The Slice: Somerset

Earlier this summer I chatted to Jack Linnell, Centre Director at St Giles Animal Centre and Rescue in Taunton, Somerset. Jack's family established the centre, so animal care and rescue are in his blood, so to speak, and his passion and compassion are clear in everything he says about his work and his life. Listen to this episode to find out more about Jack and the centre, includin

My guest Emma Busby of Taunton-based homeless centre, Open Door, talks candidly about the homeless community in her home town and the work that goes on to help those who find themselves rough sleeping find their way back to permanent accommodation. Caring and compassionate, my chat with Emma is moving and uplifting, helped along, of course, by a little slice of something nice...aka

My guest Kate Olver is an NHS midwife and also provides invaluable pre and post natel support to women in her local town of Taunton. As 'the village midwife', Kate ensures mums to be and new mums (and dads too of course), are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their baby's birth and care. But of course, things don't always go to plan... and neith

Coleen and Di work tirelessly to find foster homes for young adults aged 18+ who need the continued support of a family to help them navigate their way to independent living. Their compassion and understanding of the challenges faced by youngsters who have spent some or all of their young lives in the care system is palpable; these ladies deserve your ears! Oh yes, and Coleen bakes

Teresa Wort found mindfulness after a serious accident, and has worked with many people who struggle to find focus and happiness in the busy modern world. But it isn't all about sitting under a tree and mediating (although it is that too), Teresa encourages her clients to be mindful about everything they do...whether they like it or not! Including picking up the dog's poo! In the l

Graham Harvey spent 34 years guiding the story-lines in the world famous Radio 4 soap opera, The Archers and is also a well-respected journalist who has written five books of his own on the themes of climate change, food quality and farming. Right now he is on the board of the Somerset Food Trails Festival which runs annually every year with the aim of bringing Somerset's organic a

It was really just by chance that my guest Emma Britton found herself with a long career in local radio. But her next career move was more considered...she uses her experience of talking to people to underpin her new role as a celebrant, which is someone who officiates at non-religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.Listen as we chat about how cake has kept Emma going thr

Sophie Luff is one of England's leading female batters; currently captain for Western Storm and previously captain for Somerset County Cricket Ladies, she is riding high on the growing popularity of women's cricket. Join us as we explore the impact competitive sport has on life as a young women growing up in Somerset and discover how Sophie likes to relax away from the field in her

Special episode sans cake! I was so engrossed in what 100 year old Taunton resident had to say that I completely forgot the cake! But this episode is special because it celebrates a lifetime in which many things have changed and yet, so much stays the same. Listen to find out what Geoffrey Bailey has to say about his life as a young man and how he believes he has reached this miles

Rob Ewers wants his home town of Taunton to be a better and safer place for everyone. He is part of the team organising the 2023 Taunton Pride festival, an event that he hopes will play an important part in changing attitudes towards the lgbtqia+ community. Rob's voluntary work in his local community does not end there, he is also on the Board of the Somerset Community Credit Union