This Place, Our Voices

“It’s always been known as the jewel in the crown of Crewe.”

Recorded in June 2026, in this episode we’re joined by Sheila Blackburn from Friends of Queens Park, who takes us on a walk around one of Crewe’s most important and much-loved green spaces.

As we explore Queen's Park, Sheila shares the history behind the park, the people and stories connected to it, and some of the things you might walk past ev...

"It's about becoming the best version of yourself..."

In this episode we’re joined by Andrea Lawton of Nantwich Functional Fitness, a gym built around making fitness more welcoming, accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Andrea shares her own journey into health and fitness, how Nantwich Functional Fitness came about, and why creating a community has always been at the heart of what they do. From helping people overcome the fea...

"The support I've had, I've just been incredibly, incredibly lucky, but I haven't raised the money. People have raised it for me."

In this episode we’re joined by Gary Fear, an estate agent branch manager in Nantwich who has made regular journeys to Ukraine since the war began, delivering food and essential supplies to people living through the conflict.

Gary has travelled back and forth into Ukraine several times, delivering m...

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."

In this episode we’re shining a light on The Owen Project, a community-driven initiative founded by Jess and Luke Owen.

Born from a desire to combat isolation and foster inclusivity, The Owen Project has been making a real difference—creating safe spaces, building connections, and supporting those who ...

"The purpose of coaching is to close the gap between potential and performance."

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Bates, founder of Room 11 Coaching, to explore the power of self-belief, resilience, and personal growth. Anna specialises in coaching individuals and teams to unlock their full potential, whether through her Telesales Masterclass, her Maternity Coaching Programme, or one-to-one mindset coaching.

We ...

"It’s important that we don’t underestimate the play of children because it can produce a much more satisfyingly creative adult.”

This episode features Helen Wilson from Fun Fest Holiday Club, a dynamic holiday programme that gives children the freedom to choose their own adventures.

From creative activities to action-packed fun, Fun Fest is all about making school breaks unforgettable.

Helen...

"Education isn’t just about textbooks and classrooms—it’s about growth, confidence, and unlocking potential."

In this episode Emma Shepherd of Inspired Learning Ltd, a company dedicated to helping individuals thrive through innovative learning strategies and personal development, shares her journey, the philosophy behind Inspired Learning Ltd, and how she works to create meaningful learning and training experiences...

"Coaching works because it’s centred on you. When you clarify your goals and take action, transformation happens."

We sit down with Steph Scholes from Inspiration Coaching & Support, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential and navigate life’s challenges.

Steph shares insights into the power of coaching, the importance of mindset shifts, and how tailored support can make ...

"The outdoors is not just a place—it’s a mindset. Every step into nature is a step towards clarity, resilience, and rediscovering what truly matters."
In this episode, Julia Hartley introduces us to Guided Outdoor Adventures, a booking platform that connects guides with clients, making outdoor adventures more accessible and helping people find the right expertise to explore safely and confidently. 

Joined...

"Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of an intelligent effort."

In this episode, we sit down with Harro Dorsch, owner of The Hive at 52, a charming B&B in the heart of Weaverham, Cheshire, creating unforgettable guest experiences with his extensive background in hospitality.

We explore the inspiration behind transforming his and wife Lucy's Victorian home into a welcoming retreat, the challenges ...

“Feeling beautiful has nothing to do with what you look like.”

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Kelley 'Tigerheart' Phillips, founder of Tigerheart Burlesque. Kelley shares her personal mission to overcome imposter syndrome and her successful path to championing body confidence.

Based in Cheshire East, she blends her background in psychology with a passion for burlesque, creating empowe...

“Martial arts is not about fighting; it’s about building character.”

We sit down with Mark Watson of Budo Shin Ryu, a mixed martial arts academy with classes all over South Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Mark opens up about his history with mixed martial arts, the many benefits for both adults and children and how martial arts supports his charity work aimed at supporting dog charities in the area.
...

"Life is about change. Sometimes it's painful. Sometimes it's beautiful. But most of the time, it's both."

We’re joined by Jess Wikins-Cooke, founder of Tap Into Transformation, to explore how Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can unlock a world of emotional healing and self-discovery.

Jess shares her expertise on tapping, explaining its role in managing stress, overcoming obstacles, and fostering personal growth. Thro...

"A mother is never defined by the number of children you can see, but by the love she holds in her heart."

Join us as we meet Anna Smithers, the founder of Orange Lotus Yoga, a fully qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher based in Crewe, and the award-winning author behind the beloved Yogi Superhero children’s book series.

In this heartfelt conversation, Anna reflects on her transformative journey with yoga&mda...

"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen"

Please note that at the time of recording, Wag Wagatha Christie was named Va Va Groom but was renamed in 2025.

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Barber, the visionary behind Wag Wagatha Christie Holistic Dog Grooming, a holistic dog grooming salon nestled in the heart of Nantwich.

Vanessa shares her inspiring journey to becoming one of the first certified Holis...

“The young American pilot’s fate has become interwoven with the town’s history.”

In this episode of we speak with Brown Owl Karen Lynch and the 4th Nantwich Brownies about the incredible story of 1st Lieutenant Arthur Brown, a 23-year-old American airman whose heroic actions during the Second World War left an enduring legacy in Nantwich. 

On Friday, 14th January 1944, Arthur's Thunderbolt...

"Lost time is never found again."

We speak with Rachel Calter from Pink Spaghetti PA Services Nantwich & Crewe, a virtual assistant service supporting small businesses. We explore how their tailored services—ranging from diary management and inbox organisation to social media and marketing support—are designed to free up time for business owners, helping them focus on growth and achieving a better work-life b...

"Photography has no rules, it is not a sport."

In this episode, we’re joined by Kacey of Kacey Louise Photography, a talented young photographer from the Crewe & Nantwich area. Kacey shares her passion for capturing moments through her lens and opens up about the challenges and triumphs of starting a new business. Tune in to hear her story, her creative vision, and how our community can come together to support her...

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not."

In this episode, we chat with Megan Chadwick, the founder of Evergreen Life Coaching, to explore the transformative power of coaching. Megan shares her personal journey into life coaching, offering insights into what inspired her to help others navigate life’s challenges.

We delve into her coaching philosophy, discussing how she empowers ...