Oxford Lives

Today's episode features David Taylor, Chairman of Didcot and District Archaelogical and Historical Society. This year marks the society's 50th anniversary and David has been involved for many years. In what turns out to be a fairly cosy and relaxed conversation, David tells us about his time growing up in Kennington, his career as a mechanical engineer helping build MRI body scanners, his love of history, Didcot's connection to the Great Western Railway/Brunel, mobile discos, and much much more.   Links: Didcot Archaelogical Historical Society: https://www.ddahs.org.uk/ enquiries@hhahs.org.uk Contact Davi: 07843421029

You may have been intrigued by the Friars who wander around the city centre in white habits. If you happen to know they are called Blackfriars, you may be puzzled. If you're aware of the Blackfriars Priory as a place of worship and/or a part of the University, you may be plain baffled as to how those two sides fit together. Here to explain all, and to tell us how he fits into all this, is Dominican Archivist, Dr Richard Finn. Father Richard is a member of the Theology Faculty and the Classics Faculty at the University of Oxford, lectures in Augustine and Church History; and his Archivist role covers all of the English Dominican Province. In this fascinating episode, Father Richard tells us about the history of the Blackfriars and his life there over the last twenty eight years. We warn you now: it's even more complicated than you thought!

In this very special episode of Oxford Lives we are lucky enough to be able to interview The Right Honourable Dame Anneliese Dodds. Anneliese has been kind enought to take time out of her busy schedule (you'll hear all about that!) to talk about her life in Oxford: as a student, resident, and MP for Oxford East. We also touch on Anneliese's time as an MEP for South East England during a tumultuous period in recent British History. Sit back, relax, and listen to this riveting chat with one of the city's most vehement champions.

Today's guest is freelance writer, author and campaigner, Sylvia Vetta. Sylvia began writing features on antiques for The Oxford Times . She soon went on to cover art, history and science-related events. This led to her long-running profile series, Oxford Castaways, set on the mythical island of Oxtopia. Sylvia has a lifelong passion for China. Her extensive interviews with Stars Art movement founder, Qu Leilei, inspired her bestselling novel Brushstrokes in Time. In this extended interview we talk about her life growing up in Luton, leading to a lifelong passion for public libraries, the racism she encountered in a mixed-marriage in Sixties Smethwick, her career as an antiques dealer, and the many books she has authored. We also give a plug to the forthcoming Oxford Indie Book Fair, which Sylvie helped to set up.  LINKS:  https://www.sylviavetta.co.uk/ https://www.oxfordindiebookfair.co.uk/ sylviavetta@gmail.com  

In this latest episode of Oxford Lives we interview documentary photographer, writer, and sustainability campaigner, Martin Stott. Martin has contributed photographs to a huge range of publications, broadcast media and agencies and his lens has taken him all around the world from Bhopal to Iceland to Nicaragua. His latest photobook Bartlemas: Oxford's Hidden Sanctuary is out now. Links: https://martin-stott.com

We enjoyed the Nick Gill performances on the previous podcast, we thought we'd give you a little but extra. So here it is - enjoy!

Today’s guest is jazz pianist, musicologist and entertainer, Nick Gill. A huge figure on the Oxford music scene, Nick specialises in pre-war jazz styles from "Fats" Waller to Billie Holiday via the Great American Songbook. Later this month, Nick will be presenting The Life and Works of Billie Holiday at Florence Park Community Centre, a personal tribute to the first lady of jazz. In this lively interview we talk about Nick’s musical journey and the life of Lady Day herself. LINKS: www.classicjazz.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063578648459   FORTHCOMING GIGS   Saturday September 13th The Lady Sings the Blues - The Life and Works of Billie Holiday Florence Park Community Centre Door time: 7:15pm Start time: 8:00pm   Saturday September 20th 7pm - 9.30pm The Friends' Meeting House, 43 Saint Giles, Oxford. Oxford Classic Jazz Band CND Fund-raising concert Entry: £14 + £12 concession Saturday 27th Sept - 11am – 1pm - Coffee concert: West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road, Oxford “Fats Waller

Today’s guest is Simon Horobin – philologist, author, and Professor of English Language and Literature and Tutorial Fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford.  Simon has just written a fascinating account of CS Lewis’s life in Oxford. From undergraduate days at University College to his 29-year tutorial stint at Magdalen, not to mention his many boozy hours spent in the company of the Inklings at the Eagle and Child, Simon paints a fully-rounded picture of the Narnia author's love affair with the city.  Expect revelations galore as we present a life both complex and compartmentalised.   Links:  https://www.magd.ox.ac.uk/people/professor-simon-horobin/ https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781851245642?gC=5a105e8b&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20226739100&gbraid=0AAAAADsTpAS4lPj9I1YqLS-cn_UML3d1M&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkILEBhDeARIsAL--pjx7Rc-7XnplauOgiNsfE1bpsqY7-i3fkTESa-pMmkcDHugNwnNlAawaAjXhEALw_wcB

In this second part of our pub special with Jeremy Smith, we embark upon a virtual pub tour of East Oxford, starting at the Plain and ending in Florence Park. On our wobbly journey, we encounter ghost pubs, insurance scams, and even a murder. And if you think you can cope with that, we've even thrown in a Wetherspoons. We apologise for the sound in advance - we didn't quite get as good a recording as Part One. Hopefully you'll get the gist and to, quote a city centre hostelry, receive "an education in intoxication". In collaboration with Curious Minds.  Links: https://oxforddrinker.camra.org.uk/ https://oxford.camra.org.uk/

In this second collaboration with Curious Minds, we embark upon the first of two virtual pub tours around the city with podcast regular, Jeremy Smith. In Part One we explore the City Centre’s numerous drinking dens, both past and present. In the second half we return to cut a boozy path through the oft overlooked delights of East Oxford. Expect ale anecdotes galore, quirky historical facts and the odd bad joke. Links: https://oxforddrinker.camra.org.uk/ https://oxford.camra.org.uk/

Part Two of our special edition Oxford Lives collaboration with Curious Minds: Murder They Wrote. This panel discussion features many of Oxford's top crime writers: Colin Wade (Murder at the Manor, The Devil's Code), Jacquii John (Matilda's Magical Tails, Evie the Brave and her Sidekick Cleo co-written with Paul Blake) Jake Lynch (Blood on the Stone), and Annabel McGoldrick (Mind Over Murder, co-written with Jake Lynch). In this second part, we focus on our authors' personal work and their connection to Oxford. We also examine the phenomenon of 'cosy crime' and the importance of research.

In this special edition of Oxford Lives we team up with Curious Minds for a panel discussion on the subject of Murder Mysteries. The discussion features many of Oxford's top crime writers: Colin Wade (Murder at the Manor, The Devil's Code), Steve Lunn (The Price of Doormice), Jaquii John (Matilda's Magical Tails, Evie the Brave and her Sidekick Cleo co-written with Paul Blake), Jake Lynch (Blood on the Stone), and Annabel McGoldrick (Mind Over Murder, co-written with Jake Lynch). In the first part we focus on the craft of putting together a crime fiction novel. Is there a formula? Can you deviate from that formula? How do you make the novel stand out in an overcrowded market? Part two to follow. https://colinwade.com/ hrrps://www.stevelunn.net/ https://jacquiijohnauthor.com/ https://www.jakelynch.co.uk/ https://emdr-therapy-oxford.com/about/ https//colinwade.com/oxford-independent-authors-group/    

Today's guest is journalist, academic, novelist, and poet, Jake Lynch. In a varied career, Jake has been Sydney Correspondent for The Independent, Political Correspondent for Sky News, and BBC World Television newsreader. He is also a leading advocate for Peace Journalism, recently winning the Luxembourg Peace Prize. His two novels are both whodunnits: Blood on the Stone, set in 17th century Oxford, and Mind Over Murder (co-authored with wife Annabel McGoldrick), a detective story set in contemporary Oxford. Here to tell us about the many strands of his career, and how he splits his time between Oxford and Sydney, Jake certainly has some compelling points to make.  https://www.jakelynch.co.uk  

Today we talk to archivist for the Oxford Welsh Male Voice, Sharron Jenkinson. It’s a fascinating story of talent, tradition, and brotherhood, borne out of Welsh migration to the city in the Great Depression. The Choir is still going strong to this day and will shortly be celebrating its centenary. We also talk to Sharron about her life as an historian, teacher, schools’ manager and the range of fascinating projects she is still involved in. Links: Oxford Male Voice Choir  www.oxfordwelshmvc.org.uk https://oxfordwelshmvc.org.uk/see/ https://www.steventonhistory.co.uk/  

Today's episode of Oxford Lives feateres writer, poet, storyteller, historian and social anthropologist, JC Niala. With a career spanning cities and continents, JC NIala has a vast experience in multiple art forms and specialises in cultural preservation. JC currently serves as the Head of Research, Teaching, and collections at the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford.  Links: Oxford Male Voice Choir  www.oxfordwelshmvc.org.uk History of science museum www.hsm.ox.ac.uk  

Today’s guest is Danny Dorling, Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at the School of Geography and the Environment, here at the University of Oxford. Danny has published (with colleagues) more than a dozen books on social inequalities in Britain and several hundred journal papers. His work concerns issues of housing, health, employment, education and poverty.  Danny is currently attached to St Peter’s College in Oxford. Prepare for some fascinating insights.  Link: https://www.dannydorling.org/

In the latest edition of Oxford Lives we interview Dr Jim Holt, retired consultant physician and former Director of Studies at Oxford Medical School. Dr Holt has spent most of his professional life in Oxford and has seen vast changes in medical practice. On the eve of his ninetieth birthday, Dr Holt reflects on his long and varied career and provides some forthright opinions on government health policies. We also learn about his time as a Fellow of Linacre College and how he had a substantial role in the setting up of Green College. Essential listening.

In this Episode of Oxford LIves we talk to writer, tour guide and wine aficionado, Marcus Rees. In a packed interview, we cover Marcus's student days at Jesus college, his early trips to French vineyards, and discuss his latest book Oxfordshire Uncorked - A guide to the vineyards of Oxfordshire and North Cotswolds. As well as giving us a whirlwind tutorial in how to develop one's palate, Marcus explains how climate change is creating an environment more conducive to wine making in the UK. A fascinating listen.

This episode of Oxford Lives features Julie Kleeman and Yeshi Jampa, who run the fabulous Taste Tibet restaurant in Easy Oxford and can currently be seen selling their exquisite cuisine all over the festival circuit. Here we learn about their backgrounds, how they met, early days in Gloucester Green market, success on the festival scene, and how everything came together during the pandemic with the opening of their already legendary restaurant. We also discuss their new cookbook, which has received rave reviews from such culinary gurus as Ken Hom. Prepare for your mouth to water.

New College was founded in 1379 by master mason William of Wykeham as a self-contained institution to quarantine and train priests at the time of the Black Death. As well as being one of the first Oxford colleges to take undergraduates and to appoint tutors to teach them, New College was the first in Oxford to be deliberately designed  around a main quadrangle and still maintains many of its ancient features. In today's episode we talk to former Assistant Catering Services Manager and Butler to the Wardens, Nigel Ewers. Nigel retired in 2018 but was then reinstated as Visitor Liaison Officer and is a familiar sight to Oxford residents with his affable manner and fascinating anecdotes. We also talk to Nigel about his compelling life story and what drew him to the city in the first place.