In this final edition before our summer break, Kate Ford is here to tell us more about the Forest Row Village Club and some of their upcoming events, we’ll be chatting to Frances Brown from St Dunstan’s Community Café in Ashurst Wood about their vital search for more volunteers, and Steve Martin from the Victoria Sports and Social Club has details of a new weekly table tennis club in Lingfield. Paul Talmey finds out more about a Cream Tea event in Crawley Down that’s supporting the local branch ...
Jul 02, 2023•56 min
In this edition, Professor of Happiness Bruce Hood explains how saving money makes us feel better than getting a hug, Reverend Andrew Hawkin from St Swithun’s is here to reveal more about an upcoming Festival of Arts at the church and Roland Millar has news of a concert by the Forest Row Orchestra. Paul Talmey talks to Ben Wates and Liam Minor about a new Menshare Listening Group that’s started in East Grinstead, Jago Bayley explores the topic of conservation with University of Sussex student Ca...
Jun 25, 2023•58 min
In this edition, we hear about the dangers of meter tampering and how it’s on the increase as energy prices soar. As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, we hear more about the Every Mind Matters campaign. Dr Zoe Williams is here to tell us that getting “summer ready” isn’t all about our looks. And we find out about a summer fair at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School. Jago Bayley talks climate change with University of Sussex student Chloe Bester. And Paul Talmey finds out about more about Age UK ...
Jun 18, 2023•50 min
In this edition, record-breaking magician Martin Rees tells us about the new mentoring scheme for youngsters from Guinness World Records, Hannah Dow has details on how we can all stay safe online and a digital drop-in session at the library next week, and we’ll be finding out how jelly and ice-cream and pass the parcel is making a comeback as parents find ways to cut the costs associated with kid’s birthdays. Jago Bayley will be talking to Andrew Coleman from Surfers Against Sewage about the org...
Jun 11, 2023•59 min
In this edition, we’ll be finding out from dietician Naheeda Habib about how an allergy to Cow’s Milk could be affecting infants, Jill Booker from the 6th East Grinstead Brownies tells us how the loss of Blacklands Farm activity centre could affect local youngsters, and Matt Olley from West Sussex Public Health reminds us about the importance of childhood vaccinations. Our newest presenter, Jago Bayley will be delving into the environment and finding out all about bees from Janice Fearn at the E...
Jun 04, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In this edition, Betty Wood from Stildon Care Home tells us about the Summer Fair they have coming up. Ben Gullam is here to explain about the online community he’s created to help those battling with addiction. And Nicci Hopson and Beth Gavin are here to tell us about Ariel Company Theatre. Paul Talmey chats to Carolyn Tyrer from The Sussex Heart Charity about the work they do and the fundraising events they have coming up. He also catches up with Esme Smithson and Rachel Avery about The Roy Ca...
May 14, 2023•57 min
In this edition, as part of World Asthma Day, we hear from Karen Frankland about the condition and the treatments available. Fitness instruction Donna Kelly joins us to tell us about some new pre- and post-natal fitness classes running in East Grinstead. And Lawrence Williams from East Grinstead Choral Society is here with news on their latest production. Paul Talmey will be chatting to Jade Hawken from Copthorne Scouts and Guides about The Gang Show that’s on at The Hawth next Saturday. He’ll a...
May 07, 2023•52 min
In this edition, as part of Lesbian Visibility Week, we find out why the majority of young lesbian adults feel ashamed of their sexuality, we’ve news of the Coronation Events in East Grinstead and chat to former Bake Off contestant Alice Fevronia to get some inspiration for our coronation parties. Plus, sisters Natalie Williamson and Kelly Van Zanten will be here to tell us about the The Orchard Bar and Kitchen. Samantha Day chats to Lingfield-based singer Luca Brugnoli about his new album and u...
Apr 30, 2023•50 min
In this edition, we hear from UK rapper Marc Jones who’s released a new track to encourage young people to open up about their mental health. Sophie Mangan from Carers Support West Sussex will be telling us more about what they do. And Graham Jones is here to reveal some big news about the East Grinstead Community Bonfire. Norman Wong finds out how postponing fixing, servicing or checking our household appliances could be costing us more money in the long run. Paul Talmey talks to Amy Batchelor ...
Apr 23, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In this edition, as we all try to be more energy efficient, consumer champion Angellica Bell will be telling us where to focus our efforts, we’ll be finding out about the CDC Foundation’s drive to eliminate cancers as part of World Health Day and veterinary nurse Shauna Walsh is here to explain how we can brush up on Pet First Aid. Samantha Day will be talking to TV medic Zoe Williams about the little things that make life worth living. Carrie Overton finds out how an interest in music led to si...
Apr 16, 2023•48 min
In this edition, Will Pearson from Ocean Bottle tells us about their campaign for more water refill stations across the UK, former Big Brother winner and builder Craig Phillips is here to explain how we can make our homes more energy efficient, and Adam Streeter from Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens has details on their Easter Hide and Sheep trail. Paul Talmey will be finding out about the latest show from the Pitchy Breath theatre company from producer Lauren Fielding. He’ll also be chatting to mi...
Apr 09, 2023•53 min
In this edition, we find out about a new kind of holiday dubbed voluntourism, chat to researcher John Dickie from Kew about the 40,000 species of wild plant they’ve now stored at the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst and Anne and Ray White are here to tell us about the Grenestede Talking News. Paul Talmey finds out more about fostering from Dawn Reid at Five Rivers, Carrie Overton discovers how hypnotherapy can be used to uncover past lives with Jo Halcrow. And Richard Leader will be chatting to...
Apr 02, 2023•57 min
In this edition, Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy shares his top tips for making your next holiday more affordable. Jo Murphy is here to tell us about the activity groups run by The Ashdown Hub. And we find out more about the services offered by the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at the QVH from Catherine Goode. As part of World Glaucoma Week, Norman Wong finds out more about the condition from consultant Nishani Amerasinghe. Carrie Overton finds out about a dramatic career change that’s brough...
Mar 26, 2023•59 min
In this edition, we find out how a perfect storm has led to a huge surge in demand for mental health services - doubling waiting times and preventing some getting the help they need. We’ll also be hearing more about how Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to those affected by someone else’s drinking. And Alex Berry from Tandridge District Council will be here to tell us about important changes to the voting process this May. Paul Talmey finds out from Beth Gardner about a group that’s combatin...
Mar 19, 2023•59 min
In this edition, we find out about Food Waste Action Week and the steps we can make stop food being binned unnecessarily. Ollie Warburton and Lesley Vaughan will be joining us to tell us about the Cats Whiskers Rock ‘n’ Roll Jive Club. And if you run a small business, we’ve got details on the help that’s available from Santander. Plus we’ve an excerpt from a new book by a local author, Gerald H Thornhill, about their personal experience with Stage 4 Lung Cancer and the treatment they received wi...
Mar 12, 2023•57 min
In this edition, Clare De Bono from travel tech company Amadeus tells us what future travel may look like in 10 years’ time, Maggie Stevens and Ray White join me to talk about The Arts Society East Grinstead, and Catherine Sayer and Simon Brown are here with news of the Tandridge Jobs Fair on Thursday 9th March. Claire Cooper chats to Carrie Overton about training to be a dancer and the pressures she was under, Clare Quiney finds out all about biodynamic massage from Amy Barnes, and Samantha Day...
Mar 05, 2023•1 hr 7 min
In this edition, we hear from the Samaritans about how Small Talk Saves Lives. Justin Kelly will be telling us about the social enterprise he runs that can equip you with practical skills to save time and money and Parmilla Mannan from Citizen’s Advice will be telling us about the community events they run in East Grinstead and Mid-Sussex. Samantha Day will be talking to Harvey Alexander from the East Grinstead-based Caravan and Motorhome Club, Carrie Overton finds out more about midlife fitness...
Feb 26, 2023•58 min
In this edition, we talk to Tom Scratchley – Musical Director at the Forest Row Choral Society – about their upcoming Mozart Requiem. Sue Hayward is back with advice on planning the perfect budget holiday this summer and Nic Wray from Tinnitus UK tells us how exposure to loud noises can affect our hearing. Norman Wong talks to former NASA astronaut Bruce Melnick about his career and his new role at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. And Paul Talmey chats to Arianne Murrell about what it’s like...
Feb 19, 2023•1 hr
In this edition, we’ll be hearing how romance scams are on the increase and what to look out for to ensure you don’t become a victim. Bob Smith will be telling us about the East Grinstead Record Fair this coming Saturday. And we’ll be chatting to Jo Grocott from Sheffield Park and Garden about the amazing story behind Nellie’s great Victorian Arctic Adventure. James Kitto from Samsung Mobile will be chatting to Norman Wong about how we’ve become a nation of digital hoarders. Carrie Overton finds...
Feb 12, 2023•57 min
In this edition, Annabel Larkin will be telling us about the personal safety courses she runs in Forest Row, David and Mary McLachlan from Dormansland Baptist Church are back to update us on how their Community Hub is going and to talk about some pop-up events they have coming up, and Marlene Rabe will be telling us how she’s getting the people of Hammerwood and Holtye fit with her Bell and Blast classes. Paul Talmey will be chatting to Hannah Carter from Ensemble Reza about the musical group an...
Feb 05, 2023•52 min
In this edition, we’ll be hearing how kids can become Nature Heroes at Wakehurst this February half-term, chatting to James Hull - a multi-award winning ethical chocolate maker from Sussex - about his fascinating story and hearing from chef Miguel Barclay on how to feed a family of four for less than a pound a dish by cooking in a fuel-efficient way. Paul Talmey finds out more about the Ashdown Pantomimers from Shane Hannam and he’ll also be chatting to Rebecca Robertson about the West Sussex Li...
Jan 29, 2023•58 min
In this edition, Professor Sam Wass and dietician Lucy Kerrison share some simple ways we can support our physical and mental wellbeing over winter. Personal finance expert Sue Hayward helps us get financially fit. And Anne Oliver will be telling us more about the Nimble Fingers craftwork group here in East Grinstead. Paul Talmey will be talking to Sasha Brown from Mid-Sussex Voluntary Action about a Warm Spaces initiative as well as an upcoming volunteer fair in the town. He’ll also be chatting...
Jan 22, 2023•59 min
In this edition, we're joined by Ryan Morlen from East Grinstead Rugby Club who’ll be telling us more about the club and their search for new players. If you’re more into musical theatre, then Hannah Smith will also be here to tell us about the range of classes available for young and old through Bullfrog Productions. Norman Wong will be chatting to Paul Broadhead about confidence in the housing market. Carrie Overton is joined by Philippa Jacobs who’ll be explaining how a volunteering opportuni...
Jan 15, 2023•53 min
In this edition, we chat to Gnina Balchin about an all-English Vermouth made right here in Sussex. And Travel Counsellor Matt Newman will be offering up some inspiration for our trips abroad this year. Then in our look back at the best bits from Meridian FM from the last couple of weeks, Paul Talmey hears from local author Kizzy Petit about her new book, Carrie Overton will be chatting to Ashley Salter about New Year’s Resolutions and Samantha Day talks to personal stylist Ellie Cooper-Simpson. ...
Jan 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In this edition, we’ve a Christmas theme to start as we find out how many of us are ditching both meat and alcohol this year, along with Christmas trees and unsustainable gifts… but we’ve also some advice from a renowned scientist Mark Miodownik on making the perfect gravy. On a more serious note, TV personality Jake Quickenden will be here to offer advice, based on his own personal experiences, about how to remember lost loved ones. And we find out about a new app for reporting hate crime again...
Dec 18, 2022•1 hr 6 min
In this edition, TV vet Rory Cowlam tells us how we can make travel easier for our pets this Christmas. We also hear how the festive season is a time when many start thinking about setting up businesses and how our post offices could be the next to be affected by the cost of living crisis. Plus, Shami Jerome from the East Grinstead Arts Society is here to chat about their Christmas Art Exhibition. Paul Talmey finds out more about a West Sussex-based charity who are on a mission to eliminate hung...
Dec 11, 2022•48 min
In this edition, The Association of Optometrists warn us that nearly a third of people living in the UK could be forced to struggle with poor vision due to the cost-of-living crisis. Adam Streeter, Estate Manager at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens enlightens us about this year’s Leonardslee Illuminated event. And Mary and Phil Coombs from the East Grinstead Concert Band are here to tell us about their upcoming Christmas concerts. Plus, Samantha Day chats to Toni Birkbeck from Park Farm Cottage abo...
Dec 04, 2022•1 hr 2 min
In this edition, Katie Pickles from Well Pharmacy tells us how vaccine fatigue could see a significant increase in Covid and flu infections this winter. Lorraine Lecourtois from Wakehurst will be telling us all about this year’s spellbinding winter lantern trail Glow Wild. And Steve and Caroline Metcalfe are here with news of two Christmas music concerts at Sackville College and the town’s unique link to a famous Christmas carol. Plus, Samantha Day finds out about Sing and Sign classes for babie...
Nov 27, 2022•56 min
In this edition, Steve Butterworth from the Neighbourly Foundation tells us about the Lidl Bear’s Toy Bank Appeal. Anthea Turner shares some top tips for prolonging the life of our household appliances and furniture. And the East Grinstead Choral Society’s Lawrence Williams reveals what we can expect at their Christmas Extravaganza. Plus, Norman Wong finds out how homelessness amongst the young is on the increase from charity Centrepoint. Samantha Day is at the launch of the Bluebell Railway’s S...
Nov 20, 2022•55 min
In this edition, we chat to Jade Turnbull-Allen from Forest Row Community Pre-School about a Wreath Making Workshop they’re running, Reena Barai from the National Pharmacy Association chats about Ask Your Pharmacist Week, Dr Nigel Carter from the Oral Health Foundation tells us about Mouth Cancer Action Month, and Malcolm Tyrrell explains all about a little-known sport call Pickleball. Plus, Norman Wong talks to a local poet about a book she’s hoping to release in aid of Mental Health charities ...
Nov 06, 2022•1 hr
