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Somerset Open Studios
It's that time again! Somerset Art Weeks is here and it's an Open Studios year, when 153 venues open their doors to visitors to chat about creating art and take you behind the scenes. Jenna has been getting out and meeting some of the artists involved once again. Take a listen to two 'Heart of the Art' shows featuring some incredible projects and artists here in the county.
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Ardal O' Hanlon - Not Himself
What happens when a supermarket door opens for a pigeon, but not for you? What do you do when you’re playing a Craggy Island priest, browsing the Doc Martin’s in a shoe shop in your lunch hour, and you get offered a pair for free for being a man of the cloth?
These are just a couple of the things Ardal chats with Jenna about ahead of his latest stand up tour ‘Not Himself’. He’s bringing it to Yeovil and Weston-super-Mare in October.
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Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue
Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue are marking 25 years at their rescue in Wincanton. Over the years, they've saved the lives of over 40,000 animals. Liz and Colin Stewart, their daughter Emma, and a small, dedicated team of volunteers pour their hearts into rescuing dogs, cats, and a whole host of other animals in need. Jenna catches up with founder Liz and volunteers Andy and Pat, to discover more.
Oakhill Ponds - a hidden Somerset gem
A place of beauty, history, creativity, nature and adventure, nestled in the heart of Somerset. Join Jenna as she heads to Oakhill Ponds to discover more about it, and what led Amanda and Rob Miles to become custodians of this incredible land.
Head to Shapwick Moor with the Hawk and Owl Trust...
It's time to transport you to the nature reserves of Somerset, and specifically Shapwick Moor, to discover more about the Hawk and Owl Trust and the work they do for birds of prey and other wildlife. Join Jenna and Shpawick Nature Reserve Warden, Alex, and explore the wonderful wetlands and grasslands of the reserve.
John Harris - Maybe I'm Amazed
Ian's been sitting down with journalist, writer, critic, presenter and Frome resident, John Harris, to chat about John’s new book, Maybe I'm Amazed. It shares the story of how music has opened up the world to John’s autistic son, James. John also shares more about what it was like getting a diagnosis for James and the challenges that followed.
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Sweetpea is coming for you!
Weston-super-Mare based author C. J. Skuse, has waited 28 years to see one of her characters on our screens. Well, it's happened... on TV, on the sides of buses, and even in bouquets of blood-dripping flowers! Her novel, Sweetpea, is now a major new TV series on Sky and NOW, featuring Ella Purnell in the starring role of Rhiannon.
Jenna caught up with C.J. to discover more about Sweetpea, the new TV series, how much of a pinch me moment it is, and to explore her life as an author. Check out the chat right here.
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More highlights - just press play!
Things Don't Break On Their Own
The debut novel of Exmoor-based author, Sarah Easter Collins, is out! Jenna spoke with Sarah on the eve of publication to discover more about 'Things Don't Break On Their Own', more about Sarah's writing process, and more about the twists and turns of long term relationships. There's animal chat as well!
Fancy a game of Fact or Fiction? We've got that for you too. Sit back, relax, and just press play...
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(And thank you to Hannah Boaden for the beautiful piano in this interview. It's from her composition, Skipping With Sprites)
Explore Somerset with photographer Aidie White
Somerset is celebrated here all year round of course, but there's also a day when it's on everyone's minds! May 11th is Somerset Day, and Jenna's been taking a tour of Somerset through the incredible landscape photography of Aidie White. Join them and explore Somerset as you've never done before... by listening to their conversation and discovering the stories behinind Aidie's stunning captures of this truly magical county.
Matt's Kitchen in Matt's Cottage!
The food tour is back! Jenna will be setting out once again on her Somerset Food Tour... heading round the county chatting with chefs, producers, growers and creators of fabulous food. We've got some more great conversations planned for you, but as we headed back to Matt's Kitchen in Bruton again recently for a fantastic dinner, it seems the perfect time to share Matt Watson's story here. So, let's go back to a chat with Matt from a couple of years ago, and discover more about the unique restaurant in his home...
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Sarah Hamilton chats Just a Card
JUST A CARD is a grassroots campaign on a mission to encourage people to support, value and buy from artists, makers, independent shops and small businesses. Every sale, even just a card, is vital to their prosperity and survival. Jenna has been catching up with the founder of Just a Card, Sarah Hamilton, about Just a Card's 10th anniversary year - LISTEN HERE
