'Under The Covers' From Westminster Libraries

Westminster Libraries
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Every month a guest will reveal what books are sitting on their bedside table. There will be animated discussion and recommendations, but so much more. That's just the start of the conversation. What life choices have they made, what are their passions and inspirations? Each one's personal story is as vivid and important as any work on the library shelves.

  1. 08/12/2025

    Author Emma Brankin: Creative Inspiration. Season 4, Episode 4

    Emma Brankin's debut collection of short stories, 'Attention Seekers', has had a great reception . Among other accolades, it was also a contender for the prestigious Edge Hill Prize. In this episode Emma talks about her creative journey and shares a wealth of tips on developing writing skills. Emma also has a career as a drama teacher and speaks of the joy of helping young people to find their confidence. Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available on the freemusicarchive.org

    22 min

  2. 06/03/2025

    Jhalak Prize Founder: Professor Sunny Singh. Season 4, Episode 3

    June 2025 brings the results of the Jhalak Prize which celebrates writers of colour. There will be three recipients: for Prose, for Young Adult/Children's, and for Poetry. Our guest is the founder of the award, Professor Sunny Singh who describes how it came to be. She also talks about decolonisation and the essential importance of love. Our music is 'Smile From A Mirror' by Crowander which is available on the freemusicarchive.

    24 min

  3. 02/18/2025

    Wendy Andrew: Supporting You In Pet Bereavement, Season 4, Episode 2

    Wendy Andrew is passionate about helping pet owners who are suffering 'disenfranchised grief' where their sadness at the loss of a companion animal is not recognised by society. She founded the Scottish PetBereavement Counselling Service to provide support, offering a range of therapies: talking, meditation and journaling. Having suffered the death of abeloved dog at a young age, Wendy is particularly keen to see children guided through this often momentous event. Our music is Smile From A Mirror by Crowander and isavailable on the freemusicarchive

    20 min

  4. 12/17/2024

    The Migrant Story with Professor Panikos Panayi. Season 4, Episode 1

    International Migrants Day is upon us. And to mark this event we're speaking with Cultural Historian Professor Panikos Panayi. The Migrant experience is at the heart of his work and the many books he has published. Summing up its effect on the British capital, Dr Panayi says 'No Migrants, No Migration, No London. Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and is available on the freemusicarchive.

    18 min

  5. 10/07/2024

    Dr Juanita Cox: Windrush, Colonialism & Black History Month.

    Season 3, Episode 9 Our guest is Dr Juanita Cox who is Black British History Community Engagement Fellow at the Institute of Historical Research. Dr Cox has delivered an oral history of the Windrush Scandal and is about to launch an exhibition on Colonialism and Independence in London. On Black History Month she says "It's still needed but I really hope that going forward we're just going to have British History, and that will reflect all of our experiences." The following link provides more information about Juanita's upcoming exhibition: In the Grip of Change: the Caribbean and its British Diaspora | Senate House Library | University of London Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available on the freemusicarchive

    20 min

  6. 08/05/2024

    A Brilliant Career: Helen Bailey

    Helen Bailey speaks about childhood ambitions coming to fruition via a most extraordinarily varied career. And when she got there, how she "was so excited about the possibilities". Season 3 Episode 8. Our music is 'Smile From A Mirror' by Crowander which is available on freemusicarchive

    24 min

  7. 06/19/2024

    '52 Lives' with Jaime Thurston. Season 3 Episode 7

    Our guest is Jaime Thurston, founder of the charity, '52 Lives'. Every week this amazing organisation responds to requests for help posted on social media - and literally changes lives. Jaime describes the moment she was inspired to set it up and speaks of how kindness is at the heart of all that it does. Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and is available on freemusicarchive

    20 min

  8. 04/02/2024

    Christie Junor-Sheppard: The Big Life Moments

    Our guest is Christie Junor-Sheppard, the Head of Registration Services at Westminster Council. From presiding over celebrity weddings at the magical Old Marylebone Town Hall to welcoming people into British Citizenship, it's an extraordinary role. Christie says it's the best job she's ever done. And she reveals details of two exciting anniversary events happening this year. Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander which is available on freemusicarchive

    24 min
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Every month a guest will reveal what books are sitting on their bedside table. There will be animated discussion and recommendations, but so much more. That's just the start of the conversation. What life choices have they made, what are their passions and inspirations? Each one's personal story is as vivid and important as any work on the library shelves.

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