Waveney Life - uplifting conversations from the English counties of Suffolk and Norfolk

Old Glory Molly Dancers

Listeners may be familiar with the classical Cotswold-style of Morris dancers, with their jolly handkerchiefs, stick and bells on their shoes. However, the Waveney Valley and the wider East Anglia has a very different kind of dance troup: the Molly Dancers, a dark, brooding presence, performing at night, with flaming torches, disguised faces, hobnail boots and crowns of ivy. There are no cheerful smiles here, more a spine-tingling sense of menace. I have been keen for some time to interview a member of Old Glory, because the experience of seeing them is so unique to East Anglia. A great example of what's unusual about the region. However the tradition of anonymity that protected the original Molly Dancers from prosecution and persecution, centuries ago, is continued today, so none of the dancers would speak to me. Eventually, I was able to secure an interview with someone close to Old Glory, a dancer with another group, called Cally. I still don't know his surname. In the interview, we talk about the tradition of demanding money with menaces, the need for anonymity, the "Strict and Particular" style of Old Glory's music and dancing. We also stray into discussion around the music industry and the challenges of working in treacle mining in the 19th century. Google it!

Ben Witchell, founder of Flint Vineyard

The Waveney Valley and indeed the surrounding counties of Norfolk and Suffolk are home to a huge variety of wonderful food and drinks businesses, from farm shops to traditional fishmongers, award-winning cheesemakers, micro-breweries and vineyards. In September 2025, I interviewed Ben Witchell, founder and chief winemaker at Flint Vineyard, a brilliant, innovative vineyard just on the Norfolk side of the river Waveney, near Bungay. In the interview, he talks passionately about how he became a wine-maker, why he chose to establish Flint Vineyard on the Waveney Valley, the innovative approach he has taken to wine-making, why he doesn't produce organic wine and what he loves about living in this region of the country.

James Mayhew - Childrens' Author, Illustrator and Storyteller

The market town of Bungay sits astride the river Waveney at the northern edge of the county of Suffolk. It is also the home town of multi-talented artist, children's author, illustrator and storyteller James Mayhew. In August 2025 I interviewed him in Bungay. We talked about his early life in the Waveney valley, the inspiration he gained from his parents and sister during his childhood, how he uses his illustration to break down barriers, making music and art more accessible, especially to children, and the collaborations he's had with broadcasters, authors and musicians such as Zeb Soames, Joyce Dunbar, Roger Eno and Jackie Morris. He also recounts the legend of the Bungay Black Dog, or Black Shuck, and talks about the annual Black Shuck Festival, which he helps to organise in the town. I hope you enjoy the discussion.

Gary Stebbing - Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum

An interview with Gary Stebbing, the Manager of the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum at Flixton, near Bungay. In the interview, Gary talks about the museum, how he came to be its manager and dives into a little detail on one of its more unique artefacts, the Vickers Valetta C2.

Nicola Eastell - Professional Equestrian Artist

In this episode, I interview Nicola Eastell, a professional equestrian artist based in south Norfolk. She talks about her life in the Waveney Valley, how she became a professional artist, her love for horses and her busy year ahead.