Homeground Podcast

In this brand new episode of a Series 2 of ‘Homeground’, we venture to the Kingdom of Fife in Scotland and the coastal town of Kirkcaldy. Birthplace of Adam Smith - the father of capitalism; once the centre of the linoleum manufacturing industry, and home to Europe’s longest high street. Jings, we’re a broad kirk here at Homeground! For your delectation this time, you’ll hear tales of how all 4 of our Kirkcaldy superstars think that the town is about to have a ‘renaissance moment’; why “Let’s talk as if we own the place” might be the new way to approach capitalism (casting Adam Smith in a new light) and why Kirkcaldy makes the best bacon in Scotland, no, the world. FIFE FACT. Don’t say that we don’t inform, educate and entertain you - take that, Lord Reith! So sit back, light up a pipe of ready rubbed, and open your ears to Four Flipping Fab Fifers talk about their town like they - and the whole community - own the place. And why not?

In this special episode - recorded while we were still in the depths of lockdown - we climb aboard our cock horse and virtually canter round the canalside and cobbled streets of Banbury to talk to traders about how their lives and businesses have changed through the COVID situation. You’ll hear terrific tales of resilience, innovation, hope and inspiration - as well as our usual mix of great conversations about what makes places and shops special. Some of our trader’s stories may just bring a tear to your eye, but they’ll also warm your cockles - two for the price of one! Our episode opens on the canal, and we finish with a song…so - let’s saddle up and get a gallop on to Banbury!

In this episode, we start off with bagpipes and finish with brass (you’ll have to listen to find out!) Is there more to Wakefield than brass bands and rhubarb? YES – although we love brass bands and rhubarb too! The cathedral, the Hepworth, the down to earth Yorkshire community spirit, the desire to keep it local while also being cosmopolitan and welcoming to all. Feeling crafty? Come to Wakefield - where magic tricks, boardgame nights, needle punching and papercrafting make a place full of placemakers.  And don’t forget - It’s a city not a town (as I got wrong!) OMG WFD!

In this episode, we had our perceptions of Kendal pleasingly bashed about – It’s not just mint cake, fell-walking tourists and slate grey skies. We also discovered a buzzing festival town with a global outlook, the beating heart of the sustainability movement and a hospitality ethos that welcomes everyone come rain or shine. Join us as we meet the world’s youngest pub landlord (probably); Kendal’s answer to Anita Roddick (fragrantly); two women bringing back Kendal’s wool industry (definitely); a couple whose whirlwind love affair literally makes Kendal beautiful (romantically); an ex-baker who runs Kendal’s only secret speakeasy (legally) and much, much more…