The Echo Dispatch

Throughout this series, Bournemouth Daily Echo chief reporter Jason Lewis seeks out some of Dorset's most interesting characters to find out about their journey, what motivates them and more. Each ep…

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15 clip(s) in playlist

Tributes and memories: Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
In a special episode of the Echo Dispatch podcast, Jason spoke who three people from Dorset who all moving words to share about Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her family. The episode features interviews with the son of six-time Mayor of Christchurch Eric Spreadbury, a former Dorset Police…
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Historic bus firm mobilisation to keep passengers moving
In the 14th episode of the Echo Dispatch, Jason visited the headquarters of operator Morebus to interview managing director Andrew Wickham. It has been a unique summer for the bus sector in Bournemouth following the collapse of Yellow Buses after 120 years of trading. Andrew and the team at Moreb…
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Leaving a legacy after 18 years leading school
In the 13th episode of the Echo Dispatch, Jason went to Bournemouth School for Girls to meet Alistair Brien in the final week of his time as headteacher. Alistair had been at the helm of the large school for 18 years and experienced all sorts of tests in this time. During the interview he discuss…
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Strike by strike to become the world's best
In the 12th episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason chatted over Zoom with Verity Crawley, the Bournemouth-born ten-pin bowling star. Verity, who lives in the United States of America, is Britain's only female professional athlete in the sport and she dreams of one day becoming world champion. During…
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On a mission to support country's homeless veterans
In the 11th episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason sits down with David Wood, chief executive of Poole-based charity Helping Homeless Veterans UK. The organisation was founded in September 2019 and since then, despite challenges created by the pandemic, the all-volunteer team has supported more than …
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Leading NHS hospitals through a pandemic and a merger
In the 10th episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Debbie Fleming shortly before her retirement from the position of chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. Debbie called time on a 38-year career in the National Health Service at the end of March 2022. The fo…
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Botanical brilliance at Dorset's first gin distillery
In the ninth episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Conker Spirit founder and head conkerer Rupert Holloway. The former desk-bound quantity surveyor launched Dorset's first gin distillery in 2014. He now sells gin and coffee liqueur products internationally from a base in Southbourne. Du…
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An inside experience of working in the ambulance service
In the eighth episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with senior paramdeic George Bell-Starr. Having worked on the frontline in ambulances in the midlands and more recently in Dorset, George now works in primary care. During the episode, George discusses his route into becoming a paramedic, t…
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Poole midwife's experience on The Great British Bake Off
In the seventh episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with retired midwife and Poole resident Maggie Richardson. Maggie the Seaside Baker won many fans during her appearance on last year's edition of The Great British Bake Off. During the episode, Maggie discusses her experience on the show, …
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Stuart Semple brings art to the heart of his home town
In the sixth episode of The Echo Dispatch, Jason speaks with Bournemouth-born artist Stuart Semple. Stuart discusses the developing art scene in his home town, his route into the industry and what inspires his work. He also talks about the dangers 'cancel culture' poses to the field and how he is…
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