Listen To Alfred

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred meets two former high-fliers who have travelled the world pursuing their passion for food before starting a grocery shop in Semley in June. Sam and Bill of Compton McRae share their story and their plans for the future. (00:27) Shaftesbury has hosted its first Death Café sessions. Organiser Nicola Donaldson explains what happens at the events and appeals for a new host venue. (11:17) Semley walking stick maker and coppicer Alex Huxley explains how his famous relatives encouraged his love of the countryside and inspired his interest in this ancient woodworking craft. (17:31) Home-Start North Dorset say that they have supported several families who feel isolated on the new Shaftesbury estate. Alfred hears how the charity helps new parents and why they are recruiting more volunteers. (25:26)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Family thanks Shaftesbury residents for their support following arson. We meet John and Sophie at their Gascoigne’s Lane smallholding. (00:26) The home-built Christmas decoration attracting sightseers to a Shaftesbury Close. Mark Oram shows us his incredible ‘tree’ lighting up Ridge Way. (10:47) Cha Cha Cha and a cuppa – Why locals love the Shaftesbury Tea Dance. Alfred calls into the Town Hall for Tony Hawkin’s popular event. (15:28) Motcombe’s Santa fundraising run beats its target with an increased turnout. (21:47) Festive tunes to fund new trees for Shaftesbury. Why Palida Choir is hosting a concert to bring in some cash. (28:22)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Why bakers home and abroad are buying flour milled near Shaftesbury. Michael Stoate takes us on a tour of Cann Mill, which features in the Domesday Book. (00:27) Little Giants achieving big things for Shaftesbury children with special needs. Alfred meets the volunteers at the Coppice Street Youth Club’s monthly event and hears why parents and children consider this such a vital service. (13:22) Special Branch – why Simon Burge, a former Metropolitan police anti-terrorism officer, started Christmas tree sales in Shaftesbury. (23:19) Alfred meets Emily Burridge. She’s played cello on hit pop albums, but this Shaftesbury musician is more passionate about fundraising for an Amazon tribe. (29:25)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Why Paul McCartney and Leo Sayer were amongst the celebrities who stopped at Shaftesbury’s 24-hour café in the 1960s. Alfred speaks with Mike Farrow. His family ran the business on the Sherborne Causeway. (00:27) Alfred meets the Glastonbury performers who will return to Park Walk to perform their jazz music from Easter. We chat with John Cockle and Richard Lonnon and hear some of the compliments the men have received for their summertime jazz sessions. (08:50) We meet the Shaftesbury singer who has been chosen as the voice of Coca Cola’s Christmas advert in Eastern Europe. (14:24) Motcombe explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell CBE founded Operation Raleigh. He shares his thoughts on climate change, Motcombe’s voles, Shaftesbury’s shop workers and explains how a joke shop purchase could save your life in the jungle. (18:37)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: The authors writing Danish bestsellers about Shaftesbury’s people and places. Alfred meets ‘The Danish Ladies’, Liv and Hanne, at home in our hilltop town. (00:27) After a number two hit single and bad experiences abroad, singer-songwriter Gordon Haskell strikes gold on our hill. We meet the experienced musician and hear about his love of Shaftesbury and his excitement about his new album. (09:41) One thousand years of Berwick St John’s history - in 45 minutes. Alfred enjoys the ‘soundscape’ starring one quarter of villagers. (21:39) Alfred strides out with Shaftesbury’s Nordic walkers and hears how the technique and our hills have improved locals’ health. (32:30)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: The first speakers are announced for Shaftesbury’s new literary festival. Alfred chats with Chair Rosie King and committee member Sue Clifford about this exciting event, ‘Reading the Land’ which will feature the best nature writers in Britain today. (00:27) We hear how a Shaftesbury invention turned a professional singer into an eco-entrepreneur following the financial crisis. Alfred hears how local man James Towner-Coston’s Unidome structure has impressed some of Britain’s most prestigious companies. (06:17) Shaftesbury’s Hospital League of Friends turn to creative crowdsourcing. They need to raise cash for their new electric vehicles, and they are doing it component by component. Matron Helen Dawes and League fundraiser Justine Elmendorff explain why the vehicles are needed to help the hospital’s efficiency and improve patient lives. (15:50) New Shaftesbury acoustic nights are launched to encourage

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Tim Chappell has faced some challenges recently. He has lost his life savings and has been diagnosed with Asperger's. Days after his 71st birthday he is embarking on his greatest challenge - to race around the world for charity. He knows how dangerous this is. (00:27) Shaftesbury Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce have been to Frome to ask for help in enhancing our monthly Sunday market. Alfred hears what they have in mind. (09:15) The Tourist Information Centre boss asks for help to prevent the TIC closing, due to a lack of funding. If cash can't be found by 2021, the Mayor has suggested moving the service to another building. Alfred hears more. (15:40) Alfred meets professional storyteller Jane Flood. She will share stories about the women of Camelot at the Grosvenor Arms next week. Jane talks about her fascinating career and reveals what she has learned about the Arthurian legend. (25:12) Sh

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Dozens of people shared their stories about the town’s past at the best-attended ‘Shaftesbury Remembers’ event so far. Alfred was there to hear how waiting for car crashes on a notorious bend was once a spectator sport. (00:26) How free tea and cake at the Abbey View Medical Centre on Tuesdays could cut Shaftesbury’s surgery waiting times. (11.13) Sue Clifford chats about a special Shaftesbury souvenir, reissued after almost two decades. And why it is set to sell out. (23:08) She was wearing no shoes as she ascended Gold Hill. We meet round-Britain barefoot runner Anna McNuff and hear why she stopped in Shaftesbury. (26:14) Alfred attended the launch of a new Dorset Mind mental wellbeing project, where the town decides what support it wants. (29:12)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Artist Zara McQueen tells us about her love for Shaftesbury and how her cancer treatment has changed her art. Zara is exhibiting her work at the Shaftesbury Arts Centre Gallery until 5th November. (00:27) Bee expert Brigit Strawbridge plans a second Shaftesbury-set wildlife book and discusses her recent international award. It came as a surprise! (12:23) Shaftesbury area skies are recognised for stargazing as we’re named one of only fourteen Dark Sky Reserves on earth. Alfred chats with Amanda Scott of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty about why this matters. (19:50) Which Shaftesbury streets needs an electronic sign to tell people how fast they are driving? The Town Council wants to know. (24:22) Sarah Williams quit banking to become a full time female adventurer. The motivational speaker and ‘Tough Girl’ podcast presenter previews her Shaftesbury talk inspired by   women who ac

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Flash floods turn the Gold Hill 10k run into a water wading challenge. Alfred met organisers and runners on a soggy, foggy Sunday morning and chatted to the fastest woman, who has a strong Shaftesbury connection. (00:27) Alfred meets with Max Lacy, owner of Enmore Green’s Fountain Inn. The pub is set to reopen next summer and we hear about its planned refurbishment. (7:03) Alfred visits the Community Front Room mental health crisis drop-in centre at Longmead. We hear how visitors have already been helped. (15:30) There’s huge support from the public for the policies proposed in Shaftesbury’s Neighbourhood Plan. Alfred speaks with the plan’s vice chairman. (22:43) Sorry About Shaun launch their new EP to coincide with their autumn tour. We hear how the local band aim to make their songs catchy. (30:56)  

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker talks about his life in radio and life after death. We chat with the Shaftesbury-based star ahead of his talk to raise funds for the St James Church window. (00:27) Shaftesbury Town Council turns to residents to find a better way to tackle the Mampitts Lane bus gate issue. We hear why Cllr John Lewer wants to recruit a working group to address the proposed through-traffic restriction. (16:24) Shaftesbury’s popular hand car wash has reopened in a new location. Alfred was there for the opening day. (27:00) One of Britain’s best rural writers will speak in Shaftesbury. Alfred chats with Tim Pears, who has been compared to Thomas Hardy. We preview his Grosvenor Arms Hotel talk. (32:31)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Why driving a three-wheeler to The Gambia for Dorset Mind will present a challenge for two Shaftesbury friends. Alfred talks to charity adventurers Jon and Nick. (00:27) A specialist off-licence will open on Shaftesbury High Street soon. Alfred hears about Joe Pestell’s plans. (09:29) A lifetime of composition – Shaftesbury folk musician Nick Crump releases a book of his best tunes. (18:47) Shaftesbury climate campaigners set off for Studland on foot to show their opposition to oil drilling off the Dorset coast. Alfred saw them set off. (29:56)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Shaftesbury and The Donheads celebrate Thomas Hardy with a film, feast and guided walk. Alfred talks to the event organisers. (00:24) Martin and June Hull are a Shaftesbury couple arranging transport to tackle locals’ social isolation through Shaftesbury Car Link. They volunteer and they have paid for their new accessible vehicle themselves. (10:33) It’s the final curtain for Semley’s fancy dress store. Its owner reveals Shaftesbury’s most popular outfits and costumes that nobody wants to hire. Jan Klakus explains why Gladrags is shutting shop. (20:39) Why six visiting American artists will be selling Shaftesbury to their social media fans when they returned to the States. (28:45) BV Dairy, one of Shaftesbury’s biggest employers is officially best in the south-west. We chat to MD Jim Highnam about the company’s award success. (33:10)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Over the August Bank Holiday, people drove to Fontmell Down from as far away as Cornwall to go on a Butterfly Conservation hunt for a rare species. Alfred went along to understand why naturalists consider this North Dorset beauty spot so important. And our reporter enjoyed an unexpected surprise. (00:26) After experiencing a terrible tragedy Shaftesbury resident Karen Cole found reading books offered her an escape. She’s since become a well-respected and influential crime novel reviewer. Alfred met Karen. (11:21) A new Shaftesbury green group intends to share practical advice on how to live a more sustainable life, rather than getting involved with politics or protest. Alfred sat in on a ‘Shaftesbury Buttons’ session and heard about their plans for a 2020 festival. (19:42) Alfred meets Fontmell Magna Man Adam Masters and hears why he’s so passionate about knots. Adam is the Dorset Chairman of an inte

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred meets the Motcombe thatcher who re-roofed a Gold Hill cottage this summer. Ed Coney tells us that one type of bird causes problems for his profession and he addresses misunderstandings about the craft. (00:26) Christopher Oram’s life changed after his Twitter post was featured by news organisations all over the world. We hear how this Shaftesbury resident juggled his overnight van-driving job with making videos, podcasts and holding meetings in Parliament. (08:36) Alfred tours Port Regis School with James Hardy, the teacher who hopes to make the site carbon neutral in six years’ time. We hear how the project could bring benefits for nearby Motcombe residents. (18:30) Million-selling author Mark Dawson is coming to Shaftesbury. If you believe that there’s a book in you, he’ll tell you how to make money by self-publishing your work. Alfred talks with Mark ahead of his Grosvenor Arms Hotel talk i

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Alfred visits Tricuro’s Shaftesbury day centre to see how local people with dementia are benefitting from a new, hi-tech table funded by our community. (00:26) If you need a bike, or want your cycle repaired, you should head to Hope2Cycle. Alfred called in on the volunteers at their Longmead base and heard how their cycle sales help fund mental health projects. (09:03) Alfred chats with Shaftesbury environmentalist Robin Walter about his new book tracing the history of UK forestry. And there are plenty of local references in this crowd-funded publication. (19:11) Alfred meets the young man who will be Shaftesbury Carnival’s first ever Carnival Prince. We find out why this new role has been introduced. (27:29) Look at your feet when you walk around Shaftesbury’s streets. Alfred hears how resident Tony Hawkins has been researching the history of our town’s shoe scrapers. (30:29)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Going full circle - the fifty-mile White Hart Link walk is open all the way to Shaftesbury. Alfred met the walkers and their special guest who strode from Fontmell Magna to a civic reception at Gold Hill Museum. (00:26) Three school friends launch a movie to tackle mental health issue. Alfred hears about the Headstrong Project. (08:16) Renovations are planned for a run-down Shaftesbury High Street building. Hear what will happen to the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill store. (18:19) Swap clothes and help save the planet. Swans Yard is the venue for a new type of fashion sale. (21:38) Why scarecrows will fill Shaftesbury street’s this September. And you could win prizes with the Chamber of Commerce competition. (26:36) Interesting speakers are booked for a new talk series in a Shaftesbury hotel. Alfred hears about The Grosvenor’s plans. (29:57)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: The boss of Shaftesbury’s new Italian restaurant shares his cooking credentials. We meet the man who will manage San Tonino on Mustons Lane. (00:26) Alfred meets Jack Lever, the Shaftesbury firefighter who will help you fight the flab in his new fitness facility. (06:50) As Shaftesbury plans its 2020 VE Day 75th anniversary commemorations we talk to Robert Mullins, who remembers hearing the bombs falling from his childhood home on Coppice Street. (13:02) Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty learns that our skies aren’t dark enough for Dark Sky designation. We hear how new streetlights could help them achieve this special status. (20:53) Pound Lane residents are pushing for a ‘bus gate’ to block off Mampitts Lane to through traffic but some locals living on The Maltings have opposed the proposal. (25:55)

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Why a social media influencer with 270,000 fans is opening a Shaftesbury High Street business. Alfred chats with Marte Marie Forsberg. (00:27) The Tourist Information Centre boss explains his building’s new opinion-splitting paint job. There is a local connection with the choice of colour, says David Taylor. (12:17) The challenge of repairing Shaftesbury’s historic and ceremonial silverware. Alfred hears how security concerns are complicating restoration of the town’s mace. (17:45) How a Shaftesbury area publican is calling time on our throwaway culture. Niky Daley wants to launch a repair café in her Donheads pub. (22:31) New cycling trips for social interaction and soaking up our stunning scenery. John Rutter shares his vision with Alfred. (26:48)  

This time on Alfred, the podcast for Shaftesbury, The Vale and Chase areas of North Dorset and West Wiltshire: Archaeologists uncover ‘find of the dig’ as six-week Shaftesbury Abbey excavations come to an end. (00:27) Abbotts is moving after 64 years – and its new owner wants your ideas. Alfred talks with greengrocer Ross Townsend. (10:10) Residents say an outdoor event on The Maltings has highlighted the need for a community facility on the estate. Alfred went along to one of the Monday night outdoor summer sessions. (13:05) Could a Shaftesbury fountain help to reduce single use plastics? (21:42) Top marks for the Westminster Memorial Hospital team and a significant development in the campaign to secure Shaftesbury’s hospital beds. (26:28)