Sounds of 2020

It has been tough to pick twelve tracks which represent my favourite 'Sounds of 2020', but these are my best attempt to do so. With a neurological condition that suppresses my immune system, like many, I have been shielding for most of the year. It has meant that the radio, and in particular, music has …

Down With The Kids – Polyhymns’ sound of parenthood and isolation in the digital age is with me in lockdown

I’ve tended to withdraw from social media to a great extent while I’ve been shielding during the lockdown. It was getting a bit too much. It’s no overstatement to say that music has been a real lifeline during the last couple of months, and one track in particular in recent days has done the business. …

“Earth Emotions – New Words for a New World” by Glenn A. Albrecht

“We’ve followed the science” parrots a politician from a daily press conference podium. Defending themselves against charges of inaction or incompetence, the same politician responds in a monotone voice, from a pre-scripted reply that “we’re straining every sinew”. Words are important, but what is crucial is what they really mean – what is behind them. …

“Daemon Voices: Essays on Storytelling” – by Philip Pullman

From that moment I first set eyes on the deep red hardback cover, and textured-like effect of the jackdaw artwork by John Lawrence evocative of the linocut works that have long stirred something in me, I knew I must have this book. Obviously, the content of the book was of more than a passing interest …

Sounds of 2019

It's that time of year when lists of favourite albums of the year, or 'Sounds of 2019' are compiled. This year, I've decided to put together two lists. The first is my 'Sounds of 2019' - albums released this year which I've been introduced to through tracks played on UK radio. A huge thanks to …

Sourdough September – the Power of Three!

I've written before (click here - Feb. 2019) about my love of 'real bread' and catching the sourdough baking bug. It signposts the recipes I trust most, as well as plenty of other useful links. This month has been designated 'Sourdough September' by the 'Real Bread Campaign', so before the month is through, I wanted …

Underland – a deep time journey

Our relationship with time, and our planet are as much the theme for Robert Macfarlane's latest book, "Underland" (Hamish Hamilton/Penguin Books, 2019), as is the more literal exploration of underground spaces in a variety of places around the globe. Reading the book could not have come at a more opportune moment for me. I'm finding …

What exactly is PR?

There was a really valuable post recently on the PR Place website ("Public relations for absolute beginners"), where Richard Bailey responded to a challenge about the need for the industry to get better at explaining what it actually is all about - and appealing to a wider cross-section of people who have yet to consider …

DJ culture

Chris is a DJ.  God, Annie is a superstar DJ.  Both are on the radio.  James on the other hand is a podcast presenter (although he is on the radio too).  Krishnan is a podcast presenter (and on the telly). Whatever the difference is between radio DJs and podcast presenters, podcasts provide an excellent long-form …

Hampshire Day – and the importance of ‘place’

I've been enthusiastically marking the first 'Hampshire Day' - established as the 15th July, which is also the feast day of St. Swithun, the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral. The day is meant to celebrate the diverse culture, tradition and history of communities across what is often referred to as 'the first shire'. It means …