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eMoov – Online Estate Agent – Russell Quirk
With the cost of everything on the rise these days it was good to chat to Russell Quirk today from online estate agency eMoov to discover a way to potentially save thousands of pounds
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Book Review with Margaret Mills and Goodbye Edd Buckley
Today it was time for Margaret’s monthly book review. “A Green and Pleasant Land (how England’s Gardeners fought the Second World War)“ by Ursula Buchan, (paperback, non-fiction), published 2014 by Windmill Books, price = £9.99. As WW2
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A visit too far
In the first hour of today’s show we heard about a man who went to visit his son in jail, only to be incarcerated himself for more than 30 hours in a soundproof room,
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Bitten off more than you could chew?
In a music packed show today we still had time to hear about the toddler determined to win a toy from one of those claw crane machines that always drop your prize before reaching
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Songs from the Children of Chernobyl
This radio lark is a funny thing. Unexpectedly today I found myself covering for Michelle Ward on Eat My Brunch. Just as unexpectedly I was delighted to meet Michelle’s guests today. The Billericay and
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D’ukesFest at The Queens Theatre Hornchurch
Ever Thought About Playing The Ukulele? If you have, then the best place to go is D’UkesFest on Saturday 26 July at the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch. Organised by ukulele band D’Ukes in conjunction
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It’s Daylight Robbery
On today’s show we heard all about one of Britain’s thickest bank robbers. I have to say that I can’t think of too many people, who if they were going to rob a bank,
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It’s Festival Time
We are in the middle of various festivals taking place in both Brentwood and Billericay at the moment. This Thursday sees the start of the BILLERICAY ARTS FESTIVAL, so I was pleased to be joined
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A Winning England Team at The World Cup – Lionsraw
About a month ago Daniel Hearn came into our studio here at the Brentwood Centre to tell us about his forthcoming trip to Brazil with the charity Lionsraw. The aim of the trip was
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Mad Scientists at The Energy Show – Queens Theatre Hornchurch
I had a chat on the phone today to two mad (but lovely) scientists who are bringing The Science Museum’s “The Energy Show” to The Queens Theatre Hornchurch this weekend. Methane bubbles are set
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Joining Joni’s Army
Today was probably one of the hardest interviews I have ever had to do but at the same time it was a pure joy. Joni-Mai is a 8 year old girl fighting Ewings Sarcoma
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Highway Robbery!
On today’s programme we found out why drivers might be thankful not to live in Brentwood, California, where due an error drivers were only allowed a minute of parking time and were being ticketed
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Can you make your home more ECO friendly?
This time last week I was talking with BIJAL SHAH who provided us with some useful tips on adding value and comfort to your home with some improvements that anyone can make cheaply and
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Billericay Community Choir Summer Concert
Tomorrow evening at the Billericay Baptist Church, The Billericay Community Choir will be holding their Summer Concert. The choir was only formed in October last year and already has over 80 members. It was
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Fun in the Park – Lake Meadows Billericay
On today’s show I gave a mention to a forthcoming great family event that has been organised by Churches Together in Billericay. I need say no more about it because all the details are
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Now that’s what I call a “SMASH”
We can all remember the old advertising jingle “FOR MASH GET SMASH”, but today we heard all about the new meaning given to this after a lorry shed its load of mashed potato in
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Time for a Makeover?
On a very busy show today we took time out to re-live last Saturday’s STRAWBERRY FAIR. And what a fair it was this year with the weather being really kind to us. Vic Damhar cornered
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Genesis maestro Steve Hackett talks to Phoenix
Guitar legend and Genesis Axeman Steve Hackett spoke to Mike about the Past Present and Future If you really want to hear what he thinks about a possible reunion then you can listen again
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Let’s make it “snappy”
On today’s show I got to talk with a man, who has been working in the field of photography for many years. Having done commissions for the likes of the BBC and SKY,
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Drought Already? What Drought? – A Drought of Real News in the Papers
It’s been reported in certain newspapers that a drought could be on the way. Surprising that, as much of the country spent weeks underwater earlier this year. It is true that the long range
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A good “KOREA” move?
On today’s show we heard why working in the weather centre in North Korea might not be such a good idea right now. Just like weather forecasters everywhere they don’t always get it right.
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Women! Help with Learning The Offside Rule…
With all the football on the telly at the moment, some bright spark has come up with a way to help women understand the offside rule. This has been doing the rounds on the
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Brentwood Arts Festival Music – Bob Scott and David Worsfold
The Brentwood Arts Festival comes to town this year between 5th and 12th July. There are dozens of events happening this year including some great music events. To tell us all about the music
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Giving Something Back – Cezara Nicorici and Bokwa
It was a delight to welcome Cezara Nicorici in to Phoenix today. Cezara is a local Bokwa instructor who has arranged a great family Bokwa event in Brentwood in aid of The Royal Brompton
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You don’t always get what you pay for!
A few weeks ago we heard about a chap who had placed the word “the” up for sale on e-Bay. Surprisingly he had already received a number of bids. What is more astonishing is
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How was school for you?
On today’s show I was very pleased to have the chance to talk with STEPHEN DREW, who is not only the headmaster of BRENTWOOD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, but was also the “star” of Channel
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World Cup Heroes – Daniel Hearn and Lionsraw
With the World Cup nearly upon us, Lionsraw is a movement that mobilises passionate football fans who believe they can make a difference in the lives of others locally and globally. During the World
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Arbutus Music – Sing Sea Songs and Beware – Cyber Attack
Arbutus Music was set up by Christine Gwynn and Frances Quintrell in 2008 to provide a range of musical activities. Arbutus Music courses include voice coaching, ideas and tips, and the opportunity to build
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Welcome aboard Bedpan Airlines
Ahead of the arrival of my regular Tuesday visitor, CARL MERRY, we heard all about the hospital in China that requires its nurses to dress as air hostesses. Seemingly the intention is to offer a
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Choice and Change and The Band from County Hell
Former Phoenix Presenter Ches Moulton was back in the studio talking about his new book Choice and Change. If you missed the interview with Mike you can hear it here Mike also popped along
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We’re getting airborne again
To mark the start of NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK, of which this year is the 30th anniversary, I was pleased to be joined today by JILL JENNINGS from ESSEX & HERTS AIR AMBULANCE to
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Eric Pickles and the Team From Fitness in Mind
Today at The Brentwood Centre, the Brentwood Mental Health Fair was taking place to celebrate new mental health initiatives being introduced by statutory, voluntary and commercial organisations across the borough and county. Right at
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Brentwood Songsters Need Your Help
It was a pleasure to sit in for Mike Jones today on One 2 Three. Mike will be covering me tomorrow in return. Today’s programme included an appeal for new members from one of
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Is this the sale of the century?
It never ceases to be amaze me just what items go up for sale on eBay, and that amazement is only surpassed by the fact that there are people out there who actually bid
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Oh to be young again!
Well I guess it was too much to hope for a third sunny Bank Holiday weekend. When I was a young lad the weather always seemed to be sunny, and I guess it’s looking
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Phoenix FM Book Review – Margaret Mills – Ghostwritten by Isabel Wolff
Margaret Mills is an adult education history & literature tutor, and also regularly gives talks to various societies & organisations, including talks on aspects of Essex history, legends and folklore. Margaret is joined me
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That Was The Firewalk – Now it’s Time for a Tea Party!
So last Saturday evening was a great evening here at the Brentwood Centre, with crowds enjoying music, conversation, food and drink and walking on fiery hot coals! It was of course the Brentwood Community
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Putting on The Show
Its Godspell month at The Queens and a busy one for Production manager Dave Godin. Mike went along to watch the tech rehearsal and spoke to Dave You can hear the interview again here
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A field day for the music
We welcomed back CARL MERRY into the studio with another ESSEX TALE. This week’s story went back to the year 991 and the Battle of Maldon – a battle that the men of Essex,
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Two tales of crime
Regular listeners will recall the appalling incident suffered towards the end of last year by the Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary when they lost much needed equipment to thieves. It was therefore good to talk
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A Busy Weekend in Brentwood and Billericay
With so many events happening in our area this weekend (see the Phoenix FM events guide) I devoted most of today’s show to all that’s going on. We heard all about Saturday’s Yogathon on yesterday’s
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Jesus Christ! Sam Kordbacheh talks Godspell
Sam Kordbacheh talks about his role in the Stephen Schwartz musical, now at the Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch
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Yogathon in aid of Brentwood Mind – This Saturday
This Saturday 17th May there’s a yogathon in aid of Brentwood Mind. To tell us what a yogathon is and to talk all things yoga, Jo Kemp and Jessica Livingstone from Brentwood Yoga and
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The Band From County Hell
Always keen to promote different genres of music it was a real pleasure to play tracks from the new The Band from County Hell CD and it was great to talk to bass player
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Another one for the block?
Back to a full two hours today, and being a Tuesday it was good to welcome the smiling face of CARL MERRY with another Essex Tale. More on that in a moment but first
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A mini ONE-2-THREE
I found myself somewhat “snookered” today, but that will come as little surprise as the man doing the “snookering” was none other than the legend, RONNIE O’SULLIVAN, who I discovered was in to talk
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The Bishop affair, street lighting and much much more
Brentwood first councillor Russell Quirk joined Mike in the studio to discuss all things Brentwood including the national news story regarding Disgraced Tory Councillor David Bishop. Plus potholes ,new developments ,street lighting, UKIP and
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An embarrassing lock out
Hey it’s the Tuesday after another Bank Holiday, but at least you know it’s another short working week. As usual on a Tuesday I was joined by CARL MERRY for another ESSEX TALE. Today’s
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A Bank Holiday – and sunny to boot!
What a wonderful time of year this is. First off it’s Easter then the May Day Bank Holiday and we have another long weekend to look forward to in just 3 weeks time. Already
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Jenny’s Match – Saturday at Billericay Town FC
On today’s show I was pleased to welcome to the studio, a fine young man, Ross Kerwood who has been raising money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, in memory of his
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A Defibrillator for Billericay – Phil Norton
Lifesaving equipment could be introduced to Billericay High Street in a joint initiative between the Street Pastors, the Community First Responders and the wider community. Phil Norton, Billericay Street Pastor co-ordinator and Community First
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What Makes You Wild?
On today’s show, Carl Merry returned with the story of THE WILD MAN of Orford. To find out what made him wild, listen to story by clicking on the following link: - Essex Tales 29th
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Oh dear, it’s that day again!
Many years ago a political party said that if elected they would ban Mondays. Well if they had we’d have missed out on our MAXIMUM MUSIC MONDAY! But not just
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Brian Southall – Banned on the Run – Tales of Music Legends
It was my great pleasure to spend almost an hour in the company of Brian today, who kept us royally entertained with tales of his experiences with some of the biggest names in music
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Matthew Shepherd Live in Studio 1 – Listen Here
Matthew Shepherd is a 19 year old singer, songwriter and guitarist from Loughton, Essex. Matthew is no stranger to Phoenix FM having performed on Michelle Ward’s Eat my Brunch show and in the run
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Veterans in Action – 4000 Mile Walk Around Great Britain Coming to Brentwood and Billericay
Veterans In Action is a charity which helps veterans of the armed forces who have suffered the effects of war or who have found the transition to civilian life difficult, by helping them to
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Keep calm it’s only Tuesday
Being a Tuesday I was joined on today’s show by CARL MERRY for another Essex Tale. Today’s story concerned the daughter of the King of Colchester and if you missed it you can listen
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An Easter surprise
Well after a week off I had a real surprise to find that I was starting two hours early today as Michelle had thoughtlessly taken her Bank Holiday as real holiday. What a cheek!
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Veterans in Action – 4000 Mile Walk to Come Through Brentwood and Billericay
Veterans In Action is a charity which helps veterans of the armed forces who have suffered the effects of war or who have found the transition to civilian life difficult, by helping them to
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The Great Really Good Gatsby and Alison Thea Skott
Alison Thea Skot joined Mike on the show today and chatted about the Queens latest production “The Great Gatsby” You can hear what Mike thought of the show and the interview with Alison right
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Get Naked or Keep Your Shirt On?
Well we’re all supposed to be Europeans now, so why is there such an intolerance here of naked flesh when over in the German city of Munich they have given people the go-ahead to
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Tales of Prague…
So it’s good to be back in Brentwood after almost a week away in Prague. I had a great time touring around this beautiful city and on today’s show I talked a bit about
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Hey It’s Friday
Yes, it’s Friday and another bonus show for me this week. After yesterday when we heard all about domestic abuse, today we heard a case in point involving a postman who shut his wife
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Men have rights too
I was joined in the studio today by GERALD CASH and on the phone, by ERIN PIZZEY to tell us about the event they are holding tomorrow in Brentwood at the Marygreen Manor Hotel.
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A concise history of Local Radio by Scott Ross
Excerpts from Scott's recent talk covering the last 100 years of radio!
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No wonder TV is on its deathbed
On today’s programme, we heard all about a 9-hour TV spectacular which aired last week in France. This wondrous programme consisted entirely of a man walking backwards through Tokyo – and yes it ran
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What is the world coming to?
Another “MAXIMUM MUSIC MONDAY” and with it being such a grey miserable day we certainly needed the music to cheer us up, but to cheer us up even more we took a peep at
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The Eco-friendly Greenhouse at Shenfield High School
Shenfield High School are attempting to build a eco-friendly greenhouse using plastic bottles, and prevocational studies teacher Andy Christiani came in to talk about it
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Eric Pickles and The Bishop of Chelmsford Open Essex Savers in Brentwood
Today saw the official opening of the Brentwood Branch of Essex Savers.net Credit Union. I popped along this morning to watch the proceedings and have a chat to those involved. First I spoke to
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Opportunities to save and earn money
On today’s, and for me bonus edition of the show, we heard all about the Nottingham woman who saved £3000 and saw her weight drop from around 25 Stone to 17 stone, in just
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It’s all about Theatre
Local playwright and actor Luke Coldham is attempting to encourage a whole new audience for his improvisation show at the Thameside on the 23rd May. Mike spoke to Luke about the birth and and
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Get ready to invade Ukraine – well one town anyway!
Being a Tuesday I was once again joined by CARL MERRY for another ESSEX TALE. This week’s tale was set in East Mersea at the height of the civil war between the Royalists and
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Do I save money or splash out on a treat?
On today’s programme we heard about the 14 year old American boy who’s shown the US Government how to save up to £240m a year just by changing the font used in printing government
Read More »A Musical Journey Across Europe – Choir For All Seasons
This Saturday at the Mayflower Hall, Chapel Street, Billericay, The Choir for All Seasons are holding a concert called Music on The Orient Express. This is described as a romantic musical journey across Europe,
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How the police have seen the light
It’s another MAXIMUM MUSIC MONDAY but we still had time to poke a little fun at the Metropolitan police. Now they’ve not been enjoying a great press of late and are also facing many
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Stella The Raw Food Goddess visits Phoenix
If you bring food into the studio Mike is going to eat it and thats exactly what happened here. Here the interview again with the Lovely and very clever Stella Phillips in between
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Faire Is the Heaven – The Stondon Singers at Brentwood Cathedral
David Schacht talks about the group's new concert
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Where am I?
On today’s programme we heard a truly Devilish tale from Carl Merry relating to the consequences of throwing caution to the wind and building a house on land known as the Devil’s Wood. It
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EKCO’s of the past
Some time ago I got the chance to talk with local publisher and author, Audrey Snee who should have been with me today had she not been prevented
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First Responders Want You! – and a song from Matthew Shepherd
Community First Responder volunteers are trained to attend emergency calls received by the ambulance service and provide care until the ambulance arrives. Following a 999 call, one of a group of trained volunteers is despatched to the patient by
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The Need for Vinyl and Mike and Claire talk Sex
Two and Two Make Sex opened this week at the Queens and Mike went along to see this brilliant farce which includes in its cast the lovely Claire Storey. An actress with an impressive
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James Torme and all that Jazz
James Torme and his brilliant band delighted audiences at a unlikely Leigh on Sea venue last week into a laid back Jazz speakeasy. Mike Jones watched the gig and afterwards got a chance to
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A Visit from D’Ukes and a Tale of Being Lost in Iceland
After their crowd pleasing performance at our recent Phoenix Fridays gig, it was great to welcome back to the studio, the finest Ukulele band in the known universe! – D’Ukes. Members Martin Burdikin, Jo
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All about poachers and politicians
Being Tuesday I was delighted to welcome back CARL MERRY with another ESSEX TALE. Today’s tale concerned a poacher of old by the name of Samuel Peacock who seems to have had a bit
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Lost in music and the garden, as well
It’s the start of the working week again but at least the weekend, and especially yesterday was good to us weather-wise. Anyway being a Monday we needed something to cheer
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Chaos at Billericay Town Council Meeting – Cllr Jules Bottazzi
Billericay Town Council had to cancel its full council meeting after around 280 people flocked to Billericay Day Centre. They swarmed the Chantry Way building in protest of Basildon Council’s proposals to build 2,300 homes on the town’s
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Queens Hospital A & E Romford – An Emergency – Watch Here
Brentwood’s nearest Accident and Emergency department at Queen’s Hospital Romford, sees about 400 patients a day Following a report by the Care Quality Commission that its A&E was “at times unsafe because of the
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I wonder if we’ve found the reason the Scots want independence!
On today’s, and for me, bonus edition of the show we heard about the Essex secondary school teacher just awarded £230k after slipping on a sachet of tomato ketchup. Well fair enough, if you’ve
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What would you wear for church?
Being a Tuesday it is, of course, ESSEX TALES day and we’ll come onto that in a moment but firstly we had time to take a look at a more recent story. This
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Who says you can’t make it big?
A few weeks ago on this show I got to talk to Erkan Ali of BE INSPIRED, about helping the business community to better achieve their goals, and today I got to talk with
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Paolo Morena live in the studio
The wonderful Paolo Morena joined us in the studio for a fantastic three song session and interview You can hear the whole interview here Or you can watch the film here
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Drive-in Movies come to Brentwood and a Cat Cafe
Another busy show today with a few gremlins at the start, but I managed to beat them off with a stick! CLASSICS of the silver screen will be shown al-fresco this year in Brentwood
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Danger! – Selfies
A packed show today but somehow I managed to cram it all in! I mentioned a new app out designed to keep your partner happy by automatically sending them cute messages – bound to
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Interview with the Queen’s Theatre’s Patrick O’Sullivan
Patrick O'Sullivan, Education and Outreach Manager, came into the show to talk about his role at the Theatre
Read More »Con Artists and thieves have been around a long time
On today’s show CARL MERRY related the ESSEX TALE of a long dead conman, Stephen Bunce and from rather more recent times we heard of two far less competent bank robbers on different sides
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Help from the skies and a spectacular event
On today’s show I was joined by WENDY MARCON from the ESSEX & HERTS AIR AMBULANCE TRUST. As the Trust Events Manager, Wendy is especially responsible for all the fundraising events, which are vitally
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Do you Believe in Half Price?
So inflation is down by nought point one percent? Well I can’t say I’ve noticed. But I have noticed all those phoney half price offers in supermarkets, including a block of cheddar, half price
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Prog Rock God Ian Anderson talks to Phoenix FM
Mike Jones chats to the Jethro Tull frontman about the past, present and future
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All the comforts of Home
As usual on a Tuesday I was joined for another ESSEX TALE, by Carl Merry who whilst moving away from demons, stuck with another strange creature. Last week we heard all about the Devil’s
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The Food of Love?
Another MAXIMUM MUSIC MONDAY is upon us, but in with all that music, we managed to squeeze in the story of a man who, sadly, dropped dead from embarrassment whilst buying a Valentines gift
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A One 2 Three Valentine’s Day Special – Guess The Mystery Voices!
Happy Valentine’s Day to those who have found love, in whatever shape or form, and to those who are still hunting, don’t give up. If you feel bad, send yourself a card. You must
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Between a rock and a hard place
On today’s show we learnt about the Canadian Rock Band, SKINNY PUPPY, allegedly demanding £400,000 from the US military for unauthorised use of their “music” to torment suspected terrorists in Guantanamo Bay. Seemingly people
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Anyone for some ham?
On today’s show I was joined by Pete Waters, one half of the World renowned home of amateur radio (sometimes known as HAM RADIO) in Essex, Waters & Stanton. Pete explained just what “HAM”
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A New Credit Union for Billericay, Street Pastors and The Big Promise, and Goodbye Pip!
Back in December Alison Davies from Essex Savers.net Credit Union came into Phoenix to tell us the good news that a new credit union branch was to open in Brentwood. Well we had some
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#TimeToTalk Day on Phoenix FM
Thursday 6 February was the first ever Time to Talk Day - 24 hours in which to start conversations about mental health, raise awareness and share the message that mental illness is nothing to
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Review: Our Man In Havana, Queen’s Theatre
Mike Jones was at the press review night of Our Man In Havana, a comedy thriller produced by and performed at the Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch
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William Hunter Way Project Scrapped – Russell Quirk
AFTER eight years of planning the deal for William Hunter Way’s multi-million pound redevelopment is to be scrapped. Brentwood Council have confirmed the project with Stockland is “set to be refused” after a development
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It’s Time To Talk
Thursday this week has been designated TIME TO TALK DAY and I was joined today by Mark Dale and Wayne Banks from the Basildon & South of England Disability Equality Forum, to explain
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Seconds Out – the place is on fire!
On today’s show we heard all about the boxer whose final appearance in the ring was as a corpse. It seems that he had wanted to be
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Mike Le Surf
Guests today were PPC Mike le Surf and Cllr Julie Morrisey who came into discuss the latest “good news ” figures ,Scotland ,Crime, Education and of course whats going on in Brentwood Politics.
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A step too far
Being a Tuesday I was pleased to welcome back CARL MERRY, but his tale today was a truly gruesome story which concerned the love of a girl by Viking twins who perished fighting each
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A truly political lesson
On today’s show I was privileged to meet up and chat with a legend of TV political reporting, BRIAN CURTOIS. For many years Brian was the BBC’s chief political correspondent who met and interviewed
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Leanne Louise Live in Studio 1 – Listen Here
Leanne Louise is a singer songwriter and occasional producer. 2013 saw Leanne opening Brownstock Festival and going onto win both ILUVLIVE and Live & Unsigned. Leanne will be appearing at Phoenix FM’s First ever
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William Hunter Way – Opposition Members Anger at Secrecy
Ian Edmonds and Graeme Clark explain their reaction to current negotiations
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Married? You Could be Part of a New World Record – The Big Promise – Listen Here
Every year more than a quarter of a million couples across the UK signify their commitment to each other by getting married – they make promises to each other that form the bedrock on
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Baby’s from Hell
On today’s programme we learnt about the woman from New York who is addicted to chewing on nappies and about the animated devil baby that has been terrorising New
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Doesn’t Monday come round quickly?
The weekends seem to just flash by and then here we are back at the start of another working week. The good news is that we have another MAXIMUM MUSIC MONDAY ONE-2-THREE Show.
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Richie Milton and Bill Farrow – Tales of Simon and Garfunkel, The Pioneers, Long John Baldry And Eastenders! – And Some Great Music Too
Well I have been looking forward today’s show for weeks. Back at Brentwood lighting up at the end of last November we had several great musicians perform on our stage in Crown Street Brentwood
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A bit of a wash out
Last week we heard all about an 11-year old American girl who got stuck in a washing machine whilst playing hide and seek, but now comes news of an Australian man who thought he
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AN EXPLOSIVE MEETING
Being a Monday we needed a couple of stories to cheer ourselves up and being of a somewhat warped nature, other people’s misfortunes always do it for me! First off we learnt about the
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Prismism Project Live from Studio 2 – Watch Here
Today I played out a great session I recorded in studio 2 earlier this week with Greg Hummell, also known as Prismism Project. Prismism Project is all about Alternative/ Electronic production, live looping &
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Mrs Brentwood and the 2014 Festivals
The lovely Laurie Edmonds popped in to see Mike today and brought exciting news about this years Brentwood Arts Festival and Brentwood Festival itself The Arts festival begins on 5th July and will
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A bit of a jam
On today’s show we heard all about the British man breathalysed by the French police for drink driving and why, although having consumed copious quantities of Champagne, wine and malt whisky, he escaped prosecution.
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It’s the start of a New Year so we mean business!
On today’s show I was joined by business consultant, ERKAN ALI from Be Collaboration, an organisation he founded with Gill Tiney. Gill, who has been in to see us a couple of times, would
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£10 to visit A & E – Manure from the Press Association?
So here is the news, or at least someone’s version of it. A third of GPs believe patients should be charged for some A&E visits, while most think Government changes will do nothing to
Read More »Happy New Year – The First One 2 Three of 2014 and The Shape of Things to Come
It was my privilege to host today’s One 2 Three, the first of 2014. Along with Scott Ross and Mike Jones we have been presenting this early afternoon show on Phoenix FM since last
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A real celebratory bash
For the final ONE-2-THREE Show of the year, I was delighted to be joined by FRANCES CLAMP for a New Year’s Eve BYGONES special. Frances talked about some of the legends surrounding the changing
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A right Royal “to do”!
Continuing the theme from Saturday we spent much of today’s show re-living the tracks that made 2013 such a great year for music, as well as pre-viewing some of the new releases which are
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A very Merry Santa!
On this our Christmas Eve edition of ONE-2-THREE we heard all about the Santa Claus who together with his female assistant came a cropper whilst riding his sleigh down a busy high street in
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Food for thought, maybe?
Christmas creeps up on you doesn’t it? With this in mind it did seem right to belt out a few more Christmas songs but not the full house we’ll be playing tomorrow. It might
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Oxjam 2013 – Listen Again Here
On Saturday 28th December it’s the return of Oxjam, a music festival that celebrates the local music scene and raises money for Oxfam- two undeniably great causes! After raising more than double the amount
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The spirit of Christmas lives on!
Following on from yesterday when we heard about various arguments erupting around decorating Christmas trees, we looked today at the woman who has put up a less than festive message in lights to her
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Christmas – The time of goodwill to all men
I’ve finally succumbed to the Christmas festivities and started putting up my decorations. I guess it’s getting the cards out next! With the Christmas spirit filling the air I decided to look today at
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William Hunter Way: Cllr Parker discusses the proposals
Keith Parker, Conservative councillor for Brizes & Doddinghurst, visited the show this week to talk about the proposals for William Hunter Way
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The Phoenix FM Daytime Collective – Santa (Thank you) ft. The Popettes
A brand new Christmas song for you this year courtesy of your Phoenix FM daytime presenters. The Phoenix FM Daytime Collective are: Bryan Powis Rob Jelly Michelle Ward Bob Simpson Mike Jones
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It’s all about money today!
For reasons I won’t bore you with, we’ve had a bit of a switch round this week, so somewhat surprisingly I found myself in the driving seat for today’s show. First off we heard about
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It’s all about Billericay today
On today’s show I was delighted to welcome CHARLES PHILLIPS who has just published THE STORY OF BILLERICAY. The book was 6 years in the writing and traces the town back to its earliest
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Essex Savers Credit Union Arrives in Brentwood
My guest today was Alison Davies, president of Essex Savers Net Credit Union The Archbishop of Canterbury recently said that one million families are now taking out payday loans every month as they struggle
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Crown Street Live – Listen Here
Another chance to hear all the acts who performed at Crown Street during this year's Lighting Up
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Living off the fat of the land, perhaps!
Being a Tuesday it was ESSEX TALES day. But before all that we learnt how you could have turned your excess fat into gold. Had you been in Dubai during Ramadan and signed up
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Why Santa might be a little late this year
Well last Saturday saw the big Christmas Light switch-ons in both Brentwood and Billericay but on today’s show we heard why Santa could be a little held up this year.
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Lighting Up Brentwood – ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly
‘Tis almost the season to be jolly… But with Father Christmas busy in his workshop and Lighting Up Brentwood tomorrow, I played a few Christmas tunes today to get us in the mood. We
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Weird and Wonderful Stories
Today seemed a good day for Weird and Wonderful stories… So I thought I would start by mentioning a local event of the same name. Weird and Wonderful I hear that there
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Mike Le-Surf and Julie Morrissey
The two Labour councillors join Mike Jones on One-2-Three
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Mike Jones talks to Eric Pickles
Mike Jones spoke to Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles at the opening of Brentwood Brewing Company’s new premises in Ongar Road, adjacent to Calcott Hall Farm Shop. A variety of topics were discussed
Read More »A rush for 2014 calendars
As it’s a Tuesday I was joined today by CARL MERRY for another ESSEX TALE. This week’s concerned a philosopher from Harwich, who made an interesting proposition on his deathbed in Brightlingsea, where he
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Some Unwelcome Visitors!
It’s the start of another working week so we definitely need something to cheer us up so with our colleague STEVE DAVIS braving the delicacies on offer in the jungle, we enjoyed the story
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Louise Moss from RSPB Rainham Marshes – We Make Fatballs!
Thanks to Louise Moss from RSPB Rainham Marshes today The Phoenix FM studio today felt like the Blue Peter studio at the BBC. We made fatballs! You can see the result of my effort
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Lizzie Allen and Tracey Cowling from Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service
Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service are a local non profit making registered charity, which since 1989 has been offering professional and confidential counselling to adults and more recently children who are struggling to come
Read More »More winners for Health & Safety
Hi. Yes it’s me back again on ONE -2-THREE, but this is not so much as a bonus show but rather a straight swap with Bob who covered me on Monday. On today’s show
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War of the Worlds a new tour! I chat to Jeff Wayne
The man behind one of the most successful concept albums ever is Jeff Wayne. War of the Worlds remains one of the best selling albums of all time in the UK with sales well
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A Cold place with a warm welcome
On today’s show we heard all about the hotel in Sweden made entirely of ice and snow that has just been ordered to install fire safety equipment. You’d think that if it caught fire
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Steve Davis in the Jungle and Sam Callahan says Goodbye to X Factor
Snooker star and Phoenix FM presenter Steve Davis has swapped his waistcoat for a khaki suit to appear in the latest series of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ Here’s some top
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Rock Choir and Brentwood Lighting Up – Andrew Small
Rock Choir was started by musician Caroline Redman Lusher in 2005, and now people all over the UK are enjoying its mix of fun, friendship and community spirit. Well on 30th November Rock
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Phil Norton – The Billericay Street Pastors
A DEDICATED team of volunteers have started to hit the streets of Billericay to support late-night revellers and vulnerable people in need. The Billericay Street Pastors will be out in the town between 9pm and
Read More »A cake that’s a cut above the average
In the first hour of today’s show we heard some headline news about an American bride who to celebrate her wedding to a horror film fan executed a wedding cake in the shape of
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Looking for the “high” life perhaps
Well it is Monday again so we needed something to cheer ourselves up. So on today’s “music packed” show we looked at the house for sale in Bristol complete with a cannabis farm
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David Schacht from The Stondon Singers and a Warning about Conmen
The Stondon Singers are a mixed Chamber Choir, resident at the atmospheric Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore. On 12th November (next Tuesday) they will be performing their next concert “Watercolours” at St Laurence
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Russell Apologises and Brentwood Arts are in town
Following the furore in the media Brentwood First Councillor Russell Quirk came into the studio to explain the context and reasons behind his recent leaked email which stated that “The prospect of sharing such
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A tram journey with a difference and an ESSEX TALE
On today’s show we heard about a group of French teenagers, a bit worse for wear, who abducted a llama from a circus and took it on a tour
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Oops is this really the way to fight a war?
On today’s show we heard all about the Norwegian who really has made something out of nothing. I guess that many of us have heard about people who like to live in a virtual
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Arbutus Music and The Rhythm Of Life. Paul Golder Chats to Steve Hackett of Genesis and Happy Birthday Scott Ross
Last Thursday I had the pleasure to chat to Christine Gwynne and Frances Quintrell about their singing workshop “The Rhythm of Life” which was happening on Monday this week. I thought I would pop
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The Scrutiny debate without the Scrutineer
In what promised to be a heated debate following the previous week’s Council Full Meeting Ousted Chair Karen Chilvers (Lib Dem) Phil Baker (BWF) were invited to join Mike for One to Three. New
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Maddy Davies from Brentwood Connect and some Halloween Horror!
Brentwood Connect is about empowering local communities across Brentwood to support families in their locality who are struggling to function effectively. Brentwood Connect is working with Inspiration Youth Call and today, Maddy Davies a
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The cat’s whiskers
It was rather a sad day today as I was joined for the last time by Frances Clamp. Frances has been with me on this show for the last 3 years but
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It’s a dog’s life
Another maximum music Monday has arrived but apart from all that music, we had time to look at another couple of oddball stories. First off came news of the travel company who specialise in
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The Encore Harmony Singers
It was a great pleasure to be joined by The Encore Harmony Singers in Studio 2 at Phoenix. The Encore Harmony Singers are a group of eight singers that are well known in the
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The Rhythm of Life – Arbutus Music and Fun with Powis (Bob Simpson Sings!)
It was a great pleasure to welcome back to the studio Christine Gwynn from Arbutus Music who this time was joined by her colleague Francis Quintrell. Sing Special – Rhythm of Life, is a
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Do you have to be flush to eat here?
On today’s show we heard all about a new toilet themed restaurant which has just opened in Los Angeles. This glittering establishment boasts lavatories rather than chairs to sit
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It’s time to welcome back THE CROCKED MONSIEURS
Last June, when I was sitting in for MICHELLE WARD, I got to meet up with Chris Howard and Colin Batters, who are 2 members of South London based band, THE CROCKED MONSIEURS.
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Chinese Food, Pandas and Paul Merton speaks to Rob Jelly
The Man who wrote Rebecca Black’s “Friday” has Made A New Song Called “Chinese Food” And if you think Friday was bad, you need to listen to Alison Gold’s song “Chinese Food.” It’s about
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Rob West and The Backstage Centre
Mike’s Guest today was Rob West from the wonderful Backstage Centre at Purfllet. Its Londons newest Music and Theatre production and rehearsal facility To find out more about the Backstage Centre go to
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How about One for the road?
Being a Tuesday I was once again joined by my BYGONES mentor, Frances Clamp, but more of that anon. In the first hour of today’s show we heard about a very unusual case of
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Go with the flow – perhaps!
Another hectic ONE-2-THREE Show today with “Much More Music!” plus news of a man who can’t get a driving licence because he’s legally dead and of another man knocked senseless when his toilet exploded. I
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World Mental Health Day, Larry Pegg and Silly Stories
With one in four people suffering from a mental health problem, World Mental Health Day is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. Today, October 10th is World Mental Health Day,
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Jethro Tull Past Present and the Future
Mike was delighted to get the chance to talk to founding member Marin Barre about his time with Tull and what the future holds for them all. To find out what Mike Jones
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Barclay James Harvest – A Chat With John Lees
Formed in 1966 the band Barclay James Harvest created classic albums like Once Again (featuring the beautiful song Mockingbird), Barclay James Harvest And Other Short Stories and many others Founder member of the band John Lees is about to
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A dead loss
On today’s show we heard about a new dating site aimed at reaching a hitherto untapped market – THE DEAD. GhostSingles.com has some stunning profiles of potential love interests. They’re a pretty transparent lot
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How about a “wee dram”?
Hey it’s Monday yet again! Hope you had a great weekend but now it’s back to work so to try and cheer you up, in addition to playing some fabulous tunes, we also took
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X Factor’s Sam Callahan, A Lost Granny and Cheese and Pickle
Now that Sam Callahan has made it through boot camp on X Factor, This weekend we’ll see the final contestants revealed, as the judges’ houses stage of the competition airs. Sam’s now off to San
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And you’re back in the room… Ches Moulton, Hypnotherapist and Eric Pickles turns nasty.
Our friend Ches Moulton made a welcome return to Phoenix FM today. Until recently Ches presented a great show on Phoenix – Blues From Brentwood but left to concentrate on other things in his
Read More »Horsing around on the back seat!
On today’s show we heard about a couple of ladies who were pulled over by police on the Autobahn as their two passengers on the back seat were horses. Seemingly they’d just rescued the
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The law is an ass!
On today’s MAXIMUM MUSIC edition of the show we took a look at some of the daftest laws that exist around the world. For example amazingly enough it is illegal for single, divorced or
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Kaylen Castle – Amazing 16 year old Guitarist and Composer
I was totally knocked out by my talented young guest today, Kaylen Castle. Kaylen Castle plays the guitar. Nothing unusual about that then, but it’s the way he plays that interests me. Far from
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Rubbish and Bondage – Now there’s a Funny Thing
So have you been to the rubbish tip lately? Well I’m having a major clear out at home at the moment and I arrived at the tip the other day with a car
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Fire Service Dispute – The FBU visit Phoenix FM
With a four hour strike by Brentwood firefighters taking place between 12 and 4pm Mike invited FBU rep Nick Mayes into the studio to talk about the reasons why they were taking this action.
Read More »To wit To woo!
As it’s Tuesday I was pleased to welcome back Frances Clamp and even more delighted when she took me to visit two pubs in the Billericay of the 1960′s. Bot more of that anon!
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A drink to die for – and then get washed up on the beach!
Being a Monday it’s our MAXIMUM MUSIC edition of the show. But we still had time to hear about the woman in China who was bitten by the snake she’d attempted to pickle in
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Pygmalion ,Classic Cars ,Enchanted Festival and Steve Howe
Very very busy programme today I was joined by Tasha Blaauw and Jenny Lee from The Wesley Players who came into talk about the forthcoming Pygmalion and this weeks Brentwood Drama Festival
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Get to work slave!
On today’s show we heard about the Austrian woman who as she didn’t have enough money to hire labour to work on her farm, hit on the idea of posing as a dominatrix. When
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David does his bit
On today’s show I was delighted to welcome Dave Quaife, brother of PETE QUAIFE, the late legendary bass guitarist and founder of the 60′s group THE KINKS. Pete sadly died in 2010
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Paolo Morena Live – Weird and Wonderful with Colin Wade
A very busy but immensely enjoyable show today. I was joined in the studio by my two guests – first was Essex singer songwriter Paolo Morena – then Colin Wade from Brentwood Mind. Paolo
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Breakforcover! – Goodbye Stef and a Drunken Pig
Was a pleasure to sit in for Mike Jones on One 2 Three today. It was a good opportunity to pay tribute to Stef Cybichowsky, drummer with local band Breakforcover. I have been lucky
Read More »Fixing an election win – is that a Bounty or Black Magic?
Straight back from a few days holiday and what’s happened to summer? Well never mind, on today’s show we were transported temporarily to the sunshine and warmth, where in the midst of a presidential
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Strange Tails? When Animals Go Bad
Had fun sitting in for Scott Ross today. Here on Phoenix we try to bring you interesting and sometimes quirky news stories from around the world. Well today all I could seem to find
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Bay City Rollers – Les McKeown chats to Bob Simpson on Phoenix FM
I much enjoyed talking to the voice of The Bay City Rollers today – Les McKeown. Les is about to embark on a 41 date UK tour with his Les McKeown’s Legendary Bay City
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The Royal British Legion Youth Band Brentwood
Originally formed as a bugle band in 1990 the Brentwood Branch of The Royal British Legion formally adopted the Youth Band in March 1993. The band performs within various musical arenas from garden parties
Read More »Tales of undercover swans and another visit to the Chantry House
On today’s Show Frances Clamp returned to the Chantry House in Billericay. Last time we were there in March last year, Frances concentrated on the connections with the Pilgrim Fathers but today she concentrated
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