergus and his son Owen set out one cold January morning to uncover the secret of medieval Castell Arnallt (Castle Arnold) - and track down what remains of this ill-fated and now forgotten Welsh castle. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: editor@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. Visit the Countryfile Magazine website: countryfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Plodcast goes fishing this week with plodcast regular Kevin Parr and author and TV presenter Will Millard. Host Fergus meets them on his local waterway, the Monmouthshire and Breconshire Canal, to talk about why fishing matters to much to them. It's the perfect combination of gentle adventure, chat and humour. But will they catch any fish? Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: editor@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. Visit the Countryfile Magazine website: countryfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rebranding Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to National Landscapes to reflect their natural beauty and important role in climate change, conservation and wellbeing.We head to the rocky shores of Anglesey for our bird of the month. The purple sandpiper is a wader that likes our winters!Are you away for Christmas? Who's looking after the hens? We hear from the Cosy Hen Co in Monmouthshire providing Hennels, or hotels for poultry! And earthy paints - we meet an artist from Powys who has taken her love of the natural world and started a business making paint from soil

RAVES AND FARMING?!? This is a proper fun one! I love ever podcast I film but this is just a little different! Today we welcome Huw Evans on! Huw from London at 25 along with 2 other 25 year olds decide it was time for a change. With only a dissertation based on agriculture and a keen enjoyment walking around that type of environment as a youngster behind him the three of them put what money they have as well as selling assets to buy a farm in Abergavenny in Monmouthshire. Next they embarked on their journey to create a regenerative farm. With the podcast I have a lot of people seeking this system but very few acknowledge the financial challenges it will bring, Huw and the team did acknowledge that. That self awareness has allowed them to create a separate business to create a financial stability elsewhere to allow the farm business to flourish on its way to profit ability. That separate business? RAVES. They have weekly rave music on varying in genres as well as hosting weddings and other bespoke events in their picturesque location and buildings. You'll love this! Enjoy!

The lads are back for Season 7 of AiC. During their little break Ryan's survived Storm Betty and the very next day Storm Lewi at Noel Gallagher's big gig in Caldicot Castle, Paddy has travelled to Merthyr with the boys to see CVC and both AiC members have had the night of their lives at the Pastel gig at The Bunkhouse. Ryan drops in some Swans gossip, Paddy admits to fly-tipping and the boys discuss Jada Pickett-Smith mugging of the Fresh Prince, Gyro's, the Carnivore diet and Ebanie Bridges being one of the coolest people they've ever met plus much much more….@ambitioniscritcal1997 on Instagram @TheAiCPodcast on Twitter

25 years ago two Monmouthshire farmers had a plan. BSE had hit the rural area hard, and they wanted to create a food festival to showcase the area's produce. They set about putting it together in the relatively unknown town of Abergavenny. 25 years on and the event is now one of the UK's best known food festivals that attracts a star-studded line up of chefs and producers, hosting demonstrations and discussions and much more. Sheila Dillon has been going to the festival for many years, and in this programme finds out why Abergavenny Food Festival has had such success, how it continues to stay relevant, and what impact it has beyond the town. Presented by Sheila Dillon Produced in Bristol for BBC Audio by Natalie Donovan

Nick is joined by Racing Post senior writer Lee Mottershead to discuss the latest news and events from around the racing world. They consider the likelihood of Frankie Dettori missing another high profile fixture as his name is set to appear on this week's list of bans after his ride on Inspiral at Ascot. They also discuss the loss of a number of horses from George Boughey's yard after the disappointment of Asadna last week. Tom Marquand joins the show to reflect on his "ride of the week", donating his £500 to the British Heart Foundation, while we hear from Jessie Harrington, who talks to Dave Keena about Sprewell's Irish Derby chances, and Monmouthshire trainer Deborah Faulkner talks of her excitement at having a leading Northumberland Plate hopeful. HH Aga Khan Studs' Georges Rimaud is this week's Weatherbys Bloodstock Guest, talking Tahiyra, Erevann, the success of Siyouni, Sea the Stars and Zarak.

Nick is joined by Racing Post senior writer Lee Mottershead to discuss the latest news and events from around the racing world. They consider the likelihood of Frankie Dettori missing another high profile fixture as his name is set to appear on this week's list of bans after his ride on Inspiral at Ascot. They also discuss the loss of a number of horses from George Boughey's yard after the disappointment of Asadna last week. Tom Marquand joins the show to reflect on his "ride of the week", donating his £500 to the British Heart Foundation, while we hear from Jessie Harrington, who talks to Dave Keena about Sprewell's Irish Derby chances, and Monmouthshire trainer Deborah Faulkner talks of her excitement at having a leading Northumberland Plate hopeful. HH Aga Khan Studs' Georges Rimaud is this week's Weatherbys Bloodstock Guest, talking Tahiyra, Erevann, the success of Siyouni, Sea the Stars and Zarak.

This week on the Driven Chat Podcast, John Marcar re-visits Baffle Haus and LOWE Classics to sit down with Leon Oli Window, who first appeared on the podcast in October 2020. It's been just over two years since our original episode was recorded, and Oli shares his progress with both of his brands, celebrating the UK car culture that he's undoubtedly helped progress from his small but impactful premises in Monmouthshire, Wales.Oli also offers a personal insight into the brutal truths and lessons he's learned whilst balancing his work and personal life, moving on from one highly successful security company to growing his new businesses and brands.To learn more about Oli - give him a follow via @LeonOliWindow, also check out Baffle Haus via: @BaffleHaus and @LoweClassicsThe Driven Chat podcast is brought to you by Paramex Digital. It is available to stream on all the usual podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, Audible and more. For more information on Driven Chat, visit www.drivenchat.comContact the show via email: podcast@drivenchat.comGet involved;WATCH >> Driven Chat on YouTubeFOLLOW >> Driven Chat on InstagramDISCUSS >> Driven Chat on FacebookONLINE >> DrivenChat.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.