Sounding Out Horsham

Conservation with Dr Nikki Tagg of Born Free Foundation - Episode 22

Dr Nikki Tagg is a conservation scientist, who, since 2018, has been working with Horsham-based international animal welfare charity Born Free Foundation, most recently as Head of Conservation. 

In this episode we find out about Nikki's conservation work and what it entails while gaining a fascinating insight into her time in the African rainforest where she  was posted to better understand the causes of biodiversity loss and study the co-existence between people and animals. 

For more information on the human-wildlife conflict appeal Nikki talks about in the episode, visit www.bornfree.org.uk/conflict-appeal.

 

 

Pet care Q&A with Zoe Blake The Friendly Pet Nurse - Episode 21

We divert from our usual format to bring you this pet care Q&A with Zoe Blake The Friendly Pet Nurse. 

Zoe, who gave us advice on choosing and looking-after dogs and about her viral campaign Respect The Lead  in Episode 14, returns to answer questions from our listeners about caring for their pets - from answering queries about dribble and scratching issues with cats, to discussing why dogs should avoid playing with sticks and why they're so obsessed with poo! 

 

Running an independent business with René Fay of Johansson’s Café - Episode 20

We talk to René Fay about ‘living her dream’ as the owner of Horsham’s Swedish-themed café Johansson’s Café which she opened in The Bishopric in 2020.

René left her small hometown in Sweden more than 20 years ago and, aside from an eight-year stint running a B&B in Austria, has lived in the UK ever since.

René dreamt of running her own business – specifically a café – for many years before her dream finally became a reality. But it hasn’t been plain-sailing. Just as she got started, the world went into lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19.

In this episode, we find out how René overcame this challenge to create a thriving independent business and get her top tips for following your dream, while gaining an insight into Swedish culture. We guarantee that after listening you’ll be embracing ‘Fika’ and be ready to make your own dreams a reality. 

Astronomy photography with Claire Bradshaw - Episode 19

Winter nights might feel gloomy to many of us, but for astronomers, they provide more time to get a closer look at what's in the sky. One person who revels in clear, dark, long nights is astronomy photographer Claire Bradshaw. Over the last few years, Claire has indulged her passion for planets and marvel for milky ways by capturing in-depth images of the night skies on camera. Using a telescope, digital camera and a computer programme Claire creates awe-inspiring images of constellations, nebula and planets. In this episode Anna and Emma talk to Claire about her love for astronomy and how she creates her images. 

To view Claire's photography visit her on instagram @astronomywithclaire.

Sound Effect by Free Music And Sound Effects from Pixabay

 

Halloween special: Discovering Horsham’s dark past with George Graham - Episode 18

We head back in time with George Graham, assistant curator at Horsham Museum, to uncover a few chilling tales from Horsham in time for Halloween. Listen to find out more about a shocking tale around a gruesome 18th Century punishment and spooky stories centred around St Leonard's Forest. 

For more about the story regarding John Weekes, visit Horsham Museum's Crime and Punishment Gallery 

Sound Effect by Free Music And Sound Effects from Pixabay

 

Foraging with James Plumb of South East Foraging - Episode 17

We head to the outdoors again. This time to Leechpool Woods, to learn all about foraging with self-taught expert James Plumb. In this autumnal episode we gain an insight into the wild food treasures that can be found on our doorstep, discovering a host of fungi, including chicken of the woods and beefsteak fungus and some edible plants. 

Follow James on Instagram on @south_east_foraging for more. 

*please do not consume any foods found in the wild without checking they are safe to eat first. 

The Women’s Institute with Pam Tedder and Katie Carter - Episode 16

The Women's Institute (WI) is the UK's largest voluntary women’s membership organisation and has run some very successful campaigns, provided many women with valuable educational opportunities and skills, and been the instigator of life-long friendships over the course of its 107-year history. 

Yet some still regard the WI as a group of older ladies 'doing crafts'. As Horsham has a vibrant WI presence, boasting five active branches, we invited members from two of them - Pam Tedder (of Horsham Normandy WI) and Katie Carter (of Trafalgar Treasures WI) - to remind us that the WI 'isn't all jam and Jerusalem'. 

 

Fleeing war in Ukraine - Julia Bondar - Episode 15

More than six million people from Ukraine have now have fled their homes following the Russian invasion at the end of February 2022 and have sought refuge in other countries. One of those people is Julia Bondar, a 30-year-old photographer, who left Ukraine with her mother and now lives in Horsham. In this episode Julia opens up about the deep impact the war in Ukraine is having on her life and the lives of her family and friends.