Oxford Lives - Episode 12 with Margaret Bonfiglioli

50th Anniversary Special. To celebrate 50 episodes of the podcast, we recently held a live recording at the Bullingdon on Cowley Rd. The event was a panel discussion on 'Parallel Oxfords' with three previous guests taking part: multi-media and spoken word artist, Rawz; local historian, Liz Woolley; and author of Real Oxford, Patrick McGuinness. It turned out to be a fascinating evening with a free-flowing discussion that uncovered the real Oxford in all its complexities. Let us know what you think.https://www.patrickmcguinness.org/https://linktr.ee/forgottenstoriesoxfordhttp://lizwoolley.co.uk/     

This episode of Oxford Lives features an interview with musician, rapper, poet, and community artist, Rawz. Rawz has seen Oxford from both sides, having grown up in the Town (Greater Leys) and worked in the Gown (St John’s College). Along the way, he has participated in a number of local projects from Digging Crates (Pitt Rivers Museum) to My Two Oxfords (Old Fire Station). His latest venture is an ‘off the beaten track’ walking tour, Forgotten Stories of Oxford. For further info: https://linktr.ee/rawz_official and https://www.torch.ox.ac.uk/oxfords-forgotten-stories 

Tolkien-Lewis Special. In this edition of Oxford Lives we examine the lives of two of Oxford’s most esteemed residents: JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. They first met at a Merton College English Faculty meeting in 1926. In his diary, Lewis recorded some apprehension, writing of the “smooth, pale, fluent little chap” with “no harm in him: only needs a smack or so.” From such unpromising beginnings, their relationship flourished. Here to pick up the story is Tour Guide and Inklings aficionado, Jonathan Self

Karen Ford is a prolific actor with a vast range of experience in stage and screen to her name. Perhaps her best-known role is that of Miss Booth in the BBC children’s drama, Grange Hill, playing a major role in two of the series’ most iconic storylines – Zammo’s drug addiction and her relationship with troubled student, Danny Kendall. Karen’s new play, Serpent’s Tooth, is coming to Oxford’s Burton Taylor theatre on Saturday 23^rd September, after rave reviews in Edinburgh. You can book tickets for this powerful, darkly humorous performance on https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-serpents-tooth 

On this episode of Oxford Lives we interview Ronak Sahni from SWAT (Sikh Welfare & Awareness). SWAT are a charitable organisation committed to transforming the lives of disadvantaged members of the community. You can see the SWAT team every Thursday night on Broad Street distributing free food to the homeless. Here SWAT volunteer Ronak Sahni outlines SWAT's ethos and outlines the logistics of the project he is involved in. You can find out about SWAT's remarkable story at https://www.nishkamswat.com/

Today’s guests are from the Oxford Artisan Distillery and are both leading experts in their field. Master Distiller Francisco Rosa (AKA Chico), and Head of Whisky, Charlie Echlin, talk us through the process of distillation and explain what makes their brand so unique, from locally sourced farming to traditional biodiversity techniques. If you would like to go on one of their intoxicating tours (#1 on Trip Advisor), then please visit the following link: https://www.theoxfordartisandistillery.com/shop/tours 

We enjoyed his company so much the first time, we asked him back! This time Jeremy Smith is here to talk about the Oxford music scene, of which he has a vast knowledge, stretching back four decades. In a fascinating interview, Jeremy takes us on a journey through Oxford’s musical history, taking in the bands, the venues, the shifts in attitudes and tastes, not to mention some hair-raising nights out. You will not be disappointed. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him on 07763 386886 

Today on Oxford Lives we interview academic and writer Tinashe Mushakavanhu. Tinashe is a Junior Research Fellow in African & Comparative Literature at St Anne's College, here in Oxford. In a fascinating interview, he talks about deconstructing the myth of Africa, re- reading the continent, and making archival source material more widely available. We also discuss two Oxford-educated rebel poets, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Dambudzo Marechera.

Oxford Pub Special – The Bear, Turf Tavern, Kings Arms. Oxford is blessed with an array of historical pubs, blending tradition, atmosphere, sumptuous ales, and some fantastic stories. Here, real ale connoisseur and official pub tour guide, Jeremy Smith, takes us on a virtual tour through some of the city’s finest, combining his unique knowledge of the brewing trade with some fascinating personal insights. To contact Jeremy about one of his pub tours please call him on 07763 386886 – he will be happy to serve.

INSPECTOR MORSE SPECIAL – In this latest episode of Oxford Lives, we discuss all things Inspector Morse with Oxford’s resident Morse expert, Melanie Clarke-Jacques. Intrinsic to the novels and TV show is Morse’s relationship with Oxford. Here we explore Oxford’s role both as atmospheric backdrop and crime scene, and how the city itself has shaped Morse’s personality. Expect revelations galore - a must for all fans of the show. For enquiries about Melanie’s tours please contact: melanieceej@gmail.com