The RG10 Podcast - featuring the people, places and events of interest across our area of the Thames Valley

Which artists who have graced the Henley Festival stage have sold the most records worldwide? In this episode of the RG10 Podcast, we count down the 10 biggest-selling acts ever to perform at Henley Festival, from disco legends and Motown royalty to rock icons and pop superstars. Using global record sales as our only measure, we reveal which artists have achieved the greatest commercial success an...

After nearly six decades at the heart of Twyford village life, Happy Hours Pre-school is preparing to close its doors. In this episode of The RG10 Podcast, we hear from Kate Cromar, who has spent 20 years helping to shape the pre-school and support generations of local families. Kate shares the story of Happy Hours from its beginnings as a community playgroup, and how early years education has evo...

What if winning a cash prize wasn’t down to luck—but your own skill, strategy, and problem-solving ability? In this episode, Ben speaks with Quest Comps founders Paul Williams and Jaime Cox about their new competition concept that combines adventure, puzzles, public transport, and real cash prizes. Inspired by shows like Race Around the World and traditional competition sites, Quest Comps is creat...

This week on the RG10 Podcast, we’re diving into the colour, creativity, and community behind the Henley Arts Trail as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Host Ben sits down with artist and venue lead Liz Chaderton — a painter, teacher, and YouTuber whose videos have racked up millions of views from her garden studio in Hurst. Liz shares how a local art class during lockdown turned into a global o...

This week on the RG10 Podcast, we’re joined by world-class trumpet player Nick Etwell - a musician whose career spans jazz, soul, and some of the biggest stages on the planet. Born in Reading with strong ties to the RG10 area, Nick has played everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to Madison Square Garden, and toured with artists including Mumford & Sons, Tom Jones, and Foo Fighters. And he&apo...

In this special episode, we celebrate the heart and soul of the village at the Twyford Together Community Awards 2026 — an inspiring evening dedicated to recognising the people, groups, and businesses who go above and beyond to make Twyford such a vibrant place to live. From selfless volunteers and standout local businesses to community groups that bring people together, these awards shine a spotl...

In this episode, we sit down with Simon Fisher, founder of Glass Half Full, a hybrid wine shop and bar bringing an eclectic, premium selection of bottles to the heart of Twyford. Simon shares how a long-held dream became a reality at exactly the right stage of life. We talk about the nerves and doubts that come with starting from scratch, the importance of community support, and why the presence o...

This week on the RG10 Podcast, we’re joined by world-class trumpet player Nick Etwell — a musician whose career spans jazz, soul, and some of the biggest stages on the planet. Born in Reading with strong ties to the RG10 area, Nick has played everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to Madison Square Garden, and toured with artists including Mumford & Sons, Tom Jones, and Foo Fighters - and he&ap...

The Thames is more than just a river. It’s regattas in Henley, walks along the towpath, boating through the locks, wildlife at sunrise, and communities built around the water.  In this episode of The RG10 Podcast, we speak with Greg Wilkinson, Chairman of the Middle Thames branch of the River Thames Society, about why this part of the river matters so much and the work being done to protect it. We...

This episode of the RG10 Podcast uses a 'World Cancer Day Challenge' community workout as a starting point to explore the relationship between cancer, fitness, and community support. Featuring Claire Rhodes from My Cancer, My Choices, a Charvil-based charity providing complementary therapies for people living with cancer, and Karan Khela from Twyford's Shredquarters gym, the convers...

This week on the RG10 Podcast we hear from Tony Lyons - working musician, teacher, and familiar face on the Twyford music scene. Tony talks about a life spent playing music for a living: from seeing Queen at Wembley in 1986 and assuming all gigs would be like that , to first shows that went wrong before the second beat, freezing European tours in leaky vans, and eventually playing Wembley Stadium...

Celebrate the best of our community with the RG10 Podcast’s special year-in-review episode! We look back at the moments that made 2025 unforgettable — from powerful stories of recovery at Yeldall Manor, to the incredible resilience of GB duathlete Tamina Oliver, to the quirky joy of the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta and Twyford’s Donkey Derby. We also shine a spotlight on local creativity throug...

In this episode, we hear from Jack Wells, the creator of Mystery Guides: immersive, puzzle-filled adventure books that turn towns and cities across the UK into real-world treasure hunts. Jack reveals how each Mystery Guide blends local history, quirky landmarks, and storytelling magic, leading adventurers on a two- to three-hour quest filled with hidden gems, surprising facts, and a satisfying twi...

In this episode of the RG10 Podcast, we hear from Austin and Josie from the Sonning based Reading Rooks Korfball Club to explore one of the UK’s most unique and fast-growing mixed-gender sports. What is korfball? How is it played? Why is it so inclusive? And how did Reading Rooks become one of the most vibrant community clubs in the region? Austin and Josie share: • How korfball blends elements of...

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Corse, the inspiring organiser behind the Wokingham group of People, Planet, Pint - a grassroots movement bringing people together over a drink to talk about sustainability, community, and climate action. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, curious to learn more, or just up for a great conversation, these informal pub meetups are the place to...

When Sally Hughes’ parents stumbled upon a derelict watermill in the late 1970s, they saw more than a ruin — they saw a stage. Four years later, The Mill at Sonning opened its doors, becoming one of Britain’s most charming theatre-restaurants.  In this episode, Sally shares the remarkable story of how her family built a thriving arts venue from the ground up, the challenges of keeping it alive thr...

In this episode of the RG10 Podcast, we sit down with Lynne Shipton, founder of Chemogiftbags, a charity providing free, thoughtfully prepared bags filled with practical items and comforts for people starting chemotherapy. What began in 2015 as a simple idea has grown into a lifeline for patients across the Thames Valley. Now, in 2025, Chemogiftbags is celebrating its 10th anniversary – a decade o...

The Wokingham Festival returned last weekend and once again proved why it’s one of Berkshire’s most loved summer traditions — and the 2025 edition was one of the best yet. Over three days, the festival brought together incredible live music, local talent, amazing food and drink, and that unmistakable community buzz that makes it so special. In this episode, we look back at everything that made thi...

In this episode of The RG10 Podcast, we shine a light on the River Loddon — one of our area's most fascinating and fragile natural features. Ben speaks with Josh Bowes, local conservationist and river expert. A Catchment Officer with the South East Rivers Trust, Josh tells us what makes the Loddon so unique as a chalk stream, why it's under threat, and what’s being done to protect it. Fr...

In this lively episode, we hear from Laura Bower to explore the quirky, competitive, and beloved traditions of the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta.  For over 150 years, this two-day river spectacle has drawn families, fanatics, and first-timers to compete in everything from canoeing and punting to the chaotic crowd-favourite: dongoling.  Laura shares behind-the-scenes insights into organising the...

In this special episode, we go behind the curtain of one of the UK’s most exciting platforms for emerging talent: RISE at Henley Festival. First, we sit down with Emma Ellis the visionary behind the RISE programme, to explore how Henley Festival is supporting the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. We unpack the mission, selection process, and what makes RISE more than jus...

Series 15, episode 1, released June 2025. In this episode, we explore the story and mission of Yeldall Manor in Hare Hatch, a long-standing residential rehab centre supporting men recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.  Chris Wood, a former resident and now part of the Yeldall team, shares how the centre transformed his life - and how it continues to offer hope, structure, and community to me...

It’s that time of year again — the grass is groomed, the donkeys are saddled, and the community is buzzing with excitement! In this episode, we trot into the heart of Twyford’s most beloved tradition: The 1st Twyford Scouts Donkey Derby & Summer Fair. The 30th anniversary event will be held at the King George V Recreation Ground in Twyford on Sunday 15 June 2025.   Whether you’ve been cheering...

In this episode of The RG10 Podcast, ceramicist Emma Payne talks about the Henley Arts Trail, which will mark its 20th anniversary over the May bank holiday weekend this year. The trail is a community event across Henley-on-Thames and surrounding villages, involving 280 artists in over 30 venues, opening their studios or holding joint exhibitions to showcase their work to the public.  Emma discuss...

In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of the Age Concern Twyford and District Social Club. The club is a vital community hub for those aged 55 and over and their mission is to promote and maintain independent living by providing essential care, support services, and opportunities for social engagement.  We speak to Holly McRitchie, their Outreach and Fundraising Leader, who shares her...