King of the Buttons

Sandy By The Sea Series 2, Episode 5"The Cellars @Eastney"

In this programme I speak to Steve Pitt from The Cellars at Eastney about the history of this comedy & music venue and its community ethos. We take a stroll down memory lane to consider some of the greats who have played at the venue in the past and dream of those for the future. Due to copyright restrictions the music tracks have been removed from this podcast version. This show was originally broadcast on Monday 12th December 2011 "Sandy By The Sea" is A King of the Buttons Production for 93.7 Express FM

Sandy By The Sea Series 2, Episode 4 "Southsea Shakespeare Actors (SSA)"

In this episode I speak to Nick Downes and some of the players from the Southsea Shakespeare Actors (SSA) about their current production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream", their body work to date and how they each came to an acting life. For more information on the company's forthcoming productions and how to get involved visit: http://www.southseashakespeareactors.com/index.htm This show was first broadcast on Monday 14th November 2011 "Sandy By The Sea" is A King of the Buttons Production for 93.7 Express FM

Sandy By The Sea Series 2, Episode 3 "Hampshire Guitar Orchestra (HAGO)"

In this programme I meet up with members of HAGO- The Hampshire Guitar Orchestra to find out more about their charity work and unusual songbook. I learn about the range of guitars they employ to create their distinctive sound. For more information on the orchestra go to: http://www.hago.org.uk/ This programme was first broadcast on Monday 10th October 2011. "Sandy By The Sea" is a King of the Buttons Production for 93.7 Express FM.

Sandy By The Sea Series 2, Episode 2 "Tongues & Grooves"

In this programme I am joined by members of "Tongues & Grooves" Portsmouth's very own Poetry & Music Club. I quiz founder and co-ordinator Maggie Sawkins on the origins and aims of the club, as well as get a flavour of poetry and song from Chris, Greg, Krystyna and the two Richards (Pierce & Williams- for the record). For more information about forthcoming events, activities and membership got to: http://www.tongues-and-grooves.org.uk/ "Sandy By The Sea" is a King of the Buttons Production for 93.7 Express FM. This show was originally broadcast on the 12th September 2011.

Sandy By The Sea Series 2, Episode 1 "Ivyrise"

In this first show of the new series, I catch up with Ivyrise- a band with some serious Portsmouth connections. I speak to vocalist Ben Falinski & Guitarist Dan Tanner about thier forthcoming debut album out on the 22nd August, new single "Yes to Running", as well as a whole host of rock'n'roll related subjects. For more information on the band and a free music download go to www.ivyrise.com Sandy By the Sea is a King of the Buttons Production for 93.7 Express FM. This show was first broadcast on Monday 8th August 2011. My thanks to Steve Pitt @ The Cellars at Eastney for his support in the making of this interview. All content is the copyright of the artists concerned and reproduced with permissions.

A Sandy By The Sea Special- "Out with the Ark"

In this programme I talk to some of the outgoing crew of the HMS Ark Royal as she sails in to port to retire after a 25year career. I also reflect with visitors to the ship about her fate and resonance at the recent open weekend at Victory Jetty, here in Portsmouth. Sandy By the Sea is a King of the Buttons Production for 93.7 Express FM. Ths programme was first broadcast on Monday 23rd January 2011.

Sandy By The Sea 6- Mapping Portsmouth's Tudor Past

In this episode I speak to John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust about the current "Mapping Portsmouth's Tudor Past" exhibition at the city's historic dockyard. John shows me around a cartographer's paradise, tells me the stories behind the collection and why it is so important to the history of the city- as well as containing one of the earliest maps in Europe. The exhibition is at the Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth until October 17th 2010. For more information go to http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/maryrose/ or call 023 9289 4550. This programme was originally broadcast on Monday 23rd August 2010. "Sandy By The Sea" is a King of the Buttons Production for Express FM. This is the last show in this series. Back Soon!

Sandy By The Sea Five: Friends of Highland Road Cemetery

In this programme I meet up with "The Friends of Highland Road Cemetery"- a group of volunteers who help to maintain the grounds and stories of one of Southsea's oldest graveyards. I speak to Chairman, Pat Oakley, and Founder, Helen Strange, about the curious collection of graves in the cemetery and the work of the friends group. I also get a guided tour from Colin, exploring the histories behind some of the granite and undergrowth. This programme was originally broadcast on Monday 26th July 2010. "Sandy By The Sea" is a King of the Buttons Production for Express FM

Sandy By The Sea Four: The Pompey Pluckers

In this episode I explore the delights of the ukulele by catching up with the “Pompey Pluckers”- Portsmouth's Ukulele Group.

I talk to founders and newcomers about the draw of the uke, how the group is going from strength to strength, and the curious resurgence of the “jumping flea”.

For more information on joining the group, their regular meets, gigs and the ukulele itself go to:

http://portsmouthukulelegroup.webs.com/

or join them on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=83135148298

“Sandy By The Sea” is a King of the Buttons Production for Express FM.

This show was originally broadcast on Monday 28^th June 2010.

Sandy By The Sea Three- Digital Creatives Film Network

In this episode, I speak to local film makers Kye Wilson and Denise Callender about their recent digital projects, networking in the city and the life of a modern artist. For more information on Kye's work got to: http://www.newoilsky.com/ and on University art initiatives and exhibitions go to: http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/academic/scafm/creativearts/ "Sandy By The Sea" is a King of the Buttons Production for Express FM. The music used in this podcast is available at www.podsafeaudio.com This show was originally broadcast on Monday 24th May 2010.