The Gillingham Podcast

I spoke to Ben Perry, who is Chair of the Gillingham Rising Community Group, at their inaugural event on the Town Meadow. He told me about their plans to make Gillingham a more community spirited town. I also chatted with several stall holders at the event. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Helen Weaver, who is the project manager of the Gillingham Foodbank, about the current need for some people on low incomes. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Mark James who is the founder and musical director of the Rokit Choir about their journey from their beginning to today. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

The new Gillingham Community Shuttle Bus was launched at Waitrose in Gillingham on 27th February 2026. I went along and spoke to Councilor Belinda Ridout about the pilot scheme. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Daniel Coleman at Gillingham library about the new extended access scheme, which has just been launched. It means you can access the library six days a week, even when there are no staff. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Penny Peat who is the organiser of the Gillingham Walkers group, who are currently looking for new volunteer leaders. Training is available for anyone who is interested. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Susan Grant and Joni DeWinter who are the musical duo Belle Street. We discussed their career so far plus Hugh The Musical, which they wrote and starred in. I have included three songs from the musical on this podcst. ( Some of the content is explicit.) Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

Jane Jarrett is the co-ordinator of Read Easy North Dorset. She talked to me about what they do for people who either cannot read or have difficulty reading. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

The Gillingham Seniors Club is where pensioners meet and socialise once a fortnight. Quizzes, trips out and entertainers are all regular features. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I met with Councillor Barry Von-Clemens at the Kaffee in Gillingham to discuss the role of the Three Rivers Partnership. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Barbara Hurst who helps organise the Gillingham Community Christmas Lunch which is held on Christmas day at the North Dorset Rugby Club. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Peter Hurst who is the secretary of Gillingham Carlink, a charity set up to provide transport to enable people to attend medical appointments. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Phil Wheatley who runs the Gillshed situated in Orchard Park Garden Centre in Gillingham. He told me all about Gillshed and what they do. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I talked to Sally Nutbeem who is the chair of trustees of Mindful, the charity for people with dementia and memory problems. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to a volunteer at Age Concern who are based at Sturminster Newton. She told me of all the services they provide. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I spoke to Damian Cranny, the Dorset police fraud protection officer, about fraud and how to be better prepared to avoid it. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

In conversation with Gillingham based singer songwriter James Passey on the release of his debut album Lo-Fi, playing three tracks from the album, Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

Roger Laidler talks about the sgu3a, it's activities and membership. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

Lloyds bank in Gillingham will be closing it's doors for good on 8th January 2026. Here's some useful information for it's customers. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

Information on the Dorset Local Plan Options Consultation 2025. How you can have your say on what is proposed in Gillingham. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

I talked to John Montgomery who is the founder of the North Dorset Prostate Cancer Support Group who meet once a month at Waitrose in Gillingham. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com

Organised by the Gillingham Medical Practice and the Blackmore Vale Partnership held at Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Gillingham on 20th September 2025. Email for more information; gillinghampodcast@gmail.com