Radio Harrow

We dive deep into the heart of local sport as we sit down with James Clouting, a dedicated volunteer and lifelong supporter of Harrow Borough FC. The club, a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century, currently finds itself at a critical crossroads following the collapse of a major ground sale.James joins host River to discuss the urgent situation at Earlsmead and the passionate response from the fanbase.We explore the recent formation of the Harrow Borough Supporters’ Trust, a collective of long-term fans determined to safeguard the club’s future. James shares insights into how the Trust aims to stabilize the club's finances ahead of the 2026/27 season and the vital role that local residents can play in this mission. From one-off donations to simply turning up for the final home games of the season, every bit of support counts.Whether you’re a die-hard "Boro" fan or a resident concerned about the loss of local community hubs, this conversation highlights the power of collective action in preserving l

We dive into the inspiring story of the Harrow Litter Pickers, a grassroots movement that has transformed from a solo effort into a community powerhouse. What began as founder Casey Dalton’s personal mission to tidy her own street has blossomed into a network of over 1,000 dedicated volunteers across the borough.Casey joins the studio to share how the group operates, utilizing a Facebook-driven community to identify litter hotspots and coordinate massive clean-up events. It’s not just about aesthetics, though; the interview reveals the surprising and often dangerous side of their work. To date, the team has recovered over 50 knives and several firearms from public spaces, proving that their efforts are as much about public safety as they are about environmental pride.From primary school children to retirees, this conversation highlights the diverse range of residents stepping up to take ownership of their neighborhoods. We explore the group’s vital collaboration with local councils and businesses to tackle fl

Riya’s Rainbows is a local charity founded by Mukesh and Gita to honor the compassionate legacy of their daughter. The organization focuses on providing hope to children and families navigating difficult circumstances by supporting various therapeutic and community projects. Through significant fundraising efforts, the charity has donated substantial amounts to Great Ormond Street Hospital. These contributions have funded music and play therapy sessions, the construction of a new sensory area at the hospital’s cancer center, and the refurbishment of family rooms to assist siblings staying in intensive care units.In addition to hospital support, the charity collaborates with organizations like Grief Encounter and Surviving the Loss of Your World to provide counseling and workshops for families experiencing loss. They also assist local schools by providing winter clothing and funding for educational nature areas. Every year, the charity organizes a Christmas gift drive to bring holiday magic to children in need

In a recent interview, Dennis clarifies that Harrow Striders is a community focused business founded alongside his wife, Sue, following her retirement from a long career in education. The initiative centers on Nordic walking, a technique adapted from cross country skiing that uses specialized poles to provide a total body workout. This method enhances cardiovascular health and engages the upper body while simultaneously reducing physical strain on the joints. Beginners are supported through a six week introductory program that focuses on proper rhythm and technique before moving to more challenging trails.Beyond the physical benefits, Dennis highlights the vital role the group plays in mental health and social connection. By utilizing the many green spaces in Harrow, the walks offer participants a safe, technology free environment to reconnect with nature. This mission becomes especially personal during November, as Dennis leverages the organization to support the Movember movement. Drawing from his own exper

The Rysep Society is set to bring the enchantment of Beauty and the Beast to the Winston Churchill Theatre in Ruislip from November 12 to 16, 2026. This ambitious production of the classic Disney fairy tale features a dedicated cast led by Heather as Belle and Callum 1 as the Beast. The actors have immersed themselves in their roles, with Callum 1 developing a powerful beastly roar and Leon embracing the villainous arrogance of Gaston. Physical challenges have been a significant part of the process, particularly for Callum 2, who portrays Lumiere. He noted the difficulty of maintaining specific arm positions during the elaborate musical number Be Our Guest.Director Tasha and her team have designed a production that blends music from the original animation, the live action film, and the stage musical. The set includes professional costumes and hidden Disney Easter eggs for observant fans to discover. To ensure accessibility, the performance on Thursday, November 13, will include a British Sign Language interpr

Fourteen year old Faith Cole recently shared the emotional story behind her debut song, One More Time, during an interview with Radio Harrow. The track is a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, who passed away at 69 after fighting cancer for six years. Faith was deeply moved by her grandmother's bravery and the compassionate care she received at Meadow House Hospice during her final years. Although Faith had written shorter pieces before, this was her first complete song featuring her own original lyrics and chords. She drew musical inspiration from her father, who performs as an Elvis Presley tribute artist.The song emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones while they are still here. Faith explained that the title represents the common wish for one last moment to speak with someone special. After debuting the song at a school event, she expressed a desire to pursue a professional music career and continue performing her tribute in public. By sharing her personal experience, Faith ho

This week marks a significant milestone as the UK observes National Volunteers Week, an initiative launched in 1984 to honor the invaluable contributions of service-minded citizens. At Radio Harrow, the celebration is doubly poignant as the station recently marked its tenth anniversary of broadcasting to the local community. The impact of such dedicated service is reflected in staggering national figures, with roughly 14.2 million people in the UK volunteering formally at least once a month, contributing an estimated £4.6 billion in productivity gains to the economy.The motivations behind this commitment are as diverse as the volunteers themselves. For many, like Shray and James, the draw lies in the profound, lifelong friendships and powerful memories forged within the hospital wards and the studio. Others, like Sital and Ollie, initially joined to bolster their professional portfolios or gain technical experience after university, only to find that volunteering evolved into a cherished weekly social ritual.

Radio Harrow recently celebrated a momentous 10th anniversary, marking a decade of dedicated service to the North London community. The station was formed in 2015 through the strategic merger of Radio Northwick Park, a long-standing hospital broadcaster, and Harrow Community Radio. This union successfully combined clinical patient visiting services with a vibrant platform for local news and events. Currently operating from the Keith Chilvers Studio within Northwick Park Hospital, the station has grown into a vital regional hub, broadcasting 24 hours a day to Harrow, Brent, Ealing, and beyond.During the anniversary broadcast, presenters shared nostalgic memories of the station’s evolution, from its early days in a basement studio with a leaky roof to its pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration featured a special audio montage showcasing diverse programming highlights, including outdoor broadcasts from the Pinner Wheelbarrow Race and St. George’s Day parades. Long-time volunteers noted that t

Multidisciplinary artist Ketna Patel is currently presenting her vibrant exhibition, Remixology, at the Heath Robinson Museum through February 8. Her work explore the complex identities that define the modern world, drawing heavily from her own background of living in six different Commonwealth countries. Patel views herself as a constant observer, using her art to document a globalized landscape where mythology, pop culture, and history intersect.Patel originally studied architecture but transitioned to fine art to tell the undocumented stories of hybrid identities. She compares her creative process to cooking, where she gathers various cultural ingredients during her travels and assembles them into layered narratives. Significant pieces in the collection include Sisters of Earth, which reconciles colonial history through the relationship of two women, and Sands of Time, a reflection on the shifting nature of power. Another prominent work is Stop Asians Ahead, a painted fiberglass elephant that contrasts the

Dr. Sejal Bhansali, a passionate dentist, is spearheading a transformative oral health initiative in Kenya through the Dental Wellness Trust. Having been born in Kenya and maintaining strong ties to the region, Dr. Bhansali was inspired to launch the charity’s Kenya branch after a conversation with its founder, Dr. Linda Greenwall. The program focuses on supervised toothbrushing in schools, a vital intervention in areas where children often lack basic dental supplies or clean water. By training local teachers like Everly in Kibera to provide oral health instructions and supervise daily brushing, the charity ensures that children receive essential care that they might otherwise miss at home.The impact is significant, as oral health is intricately linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. To sustain and expand this mission, which currently reaches approximately 10,000 children, Dr. Bhansali has organized creative fundraising efforts, including a group skydive in Salisbury this October. H

Dementia is a complex condition that affects over 200 different types of brain health, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. While many people associate it primarily with memory loss, it also impacts cognition, behavior, and emotional well-being. Early symptoms can be subtle, such as difficulty with daily tasks like getting dressed or repetitive speech, which are often wrongly dismissed as normal aging. Although most common in older adults, early onset dementia can affect people in their thirties and fourties, creating unique challenges for those still working or raising young families.Because dementia is progressive and currently has no cure, early diagnosis is vital for accessing treatments that help manage symptoms. Support systems like Dementia UK provide essential guidance for families and caregivers who often face significant emotional stress. Resources ranging from assistive technology to local support groups help patients maintain independence and dignity. Reducing the stigma surrounding the co

Dr. Nicole Bradford joined Gary Walker on Radio Harrow to share her powerful journey of overcoming adversity and finding professional success. Growing up in Austin, Texas, as the youngest of six children, Bradford witnessed domestic violence, an experience that shaped her desire to solve problems and bring her family together. Through counseling, she realized she was not defined by her past, a lesson she now uses to inspire students facing similar challenges.As a first-generation college graduate, Bradford navigated the complexities of higher education through perseverance and consistency. Her career has spanned several leadership roles, including professor, Vice President of Student Services, and campus principal. In her forthcoming book, My Soul is Not for Sale, set for release in August 2026, she explores the importance of maintaining integrity and standing up for what is right in both personal and professional life.Bradford advocates for living an audaciously authentic life, encouraging others to resist t

Nick DuGard, the former press officer for Wealdstone FC, discussed the club's outlook and England's international performance during a Radio Harrow interview. Under new manager Matt Taylor, a veteran of the Football League, the Stones are preparing for a fresh campaign with eight new signings. These players bring a higher level of experience to the squad, signaling a professional shift for the National League side. While fans await the fixture release on July 18, they can already purchase the new yellow away kit sponsored by Brunel University. Regarding a potential change of venue, DuGard indicated that background discussions are ongoing, though the impact of local political changes remains to be seen.Turning to the England national team, DuGard was critical of their recent play during the Euros. He noted that their performance has been lackluster compared to more dynamic teams, specifically highlighting a frustrating tendency to pass the ball within their own half rather than creating chances. Although indiv

The historic Pinner Parish Church is set to become a hub of cultural vibrancy as the Pinner Music Festival returns this June. From Monday the 10th to Sunday the 15th, attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse program that celebrates both local talent and world-class artistry. The festival opens with an introductory seminar led by Petroc Trelawny of BBC Radio 3, featuring a panel of esteemed musicians like harpist Skaila Kanga and horn player George Strivens. This session offers a unique "teaser" into the week's performances, ranging from intimate lunchtime recitals to grand evening concerts.Highlights of the week include a mesmerizing performance by the Royal Academy of Music Harp Ensemble and a nostalgic evening with the Boyle String Quartet, featuring works by Mozart and Dvořák. The festival also honors the legacy of Charles Villiers Stanford with performances by the Pinner Parish Church Choir. The grand finale features the Festival Choir and Orchestra performing Handel’s coronation anthem

In a heartfelt interview with Radio Harrow, the Mayor of Harrow discussed his personal mission to increase dementia awareness and support. Speaking at Northwick Park Hospital, he shared how witnessing his aunt’s struggle with the disease motivated him to support local healthcare initiatives. He highlighted the growing prevalence of dementia among younger populations due to stress and advocated for holistic wellness practices like meditation and yoga to foster community health. To improve patient care, the Mayor is working with the council and hospital trust to fund tablets and screens for hospital wards, ensuring that patients coming from care homes have a more comfortable and connected environment.The Mayor’s tenure is defined by his commitment to unity and diversity. Reflecting on his journey as an immigrant from Uganda, he emphasized the importance of serving the community and bringing people of all faiths together. He praised the introduction of the Carers Act as a vital first step in supporting unpaid ca

The Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the work of Mary V. Wheelhouse, a multifaceted artist who was a prominent illustrator, toymaker, and suffragette. Running until March 24, 2026, the display highlights her early twentieth century career, including her first paid illustration for Little Folks Magazine and her intricate drawings for George Eliot’s Silas Marner. Wheelhouse often collaborated with fellow women writers and artists, mirroring the work of her contemporary, Heath Robinson.In addition to her success in book illustration, Wheelhouse cofounded Pomona Toys with fellow activist Louise Jacobs. Together they manufactured high quality wooden dolls and toy theaters sold at prestigious retailers like Harrods. A significant portion of the exhibition focuses on her suffrage activism within the Artists’ Suffrage League, where she used satirical artwork to challenge gender inequality. One notable postcard on display depicts a hen leaving a cage to illustrate the str

Marty Rose, an original founder of Radio Harrow, recently returned to the studio to reflect on the legacy of the station he helped establish in 1971 as Radio Northwick Park. During the broadcast, Rose described the station's early years as an era of technical grit and community spirit. He shared anecdotes of volunteers performing live repairs on equipment, such as soldering wires inside a mixer while songs were playing, just to keep the broadcast on the air. The station was built on the foundation of patient participation, offering local news, request shows, and interactive competitions to provide a personal touch for those in the hospital.Rose expressed pride in seeing the station flourish decades after its opening by the Queen. He noted that beyond serving patients, the station acted as a training ground for many who went on to professional careers in media. The conversation touched upon the transition from vast vinyl record libraries to the modern digital era, though Rose emphasized that the core mission o

The Skills for Life campaign, recently highlighted on Radio Harrow through an interview with career coach Joanne Mallon, encourages individuals to dedicate small portions of time to personal growth. Mallon explains that even minor commitments to learning can significantly impact one's future, acting like a gift to one's future self. Campaign research indicates that while seventy-five percent of people feel they have not reached their professional potential, many spend ninety minutes daily scrolling on their phones. Mallon suggests replacing this unfulfilling habit with online learning, which allows adults to set their own curriculum and learn at their own pace.This initiative is particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility, such as long term hospital patients, by providing access to education without requiring physical travel. Mallon empathizes with those who had poor early experiences with education, sharing that she left school at seventeen before later finding success through further learning. S

The Trinity Orchestra is scheduled to perform its first concert of 2024 on January 20th at Trinity Church in Harrow. Under the direction of conductor Tom Kilworth, the program features late Romantic masterpieces, including Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto and Dvořák’s "The Noonday Witch". The second half highlights Amy Beach’s "Gaelic Symphony," a work gaining renewed recognition for its connection to Dvořák’s influence on American music.Beyond the concert repertoire, Kilworth shared technical insights into his extensive work within the film and animation industries. He detailed the specialized role of a music copyist, whose expertise in clear notation is essential for efficient, high budget recording sessions. Kilworth also explained how film music utilizes click tracks for precise synchronization with on screen action, shifting the conductor’s role toward diplomacy and expression rather than just timing. Addressing the rise of artificial intelligence, he noted that while technology is a useful tool, it

The invisible impact of modern technicians is a central focus of a recent interview with Tyler Terry-Wallace, who works as a simulation technician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. Terry-Wallace highlights a significant knowledge gap, noting that a survey of teenagers in England found only 5% understood the role of a technician. In his specific field, he operates sophisticated, human-like mannequins that can bleed, sweat, and cry to help train healthcare professionals for scenarios ranging from cardiac arrests to complex births.Terry-Wallace entered this career through an unconventional path, transitioning from an administration apprenticeship after a manager noticed his gaming skills translated well to simulation software. He emphasizes that technical roles are increasingly accessible through apprenticeships and upcoming T-level qualifications. The "Technicians: We Make the Difference" campaign, supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, seeks to bridge this awareness gap by showcasing diverse roles in s