All posts by Alan Johnson »
Two great bands – live! …and all about the Marillac
With the seventh Phoenix FM Creative Sessions being recorded a stone’s throw from our studios at the Brentwood Centre it was great this morning to welcome a couple of bands onto the programme for
Read More »Who’ll be Queen for a Day?
Mark Reed popped in today to talk about a very exciting competition being run by Bennetts Funeral Directors, in conjunction with the Gazette and various local businesses. They’re on the search for two ladies
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The oldest horse in the world?
I was joined this morning by Fran Smith from the Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary. As well as explaining how the Sanctuary came about and what it does, Fran also talked about Shayne, who –
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Labour top gun visits Brentwood
One of the Labour Party’s senior figures came to Brentwood today to lend a hand to the Party’s local election campaign. Labour currently holds just one seat on Brentwood Borough Council, and Rachel Reeves
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Elizabeth Lord – She just can’t stop writing!
This morning I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with prolific local novelist Elizabeth Lord. Elizabeth, who lives in Billericay, has published no fewer than 23 novels; she’s also about to publish the first of a trilogy,
Read More »A great way to remember a friend
I chatted this morning with Oliver Rowe, one of the organisers of a special day of events to remember his friend whilst raising money for Cancer Research UK. The Alan Paul Squash Memorial Handicap
Read More »My not so Feelgood Saturday – 7th April
A bit of a different sound to the programme today – as I was suffering from a sore throat . As Scott Ross later suggested, from my point of view “Feelgood” wasn’t quite the
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Undiscovered Upminster and an evening for ladies only – Feelgood Saturday 24th March
This morning I chatted with Phoenix presenter and filmmaker Mike Jones, about his fascinating new documentary Undiscovered Upminster. Mike shared one or two of the interesting facts about his home town which, to many
Read More »One of the most sampled songs of the 80s – Feelgood Saturday 17th March
Following the success of last weekend’s Fairtrade celebration in Brentwood High Street, this morning I gave a mention to the many local businesses and organisations whom the local Steering Group wanted to thank for
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Fairtrade Celebration! – Feelgood Saturday 10th March
On this morning’s show I caught up again with the Brentwood Fairtrade Group, who were celebrating the culmination of Fairtrade Fortnight with a big display in the High Street. The theme of this year’s
Read More »Just how many Humperdincks are there? – Feelgood Saturday 3rd March
Following this week’s news that Englebert Humperdinck is to represent the UK in this year’s Eurovsion Song Contest I decided to type his name into predictive text on my smartphone, which replaced his forename with the
Read More »Fairtrade and Brentwood’s youngest councillor – Feelgood Saturday 25th February
Caryl Kwei from the Brentwood Fairtrade steering group popped in this morning, to talk about Fairtrade Fortnight, which starts on Monday. This year’s theme is Taking a Step towards Fairtrade, which Caryl explained can
Read More »Belarus to Billericay – Feelgood Saturday 18th February
This morning I was pleased to welcome back some good friends of the programme from the Billericay Link of Chernobyl Children Life Line. Chairman David Gladstone reminded us about the holidays the group organises
Read More »Day 1 in our new home – and a Government inspection! – Feelgood Saturday 11th February
Day one of broadcasting from our brand new studios in the Brentwood Centre made for a somewhat different programme from normal, with an unexpected visit from Brentwood & Ongar MP Eric Pickles. As well
Read More »A free day out and a charity that empowers people – Feelgood Saturday 4th February
Skidmarques‘ MD Keith Playell popped by again this morning to give us the latest news on their big Open Day next Sunday afternoon to celebrate the company’s move to bigger premises. As well as
Read More »Fast cars and new talent – Feelgood Saturday 28th January
Skidmarques‘ MD Keith Playell popped in again this morning, to share some of the exciting things already planned for their big Open Day to celebrate the company’s move to bigger premises. This will be something
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Excellent stage and screen, all on our doorstep – Feelgood Saturday 14th January
We covered both films and theatre on this morning’s show, both of which are flourishing across Brentwood and Billericay. First up Jill Dimmock popped in from the Brentwood Arts Cinema Club to talk about
Read More »A “P” please Bob… – Feelgood Saturday 7th January
It was sad this morning to hear the news that broadcasting legend Bob Holness had died. He’s probably best remembered for presenting the TV quiz Blockbusters in the 80s and early 90s, and of
Read More »Brentwood’s officially Fairtrade – Feelgood Saturday 31st December
Following last week’s announcement that Brentwood has been designated an official Fairtrade Town I chatted this morning with Caryl Kwei, whose local steering group have worked so hard over the past few years to
Read More »Roll on summer! – Feelgood Saturday 24th December
This morning we heard that Brentwood had been named the fifth most desirable place to live in the UK, according to the Halifax Bank’s annual Quality of Life Survey, which looks at factors such as health,
Read More »Why don’t you… – Feelgood Saturday 17th December
I promised not too many cheesy Christmas songs this morning, and think I kept my word. I did give East 17′s Stay another day an airing, but it doesn’t really mention Christmas, so I
Read More »A pet greyhound, Victorian Billericay and central heating – Feelgood Saturday 10th December
Carol Cannavan, editor of various publications for the plumbing and heating industry, and Danny Davis, Operations Manager with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering, popped in this morning to give some advice
Read More »Christmas angels, a friendly banker and a very long river – Feelgood Saturday 3rd December
This morning I enjoyed chatting with Hil Jennings and Steve Meacham, two members of a band called Amazi, about their song Christmas Angel. Hil explained how he was inspired to write the song after visiting
Read More »After the fire – Feelgood Saturday 26th November
It was back to 1985 for this morning’s song that was Acceptable in the 80s - a UK top 40 hit single that you probably hadn’t heard in a while. My clues were that before
Read More »If only every winter’s day could be like this – Feelgood Saturday 19th November
A beautiful sunny morning across Brentwood and Billericay, and a bit of a smooth feel to some of the music, including this morning’s song that was Acceptable in the 80s - a UK top 40
Read More »Around the Horn – Feelgood Saturday 12th November
It was a laid back show this morning, packed with great songs, ranging from Nero to Mike & the Mechanics. Amongst them was another song that was Acceptable in the 80s - a UK
Read More »Free opera and a play for Armistice Day – Feelgood Saturday 5th November
Chairman of Hutton and Shenfield Choral Society, Richard Randall, joined me this morning to talk about A Night at the Opera next Saturday evening at Brentwood International Centre. The Society is keen to develop
Read More »Afraid of emotional commitment? – Feelgood Saturday 29th October
It was great to be joined this morning by Laurie Edmonds, Social Media Manager of the Brentwood Operatic Society. Laurie spoke about BOS’ performance next week of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, which centres around 35
Read More »Billericay’s Community Archive and Brentwood’s PHAB – Feelgood Saturday 22nd October
I chatted this morning with Sylvia Kent and Jim Devlin who were at Billericay Library with a display by the Billericay Community Archive. The Archive has made great progress since it was launched last
Read More »Flashback to the 80s – Feelgood Saturday 15th October
Elliot and I chatted a bit about the Rugby World Cup this morning, wondering to what extent people in England have been getting behind Wales, and also how much sport can really lift the mood of
Read More »Where did Strike get that amazing piano riff? – Feelgood Saturday 8th October
I played two songs this morning that were Acceptable in the 80s - UK top 40 hit singles that you probably haven’t heard in a while. My clues to the first were that this
Read More »The most dangerous stretch of road in Essex? – Feelgood Saturday 1st October
I was joined this morning by Alfie Swan, proprietor of Billericay’s BDC Driving School, to discuss the A127/A176 interchange in the Noak Hill Road and Upper Mayne area, near the Hollywood-style “Basildon” sign. Since the
Read More »Hearing only bad news on the radio… – Feelgood Saturday 24th September
Elliot caught up live this morning with the Martyr’s Walk taking place in the centre of Brentwood to commemorate the final days and hours of William Hunter, the “Boy Martyr” who organiser of the
Read More »Human trafficking and Brentwood’s boy martyr – Feelgood Saturday 17th September
Elliot and I were joined this morning by Sarah Bell and Garry Smith, who are launching a new group next week to help the fight against human trafficking. Active Communities against Trafficking is a
Read More »Remembering 9/11 – Feelgood Saturday 10th September
This morning we invited you to share your memories of 9/11 - where you were when you heard the news, how the events of that day affected you personally and how you think the
Read More »Molly’s home!
A happy ending to the story we featured on this morning’s Feelgood Saturday – Molly, the cocker spaniel who was stolen from Mountnessing, has been reunited with her owner! It was great that Phoenix
Read More »Have you seen Molly? – Feelgood Saturday 3rd September
I chatted this morning with Jayne Hayes, founder of an organisation called DogLost which has helped reunite an amazing 11,000 missing and stolen dogs which their owners in just 8 years. DogLost is run
Read More »Acceptable in the 80s – Feelgood Saturday 27th August
One of Phoenix FM’s newest voices, Elliot Smith, joined me this morning, and did a great job reading the Events Guide and generally helping me keep the show on the straight and narrow! Bank Holiday Monday
Read More »Berserk not just around Hylands Park! Feelgood Saturday 20th August
My clue to this morning’s Stuck in a moment challenge was that this song did what its title suggested*: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] My cryptic Where am I? clue to a location
Read More »Cars and girls and a beatboxing Councillor – Feelgood Saturday 6th August
I chatted this morning with Keith Playell from Skidmarques about their Ladies’ Motoring Event next Wednesday. Keith explained the idea behind the evening, and also gave some useful tips for the guys as well
Read More »Victorian Billericay – Feelgood Saturday 30th July
We heard today from prolific local author and historian Frances Clamp talking recently on Bygones about the 19th century workhouse in Billericay: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] This morning’s Stuck in a moment clue
Read More »Even more wind than usual! Feelgood Saturday 23rd July
My clue to this morning’s Stuck in a moment challenge was that this artist’s current album features previously released songs*: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] My cryptic Where am I? clue to a
Read More »The connection between Madness, a 16th century composer and our area – Feelgood Saturday 16th July
We heard this morning from prolific local author and historian Frances Clamp talking last week on Bygones about the history of the St Andrews Centre in Billericay: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] This
Read More »Brentwood Matters!
You can now listen to interviews from the day here: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] A number of local organisations came together today for the Essex Watch and Community Safety Partnership Brentwood
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 2nd July
I was joined this morning by George Adey, who shares his insights in George’s World every fortnight on Michelle Ward’s Eat my Lunch, along with Andrew, a fellow member of Brentwood’s Trinity Church, to talk
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 25th June
I had a very lively and interesting chat this morning with Colin Freeman, from Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch, who, as members of the Brentwood Community Safety Partnership, are organising a celebration of community cohesion on
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 18th June
I was joined this morning by former England & Essex bowler, John Lever MBE, Player Manager of the Lashings World XI, along with Brentwood Cricket Club Chairman Paul Webb. Dave Turner also dropped in from
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 11th June
I chatted this morning with Jean Wilson, Chairman of Brentwood Operatic Society. Jean talked about their forthcoming production of Guys & Dolls at Brentwood Theatre, about how they’re always pleased to talk to anyone who
Read More »Hogarth School Takeover 8/6/11
It was another great takeover by four of the year 6 children from Brentwood’s Hogarth Primary School, and the last for Ella, Sophie, Lainey & Rory as they’ll all be moving on to secondary
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 4th June
This morning’s Stuck in a moment clue was that this late 70s song was inspired by the Troubles in Northern Ireland*: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] My cryptic Where am I? clue
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 28th May
We heard this morning from prolific local author and historian Frances Clamp talking recently on Scott Ross’ Tuesday afternoon Bygones about the shooting down during the First World War of a German Zeppelin airship
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 21st May
I was joined this morning by Brentwood based personal trainer Gabby Clarke, who spoke passionately about her understanding of the relationships between a healthy mind and a healthy body. We also chatted about her regular Prams
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 14th May
I had a chat this morning with Sylvia Kent, a governor of Billeriacy’s Cater Museum, about their spring garden day. Sylvia said the museum always makes for a great visit, and talked about some
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The Rosaire Circus Family
Alan Johnson stood in for Scott this week and he chatted with Frances Clamp about the Rosaires, Billericay’s famous circus family. Click on the player below to listen again. [Audio clip: view full post
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 7th May
This morning’s Stuck in a moment clue was that the title of this song is a commonly used text abbreviation*: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] My cryptic Where am I? clue to
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 30th April – Frontline – promoting inclusion for all
It was a pleasure this morning to be joined by Kelly and Jo from Frontline Partnership, an organisation based in Brentwood which promotes inclusion and supports people with learning disabilities and high support needs
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 23rd April – Morris Men and the Mayor
I had a brief chat this morning with Ken Smith, one of Billericay’s Mayflower Morris Men, about their St George’s Day celebrations. Ken said that they’re always keen to welcome new members – although,
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 16th April – Back to the 50s
I was joined this morning by Julie Jive & the Bigshots, a 5 piece band from Essex who perform swinging, rocking and jiving music from the 1950s. They did three songs live, and also
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 9th April
This morning’s Stuck in a moment clue was that this song was based on a mash-up of two others, one of which was by this artist*: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] My
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 2nd April – Looking forward to Sunday night!
Everyone at Phoenix FM is looking forward to our latest Fundraiser tomorrow night at Brentwood Theatre – the last one was a really good night, and this one promises to be too! Whilst out
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 26th March – Happy Birthday to Us!
We’re all in party mood today, celebrating Phoenix FM’s 4th birthday - which was actually on Wednesday. Amongst other famous people we share our birthday with is 4 minute mile runner Roger Bannister, who
Read More »Feelgood Saturday 19th March – Lactic Rush
This morning I chatted with Tracey Alexandrou, organiser of the Lactic Rush taking place at the Secret Nuclear Bunker near Kelvedon Hatch on 15th May. Tracey, who’s a personal fitness trainer, has designed and
Read More »Hogarth School Takeover 16/3/11
Another of Hogarth School’s occasional takeovers of Phoenix FM, this time with Ellie, Sophie, Billie and Tom, who was supposed to have joined us last time but hadn’t been able to as he’d been
Read More »Brentwood Fairtrade Festival
Following last week’s chat with Malcolm Burgess from the Brentwood Fairtrade Campaign Group, today saw the culmination of Fairtrade Fortnight, with the group hosting a Festival in the High Street to raise awareness of
Read More »5th March 2011 – Remus and Fairtrade – two excellent local groups
Fran Smith popped in from the Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary near Ingatestone. Fran talked about the Sanctuary’s tremendous work caring for various animals – not just horses – who have been victims of abuse
Read More »26th February 2011 – A joined up show!
Mark Reed joined us live from Brentwood Theatre to talk about the seed swap taking place this morning to raise funds to help regenerate the sensory garden in King George’s Park. Mark also spoke
Read More »12th February 2011 – Songs for Valentines – but no slush!
As it’s Valentine’s Day on Monday I played a couple of songs to get in the mood, but nothing too slushy – a lot of dance music songs, such as Fragma’s Everytime you need
Read More »5th February 2011 – A courageous curate, a cocktail and a legal battle surrounding a doll!
Local author Frances Clamp talked about how a 19th century fire in Brentwood High Street could have affected the course of the history of southern Africa, when the Curate of St Thomas’ Church risked
Read More »29th January 2011 – Remembering a “mad” scientist
My clue to the Stuck in a moment quiz was that the artist had previously been a member of one of the most successful boy bands of the early 2000s.* My cryptic Where am
Read More »22nd January 2011 – Teenage idealism & a game of draughts
Local author Frances Clamp talked about 16th century Brentwood Protestant martyr William Hunter. Frances joins Scott Ross every Tuesday afternoon on Phoenix FM between 2 and 3. My clues to the Stuck in a
Read More »15th January 2011 – Big hair, cheesy music and romantic comedy
Ian Southgate from Brentwood Operatic Society took time out of his busy schedule to talk about their production of the Wedding Singer next week at Brentwood Theatre. Ian’s playing the part of Glenn, a
Read More »8th January 2011 – from Stone Yard to Baker Street
Local author Frances Clamp talked about the history of the site that is now Stone Yard in Western Gardens, Brentwood. Frances joins Scott Ross every Tuesday afternoon on Phoenix FM between 2 and 3.
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