Every community has stories worth sharing. Focus is a local-interest podcast from Hospital Radio Norwich, bringing you interviews that celebrate the people, places, and traditions that make Norwich and Norfolk unique.
Each episode explores the heart of our region — from Norfolk culture and local events to hidden history, community projects, and conversations with the NHS staff and volunteers who help our hospital thrive. Expect thoughtful interviews with local creators, event organisers, heritage experts, community leaders, and the people shaping everyday life across Norwich.
Whether you’re searching for Norfolk stories, want to learn more about local culture, or simply enjoy human-centred storytelling, this podcast offers an inspiring window into the history, humour, and humanity of our community.
This episode explores the work of Lilac, a Norfolk charity supporting people affected by cancer. The guests talk about the charity’s fundraising events, how the money helps local cancer services and research, and the support they provide for patients and families. They also discuss the friendships and social activities Lilac offers, helping to reduce loneliness and bring people together.
23 May 2026
Norwich City Community Sports Foundation
Discover how the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation is making a difference across Norfolk, using sport to bring people together, support wellbeing, and build stronger communities. In this episode, we share inspiring stories, explore inclusive programmes for all ages, and highlight how you can get involved, whether you enjoy football, or not!
Click here to learn more about the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation. (https://www.communitysportsfoundation.org.uk/)
To get in touch with Focus on Hospital Radio: jules@hrnorwich.co.uk
20 May 2026
Inside Norwich RSPCA
In this episode, we visit the Norwich RSPCA to learn about their work rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. We hear from the team about the challenges they face, the stories behind the animals in their care, and how the local community helps support their vital work.
Click here (https://rspcanorwich.org.uk/) to find out more about RSPCA Norwich.
17 May 2026
Bowling Together
Bowls might look simple, but there’s far more to it than meets the eye. In this episode, Jules chats with Carole, club secretary at Norfolk Bowling Club, about the tactics, technique and excitement behind the game. They also discuss the club’s 100-year history, opportunities for beginners, and why bowls is one of the most inclusive and social sports around.
Click here (https://www.norfolkbc.org.uk/) for more information about Norfolk Bowling Club.
4 Apr 2026
Focus - Discovering the Night Sky
In this episode Jules is joined by Steven Chambers from the Norwich Astronomical Society to discover how to get started with stargazing. Learn what you can see in the night sky, how telescopes work, and simple ways to explore stars, planets, and constellations from home.
Find out more about the Norwich Astronomical Society here. (https://norwichastro.org.uk/)
22 Mar 2026
Focus - Protecting Buckenham Ancient Woodland
In this episode of Focus on for Hospital Radio Norwich, Jules speaks with Hazel and Anna from the Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust about how a Norfolk community came together to protect a beautiful ancient woodland. They share what makes these woodlands so special, the work involved in conservation, and how people of all backgrounds can get involved, however much or little you know about woodlands. The conversation also explores the benefits of spending time in nature, reflecting on how sometimes a simple walk can make all the difference.
Click here to find out more about the Buckenham Ancient Woodland Trust. (https://www.buckenhamancientwoodland.org/home)
Get in touch with the Focus team using jules@hrnorwich.co.uk
10 Mar 2026
Focus - Behind the Scenes of “Secrets”: A Norwich Immersive Theatre Experience
In this episode of Focus Jules meets Callan, Artistic Director of Reflex Theatre, to chat about their immersive theatre event “Secrets.” Unlike traditional performances, audiences arrive without knowing the story and become part of the experience as it unfolds. Callan shares how the idea was created, what makes immersive theatre unique, and what you can expect from signing up to take part in an event.
Click here to find out more about Reflex Theatre (https://www.reflextheatre.co.uk/)
To get in touch with the Hospital Radio Norwich team contact jules@hrnorwich.co.uk
8 Feb 2026
Focus - Exploring the World of Model Railways
Jules Alderson talks with Lesley Spark, one of the volunteer organisers of the Mid Norfolk Railway Model Railway show, about the creativity and care behind model railways. From tiny suitcase-sized layouts to large, detailed scenes, Lesley explains how people get started, what skills are involved, and why the hobby brings so much joy. The episode also highlights the volunteer-run Mid Norfolk Railway and how a love of model trains often leads to an interest in real railway heritage.
Find out more about the Mid Norfolk Railway here (https://www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/).
Get in touch with the Hospital Radio Norwich team using studio@hrnorwich.co.uk
12 Jan 2026
Focus - Jurnet's House charity
In this episode of Focus on Hospital Radio Norwich, Jules speaks with Dr. Oren Margolis from the University of East Anglia (https://www.uea.ac.uk/) about the rich but often overlooked Jewish heritage of Norwich. They discuss the significance of Jurnet’s House—the oldest identifiable site of Jewish residence in England—along with the city’s medieval Jewish community, its scholars, and the difficult legacy of the first recorded blood libel.
Dr. Margolis also outlines plans to transform Jurnet’s House into a centre for Jewish culture (https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/giving-to-uea/our-causes/centre-for-jewish-history-and-heritage), education, and community engagement, as well as the development of a new Jewish heritage trail through the city.
Get in touch with the Hospital Radio Norwich team using studio@hrnorwich.co.uk
14 Dec 2025
Focus - Norwich Open Christmas
In this episode, we’re joined by Bill Ashton, Chair of Norwich Open Christmas, to explore how this long-running charity brings people together on Christmas Day. Bill shares the story behind the event, how it supports people who may be lonely, homeless or in need, and what it takes to host a traditional Christmas celebration for hundreds of guests. We also hear about the volunteers who make it possible, the sense of community created on the day, and why Norwich Open Christmas continues to matter after more than 35 years.
To find out more about Norwich Open Christmas visit https://www.norwichopenchristmas.org.uk/
To contact Hospital Radio Norwich about the podcast: studio@hrnorwich.co.uk
6 Dec 2025
Focus - Thursford Christmas Spectacular
In this festive episode of Focus, we speak with Ben Allen, Marketing and PR Manager at Thursford, home of one of Europe’s biggest Christmas show. Ben gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the Thursford Christmas Spectacular is created each year — from early planning and London auditions to the huge cast of 120 performers, a live 32-piece orchestra, and over 80 musical numbers.
He shares what makes the show so special, why audiences return year after year, his own personal highlights from this season, and tips for making the most of a visit.
17 Nov 2025
Focus - Inside the Post Room at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital
In this episode of Focus, Jules speaks with Daniel Betts, Post Room Porter and Team Leader at NNUH, about the vital behind-the-scenes work of the hospital post room. Daniel shares his journey through the Work Matters programme, how he adapted to challenges such as dyslexia, and the confidence he’s gained over 14 years at the hospital. He reflects on supporting colleagues, helping patients, and the inclusive environment that’s enabled him to thrive. This is an uplifting conversation about resilience, teamwork, and making a meaningful difference.
To get in touch with the Focus team at Hospital Radio Norwich, contact jules@hrnorwich.co.uk
6 Nov 2025
Focus - Environmental Arts Manager Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital
In this episode, Jules speaks with Emma Jarvis, Environmental Arts Manager at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Emma shares how art, design, and nature come together to create spaces that support wellbeing for patients, staff, and visitors.
She discusses how everything from colour choices to hospital maps is designed with care and consultation, and why nature and community involvement are central to her work. Emma also reflects on her creative journey and what makes an environment truly healing — one that feels calm, balanced, and quietly beautiful.
11 Sept 2025
Focus- Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum
Jules talks to Steve about the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum on how they expanded from small beginnings to their currant size with thousands of exhibits including their rare world exclusive and rare items
Contact Hospital Radio Norwich - Focus
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