The Morecambe Bay Podcast Nigel Thompson

For an organisation that only came into being in September 2023, the Bay Veterans Association has proved there's a real need for support for ex servicemen and women around the Bay.

The Lancaster and Morecambe area is more 'vets' than many other areas.

A new hub offering support and providing activities has just opened in Euston Road, Morecambe.

The response from the community to an appeal for support has so far been phenomenal with the Duchy of Lancaster, Persimmon Homes and many others offering support.

The opening of the hub is just another step on a path that Janine, Janet and Gary who are the association's directors hope will be a vital service for all service family members.

Bay Veterans Association Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/p/BAY-VETERANS-ASSOCIATION-61551807855021/

To say it's home to only a few dozen people Sunderland Point they are a musical lot!

The village has made a name as the home of a thriving sea shanty band.

The Sunderland Point Sea Shanty Crew are in demand to perform around the Bay and further afield - they've been part of the Edinburgh Festival.

Made up of a wide range of people they're creating their own music alongside well known sea shanties.

Morecambe Bay is reknown for paths and tracks offering brilliant views but it's also part of a national network of walking routes connecting all of Great Britain’s towns and cities as well as thousands of villages.

Using existing paths, ways, trails and roads, people can use Slow Ways routes to walk or wheel and is designed to make it easier for people to imagine, plan and go on walking journeys.

There are currently over 8,000 Slow Ways stretching for over 120,000km. This network of routes was created by 700 volunteers during the Spring 2020 lockdown, creating a unique Slow Ways map in the process. 

In this episode we'll hear from the man who came up with the idea and a walker from Morecambe who's certainly making her mark on the map.

We know Morecambe Bay is a draw for tourists and that industry is big business around the Bay.
But how far does the the area's influence extend and how much do we think about the impact the sea has on our lives?
From chip shops in Morecambe to the ferries at Heysham, maritime matters affect us all.
To find out more Dr Celine Germond-Duret, a lecturer in environmental politics in policy who is leading the 'People and Ocean' Knowledge and Action Hub at Lancaster University's Pentland Centre, is canvassing opinions to consider how people and businesses connect to the coast.
Cut and paste this link into a browser to open the MS Form mentioned in our interview which will allow you can get in touch and ask questions: https://forms.office.com/e/FJHi0KxssY

It's often hard to believe the changes that have taken place along Morecambe's seafront.

A shipbreaking yard, several piers and a three masted sailing ship used in Disney film could once be found along this popular piece of coast.

A project to capture the knowledge and memories of coastal life through the eyes of those who witnessed change is now active. Coastal Connection has developed a network of 20 locations - 17 in Morecambe and 2 near Overton and one at Sunderland Point - where a QR code allows listeners to hear the memories of people living by and working on the Bay.

It's the work of Steve Fairclough who explains more in this podcast. To hear the stories follow this link to the sites :https://www.timeandtidebell.org/morecambe-map/

Morecambe's link to illuminations goes back to 1906 and it became for its light entertainment.
The days of switch ons and massive displays may be long gone but last year Baylight drew 20,000 people to a modest 1.5km illuminated art trail along the prom.
This year's theme is reflecting Morecambe's coastline so look out for tentacles on the Winter Gardens and recycled chains fashioned into light balls on the beach.
There's even a parade.
And among those helping stage the event is a member of Radio 4's The Archers who now lives locally.
Baylight 2024