60 acast.com Severn Lives https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives en Polly Lovegrove Severn, river, Montgomeryshire,powys, interviews, Wales, cymru, stories, history,social history,entertainment Polly Lovegrove Stories from the people who live on, and around the River Severn Severn Lives is a podcast that celebrates the people and stories of the River Severn in Mid Wales. Hosted by Polly Lovegrove, each episode is a warm and thoughtful conversation with someone who has lived and worked in the Severn valley. Guests include farmers, teachers, artists, artisans, naturalists and lifelong locals who share their memories and reflections on how the area has changed since they were young. Many of Polly’s guests are people who rarely step into the spotlight. They live quietly, often in remote areas, yet when invited to talk, they reveal a deep connection to the land and to the communities that have grown up along the river. Their voices offer a window into a way of life that is slowly changing, yet still deeply rooted in place.


Severn Lives is both a living archive and a celebration of these often overlooked voices. It offers listeners the chance to hear directly from those who know the Severn valley best, in their own words, capturing the character, warmth and wisdom of the people who call this part of Mid Wales home.


If you know someone who would be interesting to talk to, please get in touch.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Severn Lives is a podcast that celebrates the people and stories of the River Severn in Mid Wales. Hosted by Polly Lovegrove, each episode is a warm and thoughtful conversation with someone who has lived and worked in the Severn valley. Guests include farmers, teachers, artists, artisans, naturalists and lifelong locals who share their memories and reflections on how the area has changed since they were young. Many of Polly’s guests are people who rarely step into the spotlight. They live quietly, often in remote areas, yet when invited to talk, they reveal a deep connection to the land and to the communities that have grown up along the river. Their voices offer a window into a way of life that is slowly changing, yet still deeply rooted in place.


Severn Lives is both a living archive and a celebration of these often overlooked voices. It offers listeners the chance to hear directly from those who know the Severn valley best, in their own words, capturing the character, warmth and wisdom of the people who call this part of Mid Wales home.


If you know someone who would be interesting to talk to, please get in touch.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Polly Lovegrove info+68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62@mg-eu.acast.com 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 severn-lives episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62/1764426639878-ced3df2f-ad00-408f-9306-44032080df5d.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives Severn Lives 7ccae870-fc93-11f0-95dd-fbcb9bc4908f Norman Woodcock: From Tree-Top Revision to Bus-Stop Romance: 64 Years of Love, Life, and Little Coincidences Norman Woodcock: From Tree-Top Revision to Bus-Stop Romance: 64 Years of Love, Life, and Little Coincidences Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT 22:17 69c45594217ea6ceb7eb0d4c false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/norman-woodcock-polly-lovegrove-attachments2041-53-minutes-a 69c45594217ea6ceb7eb0d4c 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 norman-woodcock-polly-lovegrove-attachments2041-53-minutes-a full 1 9 From growing up in a South Wales mining village, to teaching rural science in Mid Wales, Norman Woodcock's life was shaped by hard work, resilience, and unexpected turns. But at the heart of it all is something even more enduring. It began with a glance at a young redhead on a bus, a simple introduction, and a first date when she was just 17 and he was 19. From those modest beginnings grew a partnership that has lasted a lifetime.


This is a story of changing times, of life in rural Wales, and above all, of a marriage that has stood strong for 64 years.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From growing up in a South Wales mining village, to teaching rural science in Mid Wales, Norman Woodcock's life was shaped by hard work, resilience, and unexpected turns. But at the heart of it all is something even more enduring. It began with a glance at a young redhead on a bus, a simple introduction, and a first date when she was just 17 and he was 19. From those modest beginnings grew a partnership that has lasted a lifetime.


This is a story of changing times, of life in rural Wales, and above all, of a marriage that has stood strong for 64 years.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Bob Davey: From Park Street to the High Seas and Back Again Bob Davey: From Park Street to the High Seas and Back Again Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT 22:06 69b3c937bffd975a4508bf92 false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/bob-davey-from-park-street-to-the-high-seas-and-back-again 69b3c937bffd975a4508bf92 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 bob-davey-from-park-street-to-the-high-seas-and-back-again full 1 8 Today we’re stepping back nearly 82 years. Our guest Bob Davey grew up on Park Street, Newtown and was one of the first families to move into the brand new council houses of Garth Owen at aged 5. His life went from skiffle bands and teenage gigs at the Pavilion…to living in Bermuda, sailing around the world, and even serving as Mayor of Newtown on his return.


Bob recalls his job delivering groceries up almost impossible hills, his Mothers famous Welsh craft shop, and a life that’s taken him from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica—before bringing him right back home again to Mid Wales. 


Settle in, and join us for stories of music, markets, sailing, and the changing face of Newtown… all from a man who says if he could do it again, he’d do exactly the same. 

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Today we’re stepping back nearly 82 years. Our guest Bob Davey grew up on Park Street, Newtown and was one of the first families to move into the brand new council houses of Garth Owen at aged 5. His life went from skiffle bands and teenage gigs at the Pavilion…to living in Bermuda, sailing around the world, and even serving as Mayor of Newtown on his return.


Bob recalls his job delivering groceries up almost impossible hills, his Mothers famous Welsh craft shop, and a life that’s taken him from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica—before bringing him right back home again to Mid Wales. 


Settle in, and join us for stories of music, markets, sailing, and the changing face of Newtown… all from a man who says if he could do it again, he’d do exactly the same. 

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Diane Ashman: Lipstick, Berets & Bertie the Bear: Tales from a Vintage Clothes Shop.]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT 15:55 69a081b59d923e5ce9d7b8cf false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/diane-ashman-lipstick-berets-bertie-the-bear-tales-from-a-vi 69a081b59d923e5ce9d7b8cf 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 diane-ashman-lipstick-berets-bertie-the-bear-tales-from-a-vi full 1 7 It was pouring with rain when I arrived on Welshpool High Street in Mid Wales. The grand white double-fronted house that is Ashmans Antiques stood solid against the gloom. 


Step through the door, though, and everything shifts. The grey dissolves into warmth, colour and conversation. Diane, radiant in her yellow beret, red lipstick and bright belted jumper is already mid-story, mid-laughter, mid-welcome. Her father once described her as being “vaccinated with a gramophone needle,” and you understand why instantly. She doesn’t just speak she soothes the room, her voice lively and full of character, drawing people in to her world. 


There’s talk of an unlikely church, of half a sausage roll, of Bertie the bear quietly observing it all. Outside, the rain continues to fall on Welshpool High Street. Inside, history, fashion and human connection are stitched together by Diane’s unmistakable soundtrack.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> It was pouring with rain when I arrived on Welshpool High Street in Mid Wales. The grand white double-fronted house that is Ashmans Antiques stood solid against the gloom. 


Step through the door, though, and everything shifts. The grey dissolves into warmth, colour and conversation. Diane, radiant in her yellow beret, red lipstick and bright belted jumper is already mid-story, mid-laughter, mid-welcome. Her father once described her as being “vaccinated with a gramophone needle,” and you understand why instantly. She doesn’t just speak she soothes the room, her voice lively and full of character, drawing people in to her world. 


There’s talk of an unlikely church, of half a sausage roll, of Bertie the bear quietly observing it all. Outside, the rain continues to fall on Welshpool High Street. Inside, history, fashion and human connection are stitched together by Diane’s unmistakable soundtrack.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Jeremy Pryce: Crafting in the forge, camping, and lasting memories of Llandinam Jeremy Pryce: Crafting in the forge, camping, and lasting memories of Llandinam Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:00:00 GMT 24:23 698c54b843d0a1680b430287 false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/jeremy-pryce-crafting-in-the-forge-camping-and-lasting-memor 698c54b843d0a1680b430287 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 jeremy-pryce-crafting-in-the-forge-camping-and-lasting-memor full 1 6 Welcome to Llandinam, a village steeped in history and stories. Today, we’re joined by lifelong resident Jeremy Pryce, a man whose roots run deep in this community.

Jeremy shares memories of his childhood growing up in the village, and his time working on the construction of the Clywedog Dam. 


We’ll also step inside his blacksmith’s forge, right beside his home, where sparks fly and stories come to life. Friendly, funny, and full of rich local knowledge, Jeremy is known as Llandinam’s own historian and there’s very little he doesn’t know about the village.

Settle in for an episode filled with memories, craftsmanship, and the living history of Llandinam.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to Llandinam, a village steeped in history and stories. Today, we’re joined by lifelong resident Jeremy Pryce, a man whose roots run deep in this community.

Jeremy shares memories of his childhood growing up in the village, and his time working on the construction of the Clywedog Dam. 


We’ll also step inside his blacksmith’s forge, right beside his home, where sparks fly and stories come to life. Friendly, funny, and full of rich local knowledge, Jeremy is known as Llandinam’s own historian and there’s very little he doesn’t know about the village.

Settle in for an episode filled with memories, craftsmanship, and the living history of Llandinam.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A bell, a song and a life in full colour. A bell, a song and a life in full colour. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:00:00 GMT 19:17 696a3f314796fcbb57f4b3e8 false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/a-bell-a-song-and-a-life-in-full-colour 696a3f314796fcbb57f4b3e8 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 a-bell-a-song-and-a-life-in-full-colour full 1 5 In this episode, we’re talking to Susan Blower, a name well known in Montgomery, and a voice you definitely can’t miss. Born and bred in the town, Susan grew up in a time when childhoods were spent roaming the fields freely & safely. 


Susan’s life has been anything but ordinary though; from nursing, teaching and becoming one of the very few female town criers in the UK, she’s a woman who’s never stayed in one lane. Along the way, she’s taken her big heart and big voice far beyond Montgomery, working overseas in places like Texas and Romania. 

 

Susan continues to pour her energy into community life, doing so with humour, warmth and that unmistakable and voice. This is a story of bells and songs, love and loss, freedom and fearlessness and a life lived very much in full colour.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode, we’re talking to Susan Blower, a name well known in Montgomery, and a voice you definitely can’t miss. Born and bred in the town, Susan grew up in a time when childhoods were spent roaming the fields freely & safely. 


Susan’s life has been anything but ordinary though; from nursing, teaching and becoming one of the very few female town criers in the UK, she’s a woman who’s never stayed in one lane. Along the way, she’s taken her big heart and big voice far beyond Montgomery, working overseas in places like Texas and Romania. 

 

Susan continues to pour her energy into community life, doing so with humour, warmth and that unmistakable and voice. This is a story of bells and songs, love and loss, freedom and fearlessness and a life lived very much in full colour.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Still Walking: Bwana Bob, the Beast of Llangurig, and Life at 87 Still Walking: Bwana Bob, the Beast of Llangurig, and Life at 87 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT 20:25 6963e5551f21449d6d87075e false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/still-walking-bwana-bob-the-beast-of-llangurig-and-life-at-8 6963e5551f21449d6d87075e 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 still-walking-bwana-bob-the-beast-of-llangurig-and-life-at-8 full 1 4 This week we’re chatting with Bob Evans, a former policeman whose life is filled with remarkable stories and quiet routines alike. He recalls the time when he was sent out to surround a barn believed to be hiding the infamous “Beast of Llangurig”, earning him a nickname “Bwana Bob” by his colleagues.  Bob’s experiences are anything but ordinary. Now 87 years old, he still walks up to two hours a day to keep fit, bakes his own cakes and pastry pies, and carries a lifetime of wisdom shaped by service, resilience, and curiosity. It’s a conversation about adventure, ageing well, and a life that’s still very much in motion. 

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week we’re chatting with Bob Evans, a former policeman whose life is filled with remarkable stories and quiet routines alike. He recalls the time when he was sent out to surround a barn believed to be hiding the infamous “Beast of Llangurig”, earning him a nickname “Bwana Bob” by his colleagues.  Bob’s experiences are anything but ordinary. Now 87 years old, he still walks up to two hours a day to keep fit, bakes his own cakes and pastry pies, and carries a lifetime of wisdom shaped by service, resilience, and curiosity. It’s a conversation about adventure, ageing well, and a life that’s still very much in motion. 

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Thomas the Vet's Son: Ungrateful Budgies, a Cow in the Dark and a Naked Lady in Wellingtons]]> Mon, 05 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT 23:17 69598980fcfcf09e55992abc false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/thomas-the-vets-son-ungrateful-budgies-a-cow-in-the-dark-and 69598980fcfcf09e55992abc 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 thomas-the-vets-son-ungrateful-budgies-a-cow-in-the-dark-and full 1 3 Listen to the stories of Huw’s childhood growing up as the vet’s son in Caersws. He loved driving his dad to midnight call outs, bumping along dark lanes across the length and breadth of the Severn Valley, back when just a couple of vets looked after the whole patch, from Llanidloes down to Welshpool. From a life-changing meal of mussels in France, to an unlucky black cat hanging from his wrist, Huw recounts some wonderful and inspirational tales from then and now. 

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Listen to the stories of Huw’s childhood growing up as the vet’s son in Caersws. He loved driving his dad to midnight call outs, bumping along dark lanes across the length and breadth of the Severn Valley, back when just a couple of vets looked after the whole patch, from Llanidloes down to Welshpool. From a life-changing meal of mussels in France, to an unlucky black cat hanging from his wrist, Huw recounts some wonderful and inspirational tales from then and now. 

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Four fingers and a thumb lead to Caersws Four fingers and a thumb lead to Caersws Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:00:00 GMT 13:48 693dd4ccf817d7dbe8d06862 false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/four-fingers-and-a-thumb-lead-to-caersws 693dd4ccf817d7dbe8d06862 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 four-fingers-and-a-thumb-lead-to-caersws Jeremy Connell of Newtown full 1 2 In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Connell, a man with a lifetime of stories, from the curious significance of four fingers and a thumb in Caersws, to his years as a teacher in Newtown. Jeremy takes us back to a time when life moved at a different pace. He recalls fairytale winters in the 1950's, when he and his friends screwed skates to the soles of their boots and glided along the canals by the silvery glow of car headlights. Hear the legend of Sabrina, a tale that may send a chill down your spine the next time you wander near the River Severn. You may wish to tread lightly and beware.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Connell, a man with a lifetime of stories, from the curious significance of four fingers and a thumb in Caersws, to his years as a teacher in Newtown. Jeremy takes us back to a time when life moved at a different pace. He recalls fairytale winters in the 1950's, when he and his friends screwed skates to the soles of their boots and glided along the canals by the silvery glow of car headlights. Hear the legend of Sabrina, a tale that may send a chill down your spine the next time you wander near the River Severn. You may wish to tread lightly and beware.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> When the river gives you a basket, make chips When the river gives you a basket, make chips Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:04:58 GMT 14:47 6936e9103929b3e5582bdc7d false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/when-the-river-gives-you-a-basket-make-chips 6936e9103929b3e5582bdc7d 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 when-the-river-gives-you-a-basket-make-chips Janet Williams of Llanidloes full 1 1 For over seventy years, Janet has called Llanidloes home, and in this podcast she welcomes us into her world of cherished memories and everyday stories. From playful childhood adventures along the river to the changing rhythms of the town today, Janet shares her tales with humour, clarity, and deep affection for the town. Join us as we step into the heart of Llanidloes through the eyes of someone who has truly lived it.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> For over seventy years, Janet has called Llanidloes home, and in this podcast she welcomes us into her world of cherished memories and everyday stories. From playful childhood adventures along the river to the changing rhythms of the town today, Janet shares her tales with humour, clarity, and deep affection for the town. Join us as we step into the heart of Llanidloes through the eyes of someone who has truly lived it.

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Introduction to Severn Lives Podcast Introduction to Severn Lives Podcast Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:00:31 GMT 1:13 6936e81091c8bda5d0783a4c false https://shows.acast.com/severn-lives/episodes/introduction-to-severn-lives-podcast 6936e81091c8bda5d0783a4c 68ff91a9444d437abeb07f62 introduction-to-severn-lives-podcast Hidden lives of the people on the River Severn trailer We bring you interviews with people who live in the Severn Valley, those whose stories remain untold. This podcast hears from the people who lives are intertwined with the river, who live and work and play along the longest and mightiest river in the country.


Narration for this trailer comes from the unmistakable voice of Llion Williams


Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Email: pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We bring you interviews with people who live in the Severn Valley, those whose stories remain untold. This podcast hears from the people who lives are intertwined with the river, who live and work and play along the longest and mightiest river in the country.


Narration for this trailer comes from the unmistakable voice of Llion Williams


Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Email: pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Producer

Polly Lovegrove


Get in touch with us

pollylovegrovephotography@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>