Picture Somerset
Bringing Somerset together on the radio
From community radio to BBC Radio Somerset, and now preparing to launch a station of her own! Be Somerset will be coming to the county in 2025 and we can't wait.
How it all began
Jenna first began making radio on Frome FM and Somerset cool live was a mix of Somerset chat, top tunes, great studio guests and other surprises along the way. Jenna won a National Community Radio Award for creating and presenting it.
Lots of different people from our Somerset communities got involved, and you can still listen back right here whenever you like, on Mixcloud.
And throughout lockdown, Jenn also shared a weekly dose of 'The Good stuff' - the positive stories from around Somerset, food tips with then Yeo Valley Food Ambassador and Executive Chef, Paul Collins, six of the social media best, and some 'Stuff & Nonsense' - the most curious quiz in Somerset!
You can catch up on those shows here.
BBC Radio Somerset
Jenna then became a firm favourite on BBC Radio Somerset with her Friday evening show 'The Big Night In'. That saw the likes of Dexy's Kevin Rowland, and Neville Staples from The Specials, praising Jenn for some of their most enjoyable ever interviews. She was also a regular during the week too, with one regular listening saying "we love you on the radio because you make it smile'. No higher compliment than that.
Be Somerset's future
And there's more. There's always more! Jenna's launching her own online station. You can already hear conversation highlights on Be Somerset radio and in early 2025 there'll be live shows too.
There's a selection of past interviews on this blog too, and if you want to go waaaay back in time, here's most of the Somerset Cool show archive (there's a few still to add if we ever manage that!). It's not for the faint hearted!
Somerset cool show archive
SHOW FORTY
BEE KIND
APRIL 4TH, 2021
Join Jenn for the 40th Somerset cool show, as she chats with beekeeper, bee expert, author and Head of the Bee team at The Newt in Somerset, Paula Carnell.
Paula talks about recovering from illness, the part the bees have played, how bees connect us with nature, her changed methods for caring for them and much more.
Jenn also catches up with Kate Gardiner from the Purple Spoon Cafe in Bridgwater. The cafe was nominated for ‘Somerset cool kindness’ and are doing amazing things to help their community.
Don’t miss some Easter poetry from the mysterious Bridgwater Poet, too!
SHOW THIRTY NINE
ONLINE, ON THE PHONE, ON THE ROAD
MARCH 7TH, 2021
Jenn catches up with the Artistic Director of Wassail Theatre, Nick White, about theatre in lockdown, plays over the phone and their future plans.
Jenn also discovers more about the YFW bloodbikes - volunteers who help the NHS distribute vital supplies across the county and beyond.
And there’s kindness about! Jenn gives away another piece of Somerset cool kindness art to a very special person, nominated by you.
SHOW THIRTY EIGHT
CREATIVITY & KINDNESS
FEBRUARY 7TH, 2021
Jenn chats to Glastonbury-based photographer, Neil Juggins, about his brilliant lockdown photography series.
Neil has charted both lockdowns with comical, characterful, creative and thought-provoking self portraits, and Jenn discovers more about the ideas behind them - and the costumes, of course!
Jenn also shares your Somerset cool kindness messages, celebrating and sharing unsung acts of kindness across the county. She catches up with artist, Rebecca Bruton, who has created 12 brilliant kindness artworks for Jenn's uplifting campaign.
SHOW THIRTY SEVEN
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
JANUARY 10TH, 2021
Jenn chats to Somerset-based author, differently-abled activist and life-after-trauma coach, Josephine Mariposa.
Josephine's life changed forever after a traumatic spine injury, which left her in hospital for two years without a diagnosis. Her new book, Anything is Possible, shares that story and Jenn talks to Josephine about it... about how her life has changed and about how the book can inspire everyone to live differently.
Jenna also chats 'Somerset cool kindness', a new way to share and celebrate acts of kindness across the county.
SHOW THIRTY SIX - PART ONE
THE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
DECEMBER 25TH, 2020
It's Christmaaaaas!
The now legendary tradition of a Christmas special is back. Unwrap your presents, share in the cheesy cracker jokes and join Jenna and Graeme as they share Christmas morning with you... along with more festive tunes than you can shake a mince pie at!
Part 1 includes a virtual sleigh ride to Delaware USA to chat Chunk the Groundhog - don't miss that!
SHOW THIRTY SIX _ PART TWO
THE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
DECEMBER 25TH, 2020
Part two of the two-hour Christmas special sees Jenn take on Graeme in a very competitive festive trivia quiz! Did we mention it's competitive? ;)
There are more tunes, more jokes, more shout outs and Christmas morning messages, the Somerset cool Christmas panto is back and a very special community project, The Happiness Hunt, takes centre stage.
SHOW THIRTY FIVE
BOOKS GLORIOUS BOOKS - & FOOD!)
DECEMBER 13TH, 2020
Join Jenn for a festive ‘book club’ special as she chats to book reviewer, John Fish, to discover his top ten Christmas reads.
Jenn also chats with best-selling, Exmoor-based author, Hazel Prior. Hazel’s novel, Away with the Penguins, recently made it into Richard and Judy’s book club no less and it wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive foodie catch up with Chef Paul Collins... so tuck in!
SHOW THIRTY FOUR
JUST A CARD
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2020
This very special show is dedicated to shopping small and to independent businesses, makers, artists and creators.
Jenn chats to artist and founder of 'Just a Card', Sarah Hamilton, about this incredible grass roots movement. She also catches up with three brilliant Somerset makers, textile artist Laura Holden, artist and creator Theodora Gould and founder/maker Zallah Marsh. There are tons of your shout outs for your favourite indies too!
SHOW THIRTY THREE
SCORCHED EARTH, INCREDIBLE VIEWS
NOVEMBER 1ST, 2020
Join Jenn as she chats to founding member of Noah and the Whale, Bath-based singer songwriter, Matt Owens.
As well as sharing tracks from Matt's new album 'Scorched Earth' throughout the show, Jenn also catches up with photographer Michelle Cowbourne. Michelle takes incredible photos of Glastonbury Tor and talks about what makes it so special.
And guess who's back? Yes! Chef Paul Collins returns for '5 Minutes With The Chef'.
SHOW THIRTY TWO
WE ARE TWO!
OCTOBER 18TH, 2020
To celebrate the 2nd birthday of Somerset cool on the radio, Jenn focuses on community. There are chats with The Somerset Wildlife Trust about their new project 'Somerset Nature Connections', Artist Nina Gronw-Lewis talks about getting creative with clay at ACEArts and filmmaker, Jonathan Warner, tells us about his lockdown community film 'We are Chard' - a real story of kindness. Plus, we reveal the second winning story in Ferne Animal Sanctuary's short story competition. Plot spoiler: it's legendary!
SHOW THIRTY ONE
"SO YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT YOUR TEA?"
OCTOBER 4TH, 2020
Jenn catches up with internationally acclaimed snow and sand artist, Simon Beck, about his 500th drawing created on Brean Down beach - as well as discovering how he feels when the sea washes his creations away. Kate Barrington from Age UK Somerset chats about their work across the county, about how we perceive age and about a brand new challenge coming soon. And if you want your spirits lifting, Louise Lappin-Cook from Make the sunshine tells Jenn all about The Happiness Hunt - and reveals where they've found happiness.
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SHOW THIRTY
ART FOR ALL
SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2020
Join Jenn for a Somerset Art Works Open Studios special show, as she discovers more about this year's digital event from artist and Open Studios co-ordinator, Paul Newman. Jenn also catches up with artist Sara Dudman, about the incredible collaborative project, Somerset Reacquainted - and artist Rebecca Bruton joins Jenn to chat about flowers surviving against all odds and her latest exhibition 'Beyond the tipping point'.Printmaker Jackie Curtis and artist Fiona Campbell share their insights on preparing for a digital festival.
SHOW TWENTY NINE
IAN WRIGHT ATE MY SHOES
SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2020
Jenn finds out why football legend Ian Wright, ate the shoes of Somerset cake sculptor, Zoe Burmester... and Jenn also catches up with artist Kim Von Coels, about Glastonbury's new 'Heart of the Tribe' gallery. It's time to talk 'changing seasons' with Yeo Valley's Executive Chef, Paul Collins, too. He also answers your culinary questions, plus the winning short story in the Ferne Animal Sanctuary short story competition is shared on the show.
SHOW TWENTY EIGHT
BY THE SEA
AUGUST 23RD, 2020
Join Jenn for a coastal radio special as we celebrate our love for the Somerset and UK coast. Jenn chats to bestselling author, Charlie Connelly, about his connections to the sea and his latest book ‘The Channel’. She also catches up with open water swimming coach and Clevedon Marine Lake trustee, Rowan Clarke.
Watch out for those sea-themed tunes too, as well as for your shout outs for your favourite coastal spots.
SHOW TWENTY SEVEN
A DAY, OR SEVERAL MONTHS, IN THE LIFE
AUGUST 9TH, 2020
Jenn catches up with Frome-based artist Amanda Bee about her lockdown project 'The Rodden Walks', which has inspired Amanda's creativity over the past few months of her life. Jenn shares a day in the life too... of the aerobics dance legends Cheryl Sprinkler and Tony DiMonte! That's sure to put a smile on your face. It's also time to take '5 minutes with the chef' as Yeo Valley Food Ambassador, Paul Collins, answers your culinary questions. Potatoes, cooking with lentils and creating something different with blueberries are in the spotlight this show. There's all the usual chat and tunes too!
SHOW TWENTY SIX,
TOLLS & THE TOSS OF A COIN
JULY 19TH, 2020
Join Jenn for the unique stories of Somerset as she catches up with the owner of a very special 18th century toll house which may, or may not, be haunted! Jenn also chats to Cheryl Ford, founder of Quantock Brewery, about starting a microbrewery on a coin toss & getting through lockdown. There are special shout outs for the people who got you through lockdown too.
LISTEN AGAIN
SHOW TWENTY FIVE,
50 YEARS OF GLASTO
JUNE 21ST, 2020
To mark 50 years of the most incredible festival on the planet, Jenn shares your Glastonbury memories - and there are some crackers (just don't mention tent pegs! ;)). She also catches up with Hester Moore from Festival Postcards who talks about her family's longstanding love affair with the festival & don't miss Jenn's chat with activist, horticulturist & founder of Edible Bristol, Sara Venn
SHOW TWENTY FOUR,
THE ARTS LOCKDOWN SPECIAL
MAY 24TH, 2020
Jenn chats all things art this month as she catches up with Artist and Somerset Art Works Open Studios & membership Co-ordinator, Paul Newman about the plans for Open Studios this September. Several Somerset artists share their thoughts on the future of art & how COVID-19 has affected them & Jenn chats to Artist, Luminara Star about co-curating the virtual exhibition 'Happenings' as part of Fringe Arts Bath. Photographer Zoe Cox also tells listeners about her One Tree, Four Seasons project.
SHOW TWENTY THREE,
YOUR LOCKDOWN READING LIST
APRIL 26TH, 2020
Jenn is joined on the phone by Book Reviewer John Fish, as he shares his ultimate lockdown book list - 5 of the best reads around! We share your favourite book shout outs and Jenn also catches up with Ferne Animal Sanctuary to find out how they're keeping positive during lockdown. The Occasional Kitchen talk to Jenn about their awesome meals for key workers initiative too.
SHOW TWENTY TWO,
KITCHEN TABLE RADIO
MARCH 31ST, 2020
The start of lockdown kitchen table radio for Jenn, as she chats to Yeo Valley Executive Chef and Food Ambassador Paul Collins, to find out how he's approaching cooking during these strange times. She also catches up with The Cheeky Bean Cafe to discover more about their 'Cakes for the NHS' and although Jenn wasn't able to go chocolate making at Craft House Chocolate, she chats with owner Nettie over the phone to find out more about making real chocolate - and how the business has adapted since the Covid-19 lockdown.
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SHOW TWENTY ONE,
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
MARCH 2ND, 2020
Our foodie special sees Jenn head off to the One Mile Bakery in Paulton, to catch up with owner Becky Mears for a chat (and bagel/pretzel making session). Our guest in the studio is Francine Lee from Bumblees Preserves - an artisan maker with a genuine love of local. Fran guides us through a delicious preserves tasting.
SHOW TWENTY,
STAYING UP LATE TO WATCH THE WRESTLING
FEBRUARY 2ND, 2020
Singer Songwriter, Alex Lipinski, plays 3 acoustic songs live, including his new single 'Jigsaw' & chats to Jenn about his experiences in the music industry. Jenn also catches up with Lorna Thomas, mentor with the charity Promise Works who support Somerset's most vulnerable young people.
SHOW NINETEEN,
THE FLYING CARROT
JANUARY 5TH, 2020
Bestselling author, Charlie Connelly shares his colourful stories of travel, Elvis, The Shipping Forecast and New Order. Now there's an eclectic combo! Jenn also chats to photographer Mark Pickthall about the starling murmurations, body art and photographing Glastonbury Festival.
SHOW EIGHTEEN
OH I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY
DECEMBER 25TH, 2019
A two part extravaganza to celebrate the big day and the festive season. Who will win Christmas Cluedo? Will the cracker jokes be as bad as last year? What will the first ever Somerset cool pants be like? Tune in to find out & to hear Jenn's chat with Somerset charity We Hear You.
SHOW SEVENTEEN
A MASTERCLASS OF GLASS
DECEMBER 8TH, 2019
One of the country's best known Glassblowers, Somerset-based Will Shakspeare, shares some of his brilliant stories and Book Reviewer John Fish shares his top 5 reads for Christmas. Stephen Moss also joins us to talk about his new book, The Twelve Birds of Christmas.
SHOW SIXTEEN
"WHO DOESN'T LIKE VERA?"
NOVEMBER 10TH, 2019
Laura & John from Go La La cards join us in the studio to chat creativity, innuendo and Somerset legends, plus we share our caption competition entries. Jenn talks to Virginia Saggers and Gerald Terd (AKA Rare Species) about their Frome comedy walk 'The Fecund Coming' and Gerald shares what he does to relax. You won't want to miss that!
We also catch up with Chef Paul Collins to discover more about Yeo Valley Kitchen's win at the Food Made Good awards.
SHOW FIFTEEN, BANGING ON THE DOOR OF A FLORIST AT 9AM
OCTOBER 13TH, 2019
It's our first birthday show - woo hoo!
Founder member of Noah & the Whale, Matt Owens chats to Jenn & plays music from his new solo album, Whiskey & Orchids. Tune in to discover more about the florist! ;) Io Fox from Rise Frome joins us to talk about how the 'Hub Nub' has moved on, 1 year after she was our very first studio guest! We also share the stories of your most memorable birthdays - & there is cake!
SHOW FOURTEEN
AN ART WEEKS ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2019
Join us for a special programme celebrating 25 years of Somerset Art Weeks as artists Paul Newman, Fiona Campbell & Rebecca Bruton chat to Jenn in the studio & there's a very special 60 second challenge you won't want to miss!
SHOW THIRTEEN
CHARITY BEGINS FROM THE HEART
AUGUST 18TH, 2019
Studio guest: Kristen Lindop from Somerset charity Children's World joins us in the studio to talk about their amazing work at home and overseas
Highlights: We share your charity shout outs, President of the charity Somerset Wildlife Trust, Stephen Moss, talks birds & music is Jenn's selection of the very best discoveries at Valley Fest
SHOW TWELVE, FESTIVAL FEVER
JULY 21ST, 2019
Studio guest: Sarah Swales from SoFar Sounds Frome joins us to chat about the secret gigs they curate
Highlights: Jenn catches up with Melissa Kidd, one of the organisers of Valley Fest, a gorgeous festival on the banks of Chew Valley Lake & we share your favourite festival moments
SHOW ELEVEN
THE SOMERSET COOLATHON FOLLOW UP
JUNE 15TH, 2019
As part of the Somerset coolathon, we collaborated with cake artist Zoe Burmester to auction one of her amazing edible sculptures & Channel 4 filmed the unveiling live in the Frome FM studio - listen to how we all got on!
SHOW TEN
THE SOMERSET COOLATHON
24 HOURS NON-STOP!
MAY 25TH-26TH, 2019
A very special fundraiser celebrating the communities we live in & raising much needed funds & awareness for Somerset & Dorset Animal Rescue & Lurcher SOS. For a selection of the shows, including 'Rescues & Requests', Foodie, Wildlife, Photography & Makers Hours, click below & don't forget to check out Hour 24. It's radio gold! ;)
SHOW NINE, "SLURP"
APRIL 28TH, 2019
Studio guest: Tom Brazier, founder of the awesome Braziers Coffee joins us for 'cupping'. That's coffee tasting to you & I & the slurping is phenomenal!
Highlights: Forde Abbey's Head Gardener Josh Sparkes chats to Jenna & the local spotlight falls on 'Made in Somerset', an artisan charity event in Somerton
SHOW EIGHT
"IS IT TO YOUR TASTE?"
MARCH 31ST, 2019
Studio guest: Sarah Helliwell, Head of Wine at Stony Street House, joins us for an awesome wine tasting to pick out the best Easter bottles for you
Highlights: Artist Sally Whelan chats about her latest project 'The Goddess Sittings' & there's part two of our interview with Bath-based writer, historian of comedy and performer, Jem Roberts
SHOW SEVEN, THE BEES KNEES
MARCH 3RD, 2019
Studio guest: Somerset artist, Lydia Needle talking about arts project FIFTY BEES - The interconnectedness of all things
Highlights: Part one of our interview with Bath-based writer, historian of comedy, performer and all-round ace, Jem Roberts - plus, the first play of Jenn's acoustic folk song 'Coming Home'
SHOW SIX
OUR NATURE SPECIAL
FEBRUARY 3RD, 2019
Studio guest: Nature photographer Carl Bovis talking about his amazing Somerset nature photography
Highlights: Chat with Steve Mewes from The Somerset Wildlife Trust, talking about the Trust's priorities for our county
SHOW FIVE
BRIGHT NEW YEAR, BLACK SWAN
JANUARY 6TH, 2019
Studio guest: David Daniels from Black Swan Arts talks about the arts in Somerset and this Frome-based creative hub
Highlights: Chat with Harry Fry, owner of Harry's Cider including the ancient tradition that is wassailing
SHOW FOUR
THE SOMERSET COOL LIVE CHRISTMAS DAY EXTRAVAGANZA!
Jingle those bells Rudolph!
It's our Christmas Morning special with festive tunes, chat and all the seasonal silliness!
SHOW THREE, THE LOST WORDS
DECEMBER 9TH, 2018
Studio guest: Book reviewer John Fish who has led the campaign to get a copy of the wonderful The Lost Words book into every primary school in Somerset
Chats with 'Sing for Somerset' Conductor Laurence Blyth & talk of Frome Christmas pop up shops with Resident store owner James Borley & Helen Rochfort owner of Pop! in Frome
SHOW TWO, THE SECOND HELPING
NOVEMBER 11TH, 2018
Studio guest: Frome based painter Sally Whelan talking about her figurative painting
Chats with Terry Williams, the inspiring person behind the Poppy of Honour and ace Chef and Food Ambassador at Yeo Valley, Paul Collins.
SHOW ONE, FIRSTS
OCTOBER 14TH, 2018
Studio guest: Io Fox from the Hub Nub Centre in Frome
Chats with: Nick White from Wassail Theatre & Joe Novell from Clevedon Pier
