About Basingstoke

In this episode of Cloke Cooks , Chris Cloke sits down with Vilnis Baiks from VB Distillery , a truly unique, small-scale producer operating right out of a local garage in Basingstoke. Vilnis shares his lifelong connection to brewing, inspired by his grandparents' traditional beer and botanical recipes, and how a lockdown hobby transformed into an official craft distillery. From high-quality v...

In this introductory episode, Marie Greenhalgh introduces herself and shares the vision behind You Are Not Alone: Conversations for Mental Health and Wellbeing Inspired by her experience leading the Baton of Hope event in Basingstoke, Marie emphasizes the crucial power of open, honest conversations around mental health, neurodivergence, and wellbeing. This podcast is designed to be a safe, down-to...

In this episode of Cloke Cooks , host Chris Cloke sits down with Bruce from Hornet Chilli to explore how a backyard gardening hobby transformed into a booming Basingstoke business producing over 6,000 bottles a year. Bruce shares the secrets behind their signature fermented chilli sauces, explaining how a 30-day fermentation process with lactobacillus breaks down harsh, bitter enzymes to unlock a...

In this episode of BASINGSTOKE BUSINESS, Steve Randall is joined by content confidence coach and consultant Kate Llewellyn, owner of local business The Content Consultancy. They talk about AI, search engines, social media and how to find your voice and confidence when creating content for your business. -- You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.co...

We're pleased to welcome one of our external content creators to About Basingstoke. Chris Cloke loves food - maybe you saw him a few years back on Come Dine with Me - and he's bringing that passion to About Basingstoke. Each week, Chris will be talking about food and chatting to the great chefs, cooks and food producers in the Basingstoke area. -- You can also listen to the live stream ver...

In this episode, Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke , joins host Steve Randall to discuss his transition from the charity sector to Parliament, the challenges of local infrastructure, and his vision for the town’s economic and social renewal. Key Discussion Points From Charity to Commons: Luke reflects on his background in climate and energy policy and the "steep learning curve" of parliament...

In this episode, Jack , a volunteer leader with Natural Basingstoke , joins host Steve Randall at the Crabtree Plantation to discuss the charity’s mission, the importance of local conservation, and how residents can get involved. Key Discussion Points The Origins of Natural Basingstoke: Formed in 2013 as a volunteer organization, it became a registered charity in June 2025. It acts as an umbrella...

In this special BUSINESS episode, Mark Jones of Mr. Blue Sky Consultancy interviews George Scott-Welsh, CEO of IncuHive , at their new location in Houndmills, Basingstoke. George shares his journey as a "serial entrepreneur", the origins of IncuHive, and his unique philosophy on business, failure, and the future of the local business landscape. Key Discussion Points: George’s Entrepreneuri...

In this episode, we talk to travel expert Ally Toner from Designer Travel about the range of options for summer holidays this year - including cruises, flights, rail, driving and staycations. Worried about flight disruption or viruses on your cruise - Ally's here to put your mind at rest. Find her at https://designertravel.co.uk/allytoner and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Designertrave...

In this episode of our BUSINESS show, we talk to Felicity Dwyer who works with leaders, teams and individuals to help them think deeply, communicate effectively, and generate an environment of trust and psychological safety. Find out more about her at https://felicitydwyer.com/ -- You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.com/live or ask Alexa to &#3...

In our COMMUNITY show this week, we're talking to Mark Jones, founder of the Stronger Together Forum and Mr Blue Sky Consultancy. Find out what STF is all about and how its four core values aim to make Basingstoke a better place to be. -- You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.com/live or ask Alexa to "Launch About Basingstoke." Or get...

Our LEISURE show this week focuses on food and drink and we're at the Hampshire Deli at Wolverton, just off the A339 between Basingstoke and Kingsclere. Barry set up the deli in lockdown and now has a thriving business selling great produce, especially locally produced. Listen to find out more and check out the Hampshire Deli at https://hampshiredeli.co.uk/ or find them on Facebook ! -- You ca...

Have you ever thought about fostering? Our guest on the HOME & FAMILY show this week is Johnny, who's a foster carer for Hampshire County Council. If you thought you knew what fostering was all about, listen to Johnny because you might be surprised. He's been a foster carer for 20 years! It's Foster Care Fortnight and this weekend there's a Hampshire County Council event down i...

It's our Wednesday WELLBEING show and we're talking to Dan about his Basingstoke Mental Health Walks. It’s #mentalhealthawarenessweek so please listen and share with anyone you think might benefit. https://www.mentalhealthbasingstoke.co.uk/ You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.com/live or ask Alexa to "Launch About Basingstoke."...

In this episode of our BUSINESS show, we talk to Hayley from Hayley's Cookie Cupboard. The business was started as a side hustle but as you'll hear, it's growing fast. Got a business story to share? Get in touch! You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.com/live or ask Alexa to "Launch About Basingstoke." HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONS...

In this episode, we're talking to The Samaritans about the work they do here in Basingstoke and nationally. Paula is one of the team based in the town and she explains what the volunteers do and what makes a good Samaritan. If you need their help you can call FREE even if you have no credit on your phone: 116 123 And if you think you could be a Samaritans volunteer, they need new people in the...

In this episode of our LEISURE show, we talk to Jade Barker from Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) about their upcoming show at The Haymaket in Basingstoke. It's the West End smash hit We Will Rock You featuring 20 Queen hits and a futuristic storyline. https://www.bats.net/we-will-rock-you-may-2026 And if you like the idea of conversation in person, without judgement, then The Con...

In this episode we talk to Basingstoke accountant Patricia Fox of figurefox.co.uk about Dying Matters Week and the importance of having the difficult conversations that can make things less difficult later on. We also talk to Julie Heggie of Space and Time Reclaimed about decluttering and organising your home. You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstok...

In this episode of the About Basingstoke Wellbeing show we talk to Charlotte from Ignite Your Power CIC who are supporting women and girls in the Basingstoke area to feel safe. Charlotte and her team run FREE self-defence and personal safety workshops in Basingstoke and other local areas. They have also launched the Just Stay Safer initiative. You can also listen to the live stream version of our...

In our first ever About Basingstoke Business, host Steve Randall talks to Sylvia, owner of the Blue Bear Bookshop in Hartley Wintney about the joy of running an indie book shop; IncuHive CEO George Scott-Welsh shares his top 5 tips for business owners managing uncertainty; and we talk to Rachel Bennet about her new book on red tape! You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily s...

It's Day 1 of About Basingstoke and host Steve Randall is in the War Memorial Park to introduce the new podcast and radio platform for Basingstoke. He's also talking to a Basingstoke man with a cool connection to Star Wars - because we're launching on May the 4th (be with you)! You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.com/live or ask Ale...

About Basingstoke is coming - on 4th May 2026