Severn Lives

Glenys: Nothing Wasted

Welcome to Nothing Wasted, a heartfelt conversation with Glenys about growing up in post-war Britain, raising six children, building a life through hard work, and finding peace in Mid Wales. From back-to-back houses in Stockport to running shops, surviving on very little, and learning to read later in life, this is a story full of resilience, humour, honesty, and warmth. Producer Polly Lovegrove Get in touch with us pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Karl Wigley: From Rock Bottom to Lifeline. Building a Community That Heals

In today’s episode, I sit down with Karl Wigley from Caersws, who’s recently been featured in the local press, to talk about the powerful well-being group he founded after his own struggles with mental health and serious illness. What began in late 2024 as a small effort to support friends has grown into a vital community network, bringing people together each week for walks, conversations, and workshops, while also offering support to those in crisis. Karl shares how his personal journey from hitting rock bottom to finding purpose helping others has shaped his mission to create a space where people can move beyond just surviving and start truly thriving. Producer Polly Lovegrove Get in touch with us pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ivy Evans: Tales from the Golden Mile in Rural Wales

Welcome to the podcast. Today, I’m on the Golden Mile in rural Wales, near Cefn Coch, where I’m speaking with the wonderfully warm and inspiring Ivy Evans.  Ivy has lived in the farmhouse for over seventy years. Her garden is brimming with flowers and unusual plants, and countless bird boxes that invite wildlife to thrive all around her. Ivy has a deep love and understanding of nature, animals & gardening. She brings her passion indoors too, crafting beautiful flower arrangements to gift to others. Ivy’s spark shines through, she’s full of energy, laughter, and has a quietly mischievous sense of humour. Join me as we step into Ivy’s world on the Golden Mile.  Producer Polly Lovegrove Get in touch with us pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Norman Woodcock: From Tree-Top Revision to Bus-Stop Romance: 64 Years of Love, Life, and Little Coincidences

From growing up in a South Wales mining village, to teaching rural science in Mid Wales, Norman Woodcock's life was shaped by hard work, resilience, and unexpected turns. But at the heart of it all is something even more enduring. It began with a glance at a young redhead on a bus, a simple introduction, and a first date when she was just 17 and he was 19. From those modest beginnings grew a partnership that has lasted a lifetime. This is a story of changing times, of life in rural Wales, and above all, of a marriage that has stood strong for 64 years. Producer Polly Lovegrove Get in touch with us pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Bob Davey: From Park Street to the High Seas and Back Again

Today we’re stepping back nearly 82 years. Our guest Bob Davey grew up on Park Street, Newtown and was one of the first families to move into the brand new council houses of Garth Owen at aged 5. His life went from skiffle bands and teenage gigs at the Pavilion…to living in Bermuda, sailing around the world, and even serving as Mayor of Newtown on his return. Bob recalls his job delivering groceries up almost impossible hills, his Mothers famous Welsh craft shop, and a life that’s taken him from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica—before bringing him right back home again to Mid Wales.  Settle in, and join us for stories of music, markets, sailing, and the changing face of Newtown… all from a man who says if he could do it again, he’d do exactly the same.  Producer Polly Lovegrove Get in touch with us pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.