the P pod on location around Petersfield

The P pod is where Shine Radio microphones are on location to capture the voices and stories of our area right in the heart of local life. This time we are on location in the centre of Petersfield at the monthly Farmers' Market. On a beautiful/blustery morning in the market there’s a real buzz about the place, with stalls setting up, shoppers arriving, and plenty of delicious local produce to discover. You might hear a bit of background chatter, the rustle of market bags, maybe even the sizzle of something tasty cookingnearby! Join us as we soak up the atmosphere of the Hampshire Farmers’ Market – one of the highlights of the local calendar. We chat to stallholders about what they’ve brought along and find out what makes this market so special, amd we hear from shoppers about why they love coming here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Built as part of the Windmill view development the centre provides sports facilities, classes, a café, regular social meetings and is the home of the Parish council. If that were not enough they organise all kinds of festivities in the centre and in the open air.  We chatted with staff, customers and councillors to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time we’re on location in the heart of Petersfield at St Peter’s Church in the Square.  We’re with members of the Renaissance Choir, who are celebrating a very special milestone this year - their 50th anniversary. They have a special concert coming up here later this month called “The Spanish Golden Age”.  Listen in in as we to meet the singers, hear about the choir’s history and find out what’s coming up for their anniversary year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time, we are standing in the Petersfield Community Garden where they are wassailing for a bumper crop this year. We will be finding out what wassailing is all about, chatting to Morris Dancers, and Phill (by popular demand) will not be singing with the Petersfield Community ChoirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we are at the British  Red Cross Shop in Swan Street to find out all about how the shop operates. It was a very wet day outside, but we had the chance to speak to the shop manager Vicky, along with her band of volunteers.  We even managed to chat to a few customers that braved the weather to come inside to have a browse to see what treasures they could find.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are on location at the Petersfield Festival Hall with the Pantomime, Oh yes we are! We go behind the scenes at panto get-in - that magical moment when a theatre transforms almost overnight. We chat to the director, members of the cast, including some of the children involved, and of course the pantomime cow!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The programme editor, Debra Shipton picks her favourite moments from the P pod in 2025. Always on location, the P pod is where Shine Radio meets people across the area to celebrate the huge range of positive contributions they make to the local community. Presented by Julie Butler, Phill Humphries, Laura Sheppard, Andy Catto, Mark Waddington, Stephen Martin and Mark Simpson. The P pod is planned by Ann Marden and the team and is edited by Debra Shipton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are on the south downs at the sustainability centre. If you were in the navy back in the day you may have known it better as HMS Mercury but these days it is very different. So we're going to speak to the people who run the courses for schools and adults in woodland activities and crafts, organise music and theatre and provide accommodation to walkers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are upon the slopes of Windmill Hill just south of Petersfield at the amazing Buter Ancient Farm. Yes, we know the farm for lots of events throughout the year. But of course, between those events, they have an ongoing programme of education. So we're going to speak to the people who dressed up as  Roman soldiers, who show us how to make swords, and who invite visitors to join them in the wonderfully diverse  world of ancient history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week , we’re  at the Petersfield Dementia Festival – where almost thirty local organisations have come together to share information, inspire hope, and celebrate community. We’ll be meeting the organisers, carers and families who are making Petersfield a more dementia friendly town. And yes – there’s even a bit of singing! Because while dementia touches many lives, this event proves that people can still live well, stay active, and feel supported right here in the Petersphere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ppod team was out in style at this year’s Petersfield Awards 2025 - and we’re absolutely thrilled to have won the Arts & Entertainment Award! In this special episode, join Stephen and Mark as they soak up the atmosphere of the glitzy ceremony at Churcher’s College and chat to some of the brilliant nominees, performers and organisers who make Petersfield such a vibrant place to live. You’ll hear from our very own Joff and Geoff from Joffin’ and Geoffin’ - the charismatic hosts of the evening - plus we'll chat to some of the people behind some of the musical interludes. We also catch up with Mel from One Tree Books as they plan to reopen after the devastating Lavant Street fire, Kate from Everyone Active at Taro Leisure Centre, and Alex from Petersfield Fencing Services, nominated for Best Tradesperson, as well as several other nominees. And of course, we provide you with your Petersphere What’s On Guide! ✨ Congratulations to all the nominees and winners - what a fabulous town we live in! 🎧 Listen now to celebrate Petersfield’s amazing community spirit, creativity and local pride!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we’re diving into the witty and wonderful world of Terry Pratchett, as the Winton Players prepare to bring Monstrous Regiment to the stage. We’ll be chatting to the director, some of the cast, and the backstage crew who make the magic happen - plus we’ll find out what it takes to stage a Discworld classic here in Petersfield.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are here to find out all about the WI, the Women’s Institute. The Petersfield Evening WI is one year old. They are also celebrating 110 years of the WI and how to follow in the footsteps of those before them, ensuring that the WI works as well today, as it did when it was first formed. The WI offers women the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and campaign on wide ranging issues, so tonight we will talk to committee members, their guest speaker for the evening and many of the members that attended the monthly meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are again supporting the campaign started by Kevan Birkett promoting Prostate testing for men. This is a brilliant event which not only raises money for Prostate Cancer UK, the support organisation PCaSO, and The Rosemary Foundation, but even more because it raises awareness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re bringing you all the thrills and spills from Bordon’s biggest downhill event – the Soapbox Challenge! From handmade racers to high-speed hilarity, this event has it all. We’ll meet the fearless drivers, chat to organisers, and soak up the brilliant atmosphere here in the town centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we have taken the P pod out and about on the Age Concern bus. We have been checking that the wheels on the bus go round and round and hearing the fascinating tales of the passengers. We also chat to our driver Graham and the Manager of Age Concern Petersfield, Sheridan. Along the way we also recall Elsa Bulmer who many of our listeners will remember.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are back at Stansted Park but this time with the Solent MG Owners Club as they hold their annual MG's in the Park event. Over a hundred MG cars of every vintage gathered at Stansted Park to chat and admire each others vehicles. We spoke with the organisers of the event, and many of the owners and enthusiasts - just what is the attraction of vintage motoring?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are on location in the library of Stansted House in Rowlands Castle. We have explored stately rooms, thriving businesses, a peaceful chapel, a range of musical and theatrical events, and even heard about the steam train!  What more could you want in a day out?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are here at the Age Concern VE Day lunch with all the bunting and memories for them and their families But it’s more than that we’ll hear from the official ceremony in Petersfield Town Square, in act of remembrance  and to celebrate what was achieved. Our final visit is just outside Petersfield. We join the residents at Milkwood and Chatterwood Nursing home for a VE celebration party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are here at Sage and Salt Studio, the shop of wonders and such original wonderful gift ideas. But it’s more than that here, and there are multitude of courses and activities to have a go at. Whether a beginner or well seasoned crafter, we want to find out what crafting is all about.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.