Advertise on podcast: 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 local heritage. Tune in to learn how you can help ensure Harrow Borough FC reaches its centenary and continues to thrive for generations to come.

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 fly-tipping and systemic waste issues. Tune in to hear how a simple pair of tongs and a bin bag are fostering a renewed sense of belonging and proving that collective action can reclaim the streets of Harrow.

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. They collect new toys, electronics, and essentials for ages birth to eighteen, distributing them to hospital patients and partner organizations. Those wishing to contribute to this year's drive can provide unwrapped gifts until December 7 by coordinating with the charity through their official website or social media platforms.

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 experience with heart failure, he advocates for increased awareness of men’s health issues, including prostate cancer and mental wellbeing. The group aims to demystify these topics through inclusive events, such as their upcoming walk at Rickmansworth.

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 interpreter. Additionally, families can attend special meet and greet sessions with characters after the weekend matinees. Tickets are available for 16 pounds for adults and 12 pounds for children.

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 hopes to inspire others to appreciate their families and highlight the vital support provided by local hospice services.

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. Whether it is the joy of entertaining listeners with music, as Angeli finds, or the desire to "put something back" after years in the workforce, as Tim describes, the sentiment remains universal. Radio Harrow stands as a testament to the fact that while a volunteer's journey might begin with a search for skills, it almost inevitably ends with a sense of belonging to a vibrant, supportive family.

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 the station has always been "more than just music," serving as a critical resource for health and wellbeing. By fostering creativity and providing a voice for local residents, Radio Harrow has built a resilient legacy of community connection. As the team looks toward the next ten years, they remain committed to their founding principle of spreading kindness through the power of local airwaves.

Standing amidst a windy Friday afternoon on the Broadway in Stanmore, Harrow East MP Bob Blackman joined forces with the charity Malaria No More UK to champion a critical global cause. In an interview with Radio Harrow, Blackman emphasized that the fight to eradicate malaria is not just a distant international concern but a deeply personal one for the local community. He noted that his constituency represents a microcosm of the world, with residents hailing from every corner of the planet, many of whom have family directly impacted by this devastating disease. Blackman highlighted the economic and humanitarian necessity of sustained investment, pointing to the billions of pounds the UK government has already contributed toward vaccines and research. He argued that ending malaria is an economically sensible investment, as it enables individuals in affected nations to work and grow their economies rather than being sidelined by illness. To maintain this momentum, Blackman pledged to continue pressure within Parliament, urging cross-party cooperation and ministerial accountability. He called on citizens to support the cause through charitable giving and by lobbying their own representatives, stressing that while the goal of a malaria-free world by 2030 is ambitious, it remains achievable through collective persistence.

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 analytical and emotional attributes of China and India. Through these diverse pieces, Patel aims to foster curiosity and open dialogue among people of all backgrounds. She believes that encouraging this sense of wonder is essential for eroding social prejudices and celebrating multiculturalism as a global asset.

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. Her goals for the coming year include a major charity event in February to engage policymakers and further increase the program's profile. Those interested in supporting the cause can find donation links and updates on her Instagram profile, marking a hopeful step toward better health outcomes for Kenyan youth.

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 condition ensures that individuals are seen for who they are beyond their diagnosis. By focusing on person centered care and caregiver well-being, society can better support the million people living with dementia in the UK today.

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 the pressure to conform and instead embrace their true selves. She emphasizes the value of strong relationships and positive role models for children, particularly in the face of social media's growing influence. Bradford remains dedicated to empowering others through her writing, public speaking, and coaching.

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 individual moments of brilliance from players like Bellingham and Kane have kept the team in the tournament, DuGard stressed that England must find a way to play more cohesively to progress past Switzerland.

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 anthems and Haydn’s Nelson Mass, a work imbued with profound faith and orchestral richness. With tickets available online and locally, this week promises an accessible yet deeply moving musical experience for all ages, reinforcing Pinner’s status as a cornerstone of the regional arts scene.