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

Aug 31, 2025 · 17 min
S3Ep14 Celebrating International Culture in Brentwood - Black and Being Essex
Brentwood is hosting its first International Cultural Festival this September, with talks, films, food and activities from local people who have come to the town from a multitude of countries and cultures. From those who came to Brentwood to work for the Ford Motor Company, and skilled workers who were invited to the UK to work in the NHS, to those who came from Ukraine to escape the war with Russia, and those who came for love, there are many people living in the town who bring different cultural experiences to this part of Essex. The Brentwood Buzz has met Preen Chakadonha, who has set up a website www.blackandbeingessex.co.uk, to enable the black community in Essex to share resources, advice and - very importantly - tips on where to find a good hairdresser.
Aug 17, 2025 · 20 min
S3Ep13 The Heart of Brentwood - Celebrating 30 Years of the British Heart Foundation Shop
Brentwood High Street has an eclectic mix of shops, from High Street chains to independent stores to charity shops. One of the charity shops which has been offering the chance to recycle unwanted goods, and to grab a bargain, is the British Heart Foundation outlet, which is celebrating 30 years on Brentwood High Street this year. The Brentwood Buzz has been to visit the shop to find out what's kept it going for three decades, and to meet some of the staff and volunteers.
Jul 7, 2025 · 23 min
In Memory of Mark Reed - The Brentwood Buzz's First Guest
My friend, Mark Reed, whose endless positivity and support set me on the road to starting this podcast, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday 5th July. Mark, a local councillor, a former Mayor of Brentwood, the former manager of Brentwood Theatre, a great supporter of so many local organisations and charities and a fantastic animal wrangler, will be hugely missed by all who knew him. While working at Brentwood Theatre, he encouraged me to record some interviews about the shows which were taking place, and gave me the chance to host the theatre's own awards, The Brents. He restored my enthusiasm for broadcasting and The Brentwood Buzz was born. When I needed a forgiving first guest for The Brentwood Buzz, who had endless joy for the people and places of Brentwood, Essex, I knew Mark - aka Mr Brentwood - was the best person to ask. And he was brilliant. If you knew Mark, I hope this repeat of his interview will remind you what a cracking chap and glorious friend he has been to so many of us. And if you did not know him, this is a chance for you to hear one of Brentwood's finest chaps talking about the town he loved and served so well. Mark was very proud to be my first guest, and that his is the most listened to interview in this series. RIP Mark. Best buzzings and thank you for everything xxx
Jul 2, 2025 · 8 min
S3Ep12 Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week - Meet the People Who Can Help
We live in an increasingly busy and crowded society, and there are times when the behaviour of others, or even ourselves, can cross a line and cause distress or offence. Brentwood Connected, which runs the Business Improvement District for Brentwood, Ingatestone and Shenfield, is raising awareness of anti-social behaviour this week by letting us know who to contact if there is a problem on our High Streets or with neighbours, and what they can do to help. The Brentwood Buzz found some of the team in the Baytree Centre this week so popped in to have a chat.
May 22, 2025 · 9 min
S3Ep11 The Americans Are In Town - for burgers, worship and prayer
Every year the churches of Brentwood hold a four day event on the High Street, giving out free burgers, hotdogs, advice, prayer and worship to meet the needs of all and anyone who passes. This year the local church members were joined by a dozen Americans who've travelled from South Carolina to share their faith - so The Brentwood Buzz has been to meet them, and some of the organisers who make the free lunch event happen every year.
Apr 16, 2025 · 16 min
S3Ep10 Practice Practice Practice with the Hutton Table Tennis Club
Brentwood is a hotbed of talent when it comes to table tennis, with multiple teams meeting across the Borough to take part in local and national leagues, training and socialising. From Bat and Chat to world class players, there is a level for everyone. The Brentwood Buzz has been to meet some of the people who are part of the Hutton Table Tennis Club. www.tabletennis365.com
Apr 2, 2025 · 23 min
S3Ep9 Anything for a Biscuit - Essex Therapy Dogs Take The Lead
Spending time with a dog is many people's idea of the best time ever. The absolute adoration and love a dog can give is so special, and the charity Essex Therapy Dogs recognises this. They have 288 dogs across Essex who, with their owners and entirely voluntarily, spend time in schools, care homes, hospitals, airports and workplaces, just being dogs. And this means people who are sad, stressed, anxious or ill get the chance to stroke, play with and enjoy all a dog can offer. The Brentwood Buzz has been to meet Maple and Jessie, two of the Essex Therapy Dogs for this week's podcast. If you want to find out more about Essex Therapy Dogs you can contact them via their website: https://essextherapydogs.co.uk/
Mar 19, 2025 · 4 min
S3Ep8 The 50th Brentwood Buzz Part 2 - What Do You Love About Brentwood
It's just over two years since The Brentwood Buzz started celebrating life in Brentwood, Essex, through 49 (so far) podcasts featuring local residents, business people, actors and musicians. So, to celebrate this achievement, the 50th episode of The Brentwood Buzz is a two parter. Part One heard from some of our previous guests about what brought them to Brentwood. Part Two of Episode 50 hears why people stay here and what they love about the town. Sit down, get comfortable, and have a listen. And then listen to the previous 49 episodes, and tell your friends!
Mar 19, 2025 · 5 min
S3Ep8 The 50th Brentwood Buzz Part 1 - What Brought You To Brentwood
It's just over two years since The Brentwood Buzz started celebrating life in Brentwood, Essex, through 49 (so far) podcasts featuring local residents, business people, actors and musicians. So, to celebrate this achievement, the 50th episode of The Brentwood Buzz is a two parter. Part One - this one - hears again from some of the guests to date about what brought them to Brentwood. Part Two of Episode 50 will be about why people stay here and what they love about the town. Sit down, get comfortable, and have a listen. And then listen to the previous 49 episodes, and tell your friends!
Mar 9, 2025 · 12 min
S3Ep7 Now Is The Winter Of Our Discontent - 149 Productions Bring Shakespeare's Richard III to Brentwood Theatre
You may remember The Brentwood Buzz visited 149 Productions last year as they rehearsed Henry V. Now they're back with another of Shakespeare's history plays - Richard III. The play is on at the Brentwood Theatre this week, from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th March, with a matinee on Saturday. Tickets are available from 149 Productions social media pages, or online or by phone from Brentwood Theatre. The Brentwood Buzz has been to rehearsals to find out more about the play and its cast.
Mar 5, 2025 · 14 min
S3Ep6 Celebrating Brentwood's International Community
Did you know almost a quarter of listeners to The Brentwood Buzz are listening from outside the UK. Hello to you in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Germany the the United States - good to know you are interested in the people of Brentwood, Essex. And we have a fair few international listeners living in Brentwood too - and now this multi-national town is gearing up for its own International Community Festival, due to take place in September. Do have a listen to this week's chat on The Brentwood Buzz with Randal Smith, who is heading the festival plans, and if you think you have something to add to those plans get in touch with Randal on randal.bicfestival@gmail.com. Or you can attend one of the meetings due to take place on Saturday May 17th from 10 to 11am, or on Thursday May 22 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, both at Shenfield Library. As always, please have a listen on Spotify and Amazon Music, like and share with your friends.
Feb 26, 2025 · 13 min
S3Ep5 No Place for Shushing -Shenfield Library is Open for Reading
After several years of displacement, Shenfield Library is now back and has been formally opened to the community. The Brentwood Buzz attended the 'soft opening' a couple of weeks ago, but now there's been a formal all bells and whistles event with a ribbon and bigwigs and everything. The Brentwood Buzz was there to talk to some of the many people who have made this new library and community hub happen.
Feb 15, 2025 · 10 min
S3Ep4 High Five To Chicken and Frog Bookshop and Hey Joe Music
It's been a busy week for The Brentwood Buzz - but two previous guests - Natasha Radford from the Chicken and Frog Bookshop, and Marc Sardinha from Hey Joe Music - are celebrating five year anniversaries this week with their respective businesses, so it seemed like a good time to pop back to have another chat with them both! Please like and share what you hear and get the word out about all that's good about Brentwood to the world!
Feb 12, 2025 · 11 min
S3Ep3 Brentwood Connected - Improving Business in Brentwood, Ingatestone and Shenfield
Brentwood Connected is the public face of the Business Improvement District which brings together businesses in Brentwood, Ingatestone and Shenfield to make our High Streets and shopping areas more attractive and full of fun and entertainment. Formed formally last year, Brentwood Connected works with our local businesses - some of whom have already been featured on The Brentwood Buzz - and Brentwood Borough Council and Essex Police to ensure we feel safe when we are out and about in the town and village centres, and the amenity of the area is kept up to scratch. The Brentwood Buzz has met the Business Improvement District Manager, Sarah Walmsley, to find out more about the five year scheme.
Feb 5, 2025 · 7 min
S3EP2 Shenfield Library is Buzzing with Excitement
After three years of building work and displaced library services, Shenfield Library is back in the centre of the community with a brand new building and some brand new books. A formal opening for the library will be held by Essex Library Services later in the month, but the new facilities were open today for all those who have waited so long to enjoy playing, story time and a bit of book browsing. The Brentwood Buzz was there to catch up with some of what has been going on and what events are planned for the future.
Jan 23, 2025 · 14 min
S3EP1 A New Gym For Brentwood Women - Emma Dove Studios
Keeping fit used to be leotards and leg warmers, but now it's all about keeping fit for life, so more and more women are turning to resistance training, weights and getting the heart rate up as they get older. Emma Dove of Emma Dove Studios on Warley Hill in Brentwood has recognised this and opened a gym just for women on 11th January, continuing her personal training work in the town. The Brentwood Buzz has donned a garish leotard and leg warmers and been to chat to Emma about her work in Brentwood since the 1980s.
Nov 30, 2024 · 20 min
S2Ep15 In a Blazer of Glory - Supporting Brentwood Families at Home
As job opportunities and promotions lead to more people finding themselves having to leave their home towns and find work in other parts of the country, or even further afield, it becomes move of a worry to make sure those we leave behind are safe and happy. Form Brentwood Ursuline pupil, Lucy Piper, recognises this and is passionate about helping as many of our elderly generation, and their families, as possible. Describing herseld as an "elderly care expert." Lucy helps busy professionals and families find the right care for their elderly loved ones. Lucy also runs a home help service currently operating in parts of Brentwood, Billericay, Wickford and Basildon which offers help with cleaning, shopping, hospital visits and companionship. Lucy's been chatting to The Brentwood Buzz about how she came to work in this field, and why she will never forgive the person who designed the Ursuline's famous stripey blazer... https://www.anylittlething.co.uk/
Nov 2, 2024 · 9 min
S2Ep14 Seen Heard and Valued - Fatima Whitbread, Author and Care Leaver Advocate
Olympic athlete, care leaver, and a Brentwood resident of 38 years, Fatima Whitbread is a well-known figure in the town. This week she has been signing copies of her children's book, My Bright Shining Star, at the Chicken and Frog Bookshop. The Brentwood Buzz caught up with her there to find out why she is involved in organising a summit next year for and about care leavers, and ensuring they are seen, heard and valued.
Oct 16, 2024 · 13 min
2024 S2Ep13 Keeping Safe in Brentwood with Meridian Kung Fu and Essex Police
Brentwood is a town with low crime levels and a general feeling of safety. But some people, especially women, feel less safe when out for a run or walking home in the dark. In the last couple of years Essex Police and Brentwood Borough Council have worked with local martial arts instructors to offer free self defence classes to anyone who wants to sign up to come along. The Brentwood Buzz has been to join them. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-with-us-self-defence-class-tickets-1010425207997
Oct 9, 2024 · 13 min
S2Ep12 Best Foot Forward with Brentwood Podiatrist Neil McAllister
This week's Brentwood Buzz takes a look at how looking after your feet can change your life. A big claim, but one Neil McAllister, whose Kinetic Podiatry Clinic is based in the Brentwood Centre, is willing to stand by. The Brentwood Buzz has been to meet Neil to find out why he chose to work his foot magic in Brentwood.