This is England Real People, Real Stories

Chris Frear
  • 5.0 (1)
  • DOCUMENTARY

"This is England" is a series of radio interviews with real people that are part of the rich tapestry of English life. Sit back and listen as Liz Fawden takes you to meet people in England who have unusual jobs or hobbies.

  1. 04/26/2020

    Neil Perkins - Sweetshop Owner

    Do you remember sweets like liquorice torpedoes, sherbet lemons and mint humbugs and thought they where a thing of the past. You'd be wrong, Goodies Sweetshop in Lincoln is perhaps the only shop where you can buy them. Additional Information Although Neil sold Goodies Sweetshop in 2013, its still in business and is owned today by a Mr Cottingham.  The shop's website can be found at https://www.goodiessweets.co.uk Goodies Sweetshop The Strait Lincoln LN2 1JD Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    15 min
  2. Harry & Terri Boyce The Archers

    04/26/2020

    Harry & Terri Boyce The Archers

    Harry & Terri Boyce are both enthusiasts about Field Archery. Join them as they discuss their passion for a sport, which has led Terri to a world title and Harry to design courses for the upcoming European Field Archery Championships. Our host Liz Fawden then gets a lesson in how to shoot a bow and arrow.  Additional Information: As of 2020, Harry is the President of the National Field Archery Society https://www.nfas.net Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    15 min
  3. Neil Mumby - The Falconer

    04/26/2020

    Neil Mumby - The Falconer

    In one of the most hair raising moments of Series One Liz is narrowly missed by the outstretched talons of a hawk as it comes into land over her head. Hear these wonderful birds as Neil Mumby the falconer flies them for their daily exercise and they soar and swoop overhead. Then join Liz and Neil as they visit the breeding rooms where captive birds are able to provide new youngsters to keep the species alive. Additional Information: As of 2020, after being in business for two decades, Neil continues to own and operate  Woodside Falconry & Conservation Centre near Lincoln.  http://www.woodsidefalconry.com/ Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    14 min
  4. Mervin Austin - The Baker

    04/26/2020

    Mervin Austin - The Baker

    Join Liz at Kirton Bakery where Mervin Austin bakes bread in an oven that took two weeks to reach its operating temperature, and where every loaf is hand made from specialist flours ground in the adjoining windmill. Here its still possible to have bread made from Spelt - the grain the Romans ate and that dates back to prehistory Additional Information: Windmill closed following storm damage, status of bakery unknown as website no longer operational. Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    15 min
  5. Ian Keat - The Jeweller

    04/26/2020

    Ian Keat - The Jeweller

    Ian Keat does not simply retail Jewellery but is one of the few remaining craftsmen who designs and makes original items. Join Liz as she visits his workshop and sees how the bench and tools of a jeweller evolved over the centuries and have changed very little in modern times. Additional Information: 2020 Assumed retired.  Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    16 min

  6. 04/26/2020

    Brian Hall MBE - Court Usher

    You could be forgiven for thinking that an English Court was run by a bewigged judge from his chambers, or maybe his office clerks but you would be wrong. Brian Hall is a Court Usher - the man who shouts,"All Rise!" or "Be upstanding in Court!". He takes us behind the scenes to hear about the rest of his job and his responsibility for making sure the system works smoothly. Additional Information: 2020: Awarded MBE in 2004. Probably retired.  Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    15 min
  7. Alan Pell - The Fairground Organ Maker

    04/26/2020

    Alan Pell - The Fairground Organ Maker

    As a young boy Alan Pell was fascinated by the steam fairground organs that accompanied the travelling showmen and their fairgrounds everywhere. With no books but only other old organs from which to learn how to make them, he set about building an organ of his own, and another and another.... so that today the whole family is involved in making these superb musical instruments. Additional Information: Alan has since retired from making fairground organs and now runs a mobile fish and chip shop from a converted iconic London Red Bus. https://www.redbusfood.com/ https://www.facebook.com/redbusfishandchips/ Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    15 min
  8. Bette Vickers The Obituary Writer

    04/26/2020

    Bette Vickers The Obituary Writer

    Bette Vickers must be one of the few people to have written her own obituary. As the obit writer for the Lincolnshire Echo newspaper, she has turned a job considered by her fellow journalists as the pits into a calling. Join host Liz Fawden as Bette discusses a career, which has as many lighter moments as sad ones.  Sadly Bette passed away in 2006. Please Note: The link for more information given (by me) at the end of the end of the interview was recorded twenty years ago and is no longer valid. Chris Frear Butterfield www.chrisfrear.co.uk

    15 min
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"This is England" is a series of radio interviews with real people that are part of the rich tapestry of English life. Sit back and listen as Liz Fawden takes you to meet people in England who have unusual jobs or hobbies.

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