Brixham Today

Several weeks ago a convoy of six vehicles, including two ambulances, left Brixham for Ukraine. Hear the amazing story of the drive, the reception they received in Poland and the garatitude of those caught up in war torn Ukraine. A true story of how Brixham's generosity has made a real difference in Ukraine.

A convoy carrying humanitarian aid from the people of Brixham left the town this morning. Hear the reception they received as they passed through the main shopping street ahead of a 1500 mile journey and follow the drivers as they cross Europe into Poland.

On Thursday 6th. November a convoy of six vehicles, including two ambulances, leave Fore Street in Brixham on a 1400 mile journey to Ukraine. It will be taking essential humanitarian aid to a city whose hospital was recently bomb by Russia with the death of four nurses. Leading that convoy will be Jonathan Parr and here he tells Trevor Taylor of the trip which has been months in the planning with vehicles laden with supplies donated by the people of Brixham.

This important heritage site is one of Brixham's hidden gems. Buried in the grounds of Battery Gardens are substantial fortifications not only from World War II but well beyond. Indeed the site has been a defence position dating back to the Spanish Armada. Today is includes a vast array of military artifacts and holds regular open days when some of the weapons are fired. Always a popular event. If you're interested in history, World War II or Brixham then listen to the expert volunteersdescribe the secrets of the Brixham Battery Museum to Brixham Today reporter Emma Shakespeare Bright.

The 'P' Party Divers were a mine and bomb disposal unit based in Brixham towards the end of the Second World War.They worked under the most difficult conditions with equipment that was pretty basic knowing that any minute the ordnance would explode killing them. This tells the story of Brixham's Hero Divers from daring and dangerous adventures to off duty high jinx. Featuring Rob Hoole, Royal Navy diver, Joan Longhurst, window of a 'P' Party Diver and Holly Jarrett, Curator of the Brixham Heritage Museum.

The hugely popular Brixham Missin' Tackle Shanty Crew on risqué lyrics, the joy of performing, being selected for the prestigious Falmouth Shanty Festival and how shanty groups have never been more popular. Based in Brixham and performing all over the South West they go from strength-to-strength. We hear example of the different types of shanty songs ending with a full performance. Listen to some of the all time favourites and join in as the Missin' Tackle Shanty Crew give a preview of their summer performances.

This edition tells the story of one woman’s battle to form a professional theatre company with a policy of inclusiveness, actively recruiting cast and crew who are neuro diverse. Launched with the proceeds of a car boot sale their first production told of the scandal surrounding a randy South Devon vicar and a serving wench at a local pub. The Brixham-based South Devon Players have gone from strength to strength winning local, national and international awards. Today they perform at venues throughout the south west and beyond. Their latest production, Romeo and Juliet, opens at the Brixham Theatre on June 14th.This podcast tells the story of the South Devon Players and their founder Laura Jury.

Gig Rowing is not only a popular sport in the South West but it's great for physical fitness, mental health and members enjoy a great social life. In this edition we go behind the scenes of the Brixham Gig Rowing Club which is keen to recruit new members as crews train for the Wold Championships in the Scillies. Whether an elite crew member or simply social rowers enjoying a row around the bay this friendly club welcomes all.

The Shipping Forecast is 100 years old but few people know it has strong connections with Brixham. In this edition we hear from Radio 4 Announcer Carolyn Brown, the voice of the ‘Shipping’ for many years, with the secrets behind this iconic programme and its links to Brixham. She tells of the ghost which haunts the announcers – the day when the Shipping Forecast arrived very late when page one was being read as page two was still being printed and why a comedy version of the forecast is a tourist hot-spot in Brixham.

In this edition we discover some of Brixham’s secrets. The construction site halted by seagulls, the coastal cove where you can find fresh water, the bizarre contraption that automatically rings church bells and we meet some of the town’s characters, people who have helped shape Brixham into the important town it is today.