Severn Lives
Polly Lovegrove
Publishing Details
Contact & Outreach
About This Podcast
Severn Lives is a podcast that celebrates the people and stories of the River Severn in Mid Wales. Hosted by Polly Lovegrove, each episode is a warm and thoughtful conversation with someone who has lived and worked in the Severn valley. Guests include farmers, teachers, artists, artisans, naturalists and lifelong locals who share their memories and reflections on how the area has changed since they were young. Many of Polly’s guests are people who rarely step into the spotlight. They live quietly, often in remote areas, yet when invited to talk, they reveal a deep connection to the land and to the communities that have grown up along the river. Their voices offer a window into a way of life that is slowly changing, yet still deeply rooted in place.
Severn Lives is both a living archive and a celebration of these often overlooked voices. It offers listeners the chance to hear directly from those who know the Severn valley best, in their own words, capturing the character, warmth and wisdom of the people who call this part of Mid Wales home.
If you know someone who would be interesting to talk to, please get in touch.
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Recent Episodes
S1E10 Ivy Evans: Tales from the Golden Mile in Rural Wales
Welcome to the podcast. Today, I’m on the Golden Mile in rural Wales, near Cefn Coch, where I’m speaking with the wonderfully warm and inspiring Ivy Evans. Ivy has lived in the farmhouse for over…
S1E9 Norman Woodcock: From Tree-Top Revision to Bus-Stop Romance: 64 Years of Love, Life, and Little Coincidences
From growing up in a South Wales mining village, to teaching rural science in Mid Wales, Norman Woodcock's life was shaped by hard work, resilience, and unexpected turns. But at the heart of it all…
S1E8 Bob Davey: From Park Street to the High Seas and Back Again
Today we’re stepping back nearly 82 years. Our guest Bob Davey grew up on Park Street, Newtown and was one of the first families to move into the brand new council houses of Garth Owen at aged 5. His…
S1E7 Diane Ashman: Lipstick, Berets & Bertie the Bear: Tales from a Vintage Clothes Shop.
It was pouring with rain when I arrived on Welshpool High Street in Mid Wales. The grand white double-fronted house that is Ashmans Antiques stood solid against the gloom. Step through the door,…
S1E6 Jeremy Pryce: Crafting in the forge, camping, and lasting memories of Llandinam
Welcome to Llandinam, a village steeped in history and stories. Today, we’re joined by lifelong resident Jeremy Pryce, a man whose roots run deep in this community.Jeremy shares memories of his…
S1E5 Susan Blower: A bell, a song and a life in full colour.
In this episode, we’re talking to Susan Blower, a name well known in Montgomery, and a voice you definitely can’t miss. Born and bred in the town, Susan grew up in a time when childhoods were spent…
S1E4 Bob Evans: Bwana Bob, the Beast of Llangurig, and Life at 87
This week we’re chatting with Bob Evans, a former policeman whose life is filled with remarkable stories and quiet routines alike. He recalls the time when he was sent out to surround a barn believed…
S1E3 Huw Thomas: Ungrateful Budgies, a Cow in the Dark and a Naked Lady in Wellingtons
Listen to the stories of Huw’s childhood growing up as the vet’s son in Caersws. He loved driving his dad to midnight call outs, bumping along dark lanes across the length and breadth of the Severn…
S1E2 Jeremy Connell: Four fingers and a thumb lead to Caersws
In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Connell, a man with a lifetime of stories, from the curious significance of four fingers and a thumb in Caersws, to his years as a teacher in Newtown. Jeremy…
S1E1 When the river gives you a basket, make chips
For over seventy years, Janet has called Llanidloes home, and in this podcast she welcomes us into her world of cherished memories and everyday stories. From playful childhood adventures along the…
Introduction to Severn Lives Podcast
We bring you interviews with people who live in the Severn Valley, those whose stories remain untold. This podcast hears from the people who lives are intertwined with the river, who live and work…
Frequently Asked Questions
Severn Lives has published 11 episodes since December 2025, covering topics in Documentary, Places & Travel.
Severn Lives is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 20m.
Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Severn Lives, including email and social media links.
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