Bromley Buzz

Episode 286: In the Office Of Optimism with Mayor Of Bromley Cllr Jonathan Andrews

Darren Weale talks again with Cllr Jonathan Andrews, the Mayor Of Bromley, even as his annual term of office comes to a close in May. He shares a tribute to his mother. Theresa is Mayoress, and Jonathan also thanks the whole team around the Mayor that makes this office of optimism such a positive part of the borough.
 
Jonathan reflects on his event-filled term and, after the closing credits of the podcast, there is a bonus section, his speech from the recent Let's Talk Better CiC event, in which he is introduced by Co-Founder Zeenat Noorani. 
 
From meeting Drag artiste Lola Facetious to attending the Community Iftar at the Al-Emaan Centre, and progress with fundraising for his chosen Mayoral charities CASPA and the Maypole Project, Jonathan covers a lot of ground - as Mayors do. Variety is very much a feature of Mayoral life, as this interview shows.
 
We are spreading the love!
 
Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by Shampan restaurants, and London Biggin Hill Airport..

Episode 285: Actor James Bradwell, Midsomer Murders, and Bromley

Darren Weale talks with actor James Bradwell ahead of his appearance as Sergeant Troy in Midsomer Murders - The Killings At Badgers Drift, which is on at the Churchill Theatre from 12-16 May. Tickets here.
 
James is appearing together with Daniel Casey, who created the role of Sergeant Troy, and who is in this production playing Inspector Tom Barnaby.
 
James talks about the classic whodunnit, with its 'eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal', but also his Bromley family roots and his career, with its variety, including video game work. He ponders his role in such as well-established and long-running institution as Midsomer Murders, and the 'really really lovely experience' of the show. He shares his pleasure in being part of a show which is an draw to people far and wide, including many who come from other countries to see it.
 
We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by Shampan restaurants, and London Biggin Hill Airport.

Episode 284: Announcing the Best Of Project at Darwin's Down House on 21st April 2026

Darren Weale announces the Best Of Project and the Best Of Bromley, which will run during and before September 2026.
 
The announcement was made at English Heritage's Down House, the former home of Charles Darwin. Speaking at the 21st April Bromley BuzzUp networking event, attended by the Mayor Of Bromley, Cllr Jonathan Andrews, Darren outlines the thinking and intentions behind the Best Of Bromley. 
 
This new project is separate from the Bromley Buzz. It aims to draw attention to Bromley in a new and exciting way and to encourage pride, positivity, and change.
 
The speech can also be read here.
 
We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by Shampan restaurants, and London Biggin Hill Airport.

Episode 283: Ripley Arts Centre Revived

Bromley's Ripley Arts Centre - home of the Bromley Arts Trust - recently hosted a double celebration.
First, a milestone: showing off its rooms after a refresh so that they can again host music and other activities against a fresh, well-decorated backdrop. Second, sharing the launch of a new exhibition, 'Bowie Unlimited', featuring artwork by Sara Captain depicting the iconic musician David Bowie. We interviewed Sara in episode 280 of the Bromley Buzz podcast. This episode features Myra Kinghorn and Cllr Gemma Turrell, Deputy Mayor of Bromley, speaking on stage at the celebration event.  
We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by London Biggin Hill Airport and the Shampan restaurant Group.
 

Episode 282: Radfield Homecare - community and business for nearly 4 years

Zeenat Noorani talks with Simi Ghuman of Radfield Homecare, Bromley Orpington, and Beckenham.
 
Simi talks about care and the care business locally, and contributing through Connections Cafe events and sponsoring Let's Talk Better campaign events including one on 27th April.
 
We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by Shampan restaurants, and London Biggin Hill Airport.

Episode 281 - Bromley FC Community Trust and supporting armed forces veterans

Darren Weale talks with Graham Orr, Chair of Bromley Football Club Community Trust, and Cllr Mike Botting, Armed Forces Champion and Loneliness Champion for Bromley, and formerly a regular on the podcast when Mayor. 
 
The growing work of the Trust, particularly with veterans living in Bromley, is covered, acknowledging the pivotal help of Charlotte Ryan from Bromley Council. A wide range of ongoing and planned activities involving veterans are described, including Ravens Chat, and the Veterans Hub. That includes the club having signed up for the Armed Forces Covenant, and what that means.  More information for veterans and their families can be found here.  
 
We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by Shampan restaurants, and London Biggin Hill Airport.

Episode 280: Bowie Universal - Sara Captain's art exhibition at Ripley Arts Centre

Darren Weale attends the opening of 'Bowie Universal' - Sara Captain's David Bowie art exhibition at Ripley Arts Centre, and talks with Sara about David Bowie, her art, and David Bowie's significance for Bromley and culture more widely.
From the late Bromley-grown superstar's early career onwards, Sara captures in various formats his growing popularity, influence, and influences. Visitors can buy artworks, prints and more from the exhibition, which runs until at least 15th April. The exhibition also contains a small, but helpful selection of Bowie memorabilia.
We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by Shampan restaurants, and London Biggin Hill Airport. 

Episode 279: Parkinson's in Bromley - what people can do

Darren Weale talks with Sarah Newsom and Liz Bromfield from Parkinson's UK Bromley and District Branch ahead of World Parkinson's Day on 11th April, when they will have a stand in Bromley Town Centre outside The Glades shopping centre.
 
A wide-ranging conversations covers numerous topics including the many things the branch does with and for people with Parkinson's, their families, carers, and those around them in Bromley. 'It isn't just a one person thing.'
 
Parkinson's is a very complex conditions with profound impacts on peoples lives, but once diagnosed and prescribed, that 'can change your life'. 
 
Sarah talks about her own Parkinson's story, including 'the camaraderie of it all', symptoms, treatment, and enjoying Bromley Football Club Community Trusts Strongher gym programme, being part of the Parkinson's Bromley football team, and relaxation sessions, coffee, cake and conversation. 
We talk about upcoming events and support Bromley Parkinson's has received, including from Kyn Bickley, who have made it their nominated charity this year.
 
In the midst of talking about such a serious topic we reflect on joy and laughter and that aspects of how people help restores their faith in people.
 
We are spreading the love! Do listen in and share the Buzz. You can find us on our website www.bromleybuzz.co.uk, where we feature local events here. We are also on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and You Tube. The Bromley Buzz podcast is sponsored by Shampan restaurants, and London Biggin Hill Airport.