The Morecambe Bay Podcast

Does Morecambe Bay have anything in common with the Amazon? Throughout November events are taking place across north Lancashire to highlight the region which is close to home for some.  Sian Phillips, well known in musical circles around the Bay, lost her brother Dom earlier this year when the journalist was one of two men murdered while researching the deforestation of the Amazon. After a grim se...

Stuart Nevin is an inspiration. Don't take my word for it, the dozens who turn out in all weathers to run along the prom in the C2K5 - coach to 5k - training sessions are proof of the difference he and his supporters are making. In the week when the latest session began, and with long dark nights approaching, could this be the kind of activity that helps people both physically and mentally? Stuart...

He's encouraged dozens to grab their trainers and take to the promenade to try out running. Stuart Nevin created Morecambe Community Runners which now boasts a membership of nearly 700 and began another 'C25K' course this week. His own story is inspirational and in the next edition of the podcast he explains why he's on a mission to help people get the most of activity. 

As regular listeners to the podcast will know, swimming in Morecambe Bay is growing in popularity. The M.A.L.L.O.W.S (Morecambe and Lancaster Lancashire Open Water Swimmers) are a thriving group promoting an activity that's increasingly seen as beneficial for mind and body. On Saturday they may have gained their newest member! Rev Ian Dewar is the Lead Chaplain for the University Hospitals of More...

It's a sport that appeals to all ages and to people from all walks of life. Archery is thriving and the Morecambe Bay Archers have recently welcomed another group of new converts to their ranks. The distinctive sound and satisfaction of hearing an arrow land on the target is infectious and as you'll hear in this podcast, it's addictive too!   

In this edition of the podcast we go behind the scenes to meet those helping make a difference when times are tight. From fuel to finance, benefits to legal rights, North Lancashire Citizens Advice are increasing their team of volunteers who are at the forefront when it comes to offering help for people from all walks of life. As you'll hear, they've never been busier. We'll hear from Gully Treven...

They're at the forefront of providing help for people from all walks of life who may need some guidance and have themselves never been busier.  From fuel to finance, benefits to legal rights, North Lancashire Citizens Advice are increasing their team of volunteers and working to diversify where advice can be gained. In the next edition of the podcast we go behind the scenes to meet those helping m...

They say 'tide and time waits for no man.' Andy Bradbury should know. He's one of two pilots who work to navigate ships safely into the ports of Glasson Dock and Heysham, no small feat given the tidal range of Morecambe Bay and the variety of ships - big and small - that he's called to look after. Born and bred close to the sea, hear how efforts to put him off a life on board ships backfired, just...

Spivs, American cops, classic cars and buses - there's a real mix in Morecambe this weekend. The podcast has been out an about capturing some of the sounds of the event which has brought big crowds to the town. Join us on this mini tour!  

Morecambe's Vintage by the Sea Festival is back next weekend. It's estimated over a million pounds was brought into Morecambe by the 2019 event which this year will feature everything from food and drink to art and design, celebrating 20th-century design, fashion, vehicles and entertainment. Morecambe-born Wayne Hemingway and Lauren Zawadzki from Deco Publique are hoping the event, to be held on 3...

Battling unseasonably windy weather 500 people raising money and interest in the fight to reopen Grange lido became the latest group to cross the wide expanse of Morecambe Bay from Arnside to Grange. Some had travelled from as far as New Zealand to take part in an event which is growing in popularity.  Campaigners want to bring the lido back into use - 2025 is the target date for swimmers to...

Battling unseasonably windy weather 500 people raising money and interest in the fight to reopen Grange lido became the latest group to cross the wide expanse of Morecambe Bay from Arnside to Grange. For an update on the latest news from the lido and an insight into life as the Queen's Sand Pilot listen out for the next edition of the podcast, coming soon.

After a gap caused the pandemic, Morecambe's Vintage by the Sea Festival is back with organisers expecting strong interest in an event that features everything from food and drink to art and design. It's estimated over a million pounds was brought into Morecambe by the 2019 event and Morecambe-born Wayne Hemingway is hoping the event on 3 and 4th Sept will bring a similar boost to the Bay.

They've been a part of the area since 1920 and have never been relegated. Today Morecambe FC - the Shrimps - are in League One and aiming high. But what happens on the pitch is only part of the story of a football club who are active in all walks of life around Morecambe Bay. The man who oversees a wide range of activities across all parts of the community and involves a team of around 200 people...

Despite floods, Storm Arwen and recent extreme heat the RSPB's reserve at Leighton Moss continues to be the Bay's food bowl for birdlife. The bittern population might be booming but the extremes of recent weather conditions are causing concern. But the largest area of reed beds in north-west England is proving popular to a whole new audience of wildlife fans. The pandemic has served to increase th...

They're on call to help 24/7: a team of volunteers who put to sea to answer calls for help in all weathers. The crew of Fleetwood lifeboat form part of a chain of 238 lifeboat stations around the UK. This weekend (Saturday from 11am) they'll be holding their first open day since the pandemic, a welcome opportunity for volunteers, their families and supporters to mark the vital role the station's S...

For the sixth year running a festival with a difference is taking place and this time it spans the Bay. The organisers of The Bay Health Festivals have a very simple aim: to create spaces and opportunities for people to have conversations – easy or difficult – with family, friends, neighbours, and with ourselves.  The hope is that by taking time out, we'll rediscover the art of living well an...

The Morecambe Bay area is home to diverse communities as well as a wide range of industries. There are two nuclear power stations here, the M6 runs close by plus the sea itself is busy with maritime activity and there are air routes overhead. All the more reason to have active and agile emergency services on hand for when we may need help. At the moment Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are recru...

They were once familiar sight and, after an absence prompted by the pandemic, a small fleet of historic buses once again ventured back onto the streets of Morecambe and Heysham on Sunday 22nd May. The Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust promotes the restoration and preservation of buses which once plied the streets of the area. This year's event, supported by Morecambe BID and Stagecoach, proved pop...

The scenes from the conflict of Ukraine have prompted many people around the Bay to support the communities affected by the war.  It might be hundreds of miles away but the images and stories emerging seem very close to home for many: that's certainly true for members of Bay Search and Rescue.  Among the volunteers' rescue fleet is a Sherp, an all terrain vehicle that - in normal times -...

'I think they thought I was mad!' Photographer Tessa Bunney whose new exhibition today (Sat 9th April) describing how her subjects viewed her during a three year long mission to document one of Morecambe Bay's oldest industries. She's braved the Bay's famously variable weather to take thousands of images of the fishermen and women who ply their trade on these hazardous sands and channels. The Lanc...

After battling to keep going during the pandemic, Morecambe Band are celebrating recent success when they emerged as 4th section winners in the North West Areas Regional Contest 2022.  The brass band has a long and proud history. Formed in 1875 and still going strong today, Morecambe Band are looking forward to a busy season in 2022. In September they have a place in the National Finals. I me...

It's known as the small charity making a big difference; from artwork and the Morecambe Bay cycle path to beach cleans and recent sunset talks. The Morecambe Bay Partnership has a new Chief Executive who's arrived in the area after spending nine years working in conservation on the Scilly Isles. Sarah Mason is six months into the role and joins at an interesting time. The Eden Project, concerns ov...

It's the TV crime drama that has put Morecambe on the map: ITV's The Bay has attracted millions of viewers and while the plots have proved to be gritty the characters, not to mention the stunning views of Morecambe Bay, have certainly proved popular. With series 3 about to be launched, creator Daragh Carville who lives in Lancaster, is keeping his fingers crossed that he's managed to develop a new...

Murmurations: thousands of starlings, all in synch, flying wingtip to wingtip have inspired many to try and record the stunning spectacle. For photographer Darren Andrews it prompted the creation of a book which contains dozens of images gathered around north Lancashire and on North Pier in Blackpool. He's now working on shooting a film which is taking real patience as he tries to plot where the m...