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.

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 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

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
Hampshire County Council provide update on Pulens Lane
Stroud Village Hall- bookings up; deficit down
Juniper’s Lizzie a winner
…and we preview this weekend’s sport

To share your news stories email team@shineradio.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.

You make it shine.

Published at 4:58am on 20 February, 2026

Today's local news and information update from Petersfield's Shine Radio.
<ul>
<li>Hampshire County Council provide update on Pulens Lane</li>
<li>Stroud Village Hall- bookings up; deficit down</li>
<li>Juniper&rsquo;s Lizzie a winner</li>
<li>&hellip;and we preview this weekend&rsquo;s sport</li>
</ul>
To share your news stories email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:team@shineradio.uk">team@shineradio.uk</a> or call, text or WhatsApp 01730 555 500.
You make it shine.
Published at 4:58am on 20 February, 2026

Local news for Friday 20th February

Heather Coulson runs her own business, the Home Projects Companion, from Stroud. 

She recently joined the Stroud Village Hall Board as a Trustee.

She launched her business to help people with domestic projects - from making your own cleaning products to larger work on your home; running courses as well as larger project work. 

She recommends going into business but works harder now, if flexibly, than when she had a 'regular job' and says it’s not for the faint hearted but likes it.

Speaking to Mike Waddington she talks about her motivations and challenges.

More at The Home Project Companion

Heather Coulson runs her own business, the Home Projects Companion, from Stroud.&nbsp;
She recently joined the Stroud Village Hall Board as a Trustee.
She launched her business to help people with domestic projects - from making your own cleaning products to larger work on your home; running courses as well as larger project work.&nbsp;
She recommends going into business but works harder now, if flexibly, than when she had a 'regular job' and says it&rsquo;s not for the faint hearted but likes it.
Speaking to Mike Waddington she talks about her motivations and challenges.
More at <a href="https://thehomeprojectcompanion.com/">The Home Project Companion</a>

Starting a business is tough but is recommended by Stroud entrepreneur

Lichens are fascinating growths, says Duncan Wright, from PALE - that’s Petersfield Area Lichen Enthusiasts.

Lichen are everywhere on the Heath - on the trees but also pioneering species also growing on the bins and you'll even find them on the wall by the Post Office. 

Duncan tells Mike Waddington all about them and the awe they inspire under the magnifying glass. 

Duncan gives talks  with his colleague Peter Bisset and he gives a lively interview here.

More here: Petersfield Area Lichen Enthusiasts | The British Lichen Society and you can contact Duncan at duncanwright08@icloud.com 

 

Lichens are fascinating growths, says Duncan Wright, from PALE - that&rsquo;s Petersfield Area Lichen Enthusiasts.
Lichen are everywhere on the Heath - on the trees but also pioneering species also growing on the bins and you'll even find them on the wall by the Post Office.&nbsp;
Duncan tells Mike Waddington all about them and the awe they inspire under the magnifying glass.&nbsp;
Duncan gives talks&nbsp; with his colleague Peter Bisset and he gives a lively interview here.
More here: <a href="https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/local-groups/petersfield">Petersfield Area Lichen Enthusiasts | The British Lichen Society</a> and you can contact Duncan at <a href="mailto:duncanwright08@icloud.com">duncanwright08@icloud.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

International Women's Day 60 second history - Kathleen Merritt

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