Cultural Quarter of an hour

Future Journalist Awards

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Cultural Quarter Of An Hour is back for 2021 after a bit of an extended Christmas break.

We're kicking things off by talking to two Staffordshire University Journalism students about the Future Journalism Awards.

The awards are run and organised by the students as part of their final year assessments.

And this year the awards are going national.

School children can enter and show Charlotte a thing or two about journalism while they're at it via the Staffordshire University website

You can follow me on twitter @CQHPod and send me DMs there - let me know what you are up to and get yourself on the podcast. I want to hear your stories!

Remote Operations Podcast

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

I'm talking podcasts on the podcast this week.

In September 2020 a new podcast series was launched by The Social Agency. They are a group in North Staffordshire for people with autism.

Remote Operations was recorded during the Covid-19 lockdown (spring/summer 2020)

It was devised and performed by autistic and learning disabled adults working in partnership with professional artists from Rideout (Creative Arts for Rehabilitation).

It was funded by Arts Council England, and the National Emergencies Trust administered by The Community Foundation for Staffordshire.

Charlotte spoke to Saul Hewish the Artistic Director of Rideout.

Don't forget you can follow me on social media

Twitter - @CQHPod

Facebook facebook.com/CQHPod

Email cqhpod@gmail.com

Homeward Bound

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

I'm involved with a lot of podcasts - that's the joy of running a podcast business.

One of the most special I'm involved with is called Purple Rainbow Pancreatic Cancer Podcasts.

It comes out monthly and I host it on behalf of North Staffordshire campaigner Lesley Goodburn.

I want to share with you an episode of that podcast through this podcast.

At the beginning of each episode you hear Lesley talk about why these podcasts exist. They are to raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer in honour and in memory of her husband Seth.

Another way Seth's story is being told is through a play - based on Lesley and Seth's experience using letters Lesley wrote.

In this episode Lesley is joined by Siobhan, Steph and another Lesley. They've been using Homeward Bound in a project and it's had a huge impact on those involved.

And Lesley also tells us about how the impact has reached the other side of the world too.

You can find out more about Purple Rainbow here https://purplerainbow.co.uk/

Music Credit Purple Planet Studios

DISCLAIMER:

All views, information or opinions expressed in this podcast series are solely my own and those of individuals interviewed and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Pancreatic Cancer UK , Pancreatic Cancer Action, Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund And The Elizabeth Coteman Fund

The charities and their employees are not responsible for and do not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series.

The primary purpose of this podcast series is to inform, but it does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.

Santa Rides

Charlotte Foster — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

We're facing a very strange Christmas not just in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire but also across the country.

So I thought I would re-start the podcast early and bring you an interview with Santa Claus himself.

Santa has been worried that children across North Staffordshire are missing him during lockdown so he's set up some Zoom calls (yes Zoom works in the North Pole!) and he's been chatting online to families.

It's a Christmas miracle.

You can get in touch with the podcast via email cqhpod@gmail.com

Twitter @CQHPod

Facebook @CQHPod

Music Credits

Written By Benjamin Caleb Johnson

Performed By BRASKO

Produced By BRASKO

Community Clay In Hartshill

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0000

This week Charlotte's talking to Amanda and Gemma from the Collective Skills Project.

They've been putting on a special lockdown project for people who live in Hartshill to help bring the community together.

It's called Community Clay and has seen the streets turned into living art galleries!

You can find out more Collective Skills Project here

Charlotte would love you to get in touch with what you're up to - drop her a message on twitter @CQHPod

Or email cqhpod@gmail.com

Six Towns Storytelling

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0000

This week Charlotte speaks to story teller Alan Barrett. During lockdown he's been commissioned by The National Literacy Trust as part of Stoke Reads to create six stories based on the six towns of Stoke on Trent.

Charlotte caught up with Alan as he recorded "Fenton Felony" his story all about, well the town of Fenton.

You can hear and see all the stories so far on the The National Literacy Trust website where there are also activity sheets you can download to go alongside them

Charlotte would love you to get in touch with what you're up to - drop her a message on twitter @CQHPod

Or email cqhpod@gmail.com

Urban Wilderness - Wastelands

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Lockdown has affected our lives in many ways. It's created uncertainty for many and forced many of us to isolate.

But it's also provided an opportunity to go exploring - but instead of heading off on a far flung adventure we've been finding new places on our door steps.

This week Charlotte speaks to Laurel - one of the co-directors of Urban Wilderness. They're one of many organisations given funding by Arts Council England to commission five artists to create new work connected to doorstep green spaces in Stoke on Trent.

If you want to find out more about Urban Wilderness you can visit their website here

Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook just search for @CQHPod

Music Credit: Track Title: Bounce

Artist Name(s): BRASKO

Spode Rose Garden

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:15:00 +0000

Cultural Quarter Of An Hour is back to help you be creative in lockdown.

Today Charlotte is talking to Glen Stoker who is the Chair of Friends of Spode Rose Garden.

The plans for the garden and the garden's community have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions, but that's not stopped them from getting people involved.

You can find out more about the Friends Of Spode Rose Garden here

Charlotte would love to hear from you about what you're up to during lockdown - get in touch @CQHPod on twitter is normally where you'll find her.

Stoke North Live At Home

Charlotte Foster — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:15:00 +0000

It's time to bring the podcast back!

After around 9 months off Cultural Quarter Of An Hour is back.

Charlotte's starting the new run of episodes with a look at some of the ways local groups have been coping with lockdown.

It's part of the Get Creative At Home project - not for profit organisations have been given micro grants thanks to a collaboration between Voluntary Arts England and Stoke on Trent City Council.

This week Charlotte speaks to Sharon Morley from Stoke North Live At Home. Normally the scheme helps people who live alone feel less isolated by organising events and gatherings. But during lockdown these can't happen.

But that's not stopped craft queen Sharon from encouraging members to use crafty creativity to help beat the loneliness of lockdown.

You can find out more about Stoke North Live At Home via the facebook page You'll also find Sharon's videos there too.

Charlotte would love to hear from you about what you're up to during lockdown - get in touch @CQHPod on twitter is normally where you'll find her.

Terrain Tutor

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 05:00:00 +0000

This week's episode has come as a bit of surprise! Charlotte had no idea she was going to meet or even interview this week's guest until just a few minutes before she met him.

And that makes this episode an absolute joy of discovery!

This week Charlotte is chatting to The Terrain Tutor, aka Mel. Unsurprisingly he helps people create model terrains for all sorts of reasons - games, model trains, just for fun! But his story and knowledge is not what Charlotte expected!

If you fancy checking out Mel's videos his youtube channel is here

Music Credit https://www.purple-planet.com/

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We've Fallen In Love With Your Gable End

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 12:02:00 +0000

For the past couple of weeks people in Stoke on Trent have been finding fragments of a poem painted on to buildings around the city.

Today Charlotte finds out more about the art work and what's behind the graffiti.

You can find B Arts here and here

Miusic Credit https://www.purple-planet.com/

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My Stoke Story

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 05:30:00 +0000

If you're on social media you have probably seen the hashtag #MyStokeStory, but what's it all about?

Charlotte's been to see Paul Williams from Stoke on Trent Cultural Destinations to find out more.

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Stoke A Love Story

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 17:38:10 +0000

This week Charlotte speaks to Kat Hughes and Kat Boon from Potboiler Theatre about their new production Stoke, a love story.

You may remember Kat and Kat from an episode in 2017 when Charlotte spoke to them about their production Girls, Girls, Girls.

This time around they've gone bigger and bolder!

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Dust Rising DR19

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 05:30:14 +0000

Charlotte's been to the Spode Works in Stoke for the opening day of Dust Rising. While the BCB celebrates all things ceramic in the China Hall, just around the corner is The Meadows building. Inside here you will see a celebration of visual art.

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Arthur Berry

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 12:28:41 +0000

This week Charlotte heads to Burslem to find out more about Arthur Berry the artist and poet.

She goes on a special walking tour delivered by historian Mervyn Edwards and hosted by Barewall Art Gallery

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Big Feast 2019

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 08:54:49 +0000

This week Charlotte's been to Big Feast in Hanley.

It's a free outdoor performing arts festival organised by Appetite and takes place around the city centre.

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Elite CIC

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 05:30:52 +0000

Today Charlotte has popped over to Chesterton in Newcastle Borough to find out more about what goes on in the Pavilion in Chesterton Park.

Elite CIC is a not for profit group supporting people to live independently, in fact Elite stands for Enabling Living Independently Today and Everyday.

It's a fantastic group which is placing itself firmly in the community with a desire to boost the area.

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Staffordshire Cycling Festival

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 22:44:10 +0000

On Sunday 11th August 2019 Staffordshire Cycling Festival came to Newcastle.

Charlotte went along to see what the event was all about (and yes there's more to it than lots of people in Lycra) and even got on a bike herself.

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Chris Edwards Academy Community Gym

Charlotte Foster — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 05:30:00 +0000

The gloves are on in Longton. OK maybe they're not but a brand new community boxing gym has opened in the city in memory of a local boxer.

Charlotte went along to the opening day where it was very noisy and spoke to the team at the Chris Edwards Academy Community gym about what it is they are doing and why boxing is so important.

Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Edward McKenzie

Charlotte Foster — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 06:35:00 +0000

Some people make a huge impact on you. Today's guest, Edward Mckenzie and his wife Runa are without a doubt two of those people.

Charlotte went to Edward's studio in Tunstall and spoke to him about his life, work and how he ended up in Stoke on Trent.

Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Bound By Clay

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 05:30:20 +0000

Earlier this year Charlotte was asked by Stoke and North Staffs Women's Network to host an International Women's Day event discussing Women in Ceramics. It was held at the Potbank Hotel at the old Spode site in Stoke and featured a teaser for a film the network had commissioned and worked on called Bound By Clay.

The project comes to an end this month so Charlotte caught up with Vicki McGarvey from Stoke and North Staffs Women's Network.

Credits

Clips from Bound By Clay filmed by Inspired Film & Video

Music by Purple Planet Music

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The D Road

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 21:17:08 +0000

The D road aka the A500 is the basis of Claybody Theatre's next production.

In preparation for the play the Deb McAndrew is asking for your memories, thoughts and feelings towards the road so Charlotte went to one of the drop in sessions being held to find out more. Of course she used it as an excuse to tell her story about how she thought the D road was in shape of a lower case 'd' when her dad told her all about this mythical road in Staffordshire!

If you want to get involved the Claybody Theatre website is http://claybodytheatre.com/

Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Burslem Market

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 11:27:24 +0000

Charlotte loves a bargain so she headed to Burslem's new outdoor market where she chatted to some of the people she met there.

The first is June Cartwright, founder of the Our Burslem facebook page and second she also chats to Mike Watson who is chair of the Burslem Park Partnership.

The market takes place every Wednesday 3pm - 8pm and it needs your support!

Music Credit Purple Planet Music

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The Portland Inn Project

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 05:30:32 +0000

This week Charlotte heads to The Portland Inn Project to find out more about what's going on.

Yes there is food, but what she also finds out is there's a large and growing sense of community where just a few years ago there was a feeling the area was being ignored.

Thanks to everybody who spoke to Charlotte.

Music credit Purple Planet Studios

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Shards

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 05:00:37 +0000

This week Charlotte was invited to For The Love Of Shards which was held at Clayhead in Stoke.

It was a public conversation organised by artist Nicola Winstanley to get people talking about the shards of pottery which they have collected over the years.

She's doing this as part of her a-n Bursary project called Shards.

You can hear all about it in this episode.

Music credit Purple Planet Studios

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Stoke Pride

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 05:00:37 +0000

It was a rain filled Stoke on Trent Pride but it was still a fun day in Hanley Park.

Charlotte had a great afternoon dodging showers/downpours and talking to lots of people.

A special thank you goes out to Tony and Toni from Scratch and Sniff Theatre and Laurel from Urban Wilderness CIC for helping Charlotte protect the VERY water sensitive recording equipment from the deluge!

You'll be hearing from them all on the podcast soon!

Music Credit Purple Planet

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Hanley Babes

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 05:30:17 +0000

The weather outside is indeed frightful so Charlotte is taking it upon herself to cheer you all up by talking about Christmas!

Well not quite but this episode does feature a Christmas tradition - the pantomime.

Earlier this month auditions were held at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley to find this year's Hanley Babes.

If you're scratching your head about what or who the Hanley Babes are then don't panic because that's just one of the things Charlotte asks Tim Churchill who is part of the team coming up with this year's panto at the Mitch.

You'll also find out just what it takes to be a Hanley Babe too. #spoileralert Charlotte does not qualify by at least 18 years.

Music Credit: Purple Planet Studios

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MakeFest 2019 Children interviews

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 05:30:55 +0000

This is where you'll hear the children who spoke to Charlotte about MakeFest, half term and all sorts of other things!

Music Credit Purple Planet Studios

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MakeFest Stoke 2019

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 05:30:29 +0000

Cultural Quarter of an Hour is back for the latest series of podcasts all about Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire.

You may remember last year Charlotte went to MakeFest and spoke to lots of exhibitors, well this year Charlotte was an actual exhibitor herself!

MakeFest is all about showing off the creativity and makers based in this area and giving children the chance to experience all sorts of activities such as coding, animation, screen printing and even peg doll making.

Some very lucky people got to try their hand at podcasting! Yes, CQH Pod was mainly recorded on site.

Music Credit - Purple Planet Studios

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71: Beeps and bleeps

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 06:30:00 +0000

This week Charlotte talks to Stoke on Trent music producer Scott Evans who is taking his love of all things music and turning it in to his career.

He's also a member of more bands than Charlotte's had hot dinners.

Scott's building his studio so Charlotte get's a chance to geek out over microphones during their chat, but they also talk about playing instruments and how being part of a band should be part of growing up!

You can find out more about Say Music Studios here

Sine Wave Circus info is here

Intro music credit: Purple Planet Music

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70: Bomb Magazine

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 07:52:23 +0000

25 years ago if you were a teenager or in your twenties and hanging around Stoke on Trent you'd no doubt have seen an issue of Bomb Magazine.

It was a fairly DIY publication talking about the club and music scene of the time.

It was set up by brothers Alex and Ned Hough and in this episode of Cultural Quarter of an Hour Charlotte talks to Alex about the magazine, the area 25 years ago and plans for Bomb number 51!

Music credit www.purple-planet.com

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69: Touch Tour

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 06:30:00 +0000

What on earth is a touch tour? If you don't know you'll find out in this episode as Charlotte goes behind the scenes at the Regent Theatre in Hanley to find out more about how people with sight loss are included when it comes to culture.

If you or a family member want to find out more about the different access options out there you can get in touch with Tim Calvert from Access to Entertainment either via the facebook page or his details are here

Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/

Full blog and show notes at www.cqhpod.co.uk

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68: Fred Hughes

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 06:30:00 +0000

Fred Hughes is a local historian, author, former Policeman and ex politician.

I spent a lovely hour chatting with him a couple of Saturdays ago.

For full disclosure I've enjoyed many a chat with Fred over the years I've lived in North Staffordshire thanks to working at BBC Radio Stoke.

This interview could easily have gone on for hours but we kept it tight.

Don't forget to head over to the CQHPod website for more information about the topics we discuss.

Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/

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67: 6 Towns Radio

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 18:35:48 +0000

Cultural Quarter Of An Hour IS BACK!

This week we visit 6 Towns Radio and party at their award night.

You'll find out what the station is all about, what's important to the presenters and most importantly you'll find out if Charlotte actually wins Stoke City Player of the year award!

Music credit https://www.purple-planet.com/

Full blog and show notes at www.cqhpod.co.uk(I've paid money for this site will somebody humour me and use it please!)

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66: Life Unwrapped

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 06:30:00 +0000

It's hard to deny there's a bit of a movement against single use plastic and waste at the moment.

It's now easier to do your bit to cut down on plastic and waste AND shop locally.

A new package free shop, Life Unwrapped, has opened up in Longton Market so I went to have a look.

#SoTCulture

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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65: He's Behind You

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 17:34:00 +0000

Continuing the Christmas theme because it's December and it's my podcast and you can't stop me, here's a chat I had with some of the guys performing in Cinderella at the Mitchell Art Centre in Hanley.

#SoTCulture

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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64: Affordable Food

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:30:00 +0000

Did somebody say party? Yes they did! And it was all taking place at Affordable Food Stoke in Blurton.

The shop was celebrating its first birthday, but as you'll find out it's far more than just a place to get cheap food.

#SoTCulture

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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63: Christmas Lights

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 15:04:17 +0000

So this is Christmas - well it's close enough.

All around North Staffordshire people are getting ready for Christmas. I make no apologies for loving the festive season.

One of the best things about Christmas is the light switch ons that take place. Of course you never know who you are going to meet…

Stay tuned to the end of the podcast for a special announcement!

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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62: Stephen Seabridge Part two

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 06:30:00 +0000

This is part two of my conversation with Stephen Seabridge. He's the recently (ok it was in June) appointed Poet Laureate of Stoke on Trent.

If you haven't listened to part one you really should first!

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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61: It's made me think about my car parking

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 06:30:00 +0000

This is the first of a 2 part interview with Stoke on Trent's first Poet Laureate Stephen Seabridge.

We spent ages chatting about poetry, Stoke on Trent and all things culture.

Part two will be along next week!

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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60: Newcastle Commemorates

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 06:30:00 +0000

Sorry for the missed, well actually just delayed, episode last week! Here it is this week instead.

In this episode I explain the The curse of Mondays in October and I go behind the scenes of Newcastle Commemorates.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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59: Hot Lane

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 05:30:00 +0000

I went to Spode to find out more about the latest Claybody Theatre production Hot Lane.

It's written by Deb McAndrew and directed by Conrad Nelson.

The performances will take place at Spode in November and you might recognise a couple of faces…

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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58: From Stoke on Trent to Ghana

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 16:27:30 +0000

I love it when you tell me about things going on around here that I need to know about. I really, really love it when you tell me about somebody I need to talk to.

This week's episode features a person you all need to hear about.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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57: I have arguments with my characters

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 05:30:00 +0000

This week on Cultural Quarter of an Hour I speak to Becka Sutton. She's a self published author who writes about vampires. She tells us what it's like to write a novel and why writing is so important to her.

If you want to get hold of her work here's the links...

Kindle version

EPub version

PDF

Paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/becka-sutton/haventon-born/paperback/product-22559297.html

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56: Remembering Srebrenica

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 05:30:00 +0000

On the podcast this week I chat to a group of people from Stoke on Trent who've just got back from Bosnia. They went to find out more about the war and in particular the massacre in Srebrenica of 8000 men and boys.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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55: Dust Rising

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 05:30:00 +0000

Dust is Rising in Stoke on Trent.

In places you wouldn't expect.

So I've been to Hanley to find out more about this exhibition.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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54: Building

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 22:11:28 +0000

At the back end of August in the dying embers of the school summer holidays a group of children were helping to transform Burslem Port.

The bit of land not far from Middleport has been a little unloved, but now Feral Spaces are getting children to take over and create a space were they can have adventures and play.

I spoke to Laurel from Feral Spaces earlier this summer as she was hoping to win £50,000 in a national competition for funding. Today she invited me to see Feral Spaces in action!

Photo Credit: One of the youngsters who took park in the event. Go to Feral Spaces on Facebook to see more.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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53: RAF 100

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 05:30:00 +0000

This year the RAF is celebrating it's centenary so I spend some time with one man who is celebrating the anniversary in Newcastle.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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52: Man Up

Sat, 25 Aug 2018 16:09:37 +0000

This week I speak to Restoke, the team behind Man Up. An examination of masculinity and mental health.

Photo by Jenny Harper www.jennyharperphotography.com

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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51: Dan Townley

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 05:30:00 +0000

This week after a mild panic about not managing to organise an interview I speak to Dan Townley. He's not only the self appointed saviour of the podcast, but you may well be woken up by him on 6 Towns Radio. And even though he's a Man United supporter who has RED SAUCE on his oatcakes you'll love hearing how passionate he is about Stoke on Trent.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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50: Joyce Iwaszko

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 10:53:50 +0000

This week I chat with artist and cultural champion for Hanley Joyce Iwaszko about her work and why she's so passionate about culture in Hanley.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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49: It's enabled me to be more passionate

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:07:08 +0000

This week I visit Centre Space (previously known as One One Six) based in the heritage centre at the former spode works.

I chat with visiting artist Ian Vines and hear about the future of the gallery from Darren Washington.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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48: MakeFest

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 12:32:33 +0000

Hello!!! Is this thing still on? Yes it's been a while but CQH Pod is back. Every week I'll bring you bits of Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire that you may not know about.

Culture is what ties us together. It's what makes us who we are.

This week I'm bringing you all the goss from Makefest, held at the library in Hanley.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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47: Community Iftar

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 23:04:03 +0000

I was invited to take part in a community iftar (breaking of fast) at Bedford Road Mosque in Stoke on Trent.

The idea of the evening was to show members of the community what goes on at the mosque and why Ramadan is so important to Muslims.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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46: Open Studios

Wed, 23 May 2018 05:30:00 +0000

I love a good nosey around so when I heard the ACAVA studios at Spode were holding an open day there was only one place I was going to be.

There are 43 artists based at the old pottery and as much as I'd love to, there simply isn't time to speak to all of them in 15 minutes so this is just a quick snapshot.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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45: Cultural Squatters of Newcastle

Thu, 10 May 2018 05:30:00 +0000

I think I've found my new home. I bang on about this podcast focusing on the people around here because to me people are an areas culture.

Turns out I'm not the only one saying this.

If you ever need to find me I'll probably be having a brew at Cultural Squatters

#bekind #culture #sotculture

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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44: Greening Church Street

Thu, 03 May 2018 12:31:18 +0000

Are flowers art? Can gardening be culture?

This week I talk to Rachel Ballard and Letting in the Light about how they are Greening Church Street in Stoke.

And yes it involves a bath on Bath Street too!

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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43: Feral Spaces

Sun, 29 Apr 2018 21:45:36 +0000

Feral Spaces is a project aimed at getting children out of their homes and into the wild spaces of Stoke on Trent.

Hear what they're up to and why they need your help.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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42: Unbuttoned

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 08:49:17 +0000

Hundreds of bone china flower buttons are being created in Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire.

It's to celebrate the centenary of (some) women getting the right to vote. The buttons will be part of a parade in London in June.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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41: Middleports new canal entrance

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 05:30:00 +0000

On Saturday 7th April 2018 Middleport residents celebrated weeks of hard work as they showed off the fruits of their labour on the Canal Renovation Project.

Find out why it's so important to keep our canals looking good.

#culture #canals #stokeontrent #middleport #cqhpod

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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40: My saviour was a pen and a piece of paper

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 05:30:00 +0000

This week we hear from performance poet Jason Smith.

He used to think "people like him" didn't win poetry competitions. Until the prize and the cheque came in the post.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

#poetry #spokenword #stokeontrent

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39: Castle Capers

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 05:30:00 +0000

Castle Capers is the gang show put on and performed by members of the Scouting movement in Newcastle.

It takes place every two years and I had a sneak peak at one of the last run throughs.

#culture #newcastle #gangshow #castlecapers #scouting

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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38: Spode Heritage Centre. Part 2

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 06:30:00 +0000

In news which is shocking to absolutely nobody I recorded far too much at the reopening of Spode Heritage Centre. So much in fact you're getting a second episode based on my trip there. This week it's about the makers and the ex personnel boss telling me about the ghosts….

#culture #stoke #spode #ceramics #future

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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37: Art Stop Stoke

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:06:33 +0000

A quick mini episode to try and help Art Stop Stoke. They've been broken in to in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Despite this there's lots to be positive about!

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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36: Spode Heritage Centre. Part 1

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 06:30:00 +0000

It's been shut down for a refurbishment for three months so this week we popped along to see the newly done up Spode Heritage centre. There might also have been oatcakes on offer…

#culture #stokeontrent #stoke #spode #ceramics #cqhpod

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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35: Painting by Pints

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 06:30:00 +0000

Throughout March artist Shiv is spending time in pubs and cafes in Stoke painting.

It's part of Festival Stoke Festival Echoes.

Guess where I went to meet her

#culture #festivalstoke #stokeontrent #art #artist #cqhpod

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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34: A haiku a day.

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 07:38:11 +0000

Alan Barrett is a storyteller from Stoke on Trent. He's passionate about literacy and sometimes gets involved in local politics.

Last year he wrote a haiku every day.

#365daysofculture #culture #storytelling #stokeontrent

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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33: PHILIP ASTLEY IS OUR SHAKESPEARE

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 06:30:00 +0000

250 years ago a man called Philip Astley who was born in Newcastle changed the entertainment world.

Find out how he invented the circus as we know it today.

#circus #PhilipAstley #culture #NewcastleUnderLyme #Staffordshire

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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32: Black Dog Molly

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 06:30:00 +0000

Morris dancing has a bit of a cliched reputation involving grown men, hankies and bells.

The Black Dog Molly dancers from Tunstall don't have bells on their legs, but they do have sticks in their hands!

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

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31: Castle Thaw

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 06:30:00 +0000

What else is there to do on a cold Saturday night but get together and celebrate the community in Newcastle Under Lyme.

And there's rocks too!

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

#culture #castlethaw #staffordshire #cqhpod

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30: We had no idea it would be anything like this

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 06:30:00 +0000

Alice Charity is 7 years old this year. This is the story of how and why the charity, which helps families in Stoke on Trent and Newcastle, was set up. And what it's like keeping a small charity going.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

#culture #cqhpod #alicecharity #helpingeachother

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29: Building a Stronger Britain Together in Stoke on Trent

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 17:23:43 +0000

How do cultures come together to stop extremist behaviour? In Stoke on Trent a new programme is starting to help community groups do just that. We catch up with the man organising it.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

#stokeontrent #culture #BSBT #cqhpod

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28: Remembering the Minnie Pit disaster 100 years on

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 06:30:00 +0000

On 12th January 1918 155 men and boys were killed in the Minnie Pit disaster. The final death toll was 156 as one of the rescue team leaders also died. It was the worst mining disaster to affect North Staffordshire

100 years on the people on Halmer End remember their relatives and members of their community.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

#culture #miners #staffordshire #minniepit #cqhpod

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27: Ballad of the Streets

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:30:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

How many times have you been to an art exhibition in your supermarket? Well that's where we find ourselves this week as we hear more about Ballad of the Streets.

Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

#StokeonTrent #culture #painting #balladofthestreets

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26: Best of 2017

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 06:30:00 +0000

A double episode as we look back on 2017, featuring just some of the highlights of the podcast.As is the law you'll hear some music from Merrym'n. Intro music credit The Big House by Jason Shaw used under Creative Commons license.

#stokeontrent #6townsofculture #reviewoftheyear #2017

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25: The Possibilities of Hope

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 07:07:04 +0000

It's the week before Christmas and time for a spiritual look at our city with Rev. Geoff Eze from All Saints Church in Hanley.

#culture #christmas #hope #StokeOnTrent

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24: Going backwards would be so destructive

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 06:30:00 +0000

I've dried my tears and chat to B-Arts about the work they do and plan to do in the future. I also miss the Lantern Parade.

#StokeOnTrent #CityofCultureEveryYear #6townsofculture #culture

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23: The Six Towns of Culture

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 00:03:07 +0000

Stoke on Trent is not the City of Culture 2021. But despite the tears there is hope for the future.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason ShawImage credit: Rob Ledgar

#sot2021 #cityofculture #6townsofculture

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22: Now is the time to be proud of your city

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 06:30:00 +0000

It's decision time! We'll be finding out who wins the title of City of Culture very soon. I spoke to Cllr Abi Brown who is chair of the bid team for #sot2021 about the why she thinks the City of Culture bid will do so much for Stoke on Trent.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #cityofculture #stokeontrent

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21: The (many) Face(s) of Stoke On Trent

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 06:30:00 +0000

We're back in Stoke on Trent and this week finding out more about the Face of Stoke on Trent project from the artist behind the work and the actual face himself.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #faceofSOT #cityofculture

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20: There's a new confidence here...

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 06:30:00 +0000

Part two of exploring how Liverpool has changed thanks to European Capital of Culture 2008 and how ten years down the line the city is still on a high.

#sot2021 #culture #cityofculture

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

Photo by Neil Martin from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/albert-dock-architecture-bridge-buildings-465655/

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19: It was a real moment in time

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 06:30:00 +0000

This week I've hopped on a train and spent time finding out about Liverpool and what it was like being European City of Culture 2008. Clearly the city is not in North Staffordshire but it has a lot of similarities. This is part one of an interview with Claire McColgan who is Director of Culture at Liverpool City Council.

#sot2021 #cityofculture2021 #culture #Liverpool

Photo credit - Neil Martin from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/albert-dock-architecture-bridge-buildings-465654/

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

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18: Bye Bye BCB

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 06:30:00 +0000

This week we say goodbye (for now) to the BCB. For the past 6 weeks Stoke on Trent has been showing off the very best in ceramics and clay. Hear from artistic director Barney Hare Duke about why this year's festival has felt different.

#sot2021 #cityofculture #bcb #ceramics #clay #spode

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

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17: BCB Bonus

Sun, 05 Nov 2017 21:25:03 +0000

Surprise! I got carried away talking to people at the last day of BCB Festival so here's a bonus mini episode featuring some those people I was chatting too. Full episode to come on Wednesday.

#sot2021 #bcb #cityofculture #ceramics

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16: We are creative beings

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 06:30:00 +0000

I love telling stories and helping others tell their stories. Belinda's story is brilliant and inspiring. I defy you not to go and do something creative after hearing Belinda talk!

#sot2021 #culture #artist #creative #craft

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

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15: Stoke Staycation

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

It's half term and if you've not gone away don't worry. You can have a Stoke staycation as we take a tourist's view of the city thanks to Stoke Tours.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#SOT2021 #CityofCulture2021 #culture

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14: 300 years hanging on the wall

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 06:00:00 +0000

We take another look at the Unitarian meeting house in Newcastle after we first visited it as part of Heritage Open Days.This time we get to have a longer chat with Judy who explains all about the new wall hangings.@ncstunitarians

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#SOT2021 #cityofculture #culture

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13: People are amazing and they can do so much

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 06:00:00 +0000

For me you can't have culture without people. This week I chat to Aida Salkic Haughton about her life and how here experience during the Bosnian war is helping her work with young people.@aidashaughton @ymcans

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #culture #cityofculture

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12: Theatre in the pub

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 06:00:00 +0000

There's plenty of choice of traditional theatres in and around Stoke on Trent, so this week we find out about the theatre production taking place in the pub.Starring @potboilerstoke - go see Girls Girls Girls in Hanley!

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #culture #theatre

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Friday Bonus!

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 05:30:00 +0000

Here's a little treat to mark deadline day for the City of Culture bid to be submitted. I hope it makes you smile. Music by Merrym'n - he's got a new album out go check it out www.merrymn.co.uk #sot2021 #culture #cityofculture

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11: The Shoreditch of the North

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 05:30:00 +0000

This week I have a look around BCB Festival on it's opening weekend. I also bump in to Throw Down judge Keith Brymer Jones.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#BCBFestival #SOT2021 #clay #cityofculture #ceramics

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10: Food Fest

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 05:30:00 +0000

Food Fest 2017 arrived in Newcastle with beekeepers, a man who bought a woodland and your chance to adopt a marrow.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#foodfest #newcastleunderlyme #sot2021

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9: Heritage Open Days

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 05:30:00 +0000

Sometimes we forget what's on our doorsteps so I take a look around Newcastle and see what's on offer as part of Heritage Open Days. Find out what links a former nightclub, a church and a meeting house.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #HOD2017 #heritageopendays

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8: Lidice Lives 75 years on!

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

What connects Stoke on Trent to the town of Lidice? Hear from one man determined to make sure the people of Stoke on Trent know what their ancestors did during WW2 to help the people in the Czech Republic.

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #cqhpod #Lidicelives #cityofculture

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7: Bank Holiday

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 05:30:00 +0000

Stoke on Trent came alive with sunshine and more events than you could shake a stick at over the long bank holiday weekend. Hear stories from @appetitestoke about #BigFeast17 featuring @highlysprung @farfromthe_norm and @royaloperahouse

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #cityofculture #cqhpod

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6: Merrym'n

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Episode 5 was all about the importance of sound, this week we discuss music with Merrym'n. All music this week comes from Merrym'n and is used with his permission.You can check out his work at www.merrymn.co.uk, on youtube, spotify and bandcamp.You can follow him @merrym_n

#sot2021 #cityofculture #stokeontrent #popmusic #local #cqhpod

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5: Bath Time

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered what goes on in the old library in Stoke? We go behind the scenes at The Chiron Institute and find out how they are making good vibrations in the city. Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw#sot2021 #culture #cqhpod #gongbath

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4: Oatcakes and a reflection

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 05:30:00 +0000

After eating our bodyweight in Oatcakes for #oatcakeday and arguing about red or brown sauce it's time for a reflection on Stoke on Trent and the City of Culture 2021 bid with Paul Williams.Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw#SOT2021 #Culture #Oatcakes #StokeOnTrent

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3: Clay books and a blank page

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 08:33:37 +0000

This week we head over to the old Spode factory in Stoke to see how preparations for the BCB festival are going. Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

#sot2021 #clay #culture #bcb2017

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2: The Secret Garden

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 08:14:17 +0000

A look around the Garden Festival site in Stoke on Trent. #StokeOnTrent #SOT2021 #culture

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

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1: Celebrating the shortlist

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:05:00 +0000

Welcome to the first Cultural Quarter of an hour podcast.This week we're celebrating the announcement of Stoke on Trent making the shortlist for UK City of Culture 2021 and visiting Festival Stoke.Get involved follow us on Twitter @cqcpod or facebook Cultural Quarter of an hour#SOT2012 #StokeonTrent #Culture #FestivalStoke

Music credit: The Big House by Jason Shaw

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Preview

Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:34:00 +0000

Welcome to the first glimpse of the Cultural Quarter of an hour podcast. A weekly exploration of culture in Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire. #Culture #StokeOnTrent #Staffordshire #SOT2021

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