We’re in Findon, where back in 2017 the Community, at remarkable speed, pulled together, when overnight their village shop could have disappeared… They raised the money, bought it back, and reopened it, not just as a shop, but as a community-owned hub.

Today, it’s powered largely by a brilliantly committed group of volunteers. The place hums with life and warmth and yes, there’s milk and bread, but there’s also conversation, connection, and a real sense of belonging. Most people probably signed up to help “for an hour or two” and somehow became part of something much bigger. 

And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The shop even picked up the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - a pretty special recognition for a pretty special community.

If you’re inspired, why not get involved? Whether it’s lending a hand as a volunteer or becoming a shareholder, this is a story that proves a little community spirit can go a very long way.

🎙️Spot the 'deliberate' mistake! In a moment of podcasting genius, I promoted Angus to retiree status. The honour really belongs to Julian. Sorry Julian. 😊

AND if you didn't know about them and need some support and guidance Plunkett UK are there to help!

Home - Findon Village Store

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Hearing voices or seeing things others don’t is something many people misunderstand. In this episode, we explore a different view-that these experiences can be meaningful, and often make sense in the context of someone’s life.

We talk about how extreme mental states can be a human response to difficult or overwhelming situations, and how people can learn to live with and even grow from these experiences.

Trevor joins us with years of experience in social psychiatry. He’s worked closely with the Hearing Voices and Recovery movements, supporting people to understand their experiences rather than simply trying to shut them down.

He’s set up Hearing Voices Groups in Denmark and beyond, creating spaces where people can share, reflect, and find their own meaning.

The focus throughout is on building new relationships with these experiences, ones that support confidence, choice, and hope.

For further information please use the following links. 

Hearing Voices – Independent Voice Hearing Consultant Trevor Eyles

Trevor Eyles - Compassionate Mental Health

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Through its SSWIM (Supporting Social Work in Malawi) project, Children and Families International Foundation (CFIF) works alongside social work practitioners and academics to share experience in practice, teaching and research with colleagues in Malawi. All involvement is guided by the priorities identified by Malawian social workers themselves and rooted in partnership, mutual respect and shared learning. The work values local knowledge, culture and leadership, while remaining mindful of historical contexts. SSWIM’s focus is on supporting a strong, skilled and sustainable social work profession in Malawi, grounded in human rights, social justice and long‑term change.

The conversation centres on the values of partnership, sustainability and long‑term change, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by social workers in Malawi alongside the resilience, leadership and commitment that continue to shape the profession. If you’d like to learn more or support this work, visit childrenandfamiliesinternationalfoundation.org.uk and to view the SSWIM interviews with social workers in Malawi visit 

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Who are the people who shape our lives — and the stories we carry with them?

In this episode, Margaret shares a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation with Jo, about William. someone clearly loved and valued.

Through this story, we explore family, connection, and the moments that stay with us. It’s a reflection on what matters most, told with honesty, warmth, and care, living life one step at a time and how loving William has reshaped Jo's heart, broadened her world, and led her, gratefully to who she was always meant to be.  

👉 A gentle and meaningful episode for anyone who values real-life stories, family connections, and the power of shared experience.

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In this episode, Margaret shines a light on the volunteers who make local events possible. Through real stories and experiences, we hear why people give their time, what they gain in return, and how volunteering helps build stronger connections within communities.

From small roles to big responsibilities, this conversation celebrates the people who quietly keep things running.

👉 A reminder of the power of community and the importance of getting involved.

In our last episode, “Flock to Festival,” we traced how the Sheep Fair began and how, over time, it’s been shaped by the people who care for it. 
This time, we’re turning the microphone toward the Volunteers: the friendly faces who appear exactly when you need them, often with a cup of tea, a laugh, and that quiet “mucking in” spirit that keeps the whole day moving. 

You’ll hear real stories from the Community and why people step forward, what surprised them, and how volunteering can build confidence, friendships, and a genuine sense of connection. 
Whether you’re young or old, new to the area, or simply curious, there’s a role with your name on it: a couple of hours pointing cars, answering questions, helping behind the scenes, even rocking a high-vis jacket with a clipboard. 

For the Sheep Fair to thrive for decades to come, it can’t rely on the same small group it needs an army of helping hands. 
If you’ve ever wondered “Could I do that?” This episode is your gentle nudge to take the first step and be part of something bigger.

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Margaret sits down with Richard Hill MBE to explore the growth of disability cricket in the UK and the opportunities it is creating for players across the country.

From grassroots teams to elite competitions, this conversation highlights how cricket is becoming more accessible and inclusive, offering not just sport, but confidence, purpose, and belonging.

Disability cricket is still relatively unknown and yet tens of thousands of people now take part across the UK, with the Disability Premier League and the ECB’s support England is leading the way. Talking with Richard Hill MBE who has been a pivotal figure in the advancement of disability cricket, we explore how cricket is becoming a place of belonging, opportunity, and ambition for players with physical, learning, and sensory disabilities.

👉 An inspiring insight into how sport can open doors and change lives.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) - The Official Website of the ECB

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In this episode, Margaret explores the story behind the Findon Sheep Fair, a village tradition that has evolved into a thriving community festival.

From its origins in livestock trading to the modern-day celebration of local culture, this conversation highlights the people, history, and spirit that continue to bring the community together.

👉 A warm and engaging look at how local traditions survive and why they still matter.

Sheep have been ambling into Findon for more than 300 years, and they’ve seen it all, auctions, admirers, and now the glamour of the sheep‑judging ring. The Southdown was once the undisputed star of the show, but as the years rolled on, other breeds joined the cast, and the traditional auction eventually became too small to keep going.

Findon, however, is a village with a wonderfully stubborn heart. Rather than let the tradition drift away, the community gathered itself, as villages do, and created the Findon Sheep Fair and Village Festival to keep the story alive. Each September, Nepcote Green fills once again with wool, laughter, and the gentle chaos that only sheep can bring.

What keeps it all going isn’t just the sheep, but the goodwill and elbow grease of volunteers, the people who set up pens, guide visitors, and occasionally negotiate with a determined ewe who has her own ideas about the day.

If you can spare a few hours over the weekend of the Fair, or in the days leading up to it, the team would be delighted to welcome you. It’s fun, it’s friendly, and you’ll be helping to keep a much‑loved village tradition very much alive.

To find out more or to put your hand up, wander over to: https://findonsheepfair.org.uk/

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What does it really mean when someone hears voices or experiences things others don’t?

In this episode, Margaret speaks with Trevor Eyles, who shares insight into a topic that is often misunderstood but more common than many people realise.

Together, they explore what it feels like to hear or see things others don’t, the impact this can have on daily life, and why greater understanding and openness are so important.

👉 A thoughtful and reassuring conversation for anyone curious about mental health, perception, and human experience.

For further information please use the following links. 

Hearing Voices – Independent Voice Hearing Consultant Trevor Eyles

Trevor Eyles - Compassionate Mental Health

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How does art capture memory, imagination, and emotion?

In this episode, Margaret speaks with artist and illustrator Jim Pilston about his creative process and the journey of bringing ideas to life through sculpture and design.

With a background in theatre design and illustration, Jim shares how his work often begins with a simple idea before evolving into something unexpected — sometimes an angel, a figure, or something entirely abstract. Together, they explore creativity, storytelling, and the role art plays in expressing personal experience.

👉 A thoughtful and imaginative conversation for anyone interested in art, creativity, and how ideas take shape.

To see more of Jim's work and learn more about him : Jim Pilston Instagram    

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In this episode, Margaret speaks with Cameron Cooper about his journey through cricket and the determination that has taken him beyond expectations.

From personal challenges to academic success and leadership on the field, this conversation explores resilience, ambition, and the role sport can play in shaping confidence and opportunity.

👉 An inspiring story about pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible.

Cameron had a successful season captaining Yorkshire’s D40 Quest Team in the National County Competition and I am sure you will agree he should be proud of that alone!! YorkshireCountyCricketClub 

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In this episode, I'm joined by Andy Salmon, aka Sir Linkalot, who says that we need to put an end to expressions like 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check', 'Rote learning', 'Pyramid writing' and 'Just learn it!'. Sir Linkalot is an award-winning app that helps children of all ages and abilities learn any fact, cross-curricular, by using the extremely powerful yet underused technique, a mnemonic. Or, as Andy likes to call it, a link. 

Having presented to over 150,000 children and 30,000 teachers at 700 schools since 2008, he will be telling us that we need to get students involved in the learning process for three reasons: 1) It encourages them to use their imagination 2) It instils confidence that they can achieve in school and beyond 3) It makes them feel part of a community

Andy is currently talking to three major broadcasters about an animated TV show for young children based on Sir Linkalot that will sit nicely alongside phonics-based programmes like Alphablocks. 

To find out more  Sir Linkalot taster video

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Margaret speaks with Anita Frost , author and founder of Green Bean Studios®  about the importance of play in early childhood and beyond.

Together, they explore how play supports development, creativity, and family connection — and why it remains essential even as technology becomes more embedded in our lives.

👉 A thoughtful conversation about childhood, learning, and the role of play in bringing people together.

Green Bean located in Manchester. have won several awards including Anita being named one of Britain’s Top Black Entrepreneurs | Business Live 2024.

Anita leads a team of talented professionals who have come together to create precious moments for children and families through a fun, educational range of books, toys, games and other music/TV productions! 

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How should we use technology with young children — and what impact does it really have on learning?

In this episode, Margaret speaks with Max Wainewright, an experienced educator and creator of award-winning educational software, about the role of technology in early years settings.

Drawing on years of experience developing tools for children and teachers, Max shares how technology can support creativity, engagement, and learning when used in the right way. Together, they explore how digital tools have evolved, the challenges faced by educators, and how to strike the right balance between technology and traditional play.

👉 A thoughtful conversation for teachers, parents, and anyone interested in early years education and the role of technology in children’s lives.

Max Wainewright has written dozens of educational books and software titles for children. His programs and websites have won a number of awards including BETT, ERA and Practical Pre-School Gold Awards. 

Max has led projects and created products for many companies and organisations including LEGO, Discovery Education, 2Simple (Max was a co-founder), The London Grid for Learning, Ladybird, OUP, Espresso and Hachette. He has worked as a school board Educational Technology Advisor and run teaching projects for the Ofsted. Max currently teaches Coding part-time in a London primary school. 

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In this episode, Margaret speaks with Chloe, an educator and founder of Cole Collective, about the growing conversation around digital wellbeing and young people. Drawing on years of experience working with students and families, Chloe shares practical insights into screen time, online habits, and how technology is shaping childhood today.

Together, they explore the challenges parents face, the risks of early smartphone use, and how families can build healthier digital boundaries.

👉 A thoughtful conversation for anyone navigating parenting, education, or life in the digital age.

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