Podcasts about Thames Valley

In France, prosecutors in Paris have opened multiple new investigations into suspected crimes connected to late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein following the public release of millions of pages of previously sealed documents by U.S. authorities. Authorities announced two preliminary probes — one focused on alleged sex abuse and human trafficking offenses and the other on potential financial and economic wrongdoing, including money laundering, corruption, and tax fraud — with the goal of examining whether any French nationals or activities in France played a role in Epstein's network. Prosecutors are also encouraging potential victims in France to come forward and are revisiting earlier inquiries, including the case of French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, an Epstein associate who was charged with sex crimes but died in custody before trial. The investigations extend to high-profile figures, with probes under way into former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter for suspected tax fraud linked to Epstein-related financial arrangements, as well as scrutiny of a French diplomat accused of improper conduct based on emails in the released files.In the United Kingdom, police have stepped up inquiries into potential ties between Epstein and activities on British soil as documents released by U.S. authorities shed light on previously unseen details. U.K. law enforcement agencies are examining whether Epstein may have used private flights in and out of UK airports, notably Stansted and Luton, to traffic women — claims prompted by flight logs and passenger lists found in the newly disclosed files. Multiple police forces, including Essex, Thames Valley, Surrey, and the Metropolitan Police, are coordinating through a national group to assess emerging allegations linked to trafficking, immigration irregularities, and connections to British-linked associates, with inquiries involving figures such as Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (both of whom have denied wrongdoing). The coordinated effort is part of a broader response to the global revelations from the Epstein files and reflects growing political and legal pressure in Britain to investigate any potential abuses or misconduct tied to Epstein's network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Paris prosecutors open two new Epstein probes and call on victims to come forwardPolice probe claims Epstein trafficked British victims through Stansted | The Independent

In France, prosecutors in Paris have opened multiple new investigations into suspected crimes connected to late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein following the public release of millions of pages of previously sealed documents by U.S. authorities. Authorities announced two preliminary probes — one focused on alleged sex abuse and human trafficking offenses and the other on potential financial and economic wrongdoing, including money laundering, corruption, and tax fraud — with the goal of examining whether any French nationals or activities in France played a role in Epstein's network. Prosecutors are also encouraging potential victims in France to come forward and are revisiting earlier inquiries, including the case of French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, an Epstein associate who was charged with sex crimes but died in custody before trial. The investigations extend to high-profile figures, with probes under way into former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter for suspected tax fraud linked to Epstein-related financial arrangements, as well as scrutiny of a French diplomat accused of improper conduct based on emails in the released files.In the United Kingdom, police have stepped up inquiries into potential ties between Epstein and activities on British soil as documents released by U.S. authorities shed light on previously unseen details. U.K. law enforcement agencies are examining whether Epstein may have used private flights in and out of UK airports, notably Stansted and Luton, to traffic women — claims prompted by flight logs and passenger lists found in the newly disclosed files. Multiple police forces, including Essex, Thames Valley, Surrey, and the Metropolitan Police, are coordinating through a national group to assess emerging allegations linked to trafficking, immigration irregularities, and connections to British-linked associates, with inquiries involving figures such as Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (both of whom have denied wrongdoing). The coordinated effort is part of a broader response to the global revelations from the Epstein files and reflects growing political and legal pressure in Britain to investigate any potential abuses or misconduct tied to Epstein's network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Paris prosecutors open two new Epstein probes and call on victims to come forwardPolice probe claims Epstein trafficked British victims through Stansted | The Independent

In France, prosecutors in Paris have opened multiple new investigations into suspected crimes connected to late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein following the public release of millions of pages of previously sealed documents by U.S. authorities. Authorities announced two preliminary probes — one focused on alleged sex abuse and human trafficking offenses and the other on potential financial and economic wrongdoing, including money laundering, corruption, and tax fraud — with the goal of examining whether any French nationals or activities in France played a role in Epstein's network. Prosecutors are also encouraging potential victims in France to come forward and are revisiting earlier inquiries, including the case of French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, an Epstein associate who was charged with sex crimes but died in custody before trial. The investigations extend to high-profile figures, with probes under way into former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter for suspected tax fraud linked to Epstein-related financial arrangements, as well as scrutiny of a French diplomat accused of improper conduct based on emails in the released files.In the United Kingdom, police have stepped up inquiries into potential ties between Epstein and activities on British soil as documents released by U.S. authorities shed light on previously unseen details. U.K. law enforcement agencies are examining whether Epstein may have used private flights in and out of UK airports, notably Stansted and Luton, to traffic women — claims prompted by flight logs and passenger lists found in the newly disclosed files. Multiple police forces, including Essex, Thames Valley, Surrey, and the Metropolitan Police, are coordinating through a national group to assess emerging allegations linked to trafficking, immigration irregularities, and connections to British-linked associates, with inquiries involving figures such as Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (both of whom have denied wrongdoing). The coordinated effort is part of a broader response to the global revelations from the Epstein files and reflects growing political and legal pressure in Britain to investigate any potential abuses or misconduct tied to Epstein's network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Paris prosecutors open two new Epstein probes and call on victims to come forwardPolice probe claims Epstein trafficked British victims through Stansted | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

In France, prosecutors in Paris have opened multiple new investigations into suspected crimes connected to late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein following the public release of millions of pages of previously sealed documents by U.S. authorities. Authorities announced two preliminary probes — one focused on alleged sex abuse and human trafficking offenses and the other on potential financial and economic wrongdoing, including money laundering, corruption, and tax fraud — with the goal of examining whether any French nationals or activities in France played a role in Epstein's network. Prosecutors are also encouraging potential victims in France to come forward and are revisiting earlier inquiries, including the case of French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, an Epstein associate who was charged with sex crimes but died in custody before trial. The investigations extend to high-profile figures, with probes under way into former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter for suspected tax fraud linked to Epstein-related financial arrangements, as well as scrutiny of a French diplomat accused of improper conduct based on emails in the released files.In the United Kingdom, police have stepped up inquiries into potential ties between Epstein and activities on British soil as documents released by U.S. authorities shed light on previously unseen details. U.K. law enforcement agencies are examining whether Epstein may have used private flights in and out of UK airports, notably Stansted and Luton, to traffic women — claims prompted by flight logs and passenger lists found in the newly disclosed files. Multiple police forces, including Essex, Thames Valley, Surrey, and the Metropolitan Police, are coordinating through a national group to assess emerging allegations linked to trafficking, immigration irregularities, and connections to British-linked associates, with inquiries involving figures such as Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (both of whom have denied wrongdoing). The coordinated effort is part of a broader response to the global revelations from the Epstein files and reflects growing political and legal pressure in Britain to investigate any potential abuses or misconduct tied to Epstein's network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Paris prosecutors open two new Epstein probes and call on victims to come forwardPolice probe claims Epstein trafficked British victims through Stansted | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

On today's episode: 'We will pay,' Savannah Guthrie says in desperate video plea to potential kidnappers of her mother. Prince William and Princess Catherine express deep concern for Epstein victims. Seahawks ride their 'Dark Side' defense to a Super Bowl title, pounding the Patriots 29-13. Ilia Malinin's stunning free skate secures US figure skating team gold at Milan Cortina Olympics. Trial to begin in Georgia for the father of the Apalachee High School shooting suspect. FBI concluded Jeffrey Epstein wasn’t running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men, files show. The US said a Marine could not adopt an Afghan girl. Records show officials helped him get her. Trump aims to hold the first meeting of his new Board of Peace in Washington this month. US gave Ukraine and Russia a June deadline to reach agreement to end war, Zelenskyy says. Trump's racist post about Obamas is deleted after backlash despite White House earlier defending it. Feds can't withhold social service funds from 5 Democratic states amid fraud claims, judge rules. With $48M in philanthropic backing, a division of USAID relaunches as a nonprofit. Colorado funeral home owner who abused nearly 200 corpses gets 40 years, decried as a 'monster'. At least 3 people have died from eating Death Cap mushrooms as they spread in California after rains. Luigi Mangione speaks out in protest as judge sets state murder trial for June 8. Seattle avenges its Super Bowl loss to Patriots with second title, a running back gets MVP honors for the first time in 28 years, Seattle’s OC is headed to Vegas, a U.S. Olympic skiing icon is airlifted after a crash, the U.S. defends its gold in team figure skating and a playoff decides golf’s Phoenix Open. Breezy Johnson wins Olympic downhill on day marred by American teammate Lindsey Vonn's crash. Lindsey Vonn's fall explained A reverse banked section, an unfortunate bump and an inflated air bag. The Milan Cortina Olympics’ opening ceremony begins with Italian icons and Mariah Carey singing. Thames Valley police 'assesses claims' the ex-prince Andrew sent sensitive reports to Epstein. UK leader Starmer fights for his job as Mandelson-Epstein revelations spark a leadership crisis. Babies among 53 dead or missing after migrant boat sinks off Libya, UN says. Norwegian ambassador resigns as she faces scrutiny over contacts with Epstein. China critic and former media tycoon Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 20 years in a Hong Kong security case. Venezuelan opposition leader Machado says a close ally was kidnapped hours after prison release. UK leader's chief of staff quits over appointment of Mandelson as ambassador despite Epstein ties. Drone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills 24, including 8 children, doctors' group says. Italian police fire tear gas as protesters clash near Winter Olympics hockey venue. —The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Theme music The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX

In this episode of The $100M Entrepreneur Podcast, Brad Sugars sits down with Harmeet Ahuja to break down what actually changes as a company moves from the tens of millions into the hundreds. They unpack why systems, processes, and structure must be built ahead of growth, not after problems show up, and how disciplined leaders install safeguards that prevent the business from slipping backward as it scales.Brad and Harmeet dive into the role of people, culture, and values in long-term growth. From developing talent from the ground up to building trust through clear communication and accountability, this conversation shows why strong culture is not optional at scale. They also explore branding, distribution, and partnerships, including why standing behind your partners and guaranteeing outcomes can become a serious competitive advantage.If you believe your business has the potential to go much bigger and you want a clearer way to scale strategically, protect what you've built, and think long-term like a real $100M leader, this episode will sharpen how you approach growth.About Harmeet Ahuja:Harmeet Ahuja is a seasoned business leader and the Group CEO of Sun Mark, one of the UK's fastest-growing FMCG distribution and export companies. Under his leadership, Sun Mark expanded from a modest £8 million turnover to approaching £200 million in annual sales, now exporting products to over 130 countries across emerging and challenging markets.Ahuja has been recognized as CEO of the Year in the Thames Valley 250 and has driven sustained global growth by building strong teams, empowering people throughout the organization, and navigating complex international trade environments.About Brad SugarsInternationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Over the course of his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and is the owner of the multimillion-dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally as passionate about his family as he is about business. That's why, Brad is a strong advocate for building a business that works without you – so you can spend more time doing what really matters to you. Over the years of starting, scaling and selling many businesses, Brad has earned his fair share of scars. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. But if you can learn from those who have gone before you, it becomes a lot easier than going at it alone.Please click here to learn more about Brad Sugars: https://bradsugars.com/Learn the Fundamentals of Success for free:The Big Success Starter: https://results.bradsugars.com/thebigsuccess-starter

GB2RS News Sunday the 11th of January 2026 The news headlines: Give back to the amateur radio community in 2026 Understand the basic characteristics of dipoles for transmitting and receiving RSGB Lecture Coordinator role – a chance to educate and spark curiosity Have you set your goals for 2026 yet? How about using your knowledge and expertise to make a difference to the amateur radio community this year? The RSGB has two Elected Board Director vacancies that are available for nominations in this year's elections. The Society is looking for applications from members with leadership skills and a desire to embrace and implement the Society's strategic priorities. The RSGB also has three Regional Representative roles open for nominations. These are for Region 2 which covers Scotland North and the Northern Isles, Region 7 which represents South Wales, and Region 9 which covers London and Thames Valley. As a Regional Representative you will lead the team of District Representatives in your area and not only represent the Society but also support your fellow radio amateurs. Find out more about what it takes to succeed as a Director or a Regional Representative by reading the candidate packs via rsgb.org/elections The closing date for nominations is the 31st of January 2026. The first RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2026 is a fascinating presentation for all radio amateurs, regardless of how long you have been licensed. Tomorrow, Monday the 12th of January, Steve Stearns, K6OIK will explain the basic characteristics of dipoles for transmitting and receiving. Having a proper understanding of dipole properties and characteristics is essential to understanding many other antennas including complementary antennas such as slots. You can join the webinar and ask questions via the live chat on both the RSGB YouTube channel and special BATC channel. Find out more at rsgb.org/webinars Each year the RSGB delivers over sixty lectures, including around fifty at the RSGB Convention and a further eleven presented through its popular livestreamed Tonight@8 webinar series. These presentations cover a rich variety of amateur radio topics, cater to every level of experience and attract audiences from across the world. The Society is seeking a proactive, collaborative and passionate volunteer to become its Lecture Coordinator, who will play a key role in shaping the lecture programme. Could this be you? Working closely with the Tonight@8 and Convention teams, you would bring fresh ideas for talks that educate, inspire and spark curiosity. Your efforts would encourage radio amateurs to explore new areas, deepen their knowledge and embrace the excitement of amateur radio – all while supporting the Society's strategic priorities. Are you interested? Find out more about the role by reading the full description at rsgb.org/volunteers  and then contact the RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB via gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk When was the last time you checked your membership details in the RSGB Membership Portal? If you have moved house recently, changed your email address or callsign, put a few minutes aside to log in via rsgb.org/members  and select ‘Update details' to make any changes. Whilst logged in, visit the ‘Manage preferences' screen to select which topics you'd like to receive updates about, including GB2RS and online events. You can also choose whether to receive notifications when new editions of RadCom Basics and RadCom Plus become available. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events On Sunday the 25th of January 2026, the Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held at Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. This is an indoor event with ample free parking. The doors will be open from 10am and admission is £3. Tables cost £10. To book tables, or for more information, contact Steve, M5ZZZ on 0777 7699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com The Red Rose Winter Rally, organised by West Manchester Radio Club, will take place on Sunday the 8th of February at Mather Hall, WN7 2PJ. Exhibitors can gain entrance from 8.15am and the doors open to visitors at 10am. A large car park, catering, bring and buy, raffle, improved disabled access and a seating area will be available on site. For more information and booking, visit wmrc.co.uk Now the special event news A series of special event stations is active from Italy to raise awareness of key figures who supported the life and work of Guglielmo Marconi. Throughout the month of January, listen for activity on all bands and modes. For more information, including details of an award that is available for working the stations, visit tinyurl.com/marconi26 The World Wide Award is currently underway and runs until the 31st of January. The award combines CW, SSB and digital mode activity from stations around the world. Real-time online award tracking is available for chasers. For more information visit hamaward.cloud/wwa   Now the DX news   Pierre-Jean, F4GPK is active as TO2FY from French Guiana until Thursday the 15th of January. He operates using SSB only. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL. Rikk, WE9G is active as J38WG from Grenada NA-024, until the 16th of January. Listen for activity on the 160 to 6m bands, mostly using FT8 but also some CW and SSB. QSL via OQRS, Logbook of the World or via WE9G. Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 11th of January, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data Modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 13th of January, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 13th of January, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 14th of January, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 14th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 15th of January, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 17th of January, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m SSB Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 8th of January 2026 Now that the dust has settled after the New Year's celebrations, we can get back to our regular propagation reports. The New Year has started with minor disturbed geomagnetic conditions at times, plus lots of C-class solar flares, and a healthy dose of sunspots. As we slide down the slope towards sunspot minimum, we can expect more geomagnetic disturbances and raised Kp indices. But we should still have good HF conditions for a couple of years. The Kp index hit 5 on the 2nd of January, but has otherwise been relatively quiet, often registering less than 1 or 2. And the lack of M- and X-class solar flares means we have had no solar fade-outs. With the solar flux index at more than 150 for much of the time, this bodes well for HF propagation and, as Propquest shows, the maximum usable frequency over 3,000km during daylight has often been more than 28MHz. Unfortunately, this does decline quite quickly after sunset, leaving the maximum usable frequency below 10MHz most of the time. As we head towards spring, we can expect this to improve. DX has been available. Stations worked include V51WH in Namibia on the 12m band using SSB, TZ4AM in Mali on 30m using CW, and ZS7ANF in Antarctica using CW on the 17m band. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 130 to 150 range. Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be variable, with the Kp index predicted to hit 5 on the 13th and 14th of January, and again between the 17th and 20th of January. So, we recommend you get your HF DXing in before the 13th and around the 15th and 16th, as propagation and maximum usable frequencies will no doubt be affected if the Kp index rises. With the three-week 3Y0K Bouvet Island DXpedition set for early February, now may be a good time to sort out your antennas. Remember that Bouvet is almost due south from the UK, so plan accordingly. More propagation details will be made available nearer the time And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The unsettled weather pattern continues to provide a variety of challenging weather types with heavy snow and rain, plus strong winds at times. The nature of such patterns in January is that the timing and track of the lows are critical for the rain and snow outcome. Overall, it's likely to be a cold-system week with occasional brief milder interludes as Atlantic fronts move through in the middle of the coming week. The effect on VHF and UHF propagation is limited with tropo unlikely, but there is a significant chance of rain or snow scatter at times for GHz operators. There have been some slight increases in the Earth's Kp index, which responds to solar activity. However, as we are between the peak periods of autumn and spring for aurora, it's probably not a major player this time. Meteor scatter has been a bit more interesting lately due to the peak of the Quadrantids meteor shower on the 4th of January. The shower has a short, intense peak, but spans the period from the 28th of December to the 12th of January. The next major shower isn't until April, so it's back to random activity from this weekend through to the late April Lyrids. Lastly, a reminder that mid-winter Sporadic-E does happen. The 6th of January saw a nice early evening 6m band opening to the Baltic states, moving round to Ukraine and the Balkans later. Recent Quadrantids meteors may have contributed some long-lived metallic ions, which can be focused into thin Sporadic-E patches. It's always worth checking the Sporadic-E Layer Critical Frequency values plotted on the Propquest graphs for short spikes in the purple trace, which could be a sign of potential interest in Sporadic-E on the 10 and 6m bands. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative again, and we are past perigee, so path losses are increasing, and Moon window length and peak elevation are reducing. 144MHz sky noise remains low but rising to high by Friday the 16th. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

This is one in a series about possible futures, published in Booch News over the coming weeks. Episode 9 appeared last week. New episodes drop every Friday. Overview Pharmaceutical companies partnered with kombucha producers to deliver medications via fermentation. Living probiotics became supportive therapy systems, enhancing the efficacy of conventional treatment. Mental health improved as gut-brain axis therapies reduced medication dependency for some patients. This episode follows Dr. Helena Marston’s development of probiotic kombucha strains that improved cancer treatment outcomes when used alongside chemotherapy. When fermented beverages became integrated into medical protocols, traditional pharmaceutical distribution adapted while neighborhood bio-brewers became complementary healthcare providers, expanding medical access through fermentation. Dr. Helena Marston: The Oncologist Who Sought Better Outcomes Dr. Helena Marston never intended to revolutionize supportive cancer care when she began brewing kombucha in the break room of her Stanford oncology lab in 2045. Exhausted by watching patients suffer through chemotherapy’s side effects, she researched whether probiotic supplements could improve treatment tolerance. Her crucial insight came when she realized that kombucha SCOBYs weren’t merely fermentation cultures—they were adaptable biological systems capable of producing compounds that could support conventional cancer therapy. Marston’s breakthrough research began with a challenging case: seven-year-old Christie Steinberg, daughter of her Palo Alto neighbor, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Traditional chemotherapy protocols offered 73% survival rates, but with significant side effects that devastated quality of life. She proposed an experimental adjunct treatment: genetically modified kombucha cultures engineered to produce compounds that could enhance chemotherapy’s effectiveness while reducing its toxicity—not replacing medical treatment, but making it more tolerable and potentially more effective. A Neighbor in Need Dr. Helena Marston encountered her neighbor Gloria Steinberg at a backyard barbecue three days after Christie’s diagnosis. “Helena, I’m so glad to see you,” Gloria exclaimed. “We got Christie’s diagnosis. It’s not good. We start chemo next month.” Marston stopped, put down her drink, and gave her friend full attention. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Gloria. I’ve watched hundreds of families face this. The treatment works, but… the journey is brutal.” Steinberg struggled to hold herself together. “She’s only seven. She should be worried about her spelling test, not about losing her hair. Is there… is there anything that makes this easier?” Helena paused, then spoke. “Actually… there might be. It’s experimental, but I’ve been researching something. Can you come to my office tomorrow?” The next day, Mrs. Steinberg sat across from her friend in the medical office. “Here’s what I’m proposing, Gloria. Three steps.” She counted on her fingers. “One: Christie gets her prescribed chemotherapy—exactly as her oncologist recommends. This is non-negotiable. The chemo is what fights cancer. Two: We sequence her tumor and microbiome. This tells us exactly which supportive compounds might help her specifically. Three: I brew a personalized kombucha that Christie drinks daily. It won’t cure cancer, but early research suggests it might reduce side effects by 15-20%.” Mrs. Steinberg sounded doubtful. “And the risks?” “She’ll be monitored weekly. If anything looks wrong, we stop immediately. But I believe this could help her feel more like Christie during treatment, instead of just ‘the sick kid.'” Later that week, the Steinberg's met with Dr. Medway, their oncologist at the clinic. They were met with skepticism. “Experimental probiotics?” The doctor looked askance. “Mrs. Steinberg, your daughter has a serious cancer. Stick to proven protocols.” “But the side effects…” Gloria glanced at Christie through the window. “Are manageable,” Medway insisted. “We have anti-nausea drugs, blood transfusions.” “I know, but…” Steinberg hesitated. “We’d like to try Dr. Marston’s approach. Alongside the chemo.” “I can’t stop you,” Medway replied. “But if anything goes wrong…” Marston entered the consulting room. “The choice is yours, Gloria. But we need to decide now. Christie starts chemo in two weeks. I need at least ten days to culture her personalized SCOBY.” A few months later… A few months into treatment, Christie sat at the dining table doing homework, thin but alert. Her mother watched from the kitchen, tears in her eyes. She called Dr. Marston. “Helena, things are looking good. She did her homework today. Do you understand what that means? Most kids at this stage of chemo can barely get out of bed. She did her math homework and complained about it being too hard.” The mother laughed through her tears. “She complained. Like a normal kid.” Marston smiled. “That’s the goal. Let her be seven, even while fighting cancer.” The Biological Support System: Engineering Complementary Medicine Marston’s innovation lay in treating SCOBYs as biological factories capable of producing compounds that worked synergistically with conventional cancer treatment. Using Curro Polo’s fermentation modeling techniques combined with Dr. Lila Chen’s microbiome personalization methods, she developed “therapeutic kombucha” that could support chemotherapy by strengthening the patient’s immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping manage treatment side effects. The process began with comprehensive tumor sequencing and treatment planning by Christie’s oncology team. Marston then designed SCOBY cultures to produce compounds that could potentially enhance the child’s response to her prescribed chemotherapy regimen while supporting her overall health. The kombucha became a complementary therapy delivered through daily consumption alongside conventional medical treatment. Christie’s results were encouraging. Her standard chemotherapy protocol achieved complete remission—as expected for her cancer type with proper treatment—but she experienced significantly fewer side effects than typical. Unlike many pediatric cancer patients who suffer severe nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression, Marston’s probiotic kombucha appeared to help Christie maintain better energy, digestive health, and emotional well-being throughout her treatment course. Cautious Optimism: Research Begins Marston’s initial case study, published in Nature Medicine in December 2046, triggered significant medical interest—and considerable scientific skepticism. The article was carefully titled: “Probiotic Kombucha as Adjunct Supportive Care in Pediatric Leukemia: A Single Case Study with Promising Results Requiring Further Investigation.” The medical establishment’s reaction was mixed but intrigued. The Lancet published an editorial titled “Living Probiotics in Cancer Care: Potential Benefits, Critical Questions, and the Need for Rigorous Trials.” The journal’s editor-in-chief noted that while Marston’s work showed promise, “extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and we must be cautious not to give false hope to desperate patients before proper clinical trials establish safety and efficacy.” The Clinical Reality: Incremental Improvements Marston’s expanded clinical trials, involving 2,000 cancer patients across 12 countries over 8 years, produced results that were scientifically significant but less robust than her initial case suggested. Her therapeutic kombucha, used alongside conventional treatment, demonstrated: 12-18% reduction in severe treatment side effects across various cancer types 23% improvement in treatment completion rates (fewer patients stopping therapy due to intolerance) Enhanced quality of life during treatment compared to control groups 8-15% improvement in specific immunological markers Approximately $150 per month for the probiotic formulation Notably, the studies found that kombucha alone had no anticancer effect—it showed benefits only when used alongside proven medical treatments. Patients who delayed or refused conventional therapy in favor of kombucha alone had dramatically worse outcomes, leading to several preventable deaths that haunted Marston’s research. Media Coverage: Hope and Hype Headlines captured both the promise and the limitations: The Guardian: “Probiotic Kombucha Shows Promise in Reducing Chemotherapy Side Effects: Patients Report Better Quality of Life During Treatment” Wall Street Journal: “Fermented Beverages as Cancer Care Adjunct: Modest Benefits, Affordable Option, But No Replacement for Medical Treatment” The Times of India: “Mumbai Researchers Caution Against Kombucha-Only Cancer Treatment After Patient Deaths” The Lancet editorial: “The Promise and Peril of Probiotic Cancer Care: Why Rigorous Science Matters More Than Anecdotes.” The Integration Challenge: Complementary, Not Alternative Marston faced an unexpected problem: her research was being misrepresented by alternative medicine advocates who claimed she’d “proven kombucha cures cancer.” Several patients died after abandoning conventional treatment based on misunderstandings of her work. This led Marston to become an outspoken advocate for science-based medicine. “Kombucha is not a cancer cure,” she stated repeatedly in interviews. “It’s a supportive therapy that may help some patients tolerate conventional treatment better. Anyone who tells you to replace chemotherapy with fermented beverages is endangering your life.” Marston was aware of well-publicized risks faced by patients who relied exclusively on Complementary and Alternative Medicine treatments. The 2024 Netflix drama Apple Cider Vinegar depicted a character, Milla Blake, whose storyline was loosely based on real-life Australian wellness advocate Jessica Ainscough, who died after using coffee enemas and other alternative therapies to treat her cancer. She had read reports showing that patients who ignore conventional treatment risks believe they can use alternative therapies to replace surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy. She understood that it is essential for patients and physicians to engage in thorough and honest conversations about the known risks and benefits of all options. The medical community gradually integrated probiotics into supportive care protocols, but always alongside—never instead of—proven treatments. Insurance companies began covering “integrative oncology consultations” where patients learned about evidence-based complementary therapies, including therapeutic fermented foods. Pharmaceutical Adaptation Pharmaceutical companies adapted by developing partnerships with probiotic researchers. Several major firms launched divisions focused on microbiome-based therapies, investing billions to understand how gut bacteria influence drug efficacy and side effects. Johnson & Johnson partnered with Marston’s lab to develop standardized probiotic formulations that could be prescribed alongside their cancer medications. Pfizer acquired several kombucha companies to bring production under quality-controlled manufacturing, ensuring consistency and safety. The industry evolved from viewing probiotics as threats to recognizing them as opportunities—ways to improve existing treatments and develop new therapeutic approaches based on microbiome science. Neighborhood Support: Community Care Alongside Medical Treatment As probiotic research advanced, neighborhood bio-brewers emerged as complementary healthcare supporters—not replacements for medical professionals. Khushi Sengupta transformed her Thames Valley apartment into a brewing facility that produced probiotic kombucha for 200 cancer patients receiving treatment at London hospitals. She worked closely with oncology teams to ensure her products supported rather than interfered with medical care. Community fermentation workshops taught patients and families how to brew supportive probiotics at home, but always emphasized: “This helps you feel better during treatment. It does not replace your doctor’s prescribed therapy.” The Marston Legacy: Integrative Medicine Done Right By 2055, Dr. Marston’s approach had helped establish “evidence-based integrative oncology” as a recognized medical specialty. Her memoir, Brewing Health: How Probiotics Support Medical Treatment, became required reading in medical schools, but its central message was caution: “Complementary therapies can improve quality of life and possibly enhance treatment outcomes, but they work alongside medicine, not instead of it.” Marston’s laboratories focused on rigorous research into microbiome-based therapies, conducting the controlled trials necessary to separate genuine benefits from placebo effects and hype. The Christie Steinberg Story: Survivor and Advocate Christie Steinberg’s journey from cancer diagnosis to becoming a medical researcher inspired many. Now sixteen and cancer-free for nine years—thanks primarily to her chemotherapy regimen and supportive care from Marston’s probiotics—Christie worked as an intern in Marston’s lab studying pediatric oncology applications of microbiome therapies. She speaks at medical conferences about the importance of evidence-based treatment: “Dr. Marston’s kombucha helped me feel better during chemotherapy, which was hard but necessary. I’m alive because of real medicine. The kombucha made the medicine more tolerable, and that matters. But anyone who claims probiotics alone cure cancer is lying.” The Global Impact: Expanded Access to Supportive Care Fermented beverages as supportive therapy expanded access to integrative care that was previously only available at expensive cancer centers. Patients worldwide can now access affordable probiotics that may improve their treatment experience, though outcomes still depend primarily on their conventional medical care. By 2060, cancer treatment had improved through multiple advances—better chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapies, personalized medicine, and yes, supportive probiotics that helped some patients tolerate treatment better. Marston’s contribution was real but modest, one piece of a larger puzzle. In later years, Dr. Marston continued researching microbiome therapies while training the next generation of integrative oncologists. As she watched Christie teach medical students about evidence-based complementary care, Marston reflected: “My most significant achievement wasn’t finding a miracle cure—it was showing how probiotics can support real medicine when used responsibly, with rigorous science and honest communication about what they can and cannot do.” The benefits of kombucha as a complimentary beverage that could be enjoyed by patients undergoing treatment was celebrated by Americana folk singer Birdie Calhoun. Her ‘Survivor's Song' became the unofficial anthem of the integrative oncology movement—not because it celebrates a miracle cure, but because it honestly depicts the small mercies that matter when you’re fighting for your life. Birdie opened for renowned speaker Allison Massari at major medical conferences where the song helped inspire physicians and ignite the power of the human spirit. This illness swiped my eyesTook me by surpriseClouded blue skiesMade me realizeThe real from the fakeCareful what I take.Chemo, x-rays, medicines are toughSome days I feel like I've had enough. [Chorus]But I'm drinking my kombuchaFeeling goodDrinking kombuchaFeeling better than I shouldDrinking kombuchaDay and nightDrinking kombuchaFeeling alrightDrinking kombucha. I'm not claiming it's a cureIt just helps me endureWeight loss, bald head, sick in bedAches in my body, pain in my head. [Chorus] It's a probiotic promiseOf better times to comeA probiotic promiseAnd then someThanks to Helena and Christie tooAnd all the brewers, from me to youA big, big thank youThank youThank you. [Chorus] Epilogue: The Misinformation War Medicine’s evolution toward integrative approaches threatened interests beyond what was expected. As therapeutic probiotics gained acceptance in mainstream medicine, alternative medicine advocates launched misinformation campaigns claiming doctors were suppressing “natural cures” by insisting on scientific evidence. Meanwhile, some pharmaceutical companies opposed complementary therapies, viewing them as threats rather than partners. The real battle wasn’t between “natural” and “conventional” medicine—it was between evidence-based approaches of any kind and those who spread misinformation and profited from making claims without proof. The gloves come off in next week’s installment of ‘Our Fermented Future’, here on Booch News. Disclaimer This is a work of speculative fiction. Names, characters, businesses, events, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination, assisted by generative A.I. References to real brands and organizations are used in a wholly imaginative context and are not intended to reflect any actual facts or opinions related to them. No assertions or statements in this post should be interpreted as true or factual. Audio Listen to an audio version of this Episode and all future ones via the Booch News channel on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you just want to listen to the music, tune in as follows: Birdie Calhoun, Survivor's Song, 16:08 Lyrics ©2025 Booch News, music generated with the assistance of Suno. The post Our Fermented Future, Episode 10: Liquid Medicine—When Drinks Became Pharmaceuticals appeared first on 'Booch News.

This is one in a series about possible futures, which will be published in Booch News over the coming weeks. Episode 8 appeared last week. New episodes drop every Friday. Overview Fermentation cooperatives represent one effective social organizing principle among many. In the future, kombucha cafes could replace bars and coffee shops as primary gathering spaces—not because the beverages possess magical properties, but because fermentation creates affordable spaces where people gather around shared productive work. This episode explores Mumbai’s “Fermentation District,” where bio-breweries have become community hubs, enabling stronger civic engagement. These spaces succeeded by combining smart urban design, economic cooperation, and cultural preservation into environments that made authentic connection easier than virtual isolation. The Inheritance of Empty Buildings By 2052, colonial-era buildings in Mumbai’s abandoned Ballard Estate business district stood empty after the Great Flood of July 26, 2047, drove businesses to higher ground. Climate refugee and fermentation consultant Khushi Sengupta—one of the Darjeeling tea plantation refugees who had fled to the Thames Valley Mega-tower together with the Tamang family—traveled back to India to visit family and help rebuild the shattered city. Her relatives had made the grueling 1,300-mile journey west from the Darjeeling foothills to Mumbai after their once-thriving tea plantations were devastated by climate change. It is early October. The monsoon rains have ended. Khushi stands in a gutted office building, water stains still visible three meters up the marble walls. She’s meeting municipal planner Rajesh Krishnan, who spreads architectural drawing across a ruined reception desk while Khushi’s eight-year-old daughter Priya explores the echoing space. “The flood created a crisis,” Rajesh explains. “The government wants temporary housing—stack refugees in minimal square footage, provide basic services, move on. But I’ve seen that approach fail in Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. Dense housing without social infrastructure creates slums, not communities.” Khushi watches her daughter discover an old fermentation crock in what was once the building’s cafeteria—remnants of someone’s office kombucha hobby. “What if we built around production instead of consumption?” she asks. “In the Thames Valley tower, the tea gardens and fermentation floors weren’t just amenities; they were integral to the process. They gave people something to do together. They created economic relationships.” Rajesh considers this. The 440 lakh rupees allocated to this district could fund either 1,000 housing units with no common spaces or 700 units with shared productive facilities. The conventional approach prioritizes maximum density. However, traditional methods have produced Mumbai’s sprawling slums, where civic engagement is nearly impossible—no gathering spaces, no economic cooperation, everyone struggling individually. “Show me what you’re imagining,” he says. “Back in the UK,” she explains, “we discovered that when people brew together, they talk. When they talk, they coordinate. When they coordinate, they govern themselves. Fermentation doesn’t create democracy—it creates the conditions where democracy can happen. Regular rhythms, shared investment, economic interdependence.” Six Months Later Khushi’s visit has lasted longer than intended, but no matter. Rajesh Krishnan has secured preliminary approval from city authorities for an experimental fermentation space. He’s looking to Khushi to replicate the Thames Valley tower’s success in Mumbai. If only things were that simple. The space is chaotic—babies crying, elders arguing about fermentation technique in four languages, someone’s SCOBY is contaminated and they need to start over. This is not the harmonious vision Rajesh sold to the municipal government. Narayan, a skeptical elder from a traditional Brahmin family, insists proper fermentation requires specific ritual purity. Fatima, a Muslim woman, questions the halal status of kombucha, wanting confirmation that the fermentation process doesn’t produce haram alcohol levels. A Tamil family wants to recreate their grandmother’s rasam kombucha but lacks the ingredients. A couple from Nagaland has never fermented anything and feels overwhelmed. Mountain Bee Innovation Amira Islam, daughter of Honey Islam, founder of Mountain Bee Kombucha, watches Khushi navigate these conflicts. “This is why industrial-scale kombucha failed,” she observes quietly. “They thought they could standardize living processes. But fermentation is always local—local ingredients, local microbes, local knowledge, local preferences.” Amira operates the district’s most experimental bio-brewery in the Mountain Bee Innovation Labs. Her facility spans three floors, each representing a different democratic process through carefully crafted flavor experiences. The Pineapple-Chili Democracy Floor serves Islam’s recreation of the original “crowd favorite” blend for first-time political participants. The bold, balanced combination of juicy pineapples with subtle chili heat creates the perfect environment for introducing newcomers to participatory governance. Citizens nibbling tacos and tortilla chips while debating local issues find the familiar yet exotic flavors lower social barriers and encourage participation. The Flower ‘N Spice Contemplation Level houses the district’s most complex decision-making processes. The striking purple brew—colored by butterfly pea flowers and warmed with fermented green tea spices—induces the meditative state necessary for addressing long-term planning challenges. Residents sip the cinnamon-forward blend through long straws (the founder’s original “pro tip”), allowing the warmth and spice nuances to enhance their focus during lengthy policy discussions. The Bangalore Blue Grape Strategic Floor serves as the district’s evening governance center. The bold, deep-flavored kombucha made from GI-tagged Bangalore Blue Grapes has evolved into the perfect “non-alcoholic nightcap” for late-night budget negotiations and emergency response planning. The antioxidant-rich brew’s complex flavor profile matches the sophisticated nature of high-level municipal decisions. Dramila Kombucha Cultural Exchange The district’s most dynamic space honors Ezhil Mathy’s legacy of constant innovation. The Dramila Kombucha Cultural Exchange features fermentation tanks that change flavors weekly, ensuring democratic processes remain as dynamic as the beverages they accompany. The centerpiece is the “Sundal Council Chamber,” where Mathy’s legendary Mango, Chili & Coconut kombucha facilitates discussions about street food policy and integration of the informal economy. Citizens familiar with Chennai’s East Coast Beach snack culture instantly connect with the flavors of traditional lentil and chickpea preparations, creating cultural common ground among diverse refugee populations. The facility’s seasonal rotation includes Orange & Christmas Spice sessions for holiday planning, Passion Fruit & Tender Coconut forums for tropical agriculture policy, and Rose, Kokum & Ginger assemblies for traditional medicine integration. Each flavor profile creates specific psychological and social conditions that enhance particular types of democratic dialogue. Community Dialogue Khushi calls for attention. “Everyone, stop. Look around. What do you see?” “A mess,” someone mutters. “I see twenty families who will live in this building for years,” Khushi responds. “Right now, you’re strangers. In six months, you’ll be neighbors. In a year, you’ll be a community—or you’ll be strangers who happen to share walls. The difference is whether you learn to work together now, while the stakes are just kombucha.” She proposes a solution: Each family develops its own fermentation tradition while sharing space and equipment. They rotate teaching responsibilities. They pool resources to buy ingredients. They sell surplus together and split profits. “Fermentation is your excuse to gather,” she explains. “Whether your kombucha is halal, whether it follows proper ritual, whether it tastes like your grandmother’s—those are your decisions. What matters is that you make those decisions together, negotiate those differences, and build relationships that will matter when you’re deciding how to manage the building, how to share childcare, how to respond when the next flood comes.” Some remain unconvinced. “In my village, we knew everyone. We didn’t need excuses to cooperate,” Narayan says. “You’re not in your village,” Khushi replies. “You’re in a city of refugees from a hundred villages. The old social structures are gone. Either you build new ones, or you live as isolated atoms in anonymous density. Fermentation gives you something to build around.” SBooch Cultural Preservation By 2053, the district’s first pan-India commercial operation was established. The SBooch Heritage Collective occupies six floors of a restored Art Deco building. Each floor represents a different Indian regional fermentation tradition. But this isn’t a museum—it’s a working brewery preserving the vision of founder Nirraj Manek and brand ambassador Chef Niyati Rao’s regional Indian recipes. Anika Rao, Chef Niyati’s daughter, now in her early thirties, gives a tour while a health inspector takes notes. The Nagaland floor ferments with ingredients foraged from remaining forest patches. The Odisha level celebrates rice-based fermentation. The Tamil Nadu floor recreates rasam combinations. The fermentation tanks perfectly replicate Chef Niyati’s “From the kitchens of South” blend. Citizens debating water management policies sip the “neither too sour, nor too spicy” combination of tomato, hing, tamarind, and earthy spices that once defined authentic Madurai flavor. The Maharashtra level serves Koshimbir kombucha—”a salad in a bottle”—to residents discussing urban agriculture proposals. The drink’s tomato, cucumber, and coriander profile literally connects voters to the vertical gardens they’re planning. The Gujarat section’s Gor Keri kombucha, capturing the “sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy” essence founders once described as “straight from Nani’s house,” becomes the traditional beverage for intergenerational council meetings where elders share wisdom with climate refugee youth. “My mother spent twenty years documenting regional Indian fermentation before climate change destroyed many of these ecosystems,” Anika explains. “These recipes aren’t just flavors—they’re genetic libraries of microbial diversity adapted to specific ingredients and climates that no longer exist.” The health inspector finds violations: incomplete temperature logs, a fermentation batch showing contamination, and inadequate equipment-cleaning protocols. “This is exactly what corporate interests warned about,” he says. “Artisanal operations can’t maintain safety standards. Why not just let established beverage companies make these flavors?” “Because they can’t,” Anika explains patiently. “Corporate fermentation optimizes for consistency and shelf stability. My mother’s Gor Keri kombucha required fresh ingredients, seasonal variation, and bacterial strains that evolved over centuries in Gujarat’s climate. You can’t mass-produce that while maintaining quality. But you also can’t scale traditional home brewing without safety oversight. We’re finding a middle path.” “We’re learning,” she tells the health inspector. “Some of us come from traditional fermentation backgrounds, but we’re working at scales our grandmothers never imagined. We need training, equipment, and yes—regulation that protects consumers without requiring million-dollar compliance costs that only corporations can afford.” They work out a solution: The district will establish a shared food safety laboratory that multiple small breweries can use. The health department will provide training tailored to fermentation cooperatives. Standards will be maintained, but costs will be shared. The Governance Crisis By 2060, the Fermentation District has succeeded beyond expectations. Municipal services costs are 40% below comparable districts. Crime rates are minimal. Economic activity is robust. But success creates new problems. A real estate developer wants to buy three buildings for luxury condos, using funds that could expand into adjacent blocks for more climate refugee housing. But accepting would displace two established breweries and change the district’s character. A hastily convened community meeting is contentious. Over two hundred residents crowd into the plaza. Brewery operators want to reject the offer—their businesses can’t relocate without losing their customer base. Newer refugees wish to accept—housing is desperately needed, and the money could help hundreds of families. Some suggest negotiating with the developer. Others propose alternative funding sources. Khushi notices something important: this chaotic, frustrating meeting is democracy in action. People with different interests are arguing, proposing alternatives, forming coalitions, making their cases, doing the hard work of negotiating between legitimate competing interests. “Why can’t we just all agree on what’s best?” one resident demands. “Because there isn’t one ‘best,'” Khushi replies. “There are trade-offs. Economic development versus community character. Immediate housing needs versus long-term sustainability. Individual property rights versus collective planning. Real democracy is managing these conflicts, not eliminating them.” “But the breweries bring people together,” a young activist shouts from the back. “That creates unity!” “Sure,” Khushi agrees. “The breweries give us regular reasons to talk. That creates communication. But straightforward unity of purpose is a fantasy. The democratic process is messy, slow, and frustrating. But it’s the only way diverse people with different interests can govern themselves.” After four hours, they reach an imperfect compromise: accept the developer’s offer for one building (the least established brewery agrees to relocate with compensation), use the funds to purchase and convert two adjacent buildings, then lobby the municipality for additional zoning changes that would allow more mixed residential/commercial space. Nobody is completely satisfied. The relocated brewery owner is unhappy. The developer wanted all three buildings. Some refugees will wait longer for housing. But the decision was made collectively through a genuine democratic process. The Comparative Study Dr. Meera Patel, an urban sociologist from IIT Bombay, was pleased that her research into the Fermentation District had concluded. At the Indian Sociological Society’s annual meeting, Dr. Patel’s presentation showed comparative data on the Fermentation District versus three control districts with similar demographics, climate impacts, and initial conditions. The numbers were convincing: A skeptical academic challenges her, never one to miss an opportunity to critique ethnographic methodology. “How do you isolate the effect of fermentation from other variables? The Fermentation District also has better architectural design, more green space, and different economic models. Maybe it’s not the kombucha at all.” “Exactly,” Dr. Patel agrees. “That’s precisely our conclusion. The fermentation cooperatives succeed because they’re part of an integrated social infrastructure. As my next slide demonstrates…” Another academic chimes in. “So this isn’t about probiotics improving ‘cognitive architecture’ or gut bacteria changing behavior, as some have argued?” Dr. Patel laughs. “No. This is about urban design and social capital. The Fermentation District succeeds because it fosters conditions allowing social capital to develop. That requires physical spaces, economic structures, and cultural frameworks. The fermentation is the organizing principle, not a biochemical intervention.” After the meeting ends, a journalist from Dainik Jagran stops her in the hallway. “So the secret to better communities is kombucha?” “It’s not that simple,” Dr. Patel replies. “The secret to better communities is giving people reasons and spaces to cooperate regularly around shared interests. Fermentation cooperatives provide that. As do community gardens, craft guilds, neighborhood workshops, or any structure that combines gathering space, productive work, and economic cooperation. The specific activity matters less than the social infrastructure it creates.” Expansion and Limitations By the mid-2060s, Khushi Sengupta had become quite the world traveler. She conducted workshops for groups from São Paulo, Detroit, Jakarta, and Lagos who wanted to replicate the Fermentation District model. Some experiments worked. Others didn’t. She learned what works and what doesn’t. In São Paulo, a Brazilian team adapted the model using traditional cachaça and fermented vegetable cooperatives rather than kombucha. They understood the principle: create spaces for regular productive cooperation. The specific fermentation tradition mattered less than the social infrastructure. There were misgivings. A member of the São Paulo cooperative shared his concerns. “Some people tell us we’re appropriating Indian culture by copying your model.” “You’re not copying our model,” Khushi reassured him. “You’re applying principles of community design to your own cultural context, in your neighborhood, with your people, using your fermentation traditions. That’s exactly right. If you tried to make Indian kombucha in São Paulo, you’d fail. Local knowledge, local ingredients, local preferences—those matter. The universal principle is: give people spaces and reasons to cooperate productively.” However, in Detroit, Michigan, things didn’t go so well. A well-funded American attempt failed because it focused on breweries rather than broader social architecture. They built beautiful fermentation facilities but maintained standard apartment layouts with no common areas, standard economic models with no cooperative ownership, and standard social patterns with no regular gathering rhythms. Result: fancy kombucha cafes in an anonymous apartment complex. Civic engagement remained minimal. The grandson of a Bloomfield Hills auto executive raised his concerns. “Our city has vacant buildings, unemployed workers, and a need for community spaces. But we also have deep racial divisions, economic devastation, and institutional distrust. Will fermentation cooperatives solve those problems?” Khushi looked him in the eyes. She saw confusion, fear, and some resentment. “No,” she replied. “They’ll create spaces where people can begin working on those problems together. That’s all. Social infrastructure makes cooperation easier—it doesn’t eliminate the need for difficult negotiations, institutional reform, or economic justice.” Things went better in New York City, where the government-owned grocery stores opened in the 2020s by Mayor Mamdani connected environmental justice to social equity, leading to fermentation hubs across all five boroughs. From the hipsters of Brooklyn to the intellectuals of the Upper West Side, fermentation flourished. Despite valiant efforts, the Nigerian organizers of the Lagos Fermentation District struggled as rapid population growth overwhelmed the social infrastructure. The breweries helped but couldn’t keep pace with demand. They learned that social infrastructure requires matching population density, economic resources, and gathering spaces. Priya, now in her early twenties and a valued assistant, asks her mother a difficult question: “Some people say you’re claiming fermentation fixes everything. That makes other people angry, and they reject the whole idea. Why not just be clear about what works?” Khushi pauses. Her daughter has identified the communication challenge. “You’re right. The media likes simple stories: ‘Kombucha magic creates perfect communities.’ That’s not what happened. But writing that ‘Carefully designed social infrastructure including fermentation cooperatives as one element of integrated community development produces measurably better outcomes in contexts with adequate resources and population densities’ doesn’t make a good headline.” An Uncomfortable Truth In 2072, the twentieth anniversary celebration of the pioneering Mumbai District is bittersweet. The district has succeeded by many measures, but not all. There are now over 2,000 residents with stable housing and 47 active fermentation cooperatives. Crime rates remain low, civic engagement is high, and economic vitality is sustained. The model has been replicated in twelve cities worldwide. However, problems persist. Two hundred families who couldn’t adapt to the cooperative model have left the district. Three breweries have failed due to mismanagement, and tensions persist between traditional and innovative fermentation approaches. The debate over raw, pasteurized, and kombucha from concentrate remains no closer to resolution than when the first KBI Verified Seal Program was introduced. Economic inequality has arisen between successful breweries and those struggling to survive. The district remains dependent on municipal support for infrastructure. Since the architectural design requires space, the model doesn’t scale to very high densities, and some residents never fully engage despite the infrastructure. Dr. Patel presents her updated research at the Indian Sociological Society annual meeting. “The Fermentation District demonstrates that thoughtfully designed social infrastructure produces measurably better community outcomes,” she says. “But it’s not magic. About 75% of residents actively participate—that’s remarkably high, but not universal. Economic challenges persist. Cultural conflicts continue. The infrastructure makes cooperation easier, not automatic.” Khushi Sengupta delivers the conference closing keynote to the assembled urban planners, architects, and sociologists. Her speech is brutally honest: “Twenty years ago, we had empty buildings and displaced people. We made several choices. We chose to build community around shared, productive work, and we decided on fermentation because it connected people to cultural traditions while creating economic opportunities. It worked—better than conventional refugee housing, worse than utopian expectations. But understand: kombucha didn’t create democracy. Democracy created the kombucha. We chose to govern ourselves collectively, and fermentation provided us with a tangible focus for coordination. The breweries are symbols of cooperation, not its cause. “Other communities should learn from what works: provide people with spaces to gather, opportunities to share, economic stakes in outcomes, and cultural practices that connect them. Whether that’s fermentation, gardening, crafts, or childcare collectives matters less than the underlying principles. “But also learn from what didn’t work: This approach requires resources, space, and time. It works best at the neighborhood scale, not the megacity scale. It requires people willing to cooperate—you can’t force community. And it doesn’t address deep-seated structural problems like poverty, discrimination, or political corruption. It creates spaces where people can work on those problems together.” Epilogue: Priya’s Generation It’s 2072, and Priya Sengupta, now twenty-eight, is an associate professor in urban planning at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. Priya leads a tour of the Fermentation District for her freshman class. She’s grown up in this environment and can explain it clearly: “This is where I learned that communities are designed, not natural,” she tells the students. “My mother’s generation made choices: how to use space, how to structure economics, how to create gathering rhythms, how to preserve culture while adapting to change. “My generation is studying these principles so we can design better communities as climate change continues displacing populations. We’re not looking for magic solutions. We’re looking for replicable, adaptable, evidence-based approaches to community building that work at different scales in different contexts. “The Fermentation District is a notable example of success. It’s not the only way, not the perfect way, but it’s a way that worked here. That’s worth learning from.” A student asks: “What would you tell someone who claims fermented beverages biochemically produce civic engagement?” Priya doesn’t hesitate: “I’d say they’re confusing correlation with causation. People who drink kombucha in this district are more civically engaged—but not because of the beverage. They’re engaged because the brewing cooperatives create social infrastructure that makes engagement easier, more rewarding, and more necessary. The kombucha is correlation, not cause.” Priya enjoys brewing kombucha with her class, teaching fermentation while explaining urban design principles. The next generation understands: it’s not about magic beverages. It’s about designing communities that make cooperation easier than isolation. Celebration Bollywood celebrated Mumbai’s Ballard Fermentation District in a feature-length film Baadh Ke Baad (After the Flood). The hit song from that movie was Sab Milkar Ab (All Together Now). The English translation reads: In the Ballard District we set up shopRefugees who gathered togetherBrewing kombucha non-stopSafe from stormy weather Stay togetherPlay togetherStay together All together nowAll together now One SCOBYOne goalOne peopleOut of the manyOne Local ingredientsLocal microbesLocal knowledgeLocal choice Fermenting togetherGoverning togetherRegular rhythmsCooperationTolerancePeace The Medical Revolution Awaits As democracy evolved through fermentation, an exhausted oncologist in her Stanford University break room was making a discovery that would transform medicine itself. What began as desperate compassion for dying patients would prove that the most sophisticated pharmaceuticals weren’t manufactured in sterile laboratories—they were brewed in living partnerships. We reveal the details in next week’s installment, available only on Booch News. Disclaimer This is a work of speculative fiction. Names, characters, businesses, events, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination, assisted by generative A.I. References to real brands and organizations are used in a wholly imaginative context and are not intended to reflect any actual facts or opinions related to them. No assertions or statements in this post should be interpreted as true or factual. Audio Listen to an audio version of this Episode and all future ones via the Booch News channel on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To hear the songs from this and past episodes, check out the Playlist menu at the top of the Booch News home page. The post Our Fermented Future, Episode 9: The Urban Sociology of Fermentation appeared first on 'Booch News.

GB2RS News Sunday the 7th of December 2025 The news headlines: Become an RSGB Regional Representative in your area Keep up to date with how technology can be used in amateur radio 5MHz – an important reminder about FT8 use within allocated frequencies Do you want to make a difference to the amateur radio community in your region? The RSGB has three Regional Representative posts that are available for nominations in the upcoming 2026 elections. These are for Region 2, which covers Scotland North and the Northern Isles, Region 7, which represents South Wales, and Region 9, which covers London and the Thames Valley. As a Regional Representative, you will lead the team of District Representatives in your area and not only represent the Society but also support your fellow radio amateurs. Find out more about what it takes to succeed in this role by reading the candidate pack at rsgb.org/elections  The deadline for applications is the 31st of January 2026. An increasing number of modern technologies are being used in different ways within amateur radio. From artificial intelligence that helps you to write software, to a 3D printer that you can use to create amateur radio equipment. The RSGB has gathered some of these together in a web section called ‘Emerging technologies' and has now added to it an overview of the new monthly RadCom column ‘Experimenters' Corner'. The column was introduced in November and is written by RSGB Board Director Mark Jones, G0MGX. The column covers everything from setting up your own TinyGS project at home to experimenting with Meshtastic. Go to rsgb.org/emerging-technologies  and be inspired. The RSGB reminds all radio amateurs that they must only operate within the UK allocated bands for each mode. Ofcom has noticed that, increasingly, radio amateurs are using FT8 outside of the UK 60m allocations. It is monitoring usage and will write to you if it observes your callsign operating outside of this band. Please ensure the configuration of your FT8 software limits your transmissions to frequencies and bandwidth that are fully within the UK allocation. For example, when using WSJT-X for digital modes at 5357kHz, it is imperative that the transmitted signal is never above 5358kHz. Using 'Hold TX Freq' can help with this. The Society works hard to protect the spectrum for all radio amateurs to use, but that work will be made more difficult if radio amateurs continue to stray outside of the allocated bands. The Ofcom OFW611 Amateur Radio Licence Terms and Conditions document includes an explanation of all the frequencies available to radio amateurs in the UK. You can find this on the Ofcom website or via the UK amateur licensing link on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licensing The RSGB National Radio Centre, located at Bletchley Park, will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. There will be reduced hours on New Year's Eve when the Centre will be closing at 2pm. In addition to this, it will also be closed for essential maintenance works on the 5th and 6th of January 2026. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Remember that RSGB members can download a free entry voucher for Bletchley Park from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bpvoucher Youngsters on the Air Month is well underway with multiple groups scheduled to host special event station GB25YOTA this week. Today, Sunday the 7th of December, you'll be able to work operators from Cray Valley Radio Society, as well as the 2nd Marlborough Scouts. The Scout group will also be active tomorrow, Monday, the 8th of December. Buckie High School in Scotland will be operating on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so listen out and encourage young operators in making what could be their first ever QSO. On Tuesday, the 9th of December, Hilderstone Radio Society members will be supervising students from St. Peter ' s-In-Thanet Junior School. On Wednesday, the 10th of December, students from Sunderland College will be on the amateur bands with supervision from Ian Bowman, G7ESY. Looking ahead to next weekend, the RSGB National Radio Centre will be welcoming young people to operate as GB25YOTA. Details of operating times, bands and modes can be found at rsgb.org/yota-month There have been a number of changes to the Region 1 team, which covers Scotland South and the Western Isles. To ensure you are contacting the correct representative, go to rsgb.org/regions  and click the team name from the right-hand menu, followed by ‘Meet the Region 1 team'. And finally, a date for your diary. The next in the popular 145 Alive series will take place on Saturday, the 7th of February, from 12 pm to 3 pm. The event will include the addition of 144MHz SSB stations with vertical polarisation. For more information, visit the 145 Alive Facebook page. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 7th of December, the Mid Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair is taking place at Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre. The doors will be open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry costs £3 per person, and there is no charge for partners and under-16s. For more details, contact Phil, G6DLJ, on 07990 563 147 or email wrg2024@hotmail.com Sparkford Radio Rally is due to take place on Sunday, the 28th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil BA22 7QX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am, and admission will cost £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available on site. For more details, contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email luke@mymixradio.co.uk. Now the Special Event news Celebrating the city of Chemnitz, one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2025, a number of special event callsigns are active in Germany until Monday, the 15th of December. All QSOs will be uploaded to eQSL, Logbook of the World and Club Log. To read more, including information about certificates that are available for working the stations, visit 2025c.de The first French satellite, named Asterix, was launched into orbit on the 26th of November 1965. To mark the 60th anniversary, members of the Wingles Radio Club, F4KLR, are active as TM60ATX on Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th of December, and again between the 19th and 23rd of December. All CW and SSB QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the Bureau. FT8 QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL. Now the DX news Vlad, OK2WX and Paula, OK2YL, are active as HP3/OK2WX and HP3/OK2YL from Panama until Wednesday, the 10th of December. They are operating CW and SSB with a focus on the 160, 80 and 40m bands. See QRZ.com for more information. Pierre, VK3KTB, is active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until Wednesday, the 10th of December. He operates CW, SSB and FT8 on various bands. QSL via OQRS and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news The ARRL 160m Contest started at 2200 UTC on Friday, the 5th and ends at 1559 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section reference. Today, the 7th of December, the RSGB 144MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday, the 9th of December, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday, the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 10th of December, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday, the 11th of December, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The ARRL 10m Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 13th of December and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 14th of December. Using CW and phone on the 10m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American and Canadian stations also send their state or province code. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 4th of December The prediction made for last week was for the solar flux index to increase, possibly reaching 155 by the 1st of December and 175 by the 6th. In fact, it hit 196 on the 1st and 200 on the 2nd. This was no doubt aided by three large sunspot groups in the Sun's southern hemisphere. We also said that the Kp index could hit 5 on the 3rd of December, and it actually hit 6.67. So well done to the Space Weather Prediction Centre for its forecast. On Thursday the 4th of December, the solar wind speed gradually increased from around 360 kilometres per second to 475 kilometres per second, thanks to the onset of an enhanced solar wind from a very large coronal hole. The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field has also been pointing sharply south at times, which means it more easily couples with the Earth and the Kp index goes up as solar plasma floods in. Maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs, have been affected, but not too much. The MUF over a 3,000km path was still above 28MHz on the 3rd of December, at least until sunset. Nighttime MUFs are now characteristically below 14MHz, leaving only 10MHz and below open to DX. As reported by CDXC's Slack group this week, recent DX included the YJ0GC DXpedition to Vanuatu and OX7AM in Greenland on the 10m band using CW. 5R8IC in Madagascar was noted on the 15m band using FT4. And SU8YOTA in Egypt was worked on the 20m band using SSB. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will stay in the 180 to 190 range, and the good news is that the Kp index is predicted to remain low, at least until Saturday, the 13th of December, when it is forecast to rise once again to 5. So, get your HF DXing in during the daytime over this coming week! And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather charts for the coming week or more show a very unsettled pattern with some deep areas of low pressure, strong winds and heavy rain at times. Tropo is unlikely in the traditional high-pressure sense, but sometimes a strong maritime south-westerly wind can bring a brief, slight improvement for parts of southeast Britain in the windy warm sector of the depression. Watch out for this on Tuesday, the 9th of December. Rain scatter remains a good option since there will be numerous bands of rain and showers available as scatter elements. The Margate 24GHz WebSDR has seen the Flanders beacon ON0HVL for a number of days due to rain over the southern North Sea, but the lack of active 24GHz stations on the east coast made this a frustrating watch on a WebSDR. Aurora is a possibility during the coming week. Look for a Kp index above 5 to generate a good radio response. The evening of the 3rd of December saw classic fluttery HF signals on the 80m and 40m bands, supported by a Kp index of 6.67 and reported auroral QSOs on 70, 144 and 50MHz. Lastly, a consideration of the meteor scatter prospects is more promising as we are now in the broader period for the Geminids, which is due to peak on Sunday, the 14th of December. This shower has a maximum hourly rate of 120, so it ranks as a joint second after the August Perseids. For EME operators, Moon declination reached a maximum yesterday, the 6th of December, meaning long Moon windows and high peak elevation. Path losses are at their lowest but increasing during the week. 144MHz sky noise is low for the coming week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

The Heartland Championship has reached grand final weekend, with North Otago hosting Horowhenua Kapiti in the Lochore final and Mid Canterbury hosting Thames Valley in the Meads final. Kevin Hare is a Heartland Championship enthusiast, and he spoke with Adam to preview the finals this weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Heartland Rugby Bulletin with Heartland Savant Kevin Hare on the Heartland Rugby Semifinals, Thames Valley hammer South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury just pip Wairarapa to set up the Meads Cup Final with Horowhenua & North Otago set for Lochore Cup final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we delve into the real-life experiences of recent surgical trainees who have successfully navigated the MRCS exam. Our guests share their personal journeys, discussing the challenges they faced, the moments of doubt, and the strategies that helped them build resilience and manage anxiety. This episode aims to provide insights and practical advice for UK-based medical graduates preparing for the MRCS exam. Stay tuned for part two which will explore international medical graduates perspectives.Host: Daniel Ashmore  Danny is an ST6 upper GI trainee with an esophagogastric interest. Having studied in Leeds, he stayed in Yorkshire for his foundation and surgical training, and has since completed a PG certificate in Leadership, as well as a PhD. Danny recalls how he prepared for the MRCS now the next set of exams are round the corner.   Guest: Shreya Saxena Shreya is currently a CT2 in General Surgery working in Thames Valley. She attended medical school at Bristol University and worked through the ranks, taking an F3 and F4 year to end up getting into Core Surgical Training in Thames Valley and now has an ST3 number for General Surgery in the East of England. Guest: Elena Georgiakakis Elena completed her pre-clinical studies at St Andrews and clinical years at Manchester, graduating from a six-year program with both a BSc and MBChB. She then completed her foundation training in London—first year at Chelsea and Westminster, and second year at Ealing. She is currently a CT2 in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital, having recently completed a 12-month rotation in Trauma and Orthopaedics at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. She is keen to pursue a career in Trauma and Orthopaedics. Resources:RCS England Intercollegiate MRCS: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/ Practice MRCS OSCE: Pathology course: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-pathology/ Practice MRCS OSCE: Anatomy course: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-anatomy/ MRCS and DO-HNS Exam Locations and Dates: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/mrcs-exam-locations-and-dates/ Surgical Exams FAQ: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/surgical-exams-faq/ Exams Guidance: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/exams-guidance/ MRCS  Examinations Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE): https://www.intercollegiatemrcsexams.org.uk/ RCS England Anatomy and Pathology Museum MRCS Part B revision sessions MRCS revision sessions — Royal College of Surgeons Webinar: Preparing for the MRCS Part B Preparing for the MRCS Part B Anatomy eLearning Applied Anatomy for MRCS Preparation and Surgical Training — Royal College of Surgeons Produced by: Andrea PearsonWe would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at ⁠⁠podcasts@rcseng.ac.uk

Heartland Championship Rugby kicks off today in Waihi, with a rematch of last year's Meads Cup Final – Thames Valley clashing with Mid Canterbury. Thames Valley CEO Scott Penney joined the show ahead of kick-off to chat with Piney about the impact of winning last year's competition on the province, and their plans to defend the title. “We've done a lot in our community to boost numbers and grow rugby within the valleys, but to have the icing on the cake and bring the Meads Cup home was fantastic for everybody involved." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you combine a love of design with a mind for business? For Ajaz Ahmed, it meant building one of the world’s most successful creative companies from scratch before starting all over again. Ajaz is the visionary founder of AKQA, the global digital agency that he grew to 5,000 staff across 30 countries. After three decades at the helm, he stepped down and launched Studio One, an agile new venture built for the AI age, where creativity is unleashed and hierarchy stripped back. Born in the Thames Valley and inspired by architecture from an early age, Ajaz began working at a software company as a teenager, driven by obsession with design and a fascination with business. His story is one of ambition, humility and reinvention. Listen in as Vince and Ajaz unpack the role of AI in creativity, the myth of scaling and mediocrity, and why having taste still matters more than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I was stabbed. And Jesus used those moments in intensive care to bring me to himself.” Listen in as Lewis hears Fran's story; from children's home, to Salvation Army, to Thames Valley police force, to serving our city's homeless community as Operations Manager of Eden Gate.

GB2RS News Sunday, the 30th of March 2025   The news headlines: RSGB AGM – your chance to ask the Board a question The RSGB has published new forms for exam question queries The April Tonight@8 webinar – using a glue stick in a homemade 40m receiver Do you have a question about the RSGB's strategy? Perhaps you have a query about recent licence changes? Or maybe you'd like to understand more about membership growth? Whatever the topic, the Society is asking you to get in touch. RSGB Board members will be answering your questions during the RSGB 2025 AGM on Saturday, the 12th of April. You can submit your question in three ways; live via Zoom, send a written question in advance, or during the live chat on the day. If you'd like to ask a question about the formal part of the AGM, you'll need to do this via Zoom or by submitting a written question in advance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discuss what matters to you. Your participation in the AGM is important, and the Society looks forward to hearing from you. Find out more about how to be involved and the deadlines for submitting questions by going to rsgb.org/agm As part of its modernisation of the exam systems, the RSGB has introduced online forms for reporting possible errors found in exam questions. These forms replace the current procedure of writing to the Exam Department. RSGB Examinations Standards Chair Tony Kent, G8PBH, explained that there are two forms. The first can only be submitted by exam candidates and is to formally challenge questions in actual exams, where the outcome of a challenge may affect a candidate's result. The second form can be submitted by anyone and is for informal queries of published exam questions, for example, in mock exams. A separate form is needed for each question that you challenge. Please check carefully that you are using the correct form, otherwise, it may delay the process. Your query will be considered by the RSGB Examinations and Syllabus Review Group, who will let you know the outcome. For more information and to find the forms, go to rsgb.org/exam-challenges The next webinar in the RSGB's Tonight@8 series will be with Nick Wood, M0NTV, on Monday, the 7th of April. Nick will show you how to use a regular glue stick housing in a rather novel way to form the basis of a variable tuning inductor in a homemade 40m receiver. After a brief description of a Direct Conversion Receiver and a short technical explanation of how it works, Nick will dive into four separate modules. At the end of the webinar, he will string it all together, and you'll be able to see some video footage of how it sounds and what it can do. 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. The RSGB is delighted to announce that Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, who is the current RSGB Youth Champion for Schools, is taking on the new position of RSGB Youth Chair. For now, Chris will continue to fulfil his Youth Champion for Schools role but will also take on more responsibilities by leading the Youth Champion team. Chris will work closely with the Board Liaison for Youth, and IARU Youth contacts, to help attract more UK youngsters to amateur radio. Find out more about youth activities by going to rsgb.org/youth If you live in Region 9, London and the Thames Valley, why not support fellow radio amateurs in your area? There are several volunteer vacancies within the region, including several District Representative positions, as well as the Regional Representative role. If you are passionate about amateur radio, enjoy talking with people, and want to give something back to the hobby, get in touch. Go to rsgb.org/volunteers to find out more, and then email the Regional Forum Chair Keith Bird, G4JED, via rr10@rsgb.org.uk SOS Radio Week is an annual event that celebrates the invaluable life-saving work of the volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National CoastWatch Institute and the independent lifeboats around the coasts of the British Isles and the Channel Islands. This year, the event starts at 0000 UTC on the 1st of May and concludes at 2359 UTC on the 31st of May. SOS Radio Week stations can be run by individuals or groups, from home or at a special location. To register, go to sosradioweek.org.uk This year's Mills on the Air weekend is taking place on the 10th and 11th of May. Find out more at tinyurl.com/millsontheair  or search Mills on the Air on Facebook. 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 Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hangar Sale is taking place on Sunday, the 6th of April at Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. Items on sale will include electronic equipment, amateur radio gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For further details, please go to hackgreen.co.uk  or email coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club QRP Convention is taking place on Saturday, the 12th of April at Digby Hall in Sherborne. Doors open at 9.30 am. The convention will include traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information, please visit the club's website at yeovil-arc.com Now the Special Event news The Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society, also known as RAFARS, will be holding its popular Airfields On The Air special event activity from the 1st of April. RAF Stations will be activated primarily during the 5th and 6th of April, as well as the 12th and 13th of April. More information can be found via rafars.org/rafaota The Polish Amateur Radio Union is celebrating 95 years since its founding, as well as the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. To mark the occasion, ten special event stations will be active between the 11th and 25th of April. Full details of the event, as well as details of available awards, can be found via Hamaward.cloud Now the DX news Alex, K6VHF/HR9 will again be active from the 30th of March until the 6th of April from Roatán island, IOTA reference NA-057. He'll be QRV on 80m to 6m using verticals, Hexbeam, Slopers and a Delta loop using FT8, FT4, SSB, RTTY and CW. QSL direct via K6VHF, OQRS Club Log, and Logbook of The World. Aldir, PY1SAD, is active again from Georgetown in Guyana as 8R1TM until the 26th of April. Aldir will be operating on all bands using CW, SSB, digital and satellite. QSL via eQSL and Logbook of The World. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 29th of March, and ends at 2359 UTC today, Sunday, the 30th of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 1st of April, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday, the 1st of April, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 2nd of April, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 2nd of April, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. The UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest is on Wednesday, the 2nd of April and runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The FT4 International Activity Day starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 5th of April and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 6th of April. Using FT4 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. The SP DX Contest starts at 1500 UTC on Saturday, the 5th of April and ends at 1500 UTC on Sunday, the 6th of April. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. SP stations also send their province code.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 27th of March 2025 Last week's space weather was dominated by a large coronal hole on the Sun. This was probably one of the largest we have seen for many years. Moderate, G2, geomagnetic storming was observed following the arrival of a solar wind stream from the hole, with the wind speed exceeding 600 km/s on Wednesday, the 26th. This pushed the Kp index to 6.33, depressing the MUF slightly. Luckily, the daytime MUF over a 3,000km path mostly stayed above 28 MHz, but it was slow to rise on Thursday, the 27th, when it took until 0900 UTC to reach 28 MHz. At the time of writing, the solar wind speed was more than 800km/s, so we can expect more disruption until at least Saturday, the 29th. Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 152 by Thursday, the 27th, with only four small sunspot regions visible. CDXC members have been discussing working New Zealand in the morning at the ZL sunset, often on low power. Listen and look for ZL4OL and ZL2CC, usually on FT8, but if conditions allow CW and SSB. 20m or 40m seems to be the favourite, and the VarAC data mode seems popular in ZL as well. Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will climb again, perhaps to 180 by the 4th of April. However, unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast again, beginning on the 3rd. We may expect the Kp index to reach six, which could be the start of at least ten days of disruption. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The overall picture for the weather patterns in the coming week is that of high pressure, which means that Tropo should be available as a good mode for VHF bands. There can be quite strong temperature inversions in the region of large well-developed areas of high pressure. The best performance will usually be around the edges of the high where the height of the inversion and ducting layer is typically between 0.5km and 2km above the ground, and can cover large distances for excellent DX prospects. Occasionally, a shallow ducting layer can form near the ground overnight but often disperses by mid-morning. If you are in a good inversion region, try SSB or CW on the VHF/UHF bands, as paths of up to 1,500km can often be achieved from a good ‘tropo lift'. The reverse side of the high-pressure systems is that we will have low pressure nearby, mainly to the north and west of the UK. Any potential for rain scatter will mainly be over northwestern Britain, although an active front that was moving south on Friday, the 28th of March, was a good candidate for chance rain scatter on the GHz bands. The prospects for meteor scatter are still largely dependent upon random meteors, which are usually best in the hours before dawn. Current solar activity will continue to trigger auroral alerts in the coming week. Now onto Sporadic-E, and last week we had a few out-of-season isolated foEs ‘blips' to between 5- 7 MHz, which was enough to produce propagation on 10m and 6m, albeit very fleetingly. There have already been some equinox-related 6m trans-equatorial propagation or TEP workable from the Southern part of the country, so keep an eye open late morning for Africa and late afternoon for South America.  EME path losses have continued to improve until perigee this morning, the 30th of March. Moon declination is still falling, and reached a minimum last Friday, the 28th. Moon windows will increase throughout the coming week. 144MHz sky noise is low, apart from Saturday the 29th when the Sun was close to the Moon in the sky, rising to moderate next Thursday before dropping back to low for the weekend. And that's all from the propagation team this week.  

The most celebrated victory of New Zealand's incredible sporting weekend may have been the one at a small rugby ground in Te Aroha

Introduction
 A new creation! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on ‘A new creation'. Today, the connection between being a new creation and change.  How do we change?
Before we can talk about change, we have to ask a question. Do we believe we can change? Do you believe you can change?
You might like to pause this recording and discuss this with your friends before going on. 1. God is the change-agent
“…are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NRSV) We are in an ongoing, life-long process of change. The glory we grow into is from the Lord, the Spirit. Spiritual change is challenging, but it is not all about us. God empowers the change, our part is to cooperate with him. If we fully accept that God is the change-agent, then we will have no difficulty believing that we can change. So, God changes us, but what is the goal? 2. Change goal
Is the goal transformation? Yes, but, what is the point of that transformation? What are we aiming at?  “…the goal of Christian spiritual formation is intimate, loving connection and relationship with the Trinity." The outcome of that is transformation.  John 17.3 ““This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” This understanding is important because if we aim too hard at transformation will become a slave to our growth and change hopes. In other words transformation could become an idol. Instead, we understand that the goal is a deep relationship with God, and we anticipate transformation, growth and change.  So, the goal is God, but how does this happen? 3. Jesus the transformer
Jesus was skilled and powerful at helping people be transformed.  * Take Peter.....from indisciplined mouth to effective preacher/teacher.  * Woman at the well. One encounter took her from shame-ridden outcast to greatest evangelist of her community. * Zacchaeus - corrupt thief to generous benefactor. * James & John - sons of thunder, restless, selfish ambition, harsh. Later, James was first disciple martyr, and John became the Apostle of love.  What happened? They all encountered Jesus in a way that freed them from remaining stuck where they were, as they were. That same hope for change is available today.  “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8.36 Valuing spiritual formation takes this promise seriously. We can learn to love and live well. "I dream of a day when spiritual formation has so saturated all who follow hard after Jesus that they become known to all as experts in how to live well. How to love a spouse well. How to raise children well. How to study well. How to face adversity well. How to run business and financial institutions well. How to form community life well. How to reach out to those on the margins well. And even how to die well." Richard Foster For reflection * In which area of spiritual growth do you sense God prompting you, and how can you cooperate with him? * How can you make sure your goal is a deep relationship with God, not the change that comes from him? * What does it mean to you that Jesus has come to set you free? Is it more than sin? If so, what does that look like? * How do you see Jesus transforming you and your friends today? What makes that more likely to happen? Next time we will go on to look at another aspect of change, focusing on how our relationship with Jesus is the key. Your brother, Malcolm Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Could you send me your questions or suggestions? Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God Grows His People”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review. "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License 
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Today we're talking to Simon Osamoh, who was a highly decorated detective in the UK investigating organized crime and doing counter-terrorism.  If you've ever had to container of liquid confiscated at the airport, then you're familiar with the results of Simon's work.  Today he's talking to us about communication and empathy, mentors in law enforcement and how the presence or absence of our fathers affects us.Music is by Chris Haugen and by the Mini VandalsHey Chaplain Podcast Episode 082Tags:Police, Communication, Detectives, Empathy, Fatherhood, Forgiveness, Friendship, Infiltration, Intimidation, Mentors, Organized Crime, Terrorism, Wire Tapping, Thames Valley, UKSupport the showThanks for Listening! And, as always, pray for peace in our city.Subscribe/Follow here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-chaplain/id1570155168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CGK9A3BmbFEUEnx3fYZOY Email us at: heychaplain44@gmail.comYou can help keep the show ad-free by buying me a coffee!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/heychaplain

'A New Thing' Class -- Peter, Thames Valley churches of Christ, February 2024 Apostle of hope - there is always hope for a new 'new thing' Introduction * Peter's life is an inspiring example of how God does not lose hope in us, and we do not need to lose hope in God * Whatever happens on our discipleship journey, God is always ready to grant us a new 'new thing'. 1. Peter's start - ““Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:8-11 NRSV) - ““Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.”” (Mark 8:27-29 NRSV) 2. Peter's fall - ““Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:59-62 NRSV)  3. Peter's restoration - “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”” (Mark 16:7 NRSV) - “Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:18-19 NRSV) 4. Peter's mission - “In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said,” (Acts 1:15 NRSV) - “But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them,” (Acts 2:14 NRSV) - “when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying,” (Acts 11:2-4 NRSV) - “The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them,” (Acts 15:6-7 NRSV) What does the story of Peter teach us? 1. Imperfect disciples are accepted: “the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” (Galatians 2:13 NRSV) 2. Imperfect disciples grow: Only perfect disciples do not need to grow! 3. Imperfect disciples do 'new things' 4. Imperfect disciples are used by God 5. Imperfect disciples get to heaven Conclusion "Peter is preeminently the apostle of hope, as Paul is the apostle of faith and John of love." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.
Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
It was in this way long ago that the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves by accepting the authority of their husbands.
but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you;” (1 Peter 1:3, 13, 21; 3:5, 15 NRSV) * Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5.5) * Our hope is in God and Christ, not ourselves"It is not the fact of life that determines hope, but the faith of life." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter * Therefore we have the courage to embrace new things sent from God * We become people who 'stand up', ready to be counted"This confident hope gives us the encouragement and enablement we need for daily living. It does not put us in a rocking chair where we complacently await the return of Jesus Christ. Instead it puts us in the marketplace, on the battlefield, where we keep on going when the burdens are heavy and the battles are hard. Hope is not a sedative; it is a shot of adrenaline, a blood transfusion. Like an anchor, our hope in Christ stabilises us in the storms of life (Heb 6.18-19), but unlike an anchor, our hope moves us forward, it does not hold us back." Weirsbe, Warren, Be Hopeful - commentary on 1 Peter
 Questions * What stands out to you from Peter's story? * How would you assess the quality of your hope at the moment? * How would you assess the quality of hope within your local group at the moment? * What would help you to develop a stronger hope? * How would a stronger hope help you to embrace the 'new thing' that God is revealing to you and your church? Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

Fish, teenagers, and Amadou Mbengue are spotted up trees this week, as the Thames Valley derby sees more police than home fans in attendance. Ben and Ross run through another battling point on the road and battle themselves with a bulging mailbag.  There's also a returning mention of the Stevenage manager's dog. So that's nice... Thanks as always to our friends ZCZ Films for helping keep the lights on.   Follow The Tilehurst End on Twitter @TheTilehurstEnd Follow Ross on Twitter @WebberRoss Follow Ben on Twitter @Mrblthomas

Abraham's New Thing relationship with God, Thames Valley churches of Christ, January 2024, Genesis 18  ‘A New Thing' Series Class 2 — Abraham Introduction * When studying Abraham we often focus on the promises, the blessings and the sacrifice of Isaac * This class will focus on the newness within Abraham's relationship with God * Genesis 18.16-33 1. God Trusts Abraham * He reveals himself * He accepts hospitality * He reveals his plans * He practices ‘vulnerability' * Leads to a ‘partnership' with Abraham - a new thing     * ‘he was no yes-man but a true partner.' Tyndale * Jesus treats us as ‘friends': John 15.15
 * Do you sense God trusts you? * What helps you believe Jesus sees you as his friend? * He made himself vulnerable to draw us to him -Philippians 2:5-8 NRSV * - 'Vulnerability begets vulnerability; courage is contagious.' Daring Greatly, Brene Brown * * ‘Point of Grace' song, ‘He believes in you' — ,     * The story behind the song: https://youtu.be/fh_tdLFe67k?si=8TxCF76pHKe_fv1l     * YouTube version of the song: https://youtu.be/ZA3jPIHnsIc?si=bjgbvRbybPm2orEW     * Song lyrics below 2. Abraham Trust God * He trusts God will listen * He trusts he can reason with God - respectfully
- Contrast with Job: Job 38:1-5 NIV11 * 
Genesis 18:23-26 NIV11 * This is not haggling, but exploring * Parallels with Jesus and the Greek woman Mark 7:26-30 NIV11 Conclusion What does Abraham learn? * God cares about people * God wants to include him in his plans * God listens to him What do we learn? * The importance of trusting that God wants to hear from us
“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2 NIV11) * “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.” (Revelation 5:8 NIV11) * The value in taking issues to God in prayer and exploring them with him Questions for reflection and discussion * What does it mean to you to talk to your Heavenly Father like a friend? * What barriers exist to prevent that, and what can you do about it? * What inspires your trust in God that he loves to be with you in your prayers? * What is your main take-away from reflecting on Abraham's ‘new thing' relationship with God, and how will you make it part of your relationship with God? He Believes in You Song by Point of Grace You're not hearing the answers you've been praying for
You try and try, can't find an open door
You're not seeing the miracles not a one in sight
And the way you feel you sure need one tonight Your faith is crumbling, your feet are stumbling
It's so hard to believe in Him But He believes in you when you're at your weakest
And hope's still burning through the night but you can't see it
You know in your heart He loves you
But in those moments when you can't believe it's true
He believes in you Chin deep in the water you tried walking on
And you reach for Him and you think He's gone
He's still there beside you with His stubborn love
No, He never left and He won't give up He will protect you until you're rescued
Oh, there's nothing that He can't do 'Cause He believes in you when you're at your weakest
And hope's still burning through the night but you can't see it
You know in your heart He loves you
But in those moments when you can't believe it's true
He believes in you You know in your heart He loves you
But at those moments when you can't believe it's true
He believes in you
He believes in you, He believes in you He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  God bless, Malcolm

God is not static. He is involved in his creation. He is actively healing, redeeming and transforming the world and its people. In other words, he is always doing ‘a new thing'. These daily devotional podcasts accompany the teaching and preaching series of the same title for the Thames Valley churches of Christ and the Watford church of Christ. The title of our series comes from this Scripture in the book of Isaiah: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NRSV) Isaiah reveals God's plan for his people. They will not remain in exile forever. A return to the promised land is prophesied. The people in exile felt a mixture of fear and excitement. For some, living in exile had become comfortable. To uproot and return would be difficult. For others, it was the fulfilment of decades of prayerful expectation. The section of Scripture parallels the exodus with the return from exile. Leaving one land for another. Going on a difficult and dangerous journey. Leaving the familiar for the unknown. Having to trust God for provision. Pursued and surrounded by enemies.  Perhaps you can relate to this challenge. The Christian life is one where we are secure in God, but always learning, growing and journeying towards something better. Moving forward and growing is exciting, but disturbing. There is a need to let go of old things, not to say they weren't useful — they taught us things and we should remember those lessons — but we do not live in the past. We are moving forward in time and maturity towards being with God for ever and growing more and more into the likeness of his son, Jesus. As we enter a new year God surely has plans to do new things in us and among us. What those are we may not yet know. But we can be sure they will be revealed as the year progresses. In this series we are seeking to learn from the great men and women of faith in Scripture who encountered something new, were called to something new, took on something new, and left lessons in faith for us who follow after them. Why not take a moment to pray and reflect on what you hope to get from his series?  Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org. If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org. Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. Conclusion I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.  God bless, Malcolm "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ben's nowhere to be found this week so Ross brings in Tilehurst End Writer Bobbins to dissect two home games against promotion chasing opposition.  There's discussion of the small matter of a first league Thames Valley derby in 20 years, as well as Barnsley coverage, and discussion about Knibbs, Button, and Abbey's seasons so far.  A big thanks to our friends at ZCZ Films for sponsoring the podcast. Follow The Tilehurst End on Twitter @thetilehurstend Follow Bobbins on Twitter @Ohbobbins Follow Ross on Twitter @WebberRoss

Introduction “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NRSV) 2024 is round the corner. We have the opportunity to prepare spiritually for the upcoming 12 months. Just as we reflect on the past year, looking forward with faith and intentionality can deepen our relationship with God and guide our journey ahead. In Philippians 3:14, Paul encourages us to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." In this class, we'll explore two ideas to help you and your group prepare spiritually for the next 12 months. We are going to do this today by looking at two sets of words that come up more than once in Scripture: Grace, mercy and peace; faith, hope and love. 1. Relationship with God It is healthy to focus on our relationship with God before we attempt to achieve anything for him. Has God been getting your attention in an area of connection with him? Consider the three words grace, mercy and peace. We see them grouped together three times in the New Testament. The references are below: “To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith:   Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” “To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love.” (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 John 1:3 NRSV) Paul and John wish for their readers to experience God's grace, mercy and peace. These divine gifts come from God and Jesus. The world is in desperate need of grace, mercy and peace these days! Our groups need them, and we need them personally. These qualities are not things we can manufacture ourselves. They are donated to us by a generous God. Are you enjoying God's grace? Are you experiencing his mercy? Are you wrapped up securely in his peace? These questions are relevant because we struggle with fear, guilt and anxiety.  Do you sense that your group could grow in experiencing one of these gifts? What about you yourself? Might it be a good idea to make one of these areas a focus of prayer and Bible study for you and/or your group? Perhaps you could take some special time to pray about God's grace, his mercy and his peace. 2. Areas of Growth Once we have looked at our relationship with God, we are ready to think about growing in the way that we express that relationship with God in how we live. Let's consider another grouping of three words that comes up three times in the New Testament. These are the words faith, hope and love. The references are below: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8) These three words connect to our relationship with God as well as our activities in the world. However, I would like to focus on their outward expression as written in 1 Thessalonians 1:3.  Once we have a good grasp on the grace, mercy and peace of God in Christ, we have a full fuel tank to supply our life of discipleship.  That discipleship is expressed in work, labour and endurance inspired by faith, hope and love.  The questions to discuss in your group could be, “Our works of faith in 2024 could look like…", "Our labours of love in 2024 could look like…", “Our endurance inspired by hope in 2024 could look like…"  Take some time to pray and brainstorm together with God as to how you can excel in loving labours, faithful works, and hope-filled endurance. Are these areas worthy of Bible study and focused prayer?  Conclusion It appears to be rare that God gives an individual or any group specificity of vision and tasks to be undertaken in the year ahead. Instead, what we tend to see is that when people are inspired by the grace, mercy and peace of God, and then, from that firm foundation, they set themselves devotedly to working by faith, labouring by love, and enduring by hope, God reveals his will and his plans at his time and place of choosing. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

All week we're taking the temperature of the COP 28 climate summit in Dubai. While there's been criticism of attendance by oil, coal and gas industries, for the first time food production and distribution have also been on the agenda.  Farmers around the world have experienced the impact of extreme weather on their production - it's just one of the reasons why food prices across the globe have risen. A report by the think-tank The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, shows climate change, coupled with the energy crisis, has pushed up the UK's food bill by £17 billion since 2021.  We report from a farm in Surrey where a change in climate has made food production more costly and speak to a professor of agriculture and food systems at the University of Edinburgh who's just back from the COP28 summitPolice in the Thames Valley have bought off-road motorbikes to help them chase criminals across fields and green lanes, and other places where cars can't go. The force has invested £120,000 in three bikes and other equipment that can be used in hard-to-reach hotspots.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Reflect, Renew, and Rejoice: A Spiritual Review of the Last 12 Months for Christians and Christian Groups Introduction “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NRSV) As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time for us to conduct a spiritual review of the past 12 months. Reflecting on our personal and congregational spiritual journey can deepen our relationship with God, provide valuable insights, and help us discern to will of the Spirit for the future. In this class, we'll explore two ideas for conducting a spiritual review that will help you and your local group to grow in Christ. Before we dig in to those three areas, we might take a moment to consider if this kind of reflection has Scriptural warrant. I believe it does. For example, Paul's letters are tools of the Spirit to help the congregations he writes to reflect on their spirituality, what God has been teaching them, and their direction for the future. We see the same in the sermons to the churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.  As an example, take this passage in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 “But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labour among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 NRSV) We will not go into all the issues here, but we can see Paul asking the Thessalonians to reflect on their attitude to leaders and the weak, on their response when people harm them and their gratitude to God. It is with this perspective in mind that we will go on to examine two specific areas for review. 1. Embrace Gratitude: Counting Blessings and Lessons Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that can transform our outlook on life. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus — “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NRSV) Consider David in the Psalms, where he expressed his gratitude for God's blessings even in the midst of challenges — “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalm 103:2-5 NRSV) Take time to discuss and write down all the ways you have seen God's hand at work over the last 12 months. Do this for your personal life and for your group. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for all he has done, his support, and his loving presence through all the ups and downs.  Some examples relevant to me include the gift of a granddaughter, the arrival of TJ and Sonia Masilamani in Thames Valley and a young man called Nana getting baptised into Christ in the Watford church. 2. Honest Self-Reflection: Acknowledge Failures and Seek Forgiveness Honest self-reflection is a crucial aspect of any spiritual review. In Psalm 139:23-24, David prays, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."  One way to conduct an evaluation for yourself and your group is to discuss three crucial areas of the Christian life: Faith, hope and love. These key qualities are mentioned many times in the New Testament, and all three show up together in the passages below: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” “…remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8 NRSV) You could discuss the following questions: How is my/our faith (loyalty-trust in God) How is my/our hope (in Christ) How is my/our love (for God, one-another, the vulnerable and the lost) Conclusion We will talk about the future more next time, but after embracing gratitude and some honest self-reflection, we will be in a good place to set some spiritual areas of focus. Consider Paul's heart. He had a consistent spiritual-growth-spirit. In Philippians 3:13-14, he writes, “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” His desire was greater and greater Christlikeness as the years went by. Again, we will explore this further in the following class, but for now, why not pray about what God is revealing for you and your local group? Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm 

Today we look at the ninth chapter of Haddon Robinson's excellent book. How is our thinking ‘dressed'? Have you ever dressed inappropriately for an event you went to? It sends the wrong signals, confuses the observers, and embarrasses the wearer. Lessons that are badly dressed draw attention to the confused thought that led to this error. What do we mean by dressing a lesson? Haddon Robinson gives us the following subtitles to the chapter:  Strong transitions A clear style: a clear outline; short sentences; simple sentence structure; simple words A direct and personal style A vivid style I won't comment on all of these because Haddon Robinson does it much better in his book, but I will highlight a couple of points. Transitions Why do clear transitions matter? The matter because a listener needs stronger clues about the direction of thinking than a reader. Someone reading a text can see the transition in front of them. They can re-read the document and observe the transition. In a lesson the listener needs clear audible prompting to notice the connection between your points. A strong transition makes a big difference. In the New Testament we often see words like "therefore”. The placing of these words is significant, especially given that these letters were read out and most people would not read them on the scrolls, but hear them spoken. A good example is found in the book of Romans. After discussing the theological foundation of salvation in the previous chapters, Paul transitions to a practical application of living a transformed life in Romans 12:1-2. He states, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." The use of "therefore" signals a shift from doctrinal exposition to the imperative of a transformed lifestyle, linking the theological understanding with practical implications for Christian living. Your congregation will keep pace with you if you link your points with transitions. Otherwise, if you jump from one point to another without transition they will be trying to link your points in their own head — thus their attention will be taken away from what you are saying. Let's take an example from Jesus. After teaching on the impossibility of serving two masters in Matthew 6:24, he gives his audience a "therefore", and goes on to explain more about his point. See Matthew 6:25 and following. Style Style should be personal, but also vary according to context. While all my sermons are ‘Malcolm' sermons, they vary in style. For example, my sermons in Thames Valley have less interactivity than my sermons in Watford. The reason is the size of the group as well as the shape of the rooms in which we meet. Do you have a style? When you're starting, it's not so important. But as time goes by, there should be something distinctive about your style. Not for the sake of it, but because it reflects your personality and your context. Consider the difference between the majestic style of Isaiah and the more emotionally charged style of Jeremiah — appropriate to who they were, but also to their circumstances. Clarity Whatever your style, it is important that it enhances clarity in your message.  Does your message flow in a clear direction? Do your sub-points make your overall point clearer? Do your transitions link your points to create clarity? What about your illustrations?  How do we develop clarity? The first step is to write out your outline. The next step is to pray through that outline. In the week before a sermon I go for a walk in the woods and speak the outline out loud. It soon becomes clear whether it makes sense or not. I also rehearse the illustrations. This is not so that I speak them the same way word for word when I deliver the lesson, but to reveal whether the illustration itself creates clarity, and whether the way I am sharing it will be clear or not. These exercises show me how to refine the points and the illustrations for more vivid impact.  Conclusion Test your transitions. Are they helping your audience think along with you? Develop your style. Make the lesson your own, allow your context and personality to influence your style. Check for clarity. Dress and re-dress your sermon until clarity is achieved Why not consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our current module is Homiletics (the preparation and delivery of lessons). Contact us here with enquiries: courses@aimukandireland.com   The website can be found here: https://aimukandireland.com   Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching. God bless, Malcolm

Class 3 - Supplication: How to Convince God to hear Your Prayers In this short series we are exploring how our security in the Father enables our willing submission to him and what difference that makes to our prayers. In the first episode we talked about the way in which we hear our Father's voice. We considered the example of Jesus, and took inspiration from his ability to hear his Father's voice in passages like: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 NIV11) In the second episode we tackled the topic of submission. Although submission is challenging to practice, it is so much easier when we are convinced of our heavenly Father's unconditional love for us. Jesus was the ultimate super-submissive son, setting us an example by wrestling in Gethsemane and going to the cross — not because he felt like it, but because it was the will of his Father. Jesus humbly surrendered to the Father's plan, saying, “not as I will, but as you will.” His submission demonstrated the depth of His trust in God's wisdom and divine purpose. What does this mean for our own prayer-life? Today we will explore the meaning of this text: “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10 NRSV) Point of clarification You will notice that the NRSV translation uses the word ‘supplication'. What does that mean? The Greek word is ἱκετηρία, meaning ‘request'. We find it in other passages such as Philippians 4:6–7 and 1 Timothy 2:1. Supplication is a fancy word for ‘request'. Could requesting things from God be dangerous? Might we stray into a selfish focus to our prayers? Could praying become the presentation of our shopping list to God? That is possible, but does not need to be the case. If we have first grasped our security in God and moved to a place of willing submission to his will we will be praying because we trust he cares and has our best interests at heart - whatever the outcome. We are talking about telling God what we need and what we perceive other people need. With these thoughts in mind, let's consider the example of Jesus. Jesus and Supplication Supplication is meaningful because it is built on security with God and submission to God's will. Jesus demonstrates this in his life as summarised by this verse, “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Hebrews 5:7 NRSV). Jesus knew God had the power to save him, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”(Matthew 26:53 NIV11), and trusted him even though it was not appropriate for the Father to supply those angels. How did Jesus manage this? Because his security with God was unshakeable and his submission to God was unbreakable. I believe the way his prayer was heard was in that God gave him the strength to endure his will for Jesus — to go to the cross. Security and submission set us up magnificently to present our requests to God. Jesus taught his followers to expect answers to prayer, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”” (Matthew 21:22 NIV11) Paul encouraged us to tell God what we need, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”(Philippians 4:6 NIV11) Conclusion To state it again — the security and submission of Jesus made his supplications effective. Do you wonder why your prayers are not answered? Perhaps, only perhaps but it is worth reflecting on this, it is because you are lacking in submission to God's will. Questions for reflection - Do you tell God what you need?  - Are you requesting his work in the lives of people you care about?  - What holds you back from making your supplications to God? Next time we will wrap up the series and put it all together — security, submission and supplication. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  God bless, Malcolm You've found an upload from the Thames Valley churches of Christ. Thank you for watching this video. If you'd like to know more go to www.thamesvalley.church where you'll find news, information, resources and much more.

A teaching class for the Thames Valley churches of Christ. Class 1 - Security: Finding Strength From Hearing the Father's Voice In this short series we will explore how our security in the Father enables our willing submission to him. The critical issue before us today is the way in which we hear Father's voice. We may intellectually understand many things with our mind, but it is the voice in our head which so often controls our feelings and our behaviour. Which voice dominates in your head at the moment? Do you find it easy or hard to hear the Father's voice? Perhaps you even think it's rather weird to expect such a thing. However, let us consider the example of Jesus. Can you imagine how he felt when he heard this on the occasion of his baptism, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 NIV11).  That incident was not the only time. Consider what happened on the mountain, “Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”” (Mark 9:7 NIV11) It is true that Jesus was unique, and that Scripture does not mandate that we hear the voice of the Father audibly. However, we do have the same kind of relationship with the Father that Jesus had. We are authorised — nay — encouraged to trust in an identical quality of relationship with the Father that Jesus enjoyed, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”” (Romans 8:15 NIV11) And again, “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.”” (Galatians 4:6 NIV11) By the way, this should not be seen as an exclusively male issue. The word ‘son' is important because in that culture it conveyed the idea of inheritance. In that day it was the male son who inherited from the father. It is this which we are meant to see in the father-son relationship between our heavenly Father and Jesus, not anything else. The strength of his connection with the father enabled him to endure one of his darkest moments. Even then, he was able to use the more intimate form of address — ‘abba'. ““Abba , Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”” (Mark 14:36 NIV11) Jesus lived a life of submission to the Father because he experienced the loving acceptance of his Father. We will live healthier lives of discipleship when we connect with that same love in our times of quiet with God. Michael Lewis and his voice impact on my ability to pass a crucial piano exam. Questions for reflection - How do you honestly feel about the idea of listening for the Father's voice? - What is it about example of Jesus which is relevant and attractive to you? - If you want to hear more of the Father's voice, how will that happen? Next time we will go on to look at how Jesus' security in the Father's love enabled his willing submission to the Father's will. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

Ripper circles high above the shed. The tip of her right wing is torn but this doesn't affect the majesty of her high level soaring. She shares the same airspace with another two Red Kites. Beautiful melodies flow out of the open windows and up into the cool evening air. The spellbinding sounds mingle with the birds as they mock the airplanes with their natural mastery of flight above the Thames Valley, Oxford city and the suburbs. Warren is lifted up high with Brian, Jon and Oli as they play three songs from their eagerly anticipated new album as well as two more along with delightful conversation. A joyous gathering somewhere between the earth and the sky. Here we are at home with one of Oxford's finest bands. Their new album Dig The Mountain! is out on 6 October 2023. Find out more about STORNOWAY on the website: https://www.stornowayband.com, on Instagram: @stornowayband. Photos from the session are on Instagram: @shedtreasures Thank you for listening.

You have found a teaching class for the Thames Valley churches of Christ. This week we take one of Douglas Jacoby's lessons and add some questions to facilitate personal and group reflection on the message of the challenging book of Jude. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

You have found a teaching class for the Thames Valley churches of Christ. This week we take one of Douglas Jacoby's lessons and add some questions to facilitate personal and group reflection on the message of the wonderful little book of Philemon. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

This is a very Thames Valley specific class series, but the principles will apply elsewhere. Nothing is broken, but that does not mean we should not strengthen what we have because greater strain is coming in the future. When unity is unattended to, it does become weaker. These classes will discuss attitudes and actions that can strengthen our unity. If you have not listened to the sermon from a recent Sunday I suggest you do so. Today's class is focussed on building unity between our groups. The pdf with notes and scripture references can be found here: https://www.malcolmcox.org/complete-unity-class-2-how-churches-are-unified-with-one-another/  Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

In this sermon for the Thames Valley churches of Christ, we explore the significance of unity to Jesus and our part in it.  Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

Introduction This is a very Thames Valley specific class series, but the principles will apply elsewhere. Nothing is broken, but that does not mean we should not strengthen what we have because greater strain is coming in the future. When unity is unattended to, it does become weaker. These classes will discuss attitudes and actions that can strengthen our unity. If you have not listened to the sermon from last Sunday I suggest you do so. Today's class is focussed on building unity in our local group. Next time we will discuss unity between groups. 1. Jesus Prays for unity “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22–23 NIV11) Teaches on unity ““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” (John 13:34–35 NIV11) Works to promote unity..... Example 1 “They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”” (Mark 9:33–37 NIV11) See also vv 14,16 The disciples react to Jesus attempting to help them be honest by going quiet. No one has the conviction or purity of heart to confess on behalf of the group. Timing and location matter Example 2 “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don't know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:35–45 NIV11) We are one chapter further on and they still need help. Unity is never 'finished'. 2. The Early Church Example 1 “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:1–7 NIV11) Leadership listened Involved everyone Understood limitations Discussion Prayer Example 2 - (Romans 12:3–8 NIV11) Discover gifts - often more obvious to others than oneself Use those gifts for the benefit of the body Conclusion All about trust Built by love Built by respect Built be honesty Questions Any un-dealt with tensions in your group? What is the next significant decision in your group? How will you approach it to ensure maximum unity? How can you help each other play their part? Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

We released our three part series back in 2021. A major contribution to our review, research and ultimately the podcast was from Monika's younger sister, Erika. We've kept in touch with Erika since that time. So we were delighted when she announced she would be visiting the UK with her husband, Tom.Another contributor to that podcast series was Steve Thrift. He was a police officer with Thames Valley police back in the 1980's and met both Monika, who he found charming and delightful and Michael, a very unnerving person. Steve has now written a book about the case, ‘Telling Lies' and he too collaborated with Erika when researching the book.One sunny afternoon we met up with Erika, Tom and Steve in rural Buckinghamshire, the area where Monika had lived and where her promising young life had been cut short by the person who should have cherished her the most, Michael.Come with us to that meeting and the journey we went on, in order that Erika could walk in the footsteps of her beautiful sister, still so sadly missed._____________________See photos, case notes and bonus material at http://truecrimeinvestigators.co.uk/Researched and presented by John & Sally of True Crime Investigators UK. Produced and edited by the team at Carrotcruncher Media

The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries – from whispered warnings in folklore to pop culture-driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out. A witch has been created in the Thames Valley to protect a family from eviction. India explores the surprising historical relationship between the figure of the witch and the right to land. Scored with original music by The Big Moon. Presenter: India Rakusen Executive Producer: Alex Hollands Producer: Lucy Dearlove Producer: Elle Scott AP: Tatum Swithenbank Production Manager: Kerry Luter Sound Design: Olga Reed A Storyglass production for BBC Radio 4

It was a cold and frosty morning in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, on Friday, February 15th, 2019. Children across the country woke up excited because it was the last day of school before half term. For 19-year-old Leah Croucher, it was a day like any other. She got out of bed, got dressed and set off for work. Leah usually made the short journey on foot, but as 9 AM came and went, she never arrived. Her disappearance would spark a nationwide manhunt as her missing person posters were distributed far and wide. The exhaustive investigation would see officers from the Thames Valley police force trawling through thousands of hours of CCTV footage and knocking on the doors of more than 4,000 homes…*** LISTENER CAUTION IS ADVISED *** This episode was researched and written by Emily G. Thompson.Edited by Joel Porter at Dot Dot Dot Productions.Script editing, additional writing, illustrations and production direction by Rosanna FittonNarration, editing assistance, additional writing, and production direction by Benjamin Fitton.Listen to our companion podcast ‘They Walk Among America' here: https://play.acast.com/s/they-walk-among-americaBecome a ‘Patreon Producer' and get exclusive access to Season 1, early ad-free access to episodes, and your name in the podcast credits. Find out more here: https://www.patreon.com/TheyWalkAmongUsMore information and episode references can be found on our website https://theywalkamonguspodcast.comMUSIC: Recognize by Grant Borland Vanished by Wicked Cinema Allied by Wicked Cinema The Space Between by Chelsea McGough St Mary by Chelsea McGough and Stephen Keech Stasis Interrupted by Dresden the Flamingo Sussex by Stephen Keech Crescendo by Featherland Ripley by Falls Hold this Place by Alice Winter They Walk Among Us is part of the Acast Creator Network - https://www.acast.com/theywalkamongusSOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter - https://twitter.com/TWAU_PodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/theywalkamonguspodcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/theywalkamonguspodcastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/theywalkamongus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synopsis The late Australian composer Barrington Pheloung's music might not be familiar to concertgoers, but if you watch public television's Mystery series, you've probably heard a lot of his work. Pheloung composed music for the British Inspector Morse TV series, chronicling the cases of a Thames Valley police inspector and his loyal assistant, Robbie Lewis, and once explained how he came up with the haunting “Inspector Morse” theme: “Morse is a very melancholic character ... and he was a lover of classical music ... He has a very cryptic mind and loves doing crosswords; we came up with the obvious idea – his name is Morse and so we used Morse code in the [theme] music.” Pheloung said the tapped code for M-O-R-S-E created a rhythm and even suggested a harmonic structure: “I picked up my guitar and there was the tune.” Barrington Pheloung was born on today's date in 1954 in Sydney, Australia, played drums and guitar as a kid, discovered Bach as a teen, and ended up earning a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London. He composed music for dance, films, and TV, including “Lewis,” the sequel to the successful Inspector Morse series. Music Played in Today's Program Barrington Pheloung (1954-2019) Theme (From "Inspector Morse") The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra; James Fitzpatrick, conductor Silva Screen Records 4729

In this week's “How do you Say That?!”, David Vickery joins Mark and Sam to talk about TV continuity, what to do when a producer just wants it "flatter", how to produce a miniscule laugh on demand and we enter the dramatic world of Jekyll & Hyde.Our VO question this week is all about how to break into new voiceover genres.We'd love you to join in and send us your version of one of the reads in today's show – just pop it onto an mp3 and send it to podcast@britishvoiceover.co.ukScript 1The powders were neatly enough made up, and when I opened one of the wrappers, I found the simple crystalline salt of a pure white colour. The phial, to which I next turned my attention, was filled with yellowish, translucent liquor, which was highly pungent to the sense of smell and contained phosphorus and other volatile ether. This journal, little more than an ordinary book, contains everything. It covers many years, and is filled with equations, formulas and notations of the foremost philosophers in history. Here and there a brief remark is appended to a date, usually no more than a single word: and once very early in the list and followed by several marks of exclamation, "total failure!!!”Script 2It's time to review your financial planning for 2023….Are you paying too much tax on your investment income?What's the best way to transfer wealth to your family?How can you make the most of your pensions?Tomkin Shards specialises in holistic financial planning. We'll be happy to review your wealth management for 2023 and beyond. Get in touch today. TomkinShards.com. —————– Listen to all of our podcasts here ——————About our guest: David Vickery was a young DJ on Capital Radio in 1973, freelanced at Radio 210 Thames Valley and did a post graduate in acting at Welsh College of Music and Drama. He became a Channel 4 continuity announcer in 1984. After many years in continuity he started presenting late nights on TVS - he launched Channel 5, and now can be found as an announcer on BBC2 and BBC4. He's voiced around two and a half thousand documentaries and nowadays he plays croquet, which he says lets him come up for air outside the studio! David's Website @TheDavidVickery on Twitter @davidvickerysilvervox on Instagram Mark's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/britishvoiceovermarkSam's demos & contact details: https://linktr.ee/samanthaboffinMentioned in this episode:The one with the Teeny Tiny Laughter!

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

You have found a daily devotional podcast on 1 Thessalonians. These recordings accompany the teaching and preaching series for the Thames Valley and Watford churches of Christ. The brief devotionals are aimed at encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV11 More notes, lessons and resources can be found here:  www.malcolmcox.org “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm

Thames Valley Civil Defence controller Garry Towler explains the sutuation.