On today’s PACKED LUNCH I was joined by local artist, JIM MERRIOTT and a more talented man would be hard to find. A one-time fireman forced to abandon that career by the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, in spite of being in constant pain, Jim was inspired by his artist uncle to pursue this new career, and boy has he embraced the challenge.

He’s had more than 500 watercolours published in magazines such as ESSEX LIFE and HERTFORDSHIRE LIFE, numerous pictures reproduced as greetings cards and calendars; there is even a DVD available demonstrating his work. He gives lectures, does demonstrations, offers private tuition and has even published a book celebrating his life and achievements entitled “WATERCOLOURS – THE PAIN AND THE PASSION”.

From next week, and throughout the spring, you can meet JIM in person and see him at work at INGATESTONE HALL. In spite of all the constant pain he suffers, he still considers himself to be an especially lucky person and must therefore stand out as an inspiration to us all.  If you can, do get along to Ingatestone Hall to see Jim and his work. I can promise you that you will be in for a real treat.

You can listen again to my chat with Jim here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Jim-Merriott.mp3|titles=Jim Merriott]

Last week we at PHOENIX FM, celebrated the 5th birthday of our full time broadcasting and to celebrate this Frances Clamp popped in to talk about the very early days of the station. Frances was one our very first contributors, long before we gained our full time licence and you can listen again to her recollections of these very early days here: –  [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Bygones-27th-March2.mp3|titles=Bygones ]

Well that’s me done for another week. I hope you can join me for my specially extended show on Easter Saturday next week. Hope to see you again then, meantime have a good week (two 4 day working weeks in a row coming up – which can’t be bad!).

All the best,

Scott