Severn Lives

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.