GCLP – On Track in Greensand Country: an audio journey by rail on the Marston Vale Line (Bletchley to Bedford, a virtual event)

Saturday 01st May 2021 - Saturday 31st July 2021

Doors open: 12:00 am

Join Terry Lee and Lawrie Hallett as they venture into Greensand Country on the 45-minute journey by rail on the Marston Vale Line, from Bletchley to Bedford. They’ll be alighting at some of the stations, learning about some of the landscape, history and speaking with local characters along the way.

Greensand Country Landscape Partnership and Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership are thrilled to present this new commission by Radio Producers Terry Lee and Dr Lawrie Hallett. This new work has been specially created to tell the stories, landscape and heritage found in Greensand Country and to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Marston Vale Line.

This journey begins in Bletchley and ends in Bedford, focusing on the stations which are found in Greensand Country: Bow Brickhill, Woburn Sands, Aspley Guise, Ridgmont and Millbrook.

The piece lasts 40 minutes, the approximate length of the journey from Bletchley to Bedford.

Suitable for all. This is a free event.

To listen to this Audio Journey please click on the link below – this will take you to ‘Anchor FM’ our hosting platform – which is free and easy to use. There is also a Bedford to Bletchley version which can also be found on the Anchor FM link.

We would love your feedback after listening, and please share with your friends and family too.

Any questions please contact Community Arts Officer Sally Christopher at sallyc@greensandcountry.com

We hope you enjoy the show!

About the Producers

Terry Lee is the Senior Tutor in Radio & Audio at the University of Bedfordshire. He also manages their community radio station Radio LaB 97.1FM. In 2020, Terry and his daughter Primrose won ‘Podcast of the Year’ at the Community Radio Awards for ‘Primrose and Terry: in the shed’. Primrose might have offered her constructive-criticism for this project too. Terry and his wife Nell live in Clophill, enjoy long walks together, and spend a lot of time at their allotment.

Dr Lawrie Hallett has worked as a producer and presenter on radio stations in the UK, Ireland and elsewhere in Europe. Before joining the University of Bedfordshire, he was part of Ofcom’s Radio Team where he developed and implemented policies around community radio and digital audio broadcasting in particular. When not teaching or involved in research, Lawrie can often be found enjoying family life or rebuilding old steam locomotives in Norfolk.

Terry and Lawrie are from the University of Bedfordshire’s radio team. They both teach the Radio & Audio BA course, which allows students to study broadcast radio and the creation of audio content for other platforms, such as podcasts and websites. The University is also the home of the award-winning Radio LaB 97.1FM.

About the Project

The project began in March 2021 when Radio Producer Terry Lee was commissioned by Greensand Country Landscape Partnership (GCLP) and Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership (MVCRP).  Terry worked with GCLP and MVCRP to find local voices, experts and rail users – bringing the unique aspects, history and landscape of this area to life.

Terry was assisted by GCLP Historical Research Volunteer Mariella Cooke, who also features in the piece. Mariella is one of eleven volunteers who, supported by Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, underwent training in Historical Research, Archiving and Oral History in January 2021. The team of volunteers have worked together to research stories, gather information and contribute pieces for the creative programme for 2021. With thanks to Daniel Bowles, Mariella Cook, Dorothy Jamieson, Sian Griffiths, Kelvin Horton, Molly Lambourne, Mark Lewis, David McKears, Sheila Meekums, Peter Goff and Sandra Reed.

The music featured in the piece is by local musician, Geraldine Pearson Green. Geraldine is well known throughout Bedfordshire and Greensand Country for her ability to bring the past to life through her beautiful and thoughtful music. The song which features in this piece is ‘Greensand Ridge Walk’. You can find out more about Geraldine’s work here https://soundcloud.com/user-832911882

Featuring Esme Barnes, Stephen Coleman, Mariella Cook, Paul Cox, Andy Dishman, Kelvin Horton, Brian Kerr, Rod Kupczyk, Bernadette Lee, Tess Mason, Caroline Maudlin, Norman Peachey, Robin Ping, Mary Preen, Suzanne Scott, Stephen Sleight, David Thomas, Linda at Bletchley Booking Office and Kevin at The Station Tavern, Woburn Sands.

About Greensand Country Landscape Partnership

The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is where Greensand Country began. In January 2013, a National Lottery Heritage Funded Programme was established to deliver more than 40 projects, helping to raise awareness of the heritage value of the landscape and to reverse the gradual decline in the distinct landscape character of this beautiful and loved place.  Led by The Greensand Trust and Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, the vision was for Greensand Country to be a living and working landscape that is cherished by present and future generations.

Visit us at www.greensandcountry.com

About Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership

Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership is one of a growing number of Community Rail Partnerships across the country. They work to engage communities and help people get the most from their railways, promoting social inclusion and sustainable travel. Community Rail Partnerships work alongside train operators to bring about improvements, and bringing stations back to life.

Visit us at www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk