Radio Harrow

Harrow Arts Centre presents a spectacular production of Snow White this December, running from Saturday the 9th through Thursday the 28th. Produced by the award nominated Immersion Theatre, the show features a talented cast including Will as the dame Holly Honeybomb, Julian as Prince Henry of Hatch End, and Olivia as Snow White. While the story honors its traditional roots, this version is tailored for a modern audience and is suitable for ages ranging from four to ninety five. Instead of the classic depiction, the show introduces the Magnificent Seven, portrayed by local children from the Barefoot School of Dance.The performers emphasize that the essence of pantomime lies in its live interaction and unpredictability. They embrace the unique energy of a live audience, noting that every night feels like a fresh experience due to ad libbing and the inevitable chaos of the stage. Tickets are available for 20 pounds, with concessions at 17 pounds and family group rates at 68 pounds. Most dates offer two daily per

Archana Kumar, a nominee for the Art and Culture Award at the upcoming Asian Achievement Awards, recently shared her inspiring journey from a three year old dancer to a celebrated director and producer. Her passion for Bollywood dance was ignited in her early childhood, fueled by the vibrant films and music that are a staple of South Asian culture. This early start paved the way for numerous accolades, including titles like the UK Boogie Woogie champion and Dancing Queen at the Yash Raj Aaja Nachle competition.Transitioning from a performer to an educator, Archana founded AK Bollywood Dance in Harrow, where she offers inclusive classes for all ages and skill levels. Her school emphasizes confidence building and community engagement, even providing specialized sessions for weddings and over 50s. Beyond teaching, Archana has made a significant mark in theater as the director and producer of the popular show Mrs. Kapoor’s Daughter’s Wedding and its sequel. These productions serve as a vital platform for South As

Radio Harrow has been awarded Gold Station of the Year, with judges praising its confident broadcasting and diverse, high-quality content. Based at Northwick Park Hospital, the station played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a calm, informative presence for patients and staff while navigating the crisis with professionalism.The station’s success stems from its deep integration into the Harrow community through dedicated patient engagement and charity support. By interacting with hospital patients through lighthearted debates to improve their wellbeing and profiling local organizations like The Wish Centre and Harrow Mencap, the station fosters a strong sense of connection. Furthermore, Radio Harrow champions inclusivity by promoting awareness for initiatives like Braille Day and the importance of accessible communication.The programming also delivers comprehensive local news, covering a wide array of stories ranging from a resident's 100th birthday and Walking Football for seniors to

The Duck Pond Market has officially revitalized Gunnersby Park, offering a vibrant community hub following the unfortunate loss of the park's cafe to a fire and the challenges of the pandemic. Founded twelve years ago by Karen, the market was established to provide a space where every item is locally, ethically, or sustainably made. This commitment to quality is evident across the diverse array of stalls, ranging from health-conscious food to eco-friendly retail.Foodies can enjoy plant-based burgers and allergen-friendly treats from Kindred Deli, where founder Jason emphasizes high-quality ingredients and the environmental benefits of plant-based eating. For those craving traditional flavors, the Little Urban Chef serves popular chicken and chorizo paella, inspired by the fresh produce markets of South France. Visitors looking for home comforts can find indoor plants from Lewis, who highlights their air-purifying benefits, or luxury eco-friendly greeting cards from One Girl Studio. The market even feature

As the global pandemic shuttered doors across London, Radio Harrow transformed from a hospital-based station into a vital lifeline for a community in isolation. This compilation of broadcast highlights captures the profound transition from the studio at Northwick Park Hospital to makeshift home setups and cars. Despite the physical distance, the station remained a central hub for connection, featuring a diverse array of voices ranging from Mayor Sadiq Khan to local business owners like Reena from Redcup Cafe. The programming skillfully balanced urgent public service with moments of levity, offering mental health tips, domestic violence support, and updates on local delivery services.The emotional heart of the broadcast is felt through stories of resilience, such as the hundredth birthday celebration for Cynthia, a North Hill resident, and the charitable efforts of residents cycling for St Mark’s Hospital. While the sports segment reflected on the challenges facing clubs like Harrow Borough and the suspension

World Braille Day serves as a vital reminder that accessible communication is a fundamental legal right for everyone regardless of their ability. In a candid conversation about the realities of living without sight, Khalid describes the steep learning curve involved in mastering Braille. He explains the distinction between Grade One Braille, where every word is spelled out letter by letter, and the more complex Grade Two Braille which utilizes specific signs for common words like for, of, and with. Khalid’s mother, Javeria, notes that highly proficient readers often use all their fingers across a line to process information rapidly.The daily challenges extend far beyond reading, as Khalid highlights the frustration of navigating a world designed primarily for the sighted. He advocates for more Braille integration in public spaces, specifically on restaurant menus and grocery packaging. Beyond tactile tools, the way people communicate verbally also plays a significant role in accessibility. Javeria recalls a h

Radio Harrow recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking a half-decade of serving the community with a unique blend of music, news, and on-the-ground reporting. Throughout its first five years, the station has established itself as more than just a source of entertainment. It has been a constant presence at local events, from the Pinner Wheelbarrow Race and the Hampton Court Flower Show to school open days and food bank awareness campaigns. The station has provided a platform for local voices, featuring interviews with NHS workers, charity organizers, and even the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.The anniversary highlights the station's adaptability, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it shifted to a remote broadcasting model to keep the community informed and connected during lockdown. Despite the physical distance, Radio Harrow continued to offer a 24-hour service to the patients of Northwick Park Hospital and the wider Harrow area. From broadcasting live from St. Marks Hospital to countin

Fostering is a deeply rewarding commitment that requires a strong support network and a dedicated heart. Catherine, a foster carer with Nexus Fostering for over 25 years, describes her experience as a life of organized chaos. Inspired by her own parents, she began fostering after health issues prevented her from having more biological children. Today, she manages a large household with the help of her six children, emphasizing that the role is a constant responsibility that impacts the entire family.A successful fostering environment relies on a comprehensive team approach. Catherine works closely with social workers and benefits from a robust network of fellow carers who provide essential community and emotional support. This collaboration ensures that children, especially those with disabilities or specific needs, receive the necessary advocacy and services to thrive.The impact of fostering is most evident in the small, meaningful moments and the long term growth of the children. By offering love, attention

We are taking a look back at the last year, as we celebrate a year of connection, compassion, and community with our 2018 highlights. Operating from our studio at Northwick Park Hospital, we continue our mission to provide entertainment and information to the residents of Brent, Harrow, and Ealing, as well as the patients we visit every day. This retrospective reminds us that we are always more than just music.Our 2018 journey took us deep into the stories that define our listeners. We spent time with patients discussing mental health, sharing coping mechanisms for anxiety like meditation, and gathering tips for staying positive during hospital stays. We also looked outward, celebrating the diverse multiculturalism of downtown Harrow and covering vibrant local traditions like the Pinner Wheelbarrow Race and Record Store Day. Whether discussing the history of women’s suffrage or interviewing the Mayor of Harrow about local charities, our volunteers remained dedicated to capturing the local heartbeat. Beyond th

Harrow Mencap is a local independent charity that has served the community for over seventy years. While the organization originally focused on supporting families of people with learning disabilities, it has evolved into a leading voice for all unpaid carers in the borough. During National Carers Week, Project Manager Emma Cooper highlighted the vital need to support these unsung heroes who often work around the clock without pay or formal recognition. Many individuals do not even realize they are carers, yet they face significant risks of physical and mental exhaustion. To combat this, the charity provides dedicated projects that offer both practical and emotional assistance.The organization hosts weekly meetings every Tuesday to provide a space for carers to connect and share their experiences. One specialized initiative called Fruitful Tuesdays focuses specifically on the wellbeing of the carer by promoting mindfulness, meditation, and healthy nutrition. This approach encourages individuals to look after

Radio Harrow celebrated Local Radio Day 2018 as a dedicated community station based at Northwick Park Hospital. The event focused on promoting localness through a series of special broadcasts and interviews. Presenters Shray and Nick conducted a bus tour across the borough, navigating the H9 and H10 routes to visit iconic spots such as Harrow on the Hill and Harrow School. Along their journey, they captured the sounds of the town center and met with local residents to discuss the area's rich multicultural diversity.The broadcast featured the newly elected Mayor of Harrow, who spoke about her commitment to community peace and her personal dedication to supporting charities for ill children. Local MP Gareth Thomas also provided an exclusive message, praising the station for its role in supporting hospital patients and local activities. Technical and cultural highlights included a visit to Grosvenor Vale Stadium, the site of the first televised football match, and a stop at Pinner Memorial Park. From the hus

In a powerful segment of Radio Harrow’s Lets Talk Recovery, presenter David Stone opens up about his recent battle with a severe mental health crisis that occurred just one year ago. Describing it as a full-scale mental breakdown, David reveals that he was housebound for several months and required home visits from a community health team. He identifies his greatest achievement as simply being alive today, noting that the experience was the toughest challenge he has ever faced. Central to his struggle was a diagnosis of depersonalization disorder, a condition often linked to anxiety and panic attacks that remains largely misunderstood by the public.David explains that depersonalization makes the world feel like a movie screen where nothing is quite real. This sensory disconnection led to a terrifying loss of perception where the line between dreams and reality became blurred. Despite the severity of his experience, he has found solace and purpose through his work with the Radio Harrow team. Transitioning from

Record Store Day 2018 brought music fans together in Amersham to celebrate the culture of independent record shops and the lasting popularity of vinyl. Radio Harrow documented the event, noting that the global initiative began over a decade ago after Spencer Hickman brought the American concept to the United Kingdom. Graham Campbell explained that the day serves as a way to appreciate what local shops provide, from rare re-releases to unique community spaces.Collectors at the event shared their deep connection to the vinyl format, citing the warmth of tone and the satisfaction of owning a physical object. One attendee, Paul, mentioned he never swapped his records for digital formats, while another enthusiast described his growing obsession with buying new albums weekly. Beyond the sales, the day highlighted the importance of local talent, with bands performing live inside the Amersham shop. Many fans prefer the authentic sound of vinyl over CDs, finding the experience more genuine despite the occasional skip

In a compelling broadcast on Radio Harrow, hosts Anish and Andrew delve into the multifaceted nature of anxiety, defining it as a persistent feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can range from mild to severe. They emphasize that while nearly everyone experiences anxiety at some point, many find it difficult to control, leading to intense physical and emotional distress. Andrew shares a vivid personal account of his struggles in 2013, describing a period marked by severe panic attacks occurring almost every minute, which left him unable to leave his house or engage in simple daily activities. Anish also recounts a terrifying experience from five years ago when he suffered a sudden panic attack while watching television, characterized by a pins and needles sensation and extreme difficulty breathing.The discussion highlights common physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and butterflies in the stomach. To manage these feelings, the hosts suggest various coping mechanisms, including mindfulnes

Radio Harrow recently broadcasted a moving segment for Mental Health Awareness Week that explored the personal struggles of individuals living with depression. Our presenter Anna Travers shared her experience, describing her condition as a nervous shell that often masks her bubbly personality. She highlighted that while depression creates a cycle of self-doubt and isolation, taking positive actions like joining a community radio station can help break that pattern. For Anna, mental health is a continuous conversation that fluctuates from hour to hour.The program also honored the memory of Johnny Zucker, a successful children’s author who died by suicide in 2016. Despite his professional success and happy family life, Zucker struggled with depression and OCD for twenty years. His story reflects a broader crisis in the United Kingdom, where suicide remains the leading cause of death for men. Experts suggest that societal pressure on men to remain silent about their pain often prevents them from accessing life-s

At twenty-five years old, Louis decided to overcome a lifelong hurdle by learning to ride a bicycle. Despite childhood attempts by his parents, he had resisted the skill until the social pressure and judgment from his colleagues motivated him to try again. With the support of his girlfriend, Anna, he headed to a quiet park to practice on her older, freshly tuned bike. Louis initially felt nervous about the balance and coordination required, describing the experience as risky but necessary to stop the teasing he faced at work.The lesson progressed from Louis simply pushing himself along to finding his balance on the pedals. With Anna coaching him to increase his speed and maintain a straight line, he successfully cycled a distance of approximately one hundred meters. He described the sensation as both terrifying and liberating, enjoying the newfound momentum. After completing his first successful ride, Louis encouraged other adults who cannot cycle to find a calm environment and a patient friend to help them.

Living with diabetes is a multifaceted experience that requires constant management and emotional resilience. In a recent discussion, individuals sharing their journeys with type 1 diabetes highlighted that while the condition is a significant part of their lives, it does not define them. The transition from diagnosis to daily management involves a steep learning curve, from mastering insulin injections and pump therapy to meticulously counting carbohydrates and sugars in every meal. For some, like Matt, managing the condition has been a lifelong reality, while others like James faced a more recent and emotionally taxing diagnosis that led to periods of depression and rebellion.A crucial aspect of managing diabetes is the support system surrounding the individual. Whether through friends, family, or professional psychological services, having a network to lean on is vital for navigating the highs and lows of the condition. Participants also dispelled common myths, clarifying that insulin is not a first-aid tr

To mark forty-five years of service, Radio Harrow hosted a forty hour non-stop broadcast in October 2016 titled the Best Weekend Ever. This marathon event combined health education, charity spotlights, and local entertainment to engage the community. Nutrition experts from the NHS discussed healthy eating habits, while local charities like Age UK and St Luke’s Hospice highlighted vital support services for elderly and terminally ill residents. Volunteers also completed a treadmill challenge at the Harrow Leisure Centre, running over twenty miles for the cause.The broadcast featured a strong focus on local culture, including interviews with police and fire station personnel regarding safety during festivals like Diwali. Live music performances from acts such as The Volunteers and Rect Jester showcased regional talent, while segments on local restaurants added a culinary flair. Throughout the weekend, presenters shared personal stories about their connection to the hospital and the importance of communication i

The vibrant legacy of Keith Chilvers, the beloved co-founder of Radio Harrow, is captured in this evocative collection of his most memorable broadcasts. Known for his infectious energy and commitment to local storytelling, Keith’s voice brings to life the diverse spirit of the community he served. From the high-stakes excitement of sports commentary at Wembley to the joyous chaos of local festivals, these recordings serve as a moving tribute to a man who was the heart of Northwick Park’s airwaves before passing away in 2015.One of the highlights features Keith’s breathless play-by-play during the 2011 Community Shield, capturing the dramatic 93rd-minute winner that saw Manchester United triumph over Manchester City. His ability to bridge professional sports with local charm is further seen at Pinner Park School, where he interviewed the Mayor of Harrow and celebrated the victory of Angel Fernandez and Ryan Trimmer in a spirited wheelbarrow race. Whether discussing street dance with the stars of IMD Legion or