BCfm launches Bristol oral history podcast

BCfm is launching a new local oral history podcast called 12 Communities 1 Bristol.

The series, by Marcus Smith, is in partnership with Bristol Museums, Bristol Archives, UWE Bristol and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Each of the 12 episodes will focus on a particular Bristol neighbourhood – Barton Hill, Knowle West, Lawrence Weston, Easton, Fishponds, Hartcliffe, St George, Hillfields, Southmead, Eastville, Stockwood and Avonmouth.

The podcast follows over a year of training and recording with a mixed pool of more than 40 volunteers and students from across the city.

Marcus Smith tells us more: “There are stories of an old man in Hartcliffe who eats snails and calls them wall-fish, funny tales of a female rugby team based in Avonmouth, plus hip hop from Knowle West and bee conservation in St George.

“Many of these areas are often overlooked or stigmatised. So we have created something to change perceptions and share unique local stories. This new podcast is for Bristolians, welcomed newcomers and future generations to come.”

Patrick Hart, Station Manager, BCfm Radio said: “The last 12 months have been a difficult year for the station with a major fire destroying our studios and just as we thought things were getting back to normal – Then coronavirus happened and hit us all.

“In the midst of this, Marcus and the team have managed to put together some simply amazing pieces of audio that really do represent those 12 communities of Bristol – I can’t wait for the city to hear them.”

Cllr Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor, Bristol City Council adds: “I’m delighted to see the launch of a local podcast that will shine a light on the lives of people from across Bristol’s diverse and vibrant communities.

“Each community has its own stories to tell, and I’m looking forward to hearing about the uniqueness of each community and the things that tie us together as a city.”

‘12 Communities 1 Bristol’ will be available from September 17th on BCfm Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and all mainstream podcast providers.