Feelgood Saturday »

Belarus to Billericay – Feelgood Saturday 18th February

Belarus to Billericay – Feelgood Saturday 18th February

Alan Johnson February 18, 2012 0

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

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Day 1 in our new home – and a Government inspection! – Feelgood Saturday 11th February

Day 1 in our new home – and a Government inspection! – Feelgood Saturday 11th February

Alan Johnson February 11, 2012 0

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

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A free day out and a charity that empowers people – Feelgood Saturday 4th February

A free day out and a charity that empowers people – Feelgood Saturday 4th February

Alan Johnson February 4, 2012 0

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

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Fast cars and new talent – Feelgood Saturday 28th January

Fast cars and new talent – Feelgood Saturday 28th January

Alan Johnson January 28, 2012 0

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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Pothole Watch

Pothole Watch

Alan Johnson January 21, 2012 0

Keith Playell from Skidmarques tells us the roads to avoid in Brentwood

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Excellent stage and screen, all on our doorstep – Feelgood Saturday 14th January

Excellent stage and screen, all on our doorstep – Feelgood Saturday 14th January

Alan Johnson January 14, 2012 1

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

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A “P” please Bob… – Feelgood Saturday 7th January

A “P” please Bob… – Feelgood Saturday 7th January

Alan Johnson January 7, 2012 0

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

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Brentwood’s officially Fairtrade – Feelgood Saturday 31st December

Brentwood’s officially Fairtrade – Feelgood Saturday 31st December

Alan Johnson December 31, 2011 0

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

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Roll on summer! – Feelgood Saturday 24th December

Roll on summer! – Feelgood Saturday 24th December

Alan Johnson December 24, 2011 0

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,

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Why don’t you… – Feelgood Saturday 17th December

Why don’t you… – Feelgood Saturday 17th December

Alan Johnson December 17, 2011 0

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

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A pet greyhound, Victorian Billericay and central heating – Feelgood Saturday 10th December

A pet greyhound, Victorian Billericay and central heating – Feelgood Saturday 10th December

Alan Johnson December 10, 2011 0

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

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Christmas angels, a friendly banker and a very long river – Feelgood Saturday 3rd December

Christmas angels, a friendly banker and a very long river – Feelgood Saturday 3rd December

Alan Johnson December 3, 2011 1

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

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After the fire – Feelgood Saturday 26th November

After the fire – Feelgood Saturday 26th November

Alan Johnson November 26, 2011 1

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

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If only every winter’s day could be like this – Feelgood Saturday 19th November

If only every winter’s day could be like this – Feelgood Saturday 19th November

Alan Johnson November 19, 2011 0

 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

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Around the Horn – Feelgood Saturday 12th November

Around the Horn – Feelgood Saturday 12th November

Alan Johnson November 12, 2011 0

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

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Free opera and a play for Armistice Day – Feelgood Saturday 5th November

Free opera and a play for Armistice Day – Feelgood Saturday 5th November

Alan Johnson November 5, 2011 0

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

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Afraid of emotional commitment? – Feelgood Saturday 29th October

Afraid of emotional commitment? – Feelgood Saturday 29th October

Alan Johnson October 29, 2011 2

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

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Billericay’s Community Archive and Brentwood’s PHAB – Feelgood Saturday 22nd October

Billericay’s Community Archive and Brentwood’s PHAB – Feelgood Saturday 22nd October

Alan Johnson October 22, 2011 0

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

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Flashback to the 80s – Feelgood Saturday 15th October

Flashback to the 80s – Feelgood Saturday 15th October

Alan Johnson October 15, 2011 0

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

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Where did Strike get that amazing piano riff? – Feelgood Saturday 8th October

Where did Strike get that amazing piano riff? – Feelgood Saturday 8th October

Alan Johnson October 8, 2011 0

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

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The most dangerous stretch of road in Essex? – Feelgood Saturday 1st October

The most dangerous stretch of road in Essex? – Feelgood Saturday 1st October

Alan Johnson October 1, 2011 0

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

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Hearing only bad news on the radio… – Feelgood Saturday 24th September

Hearing only bad news on the radio… – Feelgood Saturday 24th September

Alan Johnson September 24, 2011 0

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

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Human trafficking and Brentwood’s boy martyr – Feelgood Saturday 17th September

Human trafficking and Brentwood’s boy martyr – Feelgood Saturday 17th September

Alan Johnson September 17, 2011 0

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

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Remembering 9/11 – Feelgood Saturday 10th September

Remembering 9/11 – Feelgood Saturday 10th September

Alan Johnson September 10, 2011 0

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

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Molly’s home!

Molly’s home!

Alan Johnson September 3, 2011 1

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

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Have you seen Molly? – Feelgood Saturday 3rd September

Have you seen Molly? – Feelgood Saturday 3rd September

Alan Johnson September 3, 2011 1

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

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Acceptable in the 80s – Feelgood Saturday 27th August

Acceptable in the 80s – Feelgood Saturday 27th August

Alan Johnson August 27, 2011 0

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

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Berserk not just around Hylands Park! Feelgood Saturday 20th August

Berserk not just around Hylands Park! Feelgood Saturday 20th August

Alan Johnson August 20, 2011 1

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

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Feelgood Saturday – 13 August 2011

Feelgood Saturday – 13 August 2011

Ed Wellman August 18, 2011 0

It was fun sitting in for Alan Johnson on the Feelgood Saturday show this last weekend. Rain, wind and generally rubbish it was on the outside, but in the studio we did our best

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Cars and girls and a beatboxing Councillor – Feelgood Saturday 6th August

Cars and girls and a beatboxing Councillor – Feelgood Saturday 6th August

Alan Johnson August 6, 2011 0

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

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Victorian Billericay – Feelgood Saturday 30th July

Victorian Billericay – Feelgood Saturday 30th July

Alan Johnson July 30, 2011 0

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

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Even more wind than usual! Feelgood Saturday 23rd July

Even more wind than usual! Feelgood Saturday 23rd July

Alan Johnson July 23, 2011 0

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

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The connection between Madness, a 16th century composer and our area – Feelgood Saturday 16th July

The connection between Madness, a 16th century composer and our area – Feelgood Saturday 16th July

Alan Johnson July 16, 2011 0

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

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Brentwood Matters!

Brentwood Matters!

Alan Johnson July 9, 2011 2

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

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Feelgood Saturday 2nd July

Feelgood Saturday 2nd July

Alan Johnson July 2, 2011 1

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

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Feelgood Saturday 25th June

Feelgood Saturday 25th June

Alan Johnson June 25, 2011 1

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

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Feelgood Saturday 18th June

Feelgood Saturday 18th June

Alan Johnson June 18, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 11th June

Feelgood Saturday 11th June

Alan Johnson June 11, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 4th June

Feelgood Saturday 4th June

Alan Johnson June 4, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 28th May

Feelgood Saturday 28th May

Alan Johnson May 28, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 21st May

Feelgood Saturday 21st May

Alan Johnson May 21, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 14th May

Feelgood Saturday 14th May

Alan Johnson May 14, 2011 1

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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Feelgood Saturday 7th May

Feelgood Saturday 7th May

Alan Johnson May 7, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 30th April – Frontline – promoting inclusion for all

Feelgood Saturday 30th April – Frontline – promoting inclusion for all

Alan Johnson April 30, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 23rd April – Morris Men and the Mayor

Feelgood Saturday 23rd April – Morris Men and the Mayor

Alan Johnson April 23, 2011 0

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,

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Feelgood Saturday 16th April – Back to the 50s

Feelgood Saturday 16th April – Back to the 50s

Alan Johnson April 16, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 9th April

Feelgood Saturday 9th April

Alan Johnson April 9, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 2nd April – Looking forward to Sunday night!

Feelgood Saturday 2nd April – Looking forward to Sunday night!

Alan Johnson April 2, 2011 0

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

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Feelgood Saturday 26th March – Happy Birthday to Us!

Feelgood Saturday 26th March – Happy Birthday to Us!

Alan Johnson March 26, 2011 2

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

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Feelgood Saturday 19th March – Lactic Rush

Feelgood Saturday 19th March – Lactic Rush

Alan Johnson March 19, 2011 0

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

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Brentwood Fairtrade Festival

Brentwood Fairtrade Festival

Alan Johnson March 12, 2011 0

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

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5th March 2011 – Remus and Fairtrade – two excellent local groups

5th March 2011 – Remus and Fairtrade – two excellent local groups

Alan Johnson March 5, 2011 0

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

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26th February 2011 – A joined up show!

26th February 2011 – A joined up show!

Alan Johnson February 26, 2011 0

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

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12th February 2011 – Songs for Valentines – but no slush!

12th February 2011 – Songs for Valentines – but no slush!

Alan Johnson February 12, 2011 0

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

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5th February 2011 – A courageous curate, a cocktail and a legal battle surrounding a doll!

5th February 2011 – A courageous curate, a cocktail and a legal battle surrounding a doll!

Alan Johnson February 5, 2011 0

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

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29th January 2011 – Remembering a “mad” scientist

29th January 2011 – Remembering a “mad” scientist

Alan Johnson January 29, 2011 0

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

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22nd January 2011 – Teenage idealism & a game of draughts

22nd January 2011 – Teenage idealism & a game of draughts

Alan Johnson January 22, 2011 0

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

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15th January 2011 – Big hair, cheesy music and romantic comedy

15th January 2011 – Big hair, cheesy music and romantic comedy

Alan Johnson January 15, 2011 0

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

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8th January 2011 – from Stone Yard to Baker Street

8th January 2011 – from Stone Yard to Baker Street

Alan Johnson January 8, 2011 0

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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