{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Maritime Radio","home_page_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/","feed_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/json","description":"Local Radio for South East London & North West Kent","items":[{"id":"o1353-1617-6adf11c913fc3","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/win-tickets-to-see-the-seance-at-greenwich-theatre-this-halloween\/","title":"Win Tickets to see The S\u00e9ance at Greenwich Theatre this Halloween!","date_published":"2026-10-26T08:39:00+00:00","summary":"We have two tickets to give away to The S\u00e9ance at Greenwich Theatre this Halloween!  Enter our prize draw for your chance to win!","content_html":"<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">This Halloween... the dead are watching.<\/p>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">The S&eacute;ance is a chilling theatrical experience for audiences who prefer their Halloween atmosphere thick and unsettling. Following the suspicious death of their father, four siblings gather at the family home, where grief, rivalry and long buried resentments simmer beneath the surface. When a s&eacute;ance begins as little more than a game, the evening quickly turns darker. The room shifts. The house answers. And something that has been waiting in the shadows begins to make itself known. As the siblings confront a truth far more dangerous than any ghost story, the lines between the living and the dead blur, leaving you with the chilling suspicion that the darkness in the theatre is no longer empty. And, as the story will tell, some things do not stay buried.<\/p>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9\">We&rsquo;ve got <b data-index-in-node=\"21\" data-path-to-node=\"9\">two tickets<\/b> to give away for <b data-index-in-node=\"50\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"><i data-index-in-node=\"50\" data-path-to-node=\"9\"><a _ngcontent-ng-c3556840608=\"\" _nghost-ng-c1389006848=\"\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwjn_e_emdeXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQiAM\" decode-data-ved=\"1\" externallink=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/greenwichtheatre.org.uk\/events\/the-seance\/\" jslog=\"197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:W1sicl8xYTE3MWY3ZmFmNzU5ZTY5IiwiY19hODY4ZTVhMTdmM2I4ZjNhIixudWxsLCJyY182MzlkZjJmZWRmYzY1MDhmIixudWxsLG51bGwsImVuIixudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsMF1d\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The S&eacute;ance<\/a><\/i><\/b> at <a _ngcontent-ng-c3556840608=\"\" _nghost-ng-c1389006848=\"\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwjn_e_emdeXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQgAM\" decode-data-ved=\"1\" externallink=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/greenwichtheatre.org.uk\/events\/the-seance\/\" jslog=\"197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:W1sicl8xYTE3MWY3ZmFmNzU5ZTY5IiwiY19hODY4ZTVhMTdmM2I4ZjNhIixudWxsLCJyY182MzlkZjJmZWRmYzY1MDhmIixudWxsLG51bGwsImVuIixudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxudWxsLDAsMF1d\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Greenwich Theatre<\/a> on Halloween night&mdash;Saturday, October 31st at 7:30pm!<\/p>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9\">Step into a chilling theatrical experience where a family gathering turns dangerously dark.<\/p>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10\"><strong>Want to be there? Enter our prize draw right now&nbsp;by Friday at 5 PM!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<form method=\"post\"\n      action=\"\/_form_submit\"\n      class=\"aiir-c-form \"\n      data-ajaxsubmit=\"true\"\n      data-aiirform=\"true\"\n      id=\"form23013\"\n      data-controller=\"form\"\n      data-action=\"submit->form#submit\"\n      data-form-please-wait-string-value=\"Please wait...\"\n      data-form-check-highlighted-string-value=\"Please check the highlighted parts of this form.\"\n            >\n\n    <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"id\" value=\"23013\" \/>\n    <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ref_url\" value=\"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/json\" \/>\n\n    \n    \n                        \n                \n    <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n         data-form-target=\"item\"\n         data-controller=\"form-item mailcheck\"\n                                                                   >\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"formItem_162757\">First Name\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\"\n                        >\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   id=\"formItem_162757\"\n                   name=\"dat_162757\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input \"\n                   data-action=\"  blur->mailcheck#check blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                  data-mailcheck-target=\"input\"                                                                     \/>\n                                        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__help\"\n                     data-mailcheck-target=\"suggestion\">\n                    <a href=\"#\"\n                       data-action=\"click->mailcheck#useSuggestion:prevent\">\n                        Did you mean\n                        <span data-mailcheck-target=\"address\"><\/span>@<span data-mailcheck-target=\"domain\"><\/span>?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n        \n    \n                        \n                \n    <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n         data-form-target=\"item\"\n         data-controller=\"form-item mailcheck\"\n                                                                   >\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"formItem_162758\">Last Name\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\"\n                        >\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   id=\"formItem_162758\"\n                   name=\"dat_162758\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input \"\n                   data-action=\"  blur->mailcheck#check blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                  data-mailcheck-target=\"input\"                                                                     \/>\n                                        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__help\"\n                     data-mailcheck-target=\"suggestion\">\n                    <a href=\"#\"\n                       data-action=\"click->mailcheck#useSuggestion:prevent\">\n                        Did you mean\n                        <span data-mailcheck-target=\"address\"><\/span>@<span data-mailcheck-target=\"domain\"><\/span>?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n        \n    \n                        \n                \n    <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n         data-form-target=\"item\"\n         data-controller=\"form-item mailcheck\"\n                                                                   >\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"formItem_162759\">Address\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\"\n                        >\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   id=\"formItem_162759\"\n                   name=\"dat_162759\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input \"\n                   data-action=\"  blur->mailcheck#check blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                  data-mailcheck-target=\"input\"                                                                     \/>\n                                        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__help\"\n                     data-mailcheck-target=\"suggestion\">\n                    <a href=\"#\"\n                       data-action=\"click->mailcheck#useSuggestion:prevent\">\n                        Did you mean\n                        <span data-mailcheck-target=\"address\"><\/span>@<span data-mailcheck-target=\"domain\"><\/span>?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n        \n    \n                        \n                \n    <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n         data-form-target=\"item\"\n         data-controller=\"form-item mailcheck\"\n                                                                   >\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"formItem_162760\">City \/ Town\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\"\n                        >\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   id=\"formItem_162760\"\n                   name=\"dat_162760\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input \"\n                   data-action=\"  blur->mailcheck#check blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                  data-mailcheck-target=\"input\"                                                                     \/>\n                                        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__help\"\n                     data-mailcheck-target=\"suggestion\">\n                    <a href=\"#\"\n                       data-action=\"click->mailcheck#useSuggestion:prevent\">\n                        Did you mean\n                        <span data-mailcheck-target=\"address\"><\/span>@<span data-mailcheck-target=\"domain\"><\/span>?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n        \n    \n                        \n                \n    <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n         data-form-target=\"item\"\n         data-controller=\"form-item mailcheck\"\n                                                                   >\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"formItem_162761\">Postal Code\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\"\n                        >\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   id=\"formItem_162761\"\n                   name=\"dat_162761\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input \"\n                   data-action=\"  blur->mailcheck#check blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                  data-mailcheck-target=\"input\"                                                                     \/>\n                                        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__help\"\n                     data-mailcheck-target=\"suggestion\">\n                    <a href=\"#\"\n                       data-action=\"click->mailcheck#useSuggestion:prevent\">\n                        Did you mean\n                        <span data-mailcheck-target=\"address\"><\/span>@<span data-mailcheck-target=\"domain\"><\/span>?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n        \n    \n                        \n                \n    <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n         data-form-target=\"item\"\n         data-controller=\"form-item mailcheck\"\n                                                                   >\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"formItem_162762\">Mobile Phone\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\"\n                        >\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   id=\"formItem_162762\"\n                   name=\"dat_162762\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input \"\n                   data-action=\"  blur->mailcheck#check blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                  data-mailcheck-target=\"input\"                                                                     \/>\n                                        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__help\"\n                     data-mailcheck-target=\"suggestion\">\n                    <a href=\"#\"\n                       data-action=\"click->mailcheck#useSuggestion:prevent\">\n                        Did you mean\n                        <span data-mailcheck-target=\"address\"><\/span>@<span data-mailcheck-target=\"domain\"><\/span>?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n        \n    \n                        \n                \n    <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n         data-form-target=\"item\"\n         data-controller=\"form-item mailcheck\"\n                                    data-valid-format=\"email\"                               data-form-item-valid-email-string-value=\"This must be a valid email address.\"\n                      >\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"formItem_162763\">Email Address\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\"\n                        >\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   id=\"formItem_162763\"\n                   name=\"dat_162763\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input \"\n                   data-action=\"  blur->mailcheck#check blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                  data-mailcheck-target=\"input\"                                                                     \/>\n                                        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__help\"\n                     data-mailcheck-target=\"suggestion\">\n                    <a href=\"#\"\n                       data-action=\"click->mailcheck#useSuggestion:prevent\">\n                        Did you mean\n                        <span data-mailcheck-target=\"address\"><\/span>@<span data-mailcheck-target=\"domain\"><\/span>?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n        \n    \n                                            \n    <fieldset class=\"aiir-c-form-item \"\n              id=\"formItem_162764\"\n              data-form-target=\"item\"\n              data-controller=\"form-item\"\n              aria-labelledby=\"formItem_162764_legend\"\n                            data-form-item-required-string-value=\"This field must be completed.\"\n    >\n        <span class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n              id=\"formItem_162764_legend\">Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy\n        <\/span>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\">\n            <div class=\"aiir-c-choice-list \"\n                             >\n                                                                            <div class=\"aiir-c-choice-list__item\">\n                        <input type=\"checkbox\"\n                               id=\"formItem_162764_0\"\n                               name=\"dat_162764[]\"\n                               value=\"0\"\n                               class=\"aiir-c-checkbox\"\n                               data-action=\"  blur->form-item#validate\"\n                                                                                                                                                        \/>\n                        <label class=\"aiir-c-choice-list__label\"\n                               for=\"formItem_162764_0\"\n                        >I agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/fieldset>\n\n    \n\n        \n    \n        \n            <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item aiir-c-form-item--not-to-be-seen\">\n        <label class=\"aiir-c-form-item__label\"\n               for=\"user_entry\">\n            This can be left alone:\n        <\/label>\n        <div class=\"aiir-c-form-item__control\">\n            <input type=\"text\"\n                   name=\"user_entry\"\n                   id=\"user_entry\"\n                   size=\"50\"\n                   value=\"\"\n                   class=\"aiir-c-text-input\"\n            \/>\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"user_ts\" value=\"1793147030\" \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n            <div class=\"aiir-c-form-actions\"\n             data-form-target=\"actions\">\n            <button type=\"submit\"\n                    class=\"button submit\">Submit<\/button>\n                    <\/div>\n    \n<\/form>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/terms-and-privacy\/\">terms and conditions and how we use your data, here.<\/a><\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6adf11d99f5a65ad521.jpg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/86939"},{"id":"o1353-1617-6adb659d498af","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/this-sunday-at-12pm-on-trevorblackmannow11\/","title":"this Sunday at 12pm on #TrevorBlackmanNow ","date_published":"2026-10-23T14:00:00+00:00","summary":"This week on #TrevorBlackmanNow, Darryl Craig shares his extraordinary journey from trauma to triumph. Plus, celebrating Black History Month, Bekka Whitney's Indie Avenue welcomes Dice Phoenix and Mr M.A.R.S. for music, love and family.","content_html":"<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">This week on <b>Trevor Blackman Now<\/b>, we bring you two powerful hours of conversation, music and stories that deserve to be heard.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">From one man&#39;s extraordinary journey through trauma to a celebration of independent Black music and creativity, this week&#39;s show is about resilience, finding your voice and the power of community.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b><span style=\"font-size:18pt\">First Hour Exclusive: Darryl Craig &mdash; Turning Pain into Purpose<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Sometimes we meet the adult before we understand the child.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">We see the smile, the career, the person standing before us. But we rarely know what came before.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">This week, Trevor sits down with <b>Darryl Craig<\/b>, founder of <b>Fynix Project CIC<\/b>, for a deeply personal conversation about childhood abuse, domestic violence, addiction, grief and mental health.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Darryl shares how a chance encounter with a stranger helped change the direction of his life, and how his experiences inspired him to support others facing their own struggles.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Through Fynix Project, Darryl now champions mental wellbeing, trauma-informed support and the importance of speaking out before silence becomes crisis.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">His story reminds us that surviving is one thing. Finding the strength to help others is something extraordinary.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Find out more about Darryl and his work:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000; font-style:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; text-decoration-line:none; text-decoration-thickness:auto; text-decoration-style:solid\" type=\"disc\">\n  <li style=\"font-size:12pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\">Fynix Project: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fynix.org.uk\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/www.fynix.org.uk\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n  <li style=\"font-size:12pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\">Darryl Craig: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.darrylcraig.org\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/www.darrylcraig.org\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n  <li style=\"font-size:12pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\">Email: <a href=\"mailto:darryl.craig@fynix.org.uk\"><span style=\"color:blue\">darryl.craig@fynix.org.uk<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Content warning:<\/b> This interview includes sensitive discussions about childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, addiction and suicide. It may be distressing and is not suitable for younger listeners.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b><span style=\"font-size:18pt\">Second Hour: Black History Month &mdash; Honouring Our Communities<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">As we conclude our Black History Month celebrations, we welcome <b>Indie Avenue with Bekka Whitney<\/b> for part two of our special takeover.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">This year&#39;s theme, <b>Honouring Our Communities<\/b>, is about recognising the people whose creativity, determination and contributions continue to shape our lives.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">And that&#39;s exactly what Indie Avenue celebrates.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Bekka welcomes <b>Dice Phoenix and Mr M.A.R.S.<\/b> for an honest conversation about love, family, raising seven children and the realities of building independent music careers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">They discuss their individual journeys, the challenges they&#39;ve overcome and the inspiration behind Dice Phoenix&#39;s new single, <b><i>The Way You Love<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Expect fresh independent music, industry insights and opportunities for emerging artists.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Bekka Whitney is a singer, songwriter, presenter and music industry professional, and the founder of <b>A-Capella 360<\/b>, an organisation dedicated to developing and championing independent artists.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Connect with Bekka and A-Capella 360:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul style=\"color:#000000; font-style:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; text-decoration-line:none; text-decoration-thickness:auto; text-decoration-style:solid\" type=\"disc\">\n  <li style=\"font-size:12pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\">Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acapella360.co.uk\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/www.acapella360.co.uk\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n  <li style=\"font-size:12pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\">Instagram: @bekkawhitney<\/li>\n  <li style=\"font-size:12pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\">Instagram: @acapella360<\/li>\n  <li style=\"font-size:12pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\">Instagram: @jadafunkcollective<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b><span style=\"font-size:18pt\">Support Is Available &mdash; You Are Not Alone<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Darryl&#39;s story touches on difficult experiences that affect many people, often in silence.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">If anything discussed in this week&#39;s programme affects you, confidential support is available.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Mental health and emotional crisis<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Samaritans:<\/b> Call <b>116 123<\/b>, free, 24 hours a day.<br \/>\nWebsite: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Domestic abuse support for men<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Men&#39;s Advice Line:<\/b> <b>0808 801 0327<\/b><br \/>\nWebsite: <a href=\"https:\/\/mensadviceline.org.uk\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/mensadviceline.org.uk\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>ManKind Initiative:<\/b> <b>0808 800 1170<\/b> (freephone) or <b>01823 334244<\/b><br \/>\nWebsite: <a href=\"https:\/\/mankind.org.uk\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/mankind.org.uk\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Domestic abuse support for women<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>National Domestic Abuse Helpline:<\/b> <b>0808 2000 247<\/b>, free, 24 hours a day.<br \/>\nWebsite: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Sexual abuse and violence support<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\"><b>Rape Crisis England &amp; Wales:<\/b> <b>0808 500 2222<\/b>, free, 24 hours a day.<br \/>\nWebsite: <a href=\"https:\/\/rapecrisis.org.uk\/\"><span style=\"color:blue\">https:\/\/rapecrisis.org.uk\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call <b>999<\/b>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align:start\"><span style=\"font-size:medium\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif\"><span style=\"color:#000000\"><span style=\"font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><span style=\"white-space:normal\"><span style=\"text-decoration-line:none\"><span style=\"text-decoration-thickness:auto\"><span style=\"text-decoration-style:solid\">Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6adb6548985ae26160c.jpg","author":{"name":"Trevor Blackman"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/86917"},{"id":"o1353-1617-6ad3c53b921a2","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/keeping-sophies-memory-alive-the-inspiring-appeal-supporting-the-chartwell-childrens-cancer-trust\/","title":"Keeping Sophie\u2019s Memory Alive: The Inspiring Appeal Supporting The Chartwell Children's Cancer Trust","date_published":"2026-10-17T18:58:00+00:00","summary":"The organisers behind a remarkable fundraising campaign dedicated to the memory of an extraordinary young girl recently joined Gary on Maritime Radio to share the touching story and ongoing mission of their appeal.","content_html":"<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">The <a _ngcontent-ng-c591840047=\"\" _nghost-ng-c1346948355=\"\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwi8ityO3cGXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQJg\" decode-data-ved=\"1\" externallink=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/\" jslog=\"197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:W1sicl85ZDE5YjlhZjAxOTZmYTIxIiwiY19lNDlkZTc0MTYxMzAxN2I4IixudWxsLCJyY185ZWQ2NjA0YjE5ODcxYzJiIixudWxsLG51bGwsImVuIixudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsMF1d\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JustGiving<\/a> page, set up in loving memory of <b data-index-in-node=\"48\" data-path-to-node=\"2\">Sophie Jennifer Powell<\/b>, has raised an incredible &pound;247,141 to date. Sophie bravely battled cancer for nearly two years before sadly passing away in January 2017 at the age of 11. Despite facing her own illness, Sophie remained deeply passionate about helping and supporting other poorly children, laying down a legacy of kindness that continues to touch countless lives.<\/p>\n\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"3\">Fulfilling a Dream on the Isle of Wight<\/h3>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\">Speaking on Maritime Radio, the organisers highlighted how public generosity has brought Sophie&#39;s final wishes to life. Thanks to the donations raised in her memory, <a _ngcontent-ng-c591840047=\"\" _nghost-ng-c1346948355=\"\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwi8ityO3cGXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQJw\" decode-data-ved=\"1\" externallink=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/charity\/chartwellcct\" jslog=\"197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:W1sicl85ZDE5YjlhZjAxOTZmYTIxIiwiY19lNDlkZTc0MTYxMzAxN2I4IixudWxsLCJyY185ZWQ2NjA0YjE5ODcxYzJiIixudWxsLG51bGwsImVuIixudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsMF1d\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Chartwell Children&#39;s Cancer Trust<\/a> (CCCT) successfully funded a dedicated holiday home on the Isle of Wight&mdash;a place Sophie deeply loved.<\/p>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">The holiday retreat gives children suffering from and battling cancer a vital space to escape, have fun, and make precious, lasting memories with their families during unimaginable difficulties. Funds raised also contribute to the ongoing upkeep of the home, as well as providing equipment and support services like a donated pool table for the local children&#39;s cancer ward.<\/p>\n\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"6\">Continuing the Legacy<\/h3>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">The appeal recently saw an outpouring of support as family and friends marked what would have been Sophie&rsquo;s 21st birthday, with heartfelt tributes and donations flooding the <a _ngcontent-ng-c591840047=\"\" _nghost-ng-c1346948355=\"\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwi8ityO3cGXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQKA\" decode-data-ved=\"1\" externallink=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/fundraising\/sophiejenniferpowell\/give?startedBy=webjustgiving\" jslog=\"197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:W1sicl85ZDE5YjlhZjAxOTZmYTIxIiwiY19lNDlkZTc0MTYxMzAxN2I4IixudWxsLCJyY185ZWQ2NjA0YjE5ODcxYzJiIixudWxsLG51bGwsImVuIixudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsMF1d\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fundraising page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8\">The organisers are urging the community to keep the momentum going. Whether through a direct donation or simply sharing the cause, every contribution helps <a _ngcontent-ng-c591840047=\"\" _nghost-ng-c1346948355=\"\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwi8ityO3cGXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQKQ\" decode-data-ved=\"1\" externallink=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/charity\/chartwellcct\" jslog=\"197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:W1sicl85ZDE5YjlhZjAxOTZmYTIxIiwiY19lNDlkZTc0MTYxMzAxN2I4IixudWxsLCJyY185ZWQ2NjA0YjE5ODcxYzJiIixudWxsLG51bGwsImVuIixudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsMF1d\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Chartwell Children&#39;s Cancer Trust<\/a> continue providing vital support services, medical staff training, and family support groups across local hospitals.<\/p>\n\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9\">To find out more, read Sophie&rsquo;s full story, or make a contribution, visit the <a _ngcontent-ng-c591840047=\"\" _nghost-ng-c1346948355=\"\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwi8ityO3cGXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQKg\" decode-data-ved=\"1\" externallink=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/fundraising\/sophiejenniferpowell\/give?startedBy=webjustgiving\" jslog=\"197247;track:generic_click,impression,attention;BardVeMetadataKey:W1sicl85ZDE5YjlhZjAxOTZmYTIxIiwiY19lNDlkZTc0MTYxMzAxN2I4IixudWxsLCJyY185ZWQ2NjA0YjE5ODcxYzJiIixudWxsLG51bGwsImVuIixudWxsLDEsbnVsbCxudWxsLDEsMF1d\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Karen Powell JustGiving Fundraising Page<\/a>.<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6ad3c550dbdb4f148c9.jpeg","author":{"name":"Gary Silvester"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/86844"},{"id":"o1353-1617-6ac8d03ba1c0f","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/shrewsbury-house-overview\/","title":"Shrewsbury House Overview","date_published":"2026-10-09T11:30:00+00:00","summary":"What's going on and who looks after day to day management","content_html":"<p>Monday&#39;s &#39;Maritime Breakfast&#39; has Shrewsbury House, Shooters Hill Manager chatting to Bob about the many and diverse community and social activities that are on every day including the excellent cafe, licenced bar and live gigs that take place throught the year<\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6ac8d26216305a56ea1.jpg","author":{"name":"Bob LeRoi"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/86741"},{"id":"o1353-1617-6ab50eb478d40","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-radios-john-reen-nominated-for-national-award\/","title":"Maritime Radio's John Reen nominated for national award","date_published":"2026-09-24T11:51:00+00:00","summary":"The finalists for this year's Community Radio Awards have been announced.","content_html":"<p>This year&#39;s finalists showcase the breadth of talent, creativity and commitment found throughout the community radio sector, from innovative programming and journalism to community engagement, training and volunteering.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nRebecca Steers, Chair of the Community Radio Awards, said: &quot;As we celebrate the tenth year of the Community Radio Awards, it is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the people and stations that make community radio such a powerful force for good across the UK.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n&ldquo;Being named as a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, creativity and passion that volunteers, presenters and teams bring to serving their communities. We are proud to celebrate their success and look forward to welcoming the sector together for this special anniversary year.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6ab50ed7643d1d807b4.jpg\" style=\"\" \/><\/p>\n\n<p>Maritime Radio&#39;s John Reen has been nominated in the Presenter of the Year category.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThe winners will be announced at the national Community Radio Awards ceremony on Saturday 24 October, following the National Community Radio Conference hosted by the UK Community Radio Network.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nVolunteers, presenters, producers, station managers and supporters from across the country will come together to celebrate the achievements of the sector and mark ten years of the awards.<\/p>\n\n<p>Maritime Radio&#39;s station manager, Duncan Martin, said, &quot;we&#39;re really thrilled for John and his nomination is very much deserved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>&quot;John puts so much effort in to his Tuesday and Saturday shows, with regular guests and topics that really get our audience talking!<\/p>\n\n<p>&quot;We&#39;re all going to be cheering him on at the awards in Birmingham this October!&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p><br \/>\nThe Community Radio Awards continue to be supported by headline sponsor Aiir.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThe 2026 Community Radio Award Finalists are:<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Community Impact Project of the Year sponsored by Be Broadcast<\/strong><br \/>\nBlood Solidarity - ALL FM<br \/>\nBro Radio Academy - Bro Radio<br \/>\nYouthSPACE - Radio Skye<br \/>\nMyths, Ghosts and Scorpions - Sheppey FM<br \/>\nStronger Routes to Better Health - Wythenshawe FM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Station of the Year Sponsored by Aiir<\/strong><br \/>\nExpress FM<br \/>\nRNIB Connect Radio<br \/>\nSwitch Radio<br \/>\nGTFM<br \/>\nRadio LaB 97.1FM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Championing and supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion sponsored by UK Community Radio Network<\/strong><br \/>\nThe Out of Our Shell Show - ALL FM<br \/>\nThe Rainbow Road - Etta Helfrich Interview - ALL FM<br \/>\nAfrican Vibe with Richy Bongo - CHBN Radio<br \/>\nChampioning and supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Vectis Radio<br \/>\nHate Crime Awareness Week: Too Great For Hate - Wythenshawe FM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Voices of the Community Award sponsored by PPL<\/strong><br \/>\nSt. Neots&#39; Prostate Cancer Campaign - Black Cat Radio<br \/>\nThe Folkestone Radio Church - Radio Folkestone<br \/>\nThe Coeliac Shack - Radio LaB<br \/>\nLife on the Edge - Radio Woking<br \/>\nYouth Club Radio - Sunny Govan Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Presenter of the Year &ndash; Woman sponsored by Xperi<\/strong><br \/>\nSiva Gold - BCfm<br \/>\nNatasha Reneaux - BFBS Aldershot<br \/>\nAmy Gray - Cambridge Radio<br \/>\nAmy Boyd - Chelmsford Community Radio<br \/>\nLashana Camille - The Beat London<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Presenter of the Year &ndash; Man sponsored by Xperi<\/strong><br \/>\nPatrick Foster - Academy FM<br \/>\nJohn Reen - Maritime Radio<br \/>\nJonny Seabrook - Mix 92.6<br \/>\nIain Meadows - Radio Wester Ross<br \/>\nBen Ellis - Switch Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Live Event or Outside Broadcast of the Year sponsored by CreatorNODE from Broadcast Bionics<\/strong><br \/>\n26.2 Hour Live Music Marathon - ALL FM<br \/>\nBring Durham Pride To Everyone - Pride Radio<br \/>\nLive At The Open Royal Portrush - River Radio<br \/>\nThe International Shanty Festival &ndash; SourceFM<br \/>\nShort Breaks Across The Solent - Vectis Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Entertainment Show of the Year<\/strong><br \/>\nWednesday Drivetime - Academy FM<br \/>\nRise and Shine - Hive FM<br \/>\nChristmas with the Children of Hertfordshire - Mix 92.6<br \/>\nMix Brunch - Mix 92.6<br \/>\nZowie and Dai &ndash; M&ocirc;nFM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Specialist Music Show of the Year sponsored by Promo Only<\/strong><br \/>\nAdditions To My Collection &ndash; BCfm<br \/>\nSonar - Fantazia Special - Radio Saltire<br \/>\nThe Jazz Club - RNIB Connect Radio<br \/>\nFuture Favourites with Ben Swift - Salford City Radio<br \/>\nSouth Coast Music Show - Voice FM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Specialist Content Show of the Year sponsored by Fix Radio<\/strong><br \/>\nThe Departure Lounge - Academy FM<br \/>\nThe Coeliac Shack - Radio LaB<br \/>\nRead On - The Audiobook Show - RNIB Connect Radio<br \/>\nA Cultural Journey with Toby Davey - The Churchill War Rooms - RNIB Connect Radio<br \/>\nTech Talk - RNIB Connect Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>News, Journalism &amp; Factual Storytelling of the Year sponsored by RadioToday<\/strong><br \/>\nWe Don&#39;t Do That Here - BCfm &amp; Ujima Radio<br \/>\nMonth of the Military Child - BFBS Aldershot<br \/>\nWomen in Wargaming - BFBS Salisbury Plain<br \/>\nStorm Goretti Coverage - Coast FM<br \/>\nJamie McDonald - Radio Skye<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Arts &amp; Creative Radio of the Year sponsored by Devaweb<\/strong><br \/>\nYacht Rock - Caroline Coastal FM<br \/>\nChristmas Advent Calendar - City Sound Radio<br \/>\nCity Sound Radio Pantomime - City Sound Radio<br \/>\nThe Wandsworth Way - Riverside Radio<br \/>\nClub Plastique - Wythenshawe FM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Sports Show of the Year<\/strong><br \/>\nSportsweek - Coast FM<br \/>\nMatch Night Live - Drive 105<br \/>\nSaturday Afternoon Sport - Mix 92.6<br \/>\nThe Rapha Report - Radio Skye<br \/>\nSwitch Radio Sport - Switch Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Volunteer of the Year sponsored by RadioPlayer<\/strong><br \/>\nDr Sarah Waqquas - Awaz FM<br \/>\nMichelle Durant - Chelmsford Community Radio<br \/>\nElfyn Pritchard &ndash; M&ocirc;nFM<br \/>\nStephen Pendlebury - Salford City Radio<br \/>\nZoe Gold - Sheppey FM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Young Person or people of the Year (under 25) sponsored by Aiir<\/strong><br \/>\nJosh Holmes-Bright - Caroline Coastal FM<br \/>\nAmy Boyd - Chelmsford Community Radio<br \/>\nAlbert Lutkin - Humber Wave Radio<br \/>\nSteffan Huw &ndash; M&ocirc;nFM<br \/>\nYouthSPACE - Radio Skye<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Sage Person of the Year (Over 60)<\/strong><br \/>\nPaul James - Academy FM<br \/>\nIan Day - Academy FM<br \/>\nMoz Walsh - ALL FM<br \/>\nSteve Whitley - Radio Tyneside<br \/>\nIan Rothwell - Salford City Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Be Broadcast<\/strong><br \/>\nCharley Greatrix - Bro Radio<br \/>\nEvan Harmes - Chelmsford Community Radio<br \/>\nPaul Glenn - Erewash Sound<br \/>\nVal Issacs - Erewash Sound<br \/>\nRazvan Soare - Ujima Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Digital Content of the Year sponsored by Optimux<\/strong><br \/>\nDigital Storytelling - BFBS Brize Norton<br \/>\nHope FM Player - Hope FM<br \/>\nRadio Skye Facebook - Radio Skye<br \/>\nDaily Digital Footprint - Rutland &amp; Stamford Sound<br \/>\nPioneering Digital Content - Ujima Radio<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Celebrating &amp; Championing Community Radio of the Year sponsored by Community Radio Week<\/strong><br \/>\nCommunity Radio Day - CHAOS Radio<br \/>\nEvery Day is Local Radio Day - K107FM<br \/>\nCelebrating their 5th Birthday - Rutland &amp; Stamford Sound<br \/>\nMaking Sheppey Proud - Sheppey FM<br \/>\n25 Years of WFM Documentary - Wythenshawe FM<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<strong>Elections &amp; Political Coverage of the Year<\/strong><br \/>\nNo overall control at Huntingdonshire District Council - Black Cat Radio<br \/>\nInterview With St Albans MP Daisy Cooper - Mix 92.6<br \/>\nStalemate reforming control of Oldham Council - Oldham Community Radio<br \/>\nWales Community Radio Network Election Coverage - WCRN &amp; Bro Radio<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/65cfc8a5a22a6.png","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/86526"},{"id":"o1353-1617-6a921297c0759","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/best-of-british-bank-holiday-weekend\/","title":"Best of British Bank Holiday Weekend!","date_published":"2026-08-28T22:58:00+00:00","summary":"Our Best Of British Bank Holiday Weekend is here for Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Monday.","content_html":"<p>We&#39;re celebrating the very best of British artists and bands all Bank Holiday Weekend!<\/p>\n\n<p>Mark Fry gets everything going on Saturday morning.<\/p>\n\n<p>Let us know which songs you want to hear from your favourite British bands this weekend.<\/p>\n\n<p>Text us on 07716 432711 or send us a message on the Maritime Radio app!<\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6a8c659b835ebef6454.jpeg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/86247"},{"id":"o1353-1617-6a4ab4d56c0f7","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/your-favourite-fish-and-chip-shop\/","title":"Your Favourite Fish & Chip Shop!","date_published":"2026-07-05T19:47:00+00:00","summary":"What\u2019s your favourite PLAICE for fish and chips? \r\n\r\nIs there one that's BATTER than the rest?\r\n","content_html":"<p>Maritime Radio&rsquo;s search to crown South East London and North West Kent&rsquo;s top fish and chip shop is underway.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Throughout July, tell us your favourite on social media, using the hashtag #MaritimeFishAndChips - and tag your nomination in your post and add a photo of you at the shop too!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Then, we&rsquo;ll unveil the most popular restaurants so you can then vote for your favourite, and the winning chippy will be crowned at the end of July.<\/p>\n\n<p>Nominations are open now - tell us your favourite Fish &amp; Chip Shop in the form below!<\/p>\n\n<p>COD your local fish and chip shop be the one FRYING high?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6a4ab4ea64395279053.jpg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/85625"},{"id":"o1353-1617-6a1065c2697a3","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/a-hot-and-sunny-weekend-ahead-and-a-new-radio-station-for-the-county\/","title":"A hot and sunny weekend ahead and a new radio station for Kent!","date_published":"2026-05-22T14:18:00+00:00","summary":"Listeners across Kent are in for a treat this Bank Holiday Monday as Made In Kent Radio officially launches at 7am, bringing a brand\u2011new local voice to the airwaves. ","content_html":"<p>Listeners across Kent are in for a treat this Bank Holiday Monday as <strong>Made In Kent Radio<\/strong> officially launches at <strong>7am<\/strong>, bringing a brand\u2011new local voice to the airwaves. The station joins the <strong>Greenwich Media<\/strong> family&mdash;home of <strong>Maritime Radio<\/strong>, which already serves south east London and north west Kent.<\/p>\n\n<p>The first voice on air will be <strong>Matt James<\/strong>, who kicks things off with the brand\u2011new <strong>Made In Kent Breakfast<\/strong>. Expect great music, local stories, and everything happening across the county as the station begins its mission to celebrate Kent&rsquo;s people, places and culture.<\/p>\n\n<p>The launch comes as Kent prepares for a sunny Bank Holiday, with warm weather expected to draw thousands to the county&rsquo;s beaches and seaside towns. From Whitstable to Broadstairs, Margate to Dymchurch, tourism businesses are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the year.<\/p>\n\n<p>Greenwich Media says the new station will shine a spotlight on the best of Kent&mdash;its communities, its coastline, its creativity, and its independent businesses.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re thrilled to bring Made In Kent Radio to life,&rdquo;<\/strong> Matt James, managing editor of Made Kent Radio said. <strong>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a station made for Kent, about Kent, and proudly rooted in the county&rsquo;s identity.&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Listeners can tune in on digital radio, online, on smart speakers, and via the Made In Kent Radio app.<\/p>\n\n<p>With sunshine on the way and a brand\u2011new station hitting the airwaves, it&rsquo;s shaping up to be a Bank Holiday full of good vibes across Kent and south east London.<\/p>","tags":["Made In Kent Radio "],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/6a10655176d61.jpeg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/85052"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69fcbbf539305","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/new-public-art-project-for-east-greenwich\/","title":"New Public art project for East Greenwich ","date_published":"2026-05-07T16:21:00+00:00","summary":"A local group are asking residents what artwork they would like to see under a busy Flyover in Greenwich. ","content_html":"<p>The East Greenwich Neighbourhood Watch team has&nbsp;been awarded a grant by the council to install a public art project under the Angerstein&nbsp;Flyover.<\/p>\n\n<p>Now they are searching for artists to do the work but first, want to consult&nbsp;with the community as widely as possible.<\/p>\n\n<p>They have a QR code for residents to get involved with the project and have their say on what artwork they would like to see under the flyover.<\/p>\n\n<p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69fcbabb8ca0c.jpg\" style=\"\" \/><\/p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69fcbbadcf718.jpg","author":{"name":"Duncan Martin"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84860"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69ecd7afb63bd","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/road-closures-and-world-records-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-london-marathon-2026\/","title":"Road closures and World Records: all you need to know about the London Marathon 2026","date_published":"2026-04-25T15:03:00+00:00","summary":"The world-famous London Marathon returns to our area this weekend.","content_html":"<p>Thousands of people head to Royal Greenwich every year for the start of the TCS London Marathon, with the first six miles taking participants through Blackheath, Woolwich, Charlton and Greenwich town centre.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Spectators line the streets and cheer on the runners at every point, making the early stages of the marathon a special experience.<\/p>\n\n<p>Greenwich town centre, and particularly around the Cutty Sark, are considered the most popular places to watch. However, this also means they&rsquo;ll likely be the most crowded.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/65d0e565b04fd.jpg\" style=\"\" \/><\/p>\n\n<h3>Road Closures<\/h3>\n\n<p>A number of local roads will close early on Sunday morning:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>Charlton Way (4am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Shooters Hill Road (4am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>St Johns Park (7am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Charlton Park Road (7am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Old Dover Road (7am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Little Heath (7am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Charlton Park Lane (7am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Artillery Place (7am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>John Wilson Street (7am to 2:30pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Woolwich Church Street (7am to 3pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Woolwich Road (7am to 3pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Trafalgar Road (7am to 4pm)<\/li>\n  <li>Creek Road (7am to 4pm)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;You can see a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk\/london-marathon\/road-closures\">comprehensive list of all closures via the official London Marathon website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Record Breaking<\/h3>\n\n<p>Guinness World Records is once again collaborating with the London Marathon to give participants the chance to attempt to break a world record of their choosing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Here are the World Records broken at last year&#39;s Marathon:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>Tigst Assefa: Fastest marathon (female, women-only race) - 2:15:50<\/li>\n  <li>Rui Yong Soh:\u202fFastest marathon in a suit (male) -2:39:57<\/li>\n  <li>Tommy Trees:\u202fFastest marathon wearing foam clogs (male) -2:48:48<\/li>\n  <li>Matthew Berry:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as an elf (male)&nbsp;- 2:56:59<\/li>\n  <li>James Timbrell:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a caveperson (male) -2:57:01<\/li>\n  <li>Santosh Rai:\u202fFastest marathon dressed in traditional Nepalese dress (male) -\u202f2:59:47<\/li>\n  <li>Ben Karthauser:\u202fFastest marathon with Parkinson&#39;s disease (male) -3:04:49<\/li>\n  <li>Philip Howard:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a pirate (male) - 3:09:53<\/li>\n  <li>Andy Brock:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as an alien (male) -3:10:10<\/li>\n  <li>Jamie Campbell:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a crustacean (male) -3:12:49<\/li>\n  <li>Michael Wiggins:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a traffic cone (male) -3:13:18<\/li>\n  <li>Zoe Cowell-Jones:\u202fFastest marathon by a mascot (female)&nbsp;- 3:19:18<\/li>\n  <li>Ali Young:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a bird (female) - 3:26:37<\/li>\n  <li>Max Livingstone-Learmonth:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a monarch (male) -3:26:57<\/li>\n  <li>Christine Robinson:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a referee (female) &ndash;3:30:49<\/li>\n  <li>Ollie Shortt:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a body part (male) -3:32:21<\/li>\n  <li>Sarah Dudgeon:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a monarch (female) -3:33:42<\/li>\n  <li>Erin Zackey:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a television character (female) -3:34:55<\/li>\n  <li>Angus Leckonby: Fastest marathon (male) (II1)&nbsp;&ndash;3:36:38<\/li>\n  <li>Angus Leckonby: Youngest person to complete a marathon (II1) (male)&nbsp;&ndash;3:36:38<\/li>\n  <li>Louis Stevens:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a Spartan warrior -3:37:49<\/li>\n  <li>Rebecca Reid:\u202fFastest marathon with a subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) (female) -3:37:54<\/li>\n  <li>Martin Pritchard-Howarth:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional plant (male) -3:45:57<\/li>\n  <li>Simon Couchman:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a medal (male) -3:47:20<\/li>\n  <li>Sally Kuehn:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a crustacean (female) -3:49:47<\/li>\n  <li>Juliane Keane:\u202fFastest marathon with multiple sclerosis (female) -3:53:02<\/li>\n  <li>Samara Taylor:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a swimmer (female) -\u202f3:58:30<\/li>\n  <li>Adam Cotterill:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a mythical creature (male) - 4:07:38<\/li>\n  <li>Mandy Leach:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a reptile (female) -4:12:55<\/li>\n  <li>Melanie Bailey:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a cell (female) - 4:16:27&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/li>\n  <li>Cameron Jacobs: Youngest person to run a marathon barefoot (male) -4:31:26<\/li>\n  <li>Nikki Horner:\u202fFastest marathon dressed as a rotating puzzle cube (female) -4:43:59<\/li>\n  <li>Amanda Davies:\u202fFastest marathon with bilateral total knee replacements (female) -5:01:03<\/li>\n  <li>Graham Sturgen, Simon Short, Claire Short, Paul Owen, Richard Yeeles, Christopher Setterfield, Francine Setterfield, Julie Pritchett, Jodi Simpson and Marcela Bell:\u202fFastest marathon in a ten-person costume -5:41:47<\/li>\n  <li>David Wetherill:\u202fFastest marathon on crutches (male) -5:59:05<\/li>\n  <li>Sarah Haddock: Fastest marathon dressed as a fish (female) - MP4 - 7:56:53<\/li>\n  <li>Lucette and Katie Crowhurst:\u202fFastest marathon run by mother and daughter (IS1) -8:17:54<\/li>\n  <li>James, Alice and Sam Kelly:\u202fFastest marathon run by three siblings &ndash; 8:31:07<\/li>\n  <li>Adele Roberts:\u202fFastest aggregate time to complete all World Marathon Major races with a stoma (female)&nbsp;-&nbsp;20:29:58<\/li>\n  <li>Chris Green:\u202fMost marathons run in the same three-dimensional costume (male)<\/li>\n  <li>Jason Burbury:\u202fMost underpants worn during a marathon (male)&nbsp;- 52<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><em><strong>If you&#39;re running the Marathon this year, good luck from all of us!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/65d0e55f137ec.jpg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84698"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69e084ee2477e","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/national-school-offer-day\/","title":"National School Offer day","date_published":"2026-04-16T06:42:00+00:00","summary":"National school offer day for reception and primary school is 16th April. ","content_html":"<p>For information about the offer of a reception or primary school place, including how you will be notified and what happens next can be found on the Bexley Borough website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bexley.gov.uk\/services\/schools-and-education\/primary-schools\/how-bexley-decide-primary-school-places#:~:text=How%20Bexley%20decide%20primary%20school%20places\">How Bexley decide primary school places in the London Borough of Bexley<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Why not help your little one prepare for reception?&nbsp; Take a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bexley.gov.uk\/services\/schools-and-education\/born-ready-school-ready-bexley-ready\/tips-help-prepare-your-child-school\">Tips to help prepare your child for school in the London Borough of Bexley<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Did you know that school readiness starts from conception?&nbsp; The 0&ndash;5-year period is a crucial time for brain development and children&#39;s brains are like sponges.<\/p>\n\n<p>Healthy brain development means that children learn and develop well, helping them to be ready for reception and later life. Born Ready, School Ready, Bexley Ready will give you ideas about how you can help your baby or child&#39;s brain development and support lifelong learning at home<\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/65d0e5620d567.jpg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84582"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69d7b0c2de598","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/tv-legend-michaela-strachan-on-greenwich-breakfast\/","title":"TV legend Michaela Strachan on Greenwich Breakfast","date_published":"2026-04-09T13:59:00+00:00","summary":"You\u2019ve seen her cuddling orangutans, being \u201cWide Awake\u201d on Saturday mornings and almost skating to glory on Dancing on Ice. Now, wildlife TV legend\u00a0Michaela Strachan\u00a0swaps the binoculars for the spotlight in her brand-new live theatre show\u00a0Not Just A Wild Life.  ","content_html":"<p>Marking 40 years in the public eye &ndash; on our screens, in the wild and sometimes out of her depth. From The Wide Awake Club, The Hitman And Her and The Really Wild Show to Countryfile, Springwatch and beyond, the show laughs at the chaos of TV, celebrates the beauty of nature and reflects on what it means to grow up &ndash; and grow older &ndash; on screen.<\/p>\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s a high-energy, funny, and heart-warming journey through four decades of conservation and reinvention. If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered what it&rsquo;s like to be upstaged by an elephant, wrangle the likes of Chris Packham, or ice skate on National TV looking like Julie Andrews, then this show is for you! Not Just A Wild Life promises an evening of inspiration, nostalgia, and genuine connection &ndash; for nature nerds, nostalgia lovers, and anyone who&rsquo;s ever wondered how a rubber chicken can change the course of your life.<\/p>\n\n<p>Michaela joined Duncan on Greenwich Breakfast to talk about her amazing career and what she has planned for her show.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Listen again<\/h3>\n\n<p>\n<audio controls=\"controls\" preload=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69d7b03a279fc.mp3\">&nbsp;<\/audio>\n<\/p>\n\n<p><em><strong>You can see Michaela at Blackheath Halls on 14th April.&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blackheathhalls.com\/whats-on\/michaela-strachan-not-just-a-wild-life\/\">Click here to get your tickets!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69d2ce9e2adaf.jpg","author":{"name":"Duncan Martin"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84483"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69cbd9cea6b96","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/weekly-news-rundown-stories-sunday-5th-april-2026\/","title":"Weekly News Rundown Stories \u2013 Sunday 5th April 2026","date_published":"2026-04-05T15:40:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Serious News<\/strong><br \/>\nTfL acted on a Freedom of Information request and revealed that there has been an increase of London buses being damaged or involved in crashes.<\/p>\n\n<p>During 2025, there was 15,390 incidents which resulted in damage, and almost 16,000 the year prior.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Throughout lockdown in 2020 and 2021 there were 11,035 and 12,380 respectively, while the earliest year for the data in 2019 had 12,857 reported.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>The data includes &ldquo;all incidents where damage has been reported, including minor damage to the vehicle&rdquo;, but &ldquo;does not imply which road user&#39;s behaviour or error may have led to the incident&rdquo;, adding &ldquo;it is completely unacceptable that anyone should be killed or seriously injured while travelling, and we remain committed to eradicating death and serious injury from the transport network&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Crazy News<\/strong><br \/>\nNestle announced in a statement that 12 tons of KitKat was stolen from a truck in Europe.<\/p>\n\n<p>The weight correlates to 413,793 bars as the chocolate treat was being delivered to distribution centres on a route from the factory in Italy to Poland.<\/p>\n\n<p>In the UK, theft of chocolates in stores is on the rise &ndash; but according to a joint report made by the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) and the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) for the Europe, the Middle East and Africa, cargo theft and freight fraud are rising.<\/p>\n\n<p>A Nestle spokesperson said: &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve always encouraged people to have a break with KITKAT &ndash; but it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tonnes of our chocolate&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Happy News<\/strong><br \/>\nAn outdoor fitness gym has opened in Croydon and named after an actor who starred in the original Star Wars trilogy.<\/p>\n\n<p>The David Prowse Gym is named after the Darth Vader actor due to his connection to the Addiscombe area after living in the area from 1963, and he was also seen promoting fitness in the community too.<\/p>\n\n<p>The gym is free for all being located at Addiscombe Recreation Ground, and has been designed to be used by anyone of any age or ability.<\/p>\n\n<p>A formal opening ceremony will be held on 4th May (May the 4th) which is also known as Star Wars Day.<\/p>\n\n<p>Croydon Mayor, Jason Perry, approved the name submitted by the Addiscombe &amp; Shirley Park Residents&#39; Association and says: &ldquo;David Prowse was a true local legend, not just for what he achieved on screen, but for the way he inspired people to stay active and give back to their community&rdquo;.<\/p>","tags":["The Weekly Rundown"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69cbd95cd9bef.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84365"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69cef42986862","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-hashtag-minute-sunday-5th-april-2026\/","title":"Maritime Hashtag Minute \u2013 Sunday 5th April 2026","date_published":"2026-04-05T14:30:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what\u2019s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what&rsquo;s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute. This week&rsquo;s #MaritimeHashtagMinute was #NASA, after they launched Artemis II on its way to the moon on Wednesday evening. View the Tweets below:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\" data-conversation=\"none\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Liftoff.<br><br>The Artemis II mission launched from <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NASAKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@NASAKennedy<\/a> at 6:35pm ET (2235 UTC), propelling four astronauts on a journey around the Moon.<br><br>Artemis II will pave the way for future Moon landings, as well as the next giant leap \u2014 astronauts on Mars. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ENQA4RTqAc\">pic.twitter.com\/ENQA4RTqAc<\/a><\/p>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NASA\/status\/2039473910987534599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 1, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">We are going!<br> <br>With Artemis II&#39;s launch, we&#39;ve taken another step toward a long-term presence on the Moon. Here&#39;s a recap of the historic mission so far \u2013 and a preview of what&#39;s to come. <br><br>Follow along as four astronauts continue their journey around the Moon and back:\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vI4DagF6fc\">pic.twitter.com\/vI4DagF6fc<\/a><\/p>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NASA\/status\/2039724673676517574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 2, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">NEW: NASA&#39;s Artemis II has successfully blasted off, launching toward the Moon for the first lunar voyage in 53 years. <br>  <br>Here is what to expect next: <br> <br>- Mission is 10 total days.<br>  <br>- The crew will get 5000 miles from the Moon&#39;s surface.  <br>   <br>- The crew will sleep in two\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UcNLJmQhds\">pic.twitter.com\/UcNLJmQhds<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/CollinRugg\/status\/2039483288503607316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 1, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This animation shows NASA\u2019s Artemis II mission path, a journey of nearly 685,000 miles. The crew will travel in a figure-eight trajectory, looping out from Earth, around the Moon, and back again. <br>  <br>Follow live updates: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PikF0FNlO9\">https:\/\/t.co\/PikF0FNlO9<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/tnrahDMaGu\">pic.twitter.com\/tnrahDMaGu<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ABC News (@ABC) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ABC\/status\/2039464495332905330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 1, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Artemis II liftoff: cell phone video, kept running for the sound, which is\u2026wow, just, wow.<br><br>Sorry, I didn\u2019t pan up; this was a last minute decision and I propped it on a still camera. I\u2019m actually surprised the vibrations didn\u2019t knock it to the ground. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/viAyWMiXdH\">pic.twitter.com\/viAyWMiXdH<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Michael Seeley (@MikeSeeley) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MikeSeeley\/status\/2039483107896635563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 1, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>If you would like to suggest a Hashtag Minute for next week&rsquo;s show, email hello@maritimeradio.co.uk, Tweet us @MaritimeLDN or leave a comment on this page.<\/p>","tags":["Maritime Hashtag Minute"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69cef468bea0b.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84425"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69cebff616ff6","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/celebrating-40-years-of-hits\/","title":"Celebrating 40 years of hits","date_published":"2026-04-02T19:13:58+00:00","summary":"We\u2019re celebrating 40 years of hits in 4 days with our Decade A Day Easter weekend starting on Good Friday.","content_html":"<p>All Easter weekend we&rsquo;re bringing you forty years of hits with A Decade A Day!<\/p>\n\n<p>Good Friday - 2010s<\/p>\n\n<p>Saturday - 1990s<\/p>\n\n<p>Easter Sunday - 2000s<\/p>\n\n<p>Holiday Monday - 1980s<\/p>\n\n<p>What is your favourite decade?&nbsp; Let us know in the comments, below!<\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69cebf7af288c.jpg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Easter Bunny"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84423"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69c2b9624a74b","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/weekly-news-rundown-stories-sunday-22nd-march-20261\/","title":"Weekly News Rundown Stories \u2013 Sunday 29th March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-29T15:40:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Serious News<\/strong><br \/>\nA Conservative MP says that housing targets across Kent are unachievable due to the shortage of water supply and infrastructure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Tom Tugendhat, representing Tonbridge said on Tuesday that there was &ldquo;simply not enough water for the scale of development&rdquo; during a meeting at the Commons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council have plans to require 19,746 homes by 2042 while South East Water announced it could only supply an extra 6,318 homes to the same year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Miatta Fahnbulleh, who is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, also says: &ldquo;The lack of water infrastructure is resulting in both blocking our capacity to deliver our homes, but also the water outages that we&#39;ve seen in west Kent&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Crazy News<\/strong><br \/>\nLast weekend an Everton fan went viral after celebrating his team&#39;s 3-0 win against Chelsea with a toaster and crumpets in each hand.<\/p>\n\n<p>Matty Byrne (or Toaster Man) spoke after being filmed stating that they were a friend&#39;s wedding gift that he was attending after the game.<\/p>\n\n<p>He &ldquo;didn&#39;t want to leave it in the boozer, so decided just walk in with it&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>People were unsure how he got the items through security, which are known to be tight at football matches.<\/p>\n\n<p>Other fans claim the appliance could be a lucky charm, as Byrne wants to bring it when Everton face rivals Liverpool next month.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Happy News<\/strong><br \/>\nThe Cutty Sark DLR station has reopened after 10 months following a refurbishment.<\/p>\n\n<p>During the closure, four escalators have been installed; as well as a new lift, wall panelling, lighting and fire system improvements.<\/p>\n\n<p>Before the station went for a face-lift, none of the escalators were working, and to get to and from the platform involved walking the 121 steps.<\/p>\n\n<p>The director of rail, Trish Ashton, says: &ldquo;We&#39;re delighted to announce that an improved Cutty Sark station will reopen earlier than expected, ready to welcome customers back through newly modernised and more reliable station facilities&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>Just in time for spring and the improved weather!<\/p>","tags":["The Weekly Rundown"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69c2b94e4bc9b.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84277"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69c2990f5750b","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-hashtag-minute-sunday-29th-march-2026\/","title":"Maritime Hashtag Minute \u2013 Sunday 29th March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-29T14:30:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what\u2019s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what&rsquo;s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute. This week&rsquo;s #MaritimeHashtagMinute was #NationalPuppyDay, marked on Monday. The day brings awareness to care for pups without a home. Puppies aren&#39;t just for Christmas or a birthday or special occasions, they&#39;re forever.&nbsp;View the Tweets below:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/NationalPuppyDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#NationalPuppyDay<\/a>, aka a great excuse to show you some of the adorable puppies we&#39;ve had at Battersea! \ud83d\ude0d<br><br>Before committing to a puppy, make sure you have the time and resources to dedicate to their care. It&#39;s rewarding, but hard work that shouldn\u2019t be underestimated! \ud83d\udc99 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ckHwxUDXyG\">pic.twitter.com\/ckHwxUDXyG<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Battersea (@Battersea_) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Battersea_\/status\/2036005166789607491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Happy National Puppy Day from the littlest Chief Dog Officer. \ud83d\udc3e <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Ne9gYquWjx\">pic.twitter.com\/Ne9gYquWjx<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RoyalCaribbean\/status\/2036210185145073666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today we recognize something very close to our hearts- National Puppy Day!\ud83d\udc36<br>Our dog runs and open spaces have supported some of the city\u2019s most important early developments: first zoomies, first sticks, and the socialization of dogs everywhere.<br>Leash up, head out, and celebrate! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/rIytdbtmUJ\">pic.twitter.com\/rIytdbtmUJ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; NYC Parks (@NYCParks) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NYCParks\/status\/2036130229316399237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It&#39;s#NationalPuppyDay, and we couldn&#39;t resist the cuteness\ud83e\udd17\ud83d\udc36 When you&#39;re looking for a young furry friend, remember to choose adoption or find a responsible breeder. Learn how to find a puppy the right way at <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/RXB6NKlOEl\">https:\/\/t.co\/RXB6NKlOEl<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/s1Mo4byHoi\">pic.twitter.com\/s1Mo4byHoi<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ASPCA (@ASPCA) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ASPCA\/status\/2036188837630636158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">An armful of puppies is definitely the best way to celebrate National Puppy Day \ud83e\ude75\ud83d\udc3e<br><br>This morning, we welcomed a transport of more than 40 dogs\u2014and the majority of them? Puppies!! \ud83d\ude0d<br><br>We couldn&#39;t keep the cuteness all to ourselves...especially on <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/NationalPuppyDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#NationalPuppyDay<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/sGt4b0gtl1\">pic.twitter.com\/sGt4b0gtl1<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Humane Society of Missouri (@hsmo) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hsmo\/status\/2036179538091118868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Stella, as a puppy, had bigger ears than she does now.  \ud83d\ude02<br><br>Happy National Puppy Day! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/VBQWO6kael\">pic.twitter.com\/VBQWO6kael<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Lisa Sicard (@Lisapatb) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Lisapatb\/status\/2036206832620875923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today is National Puppy Day.  This is Chopper at 4 months old. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AVIATRKtXx\">pic.twitter.com\/AVIATRKtXx<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Barry Butler Photography (@barrybutler9) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/barrybutler9\/status\/2036059155023135154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 23, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>If you would like to suggest a Hashtag Minute for next week&rsquo;s show, email hello@maritimeradio.co.uk, Tweet us @MaritimeLDN or leave a comment on this page.<\/p>","tags":["Maritime Hashtag Minute"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69c298fec558a.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84275"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69b97e123e443","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/weekly-news-rundown-stories-sunday-22nd-march-2026\/","title":"Weekly News Rundown Stories \u2013 Sunday 22nd March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-22T16:40:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Serious News<\/strong><br \/>\nThe strikes set to blight the tube network later this month have been cancelled as the RMT Union discussed the terms with management of the London Underground.<\/p>\n\n<p>The disagreement was over the four-day week &ndash; it would be the same hours just compressed into less days.<\/p>\n\n<p>The strikes in April and beyond are still set to take place as the concerns are not resolved, and further dates of action have been pencilled in on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th June.<\/p>\n\n<p>Speaking of the conversations, the RMT general secretary, Eddie Dempsey, says that the union &ldquo;forced management into a position where they are now willing to seriously engage with the issues our members want addressing. Further talks will take place and the dispute remains live&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>A spokesperson for the London Underground is pleased that some strike dates were removed: &ldquo;This is good news for London, and we will continue to work constructively with the trade unions to avoid disruption and address concerns&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Crazy News<\/strong><br \/>\nA study says that spring cleaning is an achievement worth celebrating, and a company have created a novelty vacuum cleaner that will help pour some celebratory drinks.<\/p>\n\n<p>Sparkling House Wine was launched from a partnership between AO and Ryedale Vineyards in York, as it was announced that half of people say that the yearly tidy is on their list of achievements.<\/p>\n\n<p>The dry-blend is limited edition and comes with a vacuum cleaner which is actually a holder and pourer of the bottle, alongside a handle, hose, wheels and an inspired pouring attachment to match the part.<\/p>\n\n<p>Some respondents would compare the cleaning job similar to watching their team win, landing a new job or car, or even seeing their child&rsquo;s first steps. Almost 25% would begin getting ready between one to three months in advance and need several days to finish the job. The majority would prefer to get it done and over with in a day. In addition, almost a third say that they exercise in the days before the task, while more than half would end the spring clean with a drink.<\/p>\n\n<p>A limited number of bottles went live on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ryedalevineyards.co.uk\/product\/The-Official-Sparkling-Wine-of-a-Sparkling-Home\" target=\"_blank\">Rydale&rsquo;s website<\/a> on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Happy News<\/strong><br \/>\nThe ASDA store in Belvedere has three generations of the same family working alongside each other. Sixteen relatives work the shop floor together &ndash; seven mums alongside their children.<\/p>\n\n<p>One of the families begins with 56-year-old grandmother Hayler Carr, and her daughters Kerry, 37, Kasey, 27, and Jessica, 18. Kerry&rsquo;s daughter 19-year-old Rhyleigh Pioli is also part of the clan. Amongst them, they tackle various departments including the frozen, home shopping, George clothing and the overnight areas.<\/p>\n\n<p>Speaking of working together, Kerry says: &ldquo;It&#39;s brilliant having my family work with me. If I need a day off, they&#39;ll always cover my shifts, as they love their mum! Sometimes we work the same shifts and we see each other, which is nice&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>Other families working in the store include Cheryl Smith who is the fresh section lead and her daughter Katie at home shopping; bakery colleague Maggie Alimo and her home shopping driver son Charlie; Amanda Bradley on the checkouts with her daughters Chanel and Tia; George assistant Valerie Cox and her daughter Tanya Carver; and community champion Kuia Newman works with her daughter Sian Martin who is a home shopping picker.<\/p>\n\n<p>Kuia adds: &ldquo;It&#39;s nice that we work together, but we don&#39;t see an awful lot of each other at work as she starts at 4am and I&#39;m doing my community work. It&#39;s a nice family environment here and it&#39;s lovely having so many mums working alongside their children&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>Store manager, Sandy Sanga says: &ldquo;We&#39;ve always been proud of the community spirit within our stores, but the team at Belvedere takes &#39;family values&#39; to a whole new level! Having three generations working side by side doesn&#39;t just make for a great story, it creates a supportive, tight-knit family environment that our customers can really feel when they walk through the doors. We&#39;re thrilled to celebrate these six incredible mums who prove that some of the best colleagues are often the ones you grew up with&rdquo;.<\/p>","tags":["The Weekly Rundown"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69b97d6fe09e5.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84153"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69ba8fc96a0df","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-hashtag-minute-sunday-22nd-march-2026\/","title":"Maritime Hashtag Minute \u2013 Sunday 22nd March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-22T15:30:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what\u2019s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what&rsquo;s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute. This week&rsquo;s #MaritimeHashtagMinute was #SpiderMan, as the trailer for the upcoming film was released on Wednesday morning. Releasing at the end of July, it follows Peter Parker after the spell that took place in 2021&#39;s No Way Home film.&nbsp;View the Tweets below:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A Brand New Day starts now.<br><br>Watch the official trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day - exclusively in theatres July 31. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/O4ryqpTCZX\">pic.twitter.com\/O4ryqpTCZX<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Marvel\/status\/2034224871987683838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">11 months<br>50 weeks<br>351 days<br>8433 hours <br>505,980 minutes<br>30,358,800 seconds <br>And a lot of urge from the fans.<br><br>After the official announcement, Marvel has finally released the trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.&quot;<br><br>Enjoy\ud83d\udd78\ufe0f\ud83d\udd77\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SpiderManBrandNewDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SpiderManBrandNewDay<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9VFqjPAzLF\">pic.twitter.com\/9VFqjPAzLF<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Sanctum Scoops (@SanctumScoops) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SanctumScoops\/status\/2034230459333566889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SpiderManBrandNewDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SpiderManBrandNewDay<\/a> trailer gives first looks at Tramell Tillman, Jon Bernthal, Michael Musto and Mark Ruffalo.<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vAYGhcIc3Z\">https:\/\/t.co\/vAYGhcIc3Z<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/44NL8bmZxf\">pic.twitter.com\/44NL8bmZxf<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Variety (@Variety) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Variety\/status\/2034231854996324360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">So many of these visuals look like splash pages straight from the comics. It\u2019s peak \ud83d\udd25. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SpiderManBrandNewDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SpiderManBrandNewDay<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/kIszoP8JPV\">https:\/\/t.co\/kIszoP8JPV<\/a><\/p>&mdash; alejandrx (@FlockDylan) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/FlockDylan\/status\/2034231686360162554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A lot going on in that trailer. I\u2019m overwhelmed a little bit. But punisher excited me. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/spidermanbrandnewday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#spidermanbrandnewday<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Gna40XYNOs\">pic.twitter.com\/Gna40XYNOs<\/a><\/p>&mdash; The Daily Kryptonian (@TheDailyKrypto) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TheDailyKrypto\/status\/2034231736922747124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Punisher, Bruce Banner, The Hand, Scorpion, Boomerang &amp; Tarantula all in one movie just amazing \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SpiderManBrandNewDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SpiderManBrandNewDay<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/RZRpHWMO3F\">https:\/\/t.co\/RZRpHWMO3F<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Bsant\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddea(Legend) (@bsant055) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/bsant055\/status\/2034230888939065536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I love how distinct in tone and style <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SpiderManBrandNewDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SpiderManBrandNewDay<\/a> feels. And yay for a broke, depressed, and lonely Peter Parker. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BlIrBy34cT\">https:\/\/t.co\/BlIrBy34cT<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Jay Thomas (@GroundhogJay_) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GroundhogJay_\/status\/2034230567680524607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>If you would like to suggest a Hashtag Minute for next week&rsquo;s show, email hello@maritimeradio.co.uk, Tweet us @MaritimeLDN or leave a comment on this page.<\/p>","tags":["Maritime Hashtag Minute"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69ba8fa54cf44.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84171"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69b095334142a","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/weekly-news-rundown-stories-sunday-15th-march-2026\/","title":"Weekly News Rundown Stories \u2013 Sunday 15th March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-15T16:40:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Serious News<\/strong><br \/>\nLondon will be affected with various Tube Strikes as union RMT have announced dates that the 24-hour strikes will take place.<\/p>\n\n<p>The action will be taking place after opposing the &ldquo;condensed&rdquo; four-day week over shift lengths, working arrangements and a potential drop on safety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>A spokesperson for the union says that bosses for the Underground were: &ldquo;pushing ahead with a plan to compress a normal working week into four days despite the proposals being rejected by a majority of train operators&rdquo;, while TfL have also said: &ldquo;We shared our proposal for a four-day working week with our trade unions last year. Since then, we have been engaging with them on how best to implement the new working pattern. We have started talking with our unions about how to implement a four-day working week for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>The strike dates are from 12am to 11:59pm the following dates:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>Tuesday 24th - Wednesday 25th March,<\/li>\n  <li>Thursday 26th - Friday 27th March<\/li>\n  <li>Tuesday 21st - Wednesday 22nd April<\/li>\n  <li>Thursday 23rd - Friday 24th April<\/li>\n  <li>Tuesday 19th - Wednesday 20th May<\/li>\n  <li>Thursday 21st - Friday 22nd May.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Crazy News<\/strong><br \/>\nVAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football is a very controversial topic &ndash; many fans do not agree with the idea as it causes too many stops, still has human elements of control and can slow the game right down and take quite a few minutes for the referee to make a decision. One group of fans took it upon themselves to get rid of the feature at a game in Germany.<\/p>\n\n<p>In Germany&rsquo;s Bundesliga 2 league, Preussen Munster were hosting Hertha Berlin when one of the host&rsquo;s fans unplugged the screen so that the referee couldn&rsquo;t make a call.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, in cases like this, there is a booth with the VAR equipment in Cologne and the decision by one of the officials situated there gave the visitors a penalty which was converted.<\/p>\n\n<p>The home team&rsquo;s section in the stadium were holding up a banner just after the incident reading &lsquo;Pull the plug on VAR&rsquo; so this was &ldquo;a planned action&rdquo; as per the statement released from Preussen Munster.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Happy News<\/strong><br \/>\nA dementia choir in North London have professionally recorded a song.<\/p>\n\n<p>Members of the Sam Beckman Choir partnered with music and healthcare practitioner Edmund Jeffrey to write and compose A New Beginning.<\/p>\n\n<p>Each member wrote a line each week as ideas were built on until it was written and then recorded at a studio in Crouch End.<\/p>\n\n<p>All of the members are living with dementia. One member is Ros who says: &ldquo;It&#39;s a lovely song. We have spent a long time working on it &ndash; weeks and weeks. I&#39;m very impressed with how it&#39;s turned out&rdquo;. Viv added: &ldquo;It has real feeling in it. We went over every single word and kept changing bits until it was perfect&rdquo;.<\/p>","tags":["The Weekly Rundown"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69b0950b1a7af.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84060"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69b1c43329ae3","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-hashtag-minute-sunday-15th-march-2026\/","title":"Maritime Hashtag Minute \u2013 Sunday 15th March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-15T15:30:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what\u2019s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what&rsquo;s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute. This week&rsquo;s #MaritimeHashtagMinute was #NationalBarbieDay, celebrated on Monday 9th March. The day marks the day the doll range was unveiled back in 1959 by Mattel. View the Tweets below:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">66 years ago today, Barbie was first revealed to the public at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/wRJDc59qmq\">pic.twitter.com\/wRJDc59qmq<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Pop Base (@PopBase) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PopBase\/status\/1898606244601987153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 9, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Happy National Barbie Day! <br><br>What&#39;s your favorite Barbie movie\/series? <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4rxL2JRehd\">pic.twitter.com\/4rxL2JRehd<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Cartoon Base (@TheCartoonBase) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TheCartoonBase\/status\/1898903386038141406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 10, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">62 years ago today, the first Barbie went on display at the American Toy Fair. Ruth Handler created <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/Barbie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Barbie<\/a> &amp; said she was a symbol of freedom &amp; possibility for girls. I love this philosophy &amp; I\u2019m honored to have my Barbie in the Inspiring Women collection. <br><br>Thank you, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Mattel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Mattel<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/HCa6JLXObZ\">pic.twitter.com\/HCa6JLXObZ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BillieJeanKing\/status\/1369477867063611398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 10, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udc96 National Barbie Day!<br>Our team had fun celebrating National Barbie Day by wearing pink and showing off their Barbie style! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/xcpgf5L22C\">pic.twitter.com\/xcpgf5L22C<\/a><\/p>&mdash; The Greens at Gastonia (@AtGastonia) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AtGastonia\/status\/2031105272865779794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">March 9th is National Barbie Day! We celebrate the iconic toy that premiered on this day in 1959. As part of the legacy of Barbie\u2122 and the commitment to inspiring girls to explore their limitless potential, The Trail of Painted Ponies is honored to introduce \u201cDream in Pink.&quot; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/1Bbf6QWKVQ\">pic.twitter.com\/1Bbf6QWKVQ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; TrailofPaintedPonies (@PaintedPonies) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PaintedPonies\/status\/2031050001724653771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>If you would like to suggest a Hashtag Minute for next week&rsquo;s show, email hello@maritimeradio.co.uk, Tweet us @MaritimeLDN or leave a comment on this page.<\/p>","tags":["Maritime Hashtag Minute"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69b1c41d98fbb.jpeg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/84081"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69a8b50fa7299","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/weekly-news-rundown-stories-sunday-8th-march-2026\/","title":"Weekly News Rundown Stories \u2013 Sunday 8th March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-08T16:40:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Serious News<\/strong><br \/>\nLondon Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is investing &pound;20million to try and get more people to use buses within the capital.<\/p>\n\n<p>TfL will put the money for &ldquo;fares innovation&rdquo; which may reduce fares at specific times, as well as a free service when they initially launch.<\/p>\n\n<p>Last year was the first in which bus passenger numbers fell since the pandemic, as there was 1.842 billion journeys made &ndash; down from 1.869 billion the year before. The trend has been downward, ever since the peak of 2014 where that year 2.4 billion journeys made.<\/p>\n\n<p>London&rsquo;s transport watchdog puts the cause down to the slow bus speeds. Average speeds in 2024-25 fell to 9.17mph, down from 10.27mph in 2022.<\/p>\n\n<p>Speaking of the announcement of the approval of the annual budget last Thursday, Khan says: &ldquo;We will be tasking TfL to look into ways we can encourage more people to use, in particular, buses. We&#39;re a city with a remarkable public transport system which is getting better all the time&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>&pound;1.26billion of the budget was also spent on policing, while both TfL and London&rsquo;s Fire Brigade had an increase of &pound;250million each.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Crazy News<\/strong><br \/>\nOver in America, a county in Ohio lost phone and internet services which also affected government offices.<\/p>\n\n<p>An outage that occurred all the way back on February 20th was initially blamed on contractors cutting through a fibre cable underground &ndash; when the real cause was a squirrel.<\/p>\n\n<p>Speaking at a commissioner&rsquo;s meeting, County Administrator Matt Springer exposed the actual reasoning of a squirrel&rsquo;s nest built within the fibre cabling and chewed through multiple cables.<\/p>\n\n<p>He says that they are talking to internet service providers as well as the networking team to prevent this from happening again, adding: &ldquo;It&#39;s hard to make this stuff up&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Happy News<\/strong><br \/>\nA fire department in Kentucky are turning to TikTok to share fire safety tips to the world.<\/p>\n\n<p>The Owensboro Fire Department has sprinkled some humour into their skits in a bid to catch attention to those that would have just scrolled straight past.<\/p>\n\n<p>It has seemed to work, as within days of launching, each of their videos have already racked up thousands of views.<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@owensborofiredept\/video\/7606081774313147662\" data-video-id=\"7606081774313147662\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@owensborofiredept\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@owensborofiredept?refer=embed\">@owensborofiredept<\/a> <p>We\u2019re on TikTok! If this is where you are, this is where we\u2019ll be. We\u2019ve got important fire safety information to share, and we\u2019re willing to get creative to make sure you see it! Follow the Owensboro Fire Department on Facebook, Instagram, and now TikTok.<\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\u266c original sound - Owensboro Fire Dept.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7606081771553852174?refer=embed\">\u266c original sound - Owensboro Fire Dept.<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n<p>Speaking of the page, Fire Chief James Howard says: &ldquo;We want to make sure we are capturing as much of the demographic as we can&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>Battalion Chief Brian Roberts added: &ldquo;We are not picky about where people learn fire-prevention habits, as long as the message gets out&rdquo;.<\/p>","tags":["The Weekly Rundown"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69a8ad2eb8cf7.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83977"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69a8802a5725c","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-hashtag-minute-sunday-8th-march-2026\/","title":"Maritime Hashtag Minute \u2013 Sunday 8th March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-08T15:30:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what\u2019s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what&rsquo;s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute. This week&rsquo;s #MaritimeHashtagMinute was #MacBookNeo, a new entry-line laptop from Apple which was unveiled on Wednesday. Other devices were announced, like the iPhone 17e, as well as new devices in the iPad and MacBook ranges. View the Tweets below:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro...<br><br>And now, say hello to the all-new MacBook Neo!<br><br>We\u2019re so excited to bring the magic of Mac to even more people around the world. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/z2w4RmShRO\">pic.twitter.com\/z2w4RmShRO<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Tim Cook (@tim_cook) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/tim_cook\/status\/2029215184364122348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Apple has introduced the new MacBook Neo<br><br>- 13\u201d LCD display<br>- A18 Pro chip<br>- 8GB RAM<br>- 256GB\/512GB storage<br>- 16 hours of battery life<br>- Colors: silver, indigo, blush, and citrus<br>- Starts at $599 ($499 for students)<br><br>Order today. Available on March 11 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SlxiXCUvwk\">pic.twitter.com\/SlxiXCUvwk<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Apple Hub (@theapplehub) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/theapplehub\/status\/2029200922124140614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">the macbook neo *precisely* targets people with an iPhone and a windows laptop:<br><br>runs windows apps, built-in antivirus, pairs with your iPhone, designed for first-time mac users<br><br>oh, and it&#39;s $599 \ud83e\udd2f<br><br>this is how apple will dominate the laptop market <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Aa146rZrPc\">pic.twitter.com\/Aa146rZrPc<\/a><\/p>&mdash; juan (@juanbuis) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/juanbuis\/status\/2029212918534004741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">TL;DR: The new Macbook is essentially a netbook.<br><br>Intel Core M, tiny board, fanless...<br><br>A very sexy, expensive, metal netbook.<\/p>&mdash; Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MKBHD\/status\/575010562293153792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 9, 2015<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">MacBook Neo comes in four beautiful colors:<br><br>\u2022 Blush \ud83c\udf38<br>\u2022 Indigo \ud83d\udc9c<br>\u2022 Silver \ud83e\ude76<br>\u2022 Citrus \ud83c\udf4b<br><br>Which one are you picking? \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udcbb <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SYNg8leKBx\">pic.twitter.com\/SYNg8leKBx<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Apple Club (@ApplesClubs) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ApplesClubs\/status\/2029206786704851116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><meta charset=\"UTF-8\" \/>If you would like to suggest a Hashtag Minute for next week&rsquo;s show, email hello@maritimeradio.co.uk, Tweet us @MaritimeLDN or leave a comment on this page.<\/p>","tags":["Maritime Hashtag Minute"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69a87f74f024f.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83973"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69a92d529f664","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/world-book-day\/","title":"World Book Day","date_published":"2026-03-05T07:14:26+00:00","summary":"World Book day is today! A study of parents of children found 82% read to their little ones on a regular basis, with\r\none in 5 doing so at least once a day. ","content_html":"<p>The most loved children&#39;s books of all time have been revealed.<\/p>\n\n<p>The Famous Five series is the nation&#39;s most loved children&#39;s books of all time. First published in 1942, the 21 books follow four adventurous young children, Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina, and her dog, Timmy. The books have topped a poll of most loved childhood novels, beating the likes of Harry Potter and the Philosopher&lsquo;s Stone, which appeared in 17th place.<\/p>\n\n<p>A study of parents of children found 82% read to their little ones on a regular basis, with one in 5 doing so at least once a day. And many of us employ a host of storytelling techniques to capture the imagination of their little ones. These include using sound effects, dimming the lights, and even embellishing or tweaking the story.<\/p>\n\n<p>If your kids are dressing up as their favourite characters for World Book Day, a new poll says the average costume is now &pound;19, but more than one in ten parents admit they&lsquo;re spending over &pound;50 on a single outfit, with many parents saying they feel this pressure to out\u2011do each other<\/p>\n\n<p><em><strong>What are you reading at the moment?&nbsp; Do you have any good recommendations?&nbsp; What are your kids dressing up as today?&nbsp; Let us know in the comments.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>","tags":["Christmas"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/65e96f1284f6e.jpeg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83978"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69a74c8b9bf27","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/staying-fit-with-pat\/","title":"Staying Fit with Pat!","date_published":"2026-03-03T21:03:00+00:00","summary":"A new book containing guides to exercise routines for older adults is out now and its author came in to the studio to tell us more. ","content_html":"<p>Our fitness expert Pat Kingsmill has written a new book for older adults, helping them with fitness, strength, balance, mobility and aerobic exercises, either seated or standing.<\/p>\n\n<p>Stay Strong, Live Long is available now on Amazon!<\/p>","tags":["Greenwich Breakfast"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69a7629e4efa0.jpg","author":{"name":"Duncan Martin"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83961"},{"id":"o1353-1617-699e0684a0246","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/weekly-news-rundown-stories-sunday-1st-march-2026\/","title":"Weekly News Rundown Stories \u2013 Sunday 1st March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-01T16:40:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Serious News<\/strong><br \/>\nLondon is set to have its first large-scale floating park, as plans have been revealed for the Victoria Dock to feature a lido as well as new homes.<\/p>\n\n<p>Called Royal Docks Waterways, the space will welcome art installations, cultural events, as well as a focus on swimming, alongside a wellness centre which will also have a sauna and spa.<\/p>\n\n<p>Built on top of a 12-hectacre area of water, the green space in Newham will be increased by 5% and be a &ldquo;destination for residents, workers, and visitors alike&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>A spokesperson for the development says that the project goes along with the Mayor of London&#39;s Clean and Healthy Waterways plan &ndash; a 10-year scheme that aims to improve on water quality, restore waterways while also enhancing access to the public.<\/p>\n\n<p>The organisation&rsquo;s managing director, Scott Derben, adds: &ldquo;This vision represents the biggest step change in the management and development of the Royal Docks since they were closed to commercial shipping at the end of 1981. Now, 45 years later, our goal is that the docks that used to feed London will be used to nurture its inhabitants&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Crazy News<\/strong><br \/>\nSome shops have begun locking chocolate bars in security boxes, as one branch of Sainsbury&rsquo;s within London are &ldquo;regularly targeted&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>A statement from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) have said that the sweet treat was &ldquo;sold on by criminals and is now being targeted more frequently by prolific offenders&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>Following a man being arrested by Cambridgeshire Police after being found with his pockets crammed full of Cr&egrave;me Eggs, the force said that: &ldquo;Chocolate is one of a number of high-value items thieves often target, along with products such as alcohol, meat and coffee. Retail theft has a real and lasting impact &ndash; not just on businesses, but on the staff who have to deal with related abuse and intimidation&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>The British Retail Consortium&rsquo;s annual crime findings state that there were 5.5 million reported incidents of theft last year, as well as 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse every day on staff &ndash; that figure was down by 20% but still the second highest on record.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Happy News<\/strong><br \/>\nComedian Paul Elliott (or Paul Chuckle) is set to travel across the UK throughout March, raising money for Marie Curie in the charity&rsquo;s biggest annual fundraiser &ndash; this year in its 40th anniversary.<\/p>\n\n<p>His target is &pound;40,000 as he sets off on Tuesday 3rd March from John O&rsquo;Groats in the Scottish Highlands and anticipates arrival at Land&rsquo;s End in Cornwall eight days later. The journey will be in the iconic Chuckle Bike branded in the charity&rsquo;s blue and yellow.<\/p>\n\n<p>Elliott is &ldquo;incredibly proud&rdquo; to be the charity&rsquo;s ambassador, as his brother Barry was in Marie Curie&rsquo;s end-of-life care.<\/p>\n\n<p>Speaking of the journey ahead, he says: &ldquo;I&#39;m really excited to get to travel the route with the Daff Bike, raise lots of money for the charity and meet as many Marie Curie supporters, volunteers and staff as possible to say a huge thank you - from me to you&rdquo;.<\/p>","tags":["The Weekly Rundown"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/699e0630676c2.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83866"},{"id":"o1353-1617-69a0c0dc5bb26","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-hashtag-minute-sunday-1st-march-2026\/","title":"Maritime Hashtag Minute \u2013 Sunday 1st March 2026","date_published":"2026-03-01T15:30:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what\u2019s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what&rsquo;s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute. This week&rsquo;s #MaritimeHashtagMinute was #GalaxyUnpacked, which was broadcast on Wednesday evening. During the event, many new devices were unveiled including the Buds4 and S26 range - where one feature stole the headlines. View the Tweets below:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces Flex Magic Pixel, bringing the world&#39;s first privacy display on a smartphone.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/GalaxyS26Ultra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GalaxyS26Ultra<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SamsungUnpacked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SamsungUnpacked<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/uYVkfZwlVo\">pic.twitter.com\/uYVkfZwlVo<\/a><\/p>&mdash; JM. (@Jmadebayo) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Jmadebayo\/status\/2026751264235643313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">That Privacy Display on the S26 Ultra is a complete game changer . This is next-level innovation. Your screen protects your content, keeping your messages, banking apps, and personal info for your eyes only.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SamsungUnpacked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SamsungUnpacked<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SamsungS26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SamsungS26<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SamsungMobile?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@SamsungMobile<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SamsungMobileSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@SamsungMobileSA<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/QYnHlz3YwV\">pic.twitter.com\/QYnHlz3YwV<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Prince Ngwane (@PrinceNgwane) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PrinceNgwane\/status\/2026751194002059454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I\u2019m still rocking my Galaxy S23, and after seeing the S26 launch, I\u2019m staying put. Aside from a slightly better battery, there is zero reason to upgrade. How can three generations pass with almost no hardware innovation? Samsung is officially coasting. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/GalaxyS26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GalaxyS26<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SamsungUnpacked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SamsungUnpacked<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Jo\u00e3o Dias (@jaodiaas) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/jaodiaas\/status\/2026735051430309910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\" data-conversation=\"none\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udd0b Battery: Finally, 60W Fast Charging is here.<br>\ud83e\udd16 AI: The new &quot;all-new&quot; Bixby is actually acting as a true AI agent.<br><br>Is the Privacy Display a game-changer for you, or just a cool party trick? Let\u2019s hear it! \ud83d\udc47<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/S26Ultra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#S26Ultra<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SamsungUnpacked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SamsungUnpacked<\/a> # <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/Android2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Android2026<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/GalaxyUnpacked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#GalaxyUnpacked<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Masuda (@Nextgen_En) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Nextgen_En\/status\/2026728835140456668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Samsung engineers are changing the game as always! We already have end-to-end protection with Samsung Knox, but now Flex Magic Pixel keeps prying eyes away too. Kudos, Samsung! \ud83d\udc4f <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/SamsungUnpacked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SamsungUnpacked<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/CEkLY5qmjk\">pic.twitter.com\/CEkLY5qmjk<\/a><\/p>&mdash; CCR (@canercem_) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/canercem_\/status\/2026775244795757014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><meta charset=\"UTF-8\" \/>If you would like to suggest a Hashtag Minute for next week&rsquo;s show, email hello@maritimeradio.co.uk, Tweet us @MaritimeLDN or leave a comment on this page.<\/p>","tags":["Maritime Hashtag Minute"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/69a0c093a400b.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83894"},{"id":"o1353-1617-698cf202eb3f6","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/weekly-news-rundown-stories-sunday-15th-february-2026\/","title":"Weekly News Rundown Stories \u2013 Sunday 15th February 2026","date_published":"2026-02-15T16:40:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Serious News<\/strong><br \/>\nLondon&rsquo;s Liverpool Street is set to be redeveloped, even though the plans are controversial.<\/p>\n\n<p>Network Rail&rsquo;s &pound;1.2billion project had been given the green light by the City of London on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n<p>Similar to London Bridge and The Shard, a mixed-use 97-metre (318ft) tower block will be build on top of the concourse on what is &nbsp;the United Kingdom&rsquo;s busiest railway station &ndash; while retaining the &ldquo;unique heritage&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>The plans have come under fire, as actor Griff Rhys Jones (and president of both the Victorian Society and the Liverpool Street Station Campaign or Lissca) says that &ldquo;A disfiguring billion-pound office block on top of a major heritage asset is not essential to the City&#39;s development plans&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p>In the plans from Network Rail, concourse capacity will be increased by 76%, passenger flow will be improved as well as step free access from all platforms to street level.<\/p>\n\n<p>Managing director of Network Rail East says: &ldquo;This decision represents a key step towards the transformation of Britain&#39;s busiest station and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Liverpool Street. With annual passenger numbers forecast to grow to 158 million, this approval ensures the station will be future proofed for decades to come&rdquo;.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Crazy News<\/strong><br \/>\nAn airport has got a new mascot in Amelia the Airplane.<\/p>\n\n<p>Sylvia Mejia-Bivens grew up down the road from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and used to watch them &ndash; even wanting one day to be close to them.<\/p>\n\n<p>She has spent the last 10 yeas mastering the role of becoming the costumed airport mascot.<\/p>\n\n<p>Named after aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, the mascot was created in the mid-2000s by the Airport&rsquo;s public relations department.<\/p>\n\n<p>Mijia-Bivens herself has become the longest serving person playing Amelia &ndash; before she was an aviation courier and now also works as the administrative aide for the aviation&rsquo;s technology division. She greets many passengers looking to travel west from Arizona&rsquo;s largest airport.<\/p>\n\n<p>The costume is light to wear &ndash; fabric is buckled to the staff member who is wearing pilot uniform which looks like they are inside the plane.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Happy News<\/strong><br \/>\nA&nbsp;museum has opened up an exhibition to celebrate Aardman&rsquo;s 50th anniversary.<\/p>\n\n<p>Bethnal Green&rsquo;s Young V&amp;A hosts some of the clay models and props used in films and television shows from the Bristolian studios.<\/p>\n\n<p>Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep are some of the hits that have come from the stop-motion studio.<\/p>\n\n<p>Alex Newson is the chief curator, and hopes that the exhibit will &ldquo;inspire creativity&rdquo; and show that anything is possible with some imagination.<\/p>\n\n<p>The display began on Thursday 12th February and will run until Sunday 15th November.<\/p>\n\n<p>Some of the items on display include Lady Tottington, the rocket from Wallace and Gromit&rsquo;s Grand Day Out as well as early character sketches, concept art, puppets, set models and even optical illusion toys.<\/p>","tags":["The Weekly Rundown"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/698cf1f9492eb.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83730"},{"id":"o1353-1617-698a448995853","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/maritime-hashtag-minute-sunday-15th-february-2026\/","title":"Maritime Hashtag Minute \u2013 Sunday 15th February 2026","date_published":"2026-02-15T15:30:00+00:00","summary":"Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what\u2019s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute.","content_html":"<p>Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at what&rsquo;s happened the past 7 days and what was trending on Twitter with the Maritime Hashtag Minute. This week&rsquo;s #MaritimeHashtagMinute was #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, which was celebrated by bringing businesses and apprentices together to shine a light on the positive impacts made to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.&nbsp;View the Tweets below:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This week is National Apprenticeship Week. More than 27,000 people started an NHS apprenticeship in 2024\/25, the highest number\u202fsince data collection began in 2016\/17. <br><br>Earn, learn and make a difference with an NHS apprenticeship. <br><br>Find out more.<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/N6TQgvSlkP\">https:\/\/t.co\/N6TQgvSlkP<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/7zLs8gO0pZ\">pic.twitter.com\/7zLs8gO0pZ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; NHS Health Careers (@HealthCareersUK) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/HealthCareersUK\/status\/2020798626633580591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It\u2019s National Apprenticeship Week \u2013 an opportunity to celebrate the small employers across the UK that are backing the next generation of talent \ud83d\udc69\ud83c\udffd\u200d\ud83d\udd27\u2070\u2070\u00a0\u2705 Apprenticeships open doors for young people as well as helping small firms to grow and tackle skills gaps.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/skillsforlife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#skillsforlife<\/a>\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vjvClEhFtY\">pic.twitter.com\/vjvClEhFtY<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) (@fsb_policy) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/fsb_policy\/status\/2020800252773540143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">And so it begins! <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Apprenticeships?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Apprenticeships<\/a> and Skills&#39; National Apprenticeship Week.<br><br>Listen below to <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/edfenergy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@edfenergy<\/a>&#39;s apprentices, Isabel, Isabella, and Sophie speaking at <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/NuclearWeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#NuclearWeek<\/a>\u2019s Skills and Apprenticeship Fair about why now is a great time to begin an apprenticeship in nuclear.<br><br>You\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BxFarRkEKQ\">pic.twitter.com\/BxFarRkEKQ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Nuclear Industry Association (@NIAUK) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NIAUK\/status\/2020784741805662665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It&#39;s National Apprenticeship Week and we&#39;re recruiting \ud83d\udc77\u200d\u2640\ufe0f\ud83d\udc77\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<br><br>Today we&#39;re opening applications for 34 apprenticeships and 16 graduate roles across HS2 Ltd and our construction partners, with opportunities in Birmingham and London.<br><br>Roles include civil engineering, quantity\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OKo5w4a9NC\">pic.twitter.com\/OKo5w4a9NC<\/a><\/p>&mdash; HS2 Ltd (@HS2ltd) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/HS2ltd\/status\/2020796121342181735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\" align=\"center\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week and an opportunity to shine a light on the positive influence that apprenticeships can have within organisations. <br><br>As part of Railway 200, there is a carriage in the touring exhibition train, Inspiration, dedicated to careers\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/uF4LLOJKXq\">pic.twitter.com\/uF4LLOJKXq<\/a><\/p>&mdash; railway200 (@railway200) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/railway200\/status\/2020860386518397202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p><meta charset=\"UTF-8\" \/>If you would like to suggest a Hashtag Minute for next week&rsquo;s show, email hello@maritimeradio.co.uk, Tweet us @MaritimeLDN or leave a comment on this page.<\/p>","tags":["Maritime Hashtag Minute"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/698a445e139af.jpg","author":{"name":"Ben Hopkinson"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83693"},{"id":"o1353-1617-698af55bae2dd","url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/blogs\/maritime-radio\/post\/safer-internet-day-2026\/","title":"Safer Internet Day 2026","date_published":"2026-02-10T09:07:00+00:00","summary":"Safer Internet Day, every year on 10th February, is a global initiative to promote the safe, responsible, and positive use of digital technology, particularly for children and young people.  It addresses online risks like cyber-bullying and scams. ","content_html":"<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">New research led by former cybercrime police officer Nick Hawe exposes a worrying truth: most UK fans can&rsquo;t tell a genuine ticket from a fake on social media.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">It found that the majority (55%) of Brits cannot confidently determine whether a ticket listing on social media is real or a scam.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">In fact, 26%&nbsp;of Brits have bought tickets on social media because they seemed cheap, only for them to turn out to be fake, losing an average of &pound;258.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">Trust in purchasing tickets on these platforms is low, with 60% saying they do not trust buying tickets on X, 54% on Instagram and 53% on Facebook.<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">However, such is the desire to land tickets, that nearly half (45%)&nbsp;reported they would still risk losing money buying on social media, even if they suspected it might be fake.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">With fan demand likely to surge this year for major concerts such as Harry Styles, BTS and Ariana Grande, as well as sporting events like the World Cup, Get Safe Online has appointed Nick Hawe, former cybercrime police officer, as its Ticket Safety Expert to help protect fans from ticket scams.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">As part of Safer Internet Day, personal experiences from those who had been hit by fraudsters were also shared&hellip; <i>&ldquo;We thought we were buying Oasis tickets from a family friend - then &pound;700 disappeared and the tickets never came. Seeing how heartbroken my daughter was devastating&rdquo;.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">Another victim said &ldquo;<i>I spent all my holiday money on tickets for a Leverkusen vs Dortmund game. Standing outside the stadium and realising they were fake was devastating - I had to call my dad just to get through the rest of the trip&rdquo;.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">The research comes at a pivotal time, as the UK government plans to introduce price caps on resale tickets.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><b><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">Nick Hawe, Ticket Safety Expert said<\/span><\/b><i><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">:&nbsp;&ldquo;Ahead of a stellar year of live events it&rsquo;s alarming to see that 55% of Brits aren&rsquo;t able to spot a ticket scam.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><i><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">&ldquo;To make this worse, the Government is proposing the introduction of price caps on resale tickets exposing even more fans to fraud on social media&rdquo;.<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">Data from Ireland where caps exist shows significantly higher risk: fraud rates are 13.6%, nearly four times that of the UK.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">This was illustrated by NFL Dublin, where the absence of legal resale options pushed fans to social media, triggering an 80% spike in ticket-scam victims and a 48% rise in losses, with 17&ndash;24-year-olds most affected.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size:12pt\"><span style=\"font-family:Aptos,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif\">Fans can<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getsafeonline.org\/safeticketbuyertools\/\"> visit the &ldquo;<u><span style=\"color:blue\">Safe Ticket Buyer Tools&rdquo;<\/span><\/u>&nbsp;page on Get Safe Online<\/a>, offering free tools recommended by Ticket Safety Expert, Nick Hawe, on how to stay protected from online fraud.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>","tags":["Christmas"],"image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1353\/698af544030d7.jpg","author":{"name":"Maritime Radio Studio"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.maritimeradio.co.uk\/_app_pages\/stations\/5437\/blogs\/posts\/83696"}]}