Oxford Lives

Bill Spectre's award-winning Oxford Ghost Trail has been named as one of the ten best ghost tours in the world by Trip Advisor. Here we ask Bill (real name Bill Ritchie) the secrets of a successful ghost tour and why people are so drawn to ghost stories. We address some deep themes -  the supernatural, human consciousness and life after death. Bill also gives us a glimpse of his act, with a chilling story to make your blood run cold!

In this podcast we visit the MINI plant in Cowley to interview Jason and Tanya Field. Jason started as an apprentice on the plant thirty years ago and still works there as an IT/Telecoms engineer. It was here he met Tanya and both share a passion for the MINI brand, not to mention other classic cars. Here we learn about the history of the factory, Tanya’s love of British Leyland and her family connections to William Morris, not to mention The Italian Job. Special thanks to Steve Wrelton for facilitating this interview.

Stephen Hosking is facilitator for the Oxford OCD Support Group which meets twice a month at the Restore Centre in Manzil Way. Here Stephen discusses the nature of the illness, its treatment and the many misconceptions surrounding it. Stephen also tells us how the group works and outlines his responsibilities as group leader. For those who think they may have OCD or need support in this area, please contact ox.ocd.support@hotmail.com or call 07976 726803

Harley Evans and Susie Barker are a pair of East Oxford creatives who have lived and worked in the city for many years. As professional photographers and designers they have worked with many celebrity clients and photographed the weddings of the rich and famous. They are also successful business people having renovated and restored properties in Oxford and beyond. In this lively interview they talk about life in the city, photographing VIPs and their philosophy on women in business.

Margaret Bonfiglioli has lived in Oxford all her life. A few years ago, Margaret discovered that a Luis Vuitton trunk on her landing contained hundreds of family letters, most dating back to The First World War. The letters were published in book form as ‘Full of Hope and Fear- The Great War Letters of an Oxford Family’ (OUP).  Here Margaret talks about the process of putting the book together with editor James Munson, her life in Oxford, and touches on late husband, Kyril, creator of the Mortdecai novels.

One of folk music's most enduring icons, Peggy Seeger settled in Iffley Village in 2010. She has since been involved in local politics, most notably the campaign to save Temple Cowley Pool. Here, Peggy talks candidly about her life- her musical upbringing, involvement in the Folk Revival, marriage to Ewan MacColl, groundbreaking radio documentary work and time in Oxford. Peggy has just written a critically acclaimed memoir, ‘First Time Ever’- essential reading!

Internationally acclaimed slam poet, dramatist, musician, educator, force of nature. Steve is president of poetry slam competition heavyweights Hammer & Tongue, has toured two hugely successful one-man shows (N.ON.C.E. , TES) and advocates for Cyc du Soleil, a mobile pedal-powered/solar-powered sound and light system.  Always amusing and insightful, here Steve gives us his take on world affairs from Leeds United to the Environment and demonstrates his verbal virtuosity with two stunning pieces of spoken word.

Don Flanagan grew up in Ireland but moved to London in 1940. He experienced the Blitz and then served as a stoker with The Royal Navy in the Far East. After the war, he worked with the legendary Unity Theatre before moving to Oxford in 1964, serving as a lab technician at Brookes University until the late-Eighties. In this gripping podcast, Don provides a considered perspective on the social and historical changes he has witnessed in his long and varied life.

Melrose Fernandes has been teaching at Kings Oxford for 24 years. In a warm and lively interview, Melrose recollects her early years, fleeing with her family from Idi Amin’s Uganda, then settling in Rose Hill. We hear how she delivered papers to Graham Greene’s wife,  went to school with Martin Keown and met the Amish community. Finally, Melrose reflects on the changing cultures and shifting student dynamics during her time at Kings.

Benji Ming is a man with many strings to his bow.  Actor, author, model, tree surgeon, gardener…the list goes on. Here he talks about his early life and career, reflecting on football hooliganism and the Oi! Scene.  He discusses his lengthy acting career, working with experimental director Andrew Kötting, appearing in panto with Bobby Knutt and working as a ceilidh consultant on Paddington 2. Finally, Benji tells us about his magnificent debut novel, Santa Cull, a comedy-horror masterpiece.

Author, tour guide, businessman, traveller. Rob is a fascinating man with a strong Oxford presence. Here he reminisces on his idyllic Gloucestershire childhood, apprenticeship as a telephone engineer and work with the telecoms industry. Real ale, shoe shining. Catalonia’s bid for independence are just some of the topics discussed. Rob also reflects on his considerable writing career, in particular Oxford Rogues, examining the lives of ten disreputable gents associated with our historic city.

Drama theorist, theatre producer, film maker, translator, tour guide: Simon possesses a vast knowledge of art, culture and social structures. On this must-listen podcast, Simon waxes lyrical on several subjects close to his heart from Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello’s romantic obsessions to the ethos of the British public school system to the elitism of Oxford University colleges. He also addresses the painstaking process of adapting a one-act play for the screen.

Lizzy is director at Oxford-based theatre company UnderConstruction, specialising in site-based performance. Lizzy is also an associate artist with the Old Fire Station, directing Hidden Spire, a project combining Crisis members and professional actors. Here, Lizzy reflects on her Oxfordshire childhood and lifelong love of the arts. We learn why Oxford makes an ideal stage-set and the importance of place in drama. Lizzy also talks about her new project, 6 Women, celebrating the lives of Oxfordshire women.

Jeremy is the director of Arts at the Old Fire Station. Here, Jeremy tells us the ethos behind the OFS, explaining its remit to combine creative arts and support for the homeless community under one roof. Jeremy addresses the ongoing issue of funding and the constant balancing act of showcasing innovative theatre whilst covering costs. He also provides some excellent advice for aspiring artists and reflects on his love of Oxford- its international brand and cosmopolitan appeal. 

Bob Price is Oxford’s longest serving councillor, becoming leader of the City Council in 2008. In May of this year, he retires after 35 years of public service. Here, Bob reflects on his time in local government, his motivation for becoming a councillor and the role of a progressive council. An erudite and cultured man, Bob is involved heavily with the local arts scene and numerous community projects- he talks at length about his diverse interests from Pegasus Youth Theatre to cross-country running. 

Richard is a comedy writer for Radio 4’s The Now Show, The News Quiz and Dara Ó Briain’s Science Club. He recently wrote the screenplay for Foosball The Movie. His books have included Oxford Examined- Town and Clown, Oxford Student Pranks and Britain’s Most Eccentric Sports. Richard has written for publications as diverse as The Guardian, The Independent and The Oxford Times. He has also won National Football Writer of the Year for his work on Boston United Fanzine From Behind Your Fences.