The Brentwood Buzz

Celebrating all that is good about the people and places of Brentwood, Essex

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99 episodes
Updated July 22

Episodes99

Newest first

March 7 · 20 min
S4Ep& Classy Bars and Grassy Cars
Come to Brentwood High Street and you will see the Sugar Hut - formerly the White Hart coaching inn, and then central nightclub venue for the antics of the The Only Way Is Essex cast - and, if you are lucky, a glimpse of a tiny Smart car covered in fake grass. Strangely enough, both attractions were brought to the town by the same man, Fraser Donaldson, who's now the Managing Director of Easigrass Essex and Herts, based at the Hunters Chase Garden Centre in Hutton. Fraser has been telling The Brentwood Buzz how he came to be involved with classy bars and grassy cars.
March 4 · 10 min
S4Ep6 Getting Businesses Connected in Ingatestone
The Brentwood Buzz celebrates all that's good about the people and places of Brentwood, Essex - and that's the whole Borough of Brentwood, not just the town. There are so many amazing people living here, with great stories to tell, and so many businesses, voluntary groups, arts collectives and societies who do great work in the Borough. Currently, the three main high streets of Brentwood, Ingatestone and Shenfield, are also being celebrated and highlighted by the Business Improvement District project, known as Brentwood Connected. This week Brentwood Connected held a networking breakfast in Ingatestone for some of its members, so The Brentwood Buzz popped along for a (very) early morning coffee and chat.
February 18 · 14 min
S4Ep5 Managing Secrets at Brentwood Theatre
The Brentwood Buzz is a regular visitor to Brentwood Theatre, reporting on many of the shows put on by local theatre groups, including Shenfield Operatic Society, Brentwood Musical Theatre Society, 1:4:9 Productions and The College Players. Last year a new manager arrived at the theatre, Jake Bedson, a professional actor, director and former Haven Holidays host. He's helping shape the theatre's future, and has an exciting secret project due to be revealed later this year. The Brentwood Buzz has been to visit Jake to find out more about what is going on behind the scenes at our wonderful local theatre.
February 15 · 29 min
S4Ep4 Setting a Course for Success with Brentwood School
Brentwood School has navigated some choppy waters in the last decade, with the Covid pandemic sending lessons online, and changes to the VAT status for private schools forcing some parents to make difficult decisions about costs. Add to this a couple of big building projects and the day to day running of the non-academic side of the school, and School Bursar Jeremy Blunden, is using the navigational skills he brings from 37 years in the Royal Navy to best advantage. Oh, and Jeremy was the Royal Yacht Britannia's Navigating Commander in the last couple of years of her sea-going life. So batten down the hatches and pour yourself a tot of rum for the latest podcast from The Brentwood Buzz as we talk to Jeremy about why swapping the sea for school works well for him.
January 29 · 11 min
S4Ep3 High Fashion and Social Media – it’s all Much Ado About Nothing
1:4:9 Productions is back with the Bard at the Brentwood Theatre at the end of February with a high-fashion production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. 1:4:9 have turned to social media to bring the comedy firmly into modern times, and with family disputes, too much money, a leather-trousered baddie and a female actor playing the male lead, it’s a show not to miss. The Brentwood Buzz has been to rehearsals to find out how family ties and man-spreading are all part of the drama.
January 14 · 14 min
S4Ep2 Shenfield Operatic Society Airs Its Dirty Laundry with The Witches of Eastwick
Shenfield Operatic Society is staging a production of The Witches of Eastwick at the Brentwood Theatre at the end of this month (27th to 31st January) so if you feel a bit of devilish raunchiness and a "Sex Choir" might brighten up your January, make sure you get tickets. The Brentwood Buzz has been to rehearsals to meet the Witches and to find out some of the behind the scenes business and gossip from the Society's Chairman, Jamie Fudge-Smith.
January 4 · 34 min
S4Ep1 My Chum, Lord Pickles of Brentwood and Ongar
As we stumble into 2026, it seemed a good idea to meet up with one of the people who has brought Brentwood – and Ongar – into the public eye over more than twenty five years. Lord Eric Pickles of Brentwood and Ongar was one of the youngest Council Leaders in the country when he led Bradford Metropolitan Council in the 1980s and came to Brentwood in 1992 where he was Member of Parliament for the town from 1992 to 2017. He was Chairman of the Young Conservatives when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, and served as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in the 2010-2015 Coalition Government under David Cameron. For ten years, Lord Pickles has been the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues, and has been a member of the House of Lords since 2017. He’s a big character whose Yorkshire ways and distinctive London taxi were recognised across the constituency during his time in the Commons and, now, the Lords. The Brentwood Buzz has been to Lord P’s office in the House of Lords for a catch up, and a look back on his years as a Communist-turned -Conservative politician.
Dec 18, 2025 · 11 min
S3Ep27 There is Nothing Like a Dame
There is nothing like a dame, especially one who’s singing Nessun Dorma while dressed in a glorious froth of hoops and ruffles and wearing a teapot on her head.And that’s what you get in this year’s Beauty and The Beast Panto at The Brentwood Centre, together with some fabulous performances from a close team of young actors, and a troupe of sassy and talented dancers who – in the main – are still at school. Local production company Sophisticated Entertainment is putting on the show until 4th January 2026 at the Brentwood Centre (https://www.everyoneactive.com/.../the-brentwood-centre.../), and invited The Brentwood Buzz along to press night for an all-singing, all-dancing night of entertainment.
Dec 9, 2025 · 12 min
S3Ep26 SNAP Goes Christmas
Brentwood is very proud to be the home of SNAP Charity, an organisation which has been helping children with additional needs and their families for more than 30 years. SNAP has grown and developed in those years to be the source of information, support and guidance for thousands of families through some of the most difficult of times. The Brentwood Buzz joined the SNAP team, parents and some very sticky and excited small children for a morning of Festive Fun, with Father Christmas, presents and a couple of elves.
Nov 30, 2025 · 12 min
S3Ep25 Time for Brentwood, Business and a Bacon Butty
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce brings together businesses large and small from across the Borough of Brentwood, for support, networking and making a difference in the town. The Chamber works with the Brentwood Improvement District through Brentwood Connected, and ensures the voices of local entrepreneurs are heard when change is afoot. The Brentwood Buzz got up very early to join some of our local businesses for a bacon butty and a spot of networking at the latest Brentwood Business Breakfast.
Nov 22, 2025 · 7 min
S3Ep24 Essex Police's Brentwood Christmas Present Plan
The excitement of Christmas, with presents, festive food and even the chance of some snow, on many people’s minds in Brentwood. But although Brentwood is a relatively well-off Borough, there are some families who struggle, and some vulnerable children who are less likely to get Christmas gifts. But this is where Essex Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team has stepped in for the last few years, by identifying children who could do with some cheer in their lives and getting an Amazon wish list together if anyone wants to buy some extra presents for those in need. The Brentwood Buzz has been finding out how we can all help spread some Christmas joy.
Nov 19, 2025 · 21 min
S3Ep23 Getting Festive with Figo
With Christmas and the New Year holiday season looming every closer, the Borough of Brentwood is getting ready to light up, have fun and welcome Father Christmas, many elves and plenty of parties. The Brentwood Lighting Up Ceremony takes place this weekend - 22nd November - with a focus on bringing the magic of Christmas to the children of the town. Father Christmas will be joining the Rotary Elves on the High Street, Mrs Claus will be in her grotto at the Chicken and Frog Bookshop on Crown Street, and the North Pole Postmistress will be outside the Figo restaurant if anyone wants to send a letter to Santa. The Brentwood Buzz has been to Figo to meet its Events Manager, Debbie Butcher, who combines events coordination with driving a cab, so is a cracking person to chat with for this latest episode of Brentwood's most celebratory podcast.
Nov 11, 2025 · 8 min
S3Ep22 Remembrance Day at Brentwood School
Having spoken last week on The Brentwood Buzz to the Parade Commander, Sarb Singh, of the Brentwood Remembrance Parade, today The Buzz has been to Brentwood School to join its Remembrance Day service, and speak to some of the staff, cadets and pupils as they remembered the fallen in a Drumhead Service in the School Chapel.
Nov 5, 2025 · 14 min
S3Ep21 - A Splash of Colour for Brentwood's Remembrance Parade
Brentwood's annual Remembrance Sunday Parade takes place on Sunday 9th November 2025, with representatives from Brentwood Borough Council, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue, Royal Mail, Armed Forces, cadet groups, Scouts and Girl Guides marching through the town led by the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band. The Brentwood Buzz has been to meet the Parade Commander, Sarb Singh, to hear more about the parade. We've also caught up with an old friend of the podcast, Mario Corile, whose latest mural on the side of the Spread Eagle pub marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and popped in to the pub to find out from new landlady, Remi Bassett, why the mural is such a big part of the pub's presence in the town.
Oct 11, 2025 · 17 min
S3Ep20 Brentwood Is The Place To Do Business - Brentwood Business Awards 2025
If ever confirmation were needed that Brentwood is the place to do business, the annual Brentwood Business Awards organised by Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is the place to go. More than two hundred Brentwood business people, local dignitaries, friends and family gathered this week for a glittering awards ceremony at which awards were given for high Street Impact, Community Engagement, Customer Service and Brentwood Business of the Year. The Brentwood Buzz was there to chat to as many of these fabulous people as possible.
Oct 10, 2025 · 19 min
S3Ep19 Backstage with Brentwood Musical Theatre Society
Brentwood is fortunate to have a unending succession of keen amateur and professional singers, dancers, actors and musicians who perform regularly in musicals, plays and concerts in venues throughout the town. This month Brentwood Musical Theatre Society - formerly Brentwood Operatic Society - is staging Rock of Ages at the Brentwood Theatre, bringing a hit of the 1980s for all those who love a rara skirt and mobile phones the size of bricks. The Brentwood Buzz joined the team for a rehearsal and to find out what makes the BMTS members give up their time and skills to put on a show.
Oct 1, 2025 · 9 min
S3Ep18 The Progress Sessions – Music, Poetry and all things Climate Action at Hey Joe Music
Brentwood has its own Climate Action Group which is a growing collection of people wanting to talk about what needs to be done to tackle climate change. But it’s not all climate. Great effort is being made to bring together a community of like-minded people to talk, debate, have picnics on Shenfield Common and, every so often, enjoy and evening of poetry and music. Hey Joe Music, just off Crown Street, was the venue for the latest evening of words and music, and The Brentwood Buzz was there to meet Brentwood Climate Action chair, Kat Anderson, and singer/songwriter, Lucy Blu. Find more episodes and information at www.thebrentwoodbuzz.co.uk
Sep 25, 2025 · 24 min
S3Ep17 The McDonald's Gold Arches Return to Brentwood
There was a time, in the dim and distant past, when Brentwood had two McDonald’s restaurants – one on the High Street, and a drive-thru on the Mountnessing roundabout. Then they both closed and those with a taste for McNuggets or a Happy Meal had to travel to Chelmsford or even Romford for a full fat fix. But this year, McDonald’s reopened on Brentwood High Street under the watchful eye of former McDonald’s Customer Care Assistant turned current franchisee, Joey Antwi-Kusi. The Brentwood Buzz has been to meet Joey, and to go behind the scenes in the shiny new Brentwood Maccy-D’s.
Sep 17, 2025 · 17 min
S3Ep16 Camping with 1st Warley Cubs at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
The Brentwood Buzz celebrates all that's good about the people and places of Brentwood, Essex - but when the 1st Warley Cubs organised a weekend camp at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome just outside Danbury in Essex, it seemed like a good excuse to Buzz a little further afield. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome was used as a base for some of the earliest war planes to take off and land when defending the East of England and London from the Zeppelins of the Great War of 1914-1918. At the time the airmen and crew lived first in tents, and then in buildings which have largely survived the last 100 years and are now open to visitors. And the tents are back too, as the amazing team at the Aerodrome have started to allow youth organisations to camp overnight and earn some of the stages of the Air Activities badge. 1st Warley Cubs were among the first Cubs to have this amazing experience, so The Brentwood Buzz was there to find out more about the Aerodrome, and what it takes to make a good and safe Cub Camp.
Sep 10, 2025 · 15 min
S3Ep15 Welcoming Neurodiversity at the Chicken and Frog Bookshop
Any parent of a child with autism or ADHD - or any adult living with the joys and challenges neurodiversity can bring - needs to pop in to the Chicken and Frog Bookshop where a new sensory space and a room full of books, resources and toys has been set up over the summer. The Brentwood Buzz popped in to the shop on Crown Street to see the changes, and found it was already being praised by parents and local psychologists who had been in to browse.