The RG10 Podcast - featuring the people, places and events of interest across our area of the Thames Valley

The RG10 Podcast

Interviews, information and entertainment with a focus on the RG10 area and surrounds. This special corner of Berkshire includes Twyford, Wargrave, Charvil, Knowl Hill and Hurst, with the larger towns of Reading, Wokingham and Maidenhead close by and Henley-on-Thames just across the river in Oxfordshire. Listen in or watch on YouTube as we catch up with interesting people, attend local events and celebrate our local communities.

  1. 6d ago

    Climate Change, Nature and the RG10 Community - #19/1

    What does the climate and nature emergency actually mean for communities like ours? In this episode of the RG10 Podcast, Ben talks to Professor Chris Merchant, Professor of Ocean and Earth Observation at the University of Reading, about the People’s Emergency Briefing — a film bringing together expert perspectives on climate change and the effects not only on nature but also on our health, food, economy and security. Professor Merchant explains the background to the film, what it is trying to communicate, why the impacts of a changing climate are increasingly being felt at a local level, and what communities in the RG10 area can do to respond. They discuss everything from flooding and extreme heat to waterlogged or excessively dry sports pitches, biodiversity and the importance of communities speaking up and taking action. Professor Merchant will also be taking part in a panel discussion following the next local screening of the People's Emergency Briefing at St Mary’s Church, Wargrave, on 1 October. Since the spring, there have been several community screenings of the film across the Reading and Wokingham area, including one in Twyford in July and another in Charvil in August.  Even if you have previously seen the film, the Wargrave screening provides a new opportunity to view it within the Wargrave community and connect with others through the discussion afterwards. 🎬 People’s Emergency Briefing – Wargrave Thursday 1 October 2026 — 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) St Mary’s Church, Station Road, Wargrave RG10 8EU Professor Chris Merchant will be joined by Clive Jones MP and garden designer Jen Herrington, co-founder of Wilding Wargrave. The discussion will be moderated by Elizabeth Corse, a stakeholder engagement expert and co-host of the monthly People Planet Pint sustainability meet-up in Wokingham. The screening is organised by the Eco Church lead at St Mary’s Wargrave, together with local conservation group Wilding Wargrave. Attendance is free, but advance booking is recommended via: https://stmaryswargrave.churchsuite.com/events/frsg2g40 You can also watch the trailer for the People’s Emergency Briefing here: https://youtu.be/JaI-dHgh65Q In this episode What is the People’s Emergency Briefing?Why climate change is increasingly a local issueWhat extreme weather could mean for RG10 communitiesFlooding, drought and local sportsThe impact on biodiversity and the places we enjoyWhy understanding the bigger picture mattersWhat local communities can doThe importance of speaking up and encouraging actionWhat Chris hopes will have changed over the next ten yearsGuest: Professor Chris Merchant, University of Reading Listen, subscribe and share the RG10 Podcast for more conversations about the people, places, events and issues that matter across our local community. If you've got a story, event or local issue you'd like us to cover, get in touch with the RG10 Podcast. Sponsorship opportunity: Raise awareness of your business with the RG10 Podcast audience by sponsoring an episode or a series. Request details: https://rg10mag.com/contact/ You can also: - Share the podcast with others - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - Rate the RG10 Podcast on Spotify - Follow the show on your preferred podcast platform - Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast on YouTube for the video version. https://rg10mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing/ https://www.youtube.com/@RG10Marketing https://www.facebook.com/RG10mag https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag

    Climate Change, Nature and the RG10 Community - #19/1
  2. Aug 6

    Knowl Hill - The Land That Time Forgot - #18/6

    Before it became the peaceful nature reserve we know today, the former clay pit at Knowl Hill was transformed into a prehistoric landscape for the 1974 cult film, The Land That Time Forgot.  In this episode of The RG10 Podcast, actor Bobby Parr, who played the caveman character Ahm, shares his memories of filming in the heart of the RG10 area. Bobby recalls the incredible sets, the giant pterodactyl suspended from a crane, working alongside star Doug McClure, and performing one of the film's most memorable scenes himself.  Directed by Kevin Connor, the film was the first adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel about the crew of a German U-boat and its British prisoners stumbling upon a hidden land of primitive humans and dinosaurs. It predated Jurassic Park by nearly two decades! Bobby Parr also reflects on returning to Knowl Hill to visit the location more than 50 years later, and why the film continues to capture the imagination of audiences around the world. There's an opportunity for fans to meet and chat with Bobby Parr when he visits Knowl Hill on Sunday 9 August 2026. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1037015802412724/  Sponsorship opportunity: Raise awareness of your business with the RG10 Podcast audience by sponsoring an episode or a series. Request details: https://rg10mag.com/contact/ You can also: - Share the podcast with others - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - Rate the RG10 Podcast on Spotify - Follow the show on your preferred podcast platform - Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast on YouTube for the video version. https://rg10mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing/ https://www.youtube.com/@RG10Marketing https://www.facebook.com/RG10mag https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag

    Knowl Hill - The Land That Time Forgot - #18/6
  3. Jul 26

    25 years of Twyford Together - #18/5

    Twyford Together is celebrating 25 years of bringing the community together. In this special episode of The RG10 Podcast, we explore the story behind one of Twyford's most influential community organisations. From its beginnings in 2001 to the events and projects that have helped shape village life ever since, Twyford Together has played a key role in bringing residents, businesses and local groups together. Host Ben is joined by one of the original founders, Kathy Peck, and the current chairman, Rob Yeadon, to reflect on the organisation's journey, the evolution of much-loved events including the Christmas Fayre, the Charity Family Fun Run and Twyford in Bloom, and the lasting legacy of the late Gordon Storey, whose passion and leadership inspired so many. They also discuss what's next for Twyford Together and how local people can get involved as it looks towards its next 25 years. Find out more about Twyford Together: https://twyfordtogether.org/ Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast for more conversations celebrating the people, places and stories of Twyford, Wargrave, Sonning, Charvil, Ruscombe, Hurst and surrouding areas. #RG10 #Twyford #TwyfordTogether #Berkshire #Community #LocalHistory #Volunteering #VillageLife #Podcast #UKPodcast Sponsorship opportunity: Raise awareness of your business with the RG10 Podcast audience by sponsoring an episode or a series. Request details: https://rg10mag.com/contact/ You can also: - Share the podcast with others - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - Rate the RG10 Podcast on Spotify - Follow the show on your preferred podcast platform - Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast on YouTube for the video version. https://rg10mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing/ https://www.youtube.com/@RG10Marketing https://www.facebook.com/RG10mag https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag

    25 years of Twyford Together - #18/5
  4. Jun 28

    Top 10 Henley Festival Acts of All Time - #18/3

    Which artists who have graced the Henley Festival stage have sold the most records worldwide? In this episode of the RG10 Podcast, we count down the 10 biggest-selling acts ever to perform at Henley Festival, from disco legends and Motown royalty to rock icons and pop superstars. Using global record sales as our only measure, we reveal which artists have achieved the greatest commercial success and take a look at the incredible musical history of one of the UK's most prestigious summer festivals. Featuring: Elton John Diana Ross Bill Wyman & The Rolling Stones Boney M Shirley Bassey Mel C / Spice Girls Tom Jones Sting Lionel Richie Dave Stewart / Eurythmics Whether you're a long-time Henley Festival attendee, a music fan, or simply curious about some astonishing record sales figures, this countdown is packed with fascinating facts, classic hits, and a few surprises along the way. 🎧 Listen now and discover which legendary performer tops the list. Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast for more stories, history, culture, and entertainment.. #HenleyFestival #EltonJohn #DianaRoss #LionelRichie #Sting #TomJones #SpiceGirls #MusicPodcast #RG10Podcast #HenleyOnThames #ClassicHits #MusicHistory #UKPodcast Sponsorship opportunity: Raise awareness of your business with the RG10 Podcast audience by sponsoring an episode or a series. Request details: https://rg10mag.com/contact/ You can also: - Share the podcast with others - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - Rate the RG10 Podcast on Spotify - Follow the show on your preferred podcast platform - Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast on YouTube for the video version. https://rg10mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing/ https://www.youtube.com/@RG10Marketing https://www.facebook.com/RG10mag https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag

    Top 10 Henley Festival Acts of All Time - #18/3
  5. Jun 14

    Happy Hours: The pre-school that helped raise a village - #18/2

    After nearly six decades at the heart of Twyford village life, Happy Hours Pre-school is preparing to close its doors. In this episode of The RG10 Podcast, we hear from Kate Cromar, who has spent 20 years helping to shape the pre-school and support generations of local families. Kate shares the story of Happy Hours from its beginnings as a community playgroup, and how early years education has evolved over the decades. The conversation also explores the emotional decision to close Happy Hours as Polehampton School prepares to open its own nursery, what this means for the community, and the values Kate hopes will be carried forward into the new setting. Along the way, she recalls memorable moments, the lasting relationships formed with families, and the rewarding experience of seeing former pupils grow up and thrive. A heartfelt look back at a cherished local institution and the people who made it special. Sponsorship opportunity: Raise awareness of your business with the RG10 Podcast audience by sponsoring an episode or a series. Request details: https://rg10mag.com/contact/ You can also: - Share the podcast with others - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - Rate the RG10 Podcast on Spotify - Follow the show on your preferred podcast platform - Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast on YouTube for the video version. https://rg10mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing/ https://www.youtube.com/@RG10Marketing https://www.facebook.com/RG10mag https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag

    Happy Hours: The pre-school that helped raise a village - #18/2
  6. Jun 4

    From Twyford to the world? Quest Comp's race for cash and glory #18/1

    What if winning a cash prize wasn’t down to luck—but your own skill, strategy, and problem-solving ability? In this episode, Ben speaks with Quest Comps founders Paul Williams and Jaime Cox about their new competition concept that combines adventure, puzzles, public transport, and real cash prizes. Inspired by shows like Race Around the World and traditional competition sites, Quest Comps is creating challenges where contestants race to solve clues and reach the finish line first. The conversation explores their first event, Race to London, where participants travel from Berkshire to Central London using only public transport, uncovering clues along the way. Paul explains the vision behind the business, why he wanted to move beyond luck-based competitions, and how future quests could expand across the UK—and even around the world. Jaime shares his thoughts on marketing the concept, the growing demand for real-world experiences away from screens, and how Quest Comps hopes to support charitable fundraising through future events. In this episode: The story behind Quest Comps How Race to London works Why skill-based competitions are different from raffles Future plans, including Land’s End to John O’Groats and global challenges The role of public transport, clues, and strategy Charity fundraising opportunities Marketing a completely new competition format Could this be the future of adventure competitions? Relevant links: www.questcomps.com Sponsorship opportunity: Raise awareness of your business with the RG10 Podcast audience by sponsoring an episode or a series. Request details: https://rg10mag.com/contact/ You can also: - Share the podcast with others - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - Rate the RG10 Podcast on Spotify - Follow the show on your preferred podcast platform - Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast on YouTube for the video version. https://rg10mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing/ https://www.youtube.com/@RG10Marketing https://www.facebook.com/RG10mag https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag

    From Twyford to the world? Quest Comp's race for cash and glory #18/1
  7. Apr 12

    The Henley Arts Trail and a YouTube sensation - #17/6

    This week on the RG10 Podcast, we’re diving into the colour, creativity, and community behind the Henley Arts Trail as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Host Ben sits down with artist and venue lead Liz Chaderton — a painter, teacher, and YouTuber whose videos have racked up millions of views from her garden studio in Hurst. Liz shares how a local art class during lockdown turned into a global online audience, what it really means to make a living as an artist, and why she’s passionate about opening up the creative world to everyone. They also explore what makes the Henley Arts Trail so special — from its mix of professional and first-time artists, to the unique venues and the growing number of visitors discovering the event each year. Whether you’re an art lover, a curious local, or someone who’s never quite picked up a paintbrush, this episode offers a warm and honest look at the people and passion behind one of the area’s most loved events. Relevant links: https://www.henleyartstrail.com/ https://lizchaderton.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/c/LizChadertonArt Sponsorship opportunity: Raise awareness of your business with the RG10 Podcast audience by sponsoring an episode or a series. Request details: https://rg10mag.com/contact/ You can also: - Share the podcast with others - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - Rate the RG10 Podcast on Spotify - Follow the show on your preferred podcast platform - Subscribe to the RG10 Podcast on YouTube for the video version. https://rg10mag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rg10-marketing/ https://www.youtube.com/@RG10Marketing https://www.facebook.com/RG10mag https://www.instagram.com/rg10mag

    The Henley Arts Trail and a YouTube sensation - #17/6

About

Interviews, information and entertainment with a focus on the RG10 area and surrounds. This special corner of Berkshire includes Twyford, Wargrave, Charvil, Knowl Hill and Hurst, with the larger towns of Reading, Wokingham and Maidenhead close by and Henley-on-Thames just across the river in Oxfordshire. Listen in or watch on YouTube as we catch up with interesting people, attend local events and celebrate our local communities.