For international women's day we look back at the life of the pioneering 20th century conductor Kathleen Merritt.

Music: Bittersweet by Poddington Bear. Used under Creative Commons licence
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Piano_IV_Cinematic/Bittersweet_1577

For international women's day we look back at the life of the pioneering 20th century conductor Kathleen Merritt.
Music: Bittersweet by Poddington Bear. Used under Creative Commons licence https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Piano_IV_Cinematic/Bittersweet_1577

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We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.

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Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at https://shineradio.uk, email team@shineradio.uk or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Local stories, local voices and local information from Petersfield.
We cover community news, culture, nature, history, events and entertainment in the South Downs market town of Petersfield in Hampshire, UK.
This feed includes all our on-demand audio. Find our more specific feeds by searching "Petersfield" on your  favourite podcast app.
Shine Radio is the radio station made by you. Share your stories or join our volunteer team. Find out more at <a href="https://shineradio.uk">https://shineradio.uk</a>, email <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call Petersfield 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.

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Petersfield's Shine Radio

International Women's Day 60 second history - Kathleen Merritt

Nine year old collie, Peggy Sue, is on her last agility season this year. 

Owner, Rachel Williams took some time out from organising the Agility trials at Dogs Day Out in Hampshire to talk about the sport in general and Peggy Sue's career. 

Rachel is interesting on the working urge in collies - Peggy Sue will retire from agility, but she has no plans to stop. She's also bringing on her younger puppy, Brie, whose parents are both working farm dogs.

She also explains why this sport - seen at the highest levels at Crufts and international competitions - remains highly accessible to any dog and handler with a close relationship and a liking for activity. 

It's accessible to all - from kids to really quite old (!), and all breeds can participate from toy poodles to malinois.

Recorded at Dogs Day Out, 2026 in East Worldham, Hampshire.

Photo by Sean Cameron. 

Find out more about agility:
Kennel Club website - list of approved trainers (positive reinforcement only)
Agility4all.co.uk - UK based agility shows for all dogs (with diary)
Agilitynet on Facebook for meet ups and classes near you

Do you work your dog or dogs? 

Please get in touch with Kate at team@shineradio.uk if you'd like to introduce a working dog to the show! 

Nine year old collie, Peggy Sue, is on her last agility season this year.&nbsp;
Owner, Rachel Williams took some time out from organising the Agility trials at Dogs Day Out in Hampshire to talk about the sport in general and Peggy Sue's career.&nbsp;
Rachel is interesting on the working urge in collies - Peggy Sue will retire from agility, but she has no plans to stop. She's also bringing on her younger puppy, Brie, whose parents are both working farm dogs.
She also explains why this sport - seen at the highest levels at Crufts and international competitions - remains highly accessible to any dog and handler with a close relationship and a liking for activity.&nbsp;
It's accessible to all - from kids to really quite old (!), and all breeds can participate from toy poodles to malinois.
Recorded at <a href="https://www.dogsdayworldham.com/">Dogs Day Out, 2026</a> in East Worldham, Hampshire.
Photo by Sean Cameron.&nbsp;
Find out more about agility:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.royalkennelclub.com/activities/other-activities/agility/">Kennel Club website </a>- list of approved trainers (positive reinforcement only)</li>
<li><a href="agility4all.co.uk">Agility4all.co.uk</a> - UK based agility shows for all dogs (with diary)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/138106032889353/">Agilitynet</a> on Facebook for meet ups and classes near you</li>
</ul>
Do you work your dog or dogs?&nbsp;
Please get in touch with Kate at <a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> if you'd like to introduce a working dog to the show!&nbsp;

Peggy Sue, the veteran agility dog and an overveiw of agility as a sport

On Friday 3 July, Agencies Working Together marked going into its 10 year with a face to face meeting, with hot drinks and doughnuts.

There are around 40 organisations who attend this voluntary network to share information and find out what  others are doing and how they can help each other.

AT every meeting one organisation leads off; this one heard the latest from Lucia Smith from Home Start Butser. 

The coordinator, Steve Field (a volunteer) talks too Mike Waddington about the network - its origns and use now (they are currently working together around how to  on combatting loneliness).

We hear from organisations there and Isobel Gibbins from the Free shop and Mary Vincent from the Goodyear Foundation (going for a couple of centuries now!)

On Friday 3 July, Agencies Working Together marked going into its 10 year with a face to face meeting, with hot drinks and doughnuts.
There are around 40 organisations who attend this voluntary network to share information and find out what&nbsp; others are doing and how they can help each other.
AT every meeting one organisation leads off; this one heard the latest from Lucia Smith from Home Start Butser.&nbsp;
The coordinator, Steve Field (a volunteer) talks too Mike Waddington about the network - its origns and use now (they are currently working together around how to&nbsp; on combatting loneliness).
We hear from organisations there and Isobel Gibbins from the Free shop and Mary Vincent from the Goodyear Foundation (going for a couple of centuries now!)

Agencies Working Together goes into its 10 year of collaboration

Today marks one year since the devastating fire that swept through Lavant Street in Petersfield. In the days and months that followed, the community rallied around those affected. Businesses found temporary homes, fundraising efforts gathered pace, and local people showed the resilience and generosity that Petersfield is known for. While rebuilding continues, the spirit of the town has remained stronger than ever.

We reflect on some of our coverage from immediately after the fire and over the past year as building works progress. 

Today marks one year since the devastating fire that swept through Lavant Street in Petersfield. In the days and months that followed, the community rallied around those affected. Businesses found temporary homes, fundraising efforts gathered pace, and local people showed the resilience and generosity that Petersfield is known for. While rebuilding continues, the spirit of the town has remained stronger than ever.
We reflect on some of our coverage from immediately after the fire and over the past year as building works progress.&nbsp;

International Women's Day 60 second history - Kathleen Merritt

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