As GABBY CLARKE was indisposed this afternoon, I found myself looking after PHOENIX FM’s prestigious DRIVE SHOW today.

After the glorious weather we enjoyed last week, the cloudy cool conditions this afternoon were rather disappointing but with Easter approaching I was very lucky to be joined by JOHN CANNELL, Chairman of the management committee of WARLEY PLACE. John outlined the history of of WARLEY PLACE from the days when it was owned by ELLEN WILMOTT and her father up to the present time, now it is leased to the ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST. He also outlined the attractions offered and explained the differences between a nature reserve and public gardens. You can hear the interview again right here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/John-Cannell-Interview.mp3|titles=John Cannell Interview]

Apart from the usual mix of great music, we also take a look at some of the weird and whacky news items around right now, including the story of the police who smashed the windows of an expensive Mercedes car to relieve, as they believed, the suffering of a dog shut in a sealed car, only to discover that it was a stuffed toy. Another story involved the police taking a man back to a bank to withdraw money to pay for a taxi. Unfortunately he had just attempted to rob said bank, was recognised and promptly arreseted! Not his day.

Anyway you’ll no doubt be pleased to know that things will return to normal tomorrow when Gabby returns to the hot seat at 2.

I’ll see you as usual on Saturday at noon.

All the best,

Scott