Explore every episode of the podcast Nighttime on Still Waters
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Night Speaks with its Silences | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:42:04 | |
These are the days of the long nights, when ¾ of our day gives way to the dark. If we listen carefully, their gifts are rich and restoring. In these strange times we need, once more, to slow down, look up, and hear the night speak to us with its silences. Come aboard the Erica and let’s journey into the night. Journal entry: 27th November, Thursday The willow leaf Episode Information: In this episode I read an extracts from: I also read Tom Hennan’s ‘Summer Night Air’ from his collection Darkness Sticks to Everything (2013) published by Copper Canyon Press, and refer to Nic Wilson’s Country Diary column. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Susan Baker General Details The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Piano an Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| The Colour of Storms (Storm Claudia passing through) | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:31:21 | |
Join us tonight aboard the Erica’s warm and cosy cabin as storm Claudia rages outside. Let us experience together the intimate feeling of being snug and safe in a tiny home afloat on the storm lashed canals. Journal entry: 14th November, Friday “Sky of smudged greys, Episode Information: The soundscape was recorded in the stern study of the narrowboat Erica at the height of Storm Claudia on 24th November 2025. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Susan Baker General Details The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Unsettled at the Still-Point (Of the year) | 22 Jun 2025 | 00:35:28 | |
It is a hot midsummer night of warm winds that makes the Erica creak at her moorings. Tonight, we find ourselves at a year’s turning point — caught between the stillness and the unsettling. Join us as we explore the solstice, the shifting seasons, the rhythm of carnival swings, and the restless nature of the mind, uncovering the connections between them all. Journal entry: 16th June, Monday “Cresting Episode Information: In this episode I refer to the website’s ‘The start of it all’ page where you can find all the links to episodes featuring readings from Mum’s book. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Susan Baker General Details The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Church bells among crow song | 25 Sep 2022 | 00:41:51 | |
This week much of the country fell silent for a while and that stillness was the occasion for a chance encounter and finding within the silence the music of bells among crow song. Join us aboard the Erica tonight as we are touched by the enigmatic qualities of bells and stillness. Journal entry: 21st September, Wednesday Dew, the smell of sheep and wet grass.
Episode Information: fAll field recordings made on 19.09.2022 and features the bells of St Peter's church, Wootton Wawen. SeánStreet’s (2012) The Poetry of Radio: The colour of sound published by Routledge. Seán Street’s (2019) The Sound inside the Silence: Travels in the Sonic Imagination published by Springer. I also read two short extracts from John Betjeman. John Betjeman (1958) Introduction to English Country Churches Steve Tyrell’s vlog recording his adventures on the NB Precious Jet can be viewed here: Narrowboat Precious Jet. David Keating’s Instagram account to view his photographs: david_keating. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| The Longest Trench (Summer readings) | 18 Sep 2022 | 00:26:31 | |
The second of our reading this year takes back to the working-boat families of the First World War. Geoffrey Lewis’ beautifully detailed and cleverly structured tribute to the people who worked the boats through this turbulent period is a lovely and moving tribute to their hard work, sacrifices, and bravery. The Longest Trench follows the lives of two families as they work their boats and provides an intimate and carefully-researched window into their lives, charting not just the hardships, but also their joys. As such, it is a touching and heartfelt celebration on an aspect of British life that has been long over-looked. The novel is framed in such a clever way that allows Geoffrey to contrast the wide range of experiences working boaters encountered, from running multiple boats, being No. 1s (owners), different types of cargo. It also shines a light on the practical challenges that this life raised. For example, how do you conduct a courtship when the two parties are on different boats and on different routes? What happens when a young child becomes seriously ill? Publisher’s (SGM Publishing) blurb: “Careful research and Mr Lewis’ of the canals make this novel a realistic picture of boating people in the days of horse-drawn narrowboats, and once again his characters become real people whose fortunes matter to his ardent readers: Joy and sadness meet them along the way as news from the various theatres of war is received, while the burgeoning romance between a boy and girl carries us along towards Armistice Day.” In this episode I also read as short section from Tom Rolt’s Narrow Boat. More information and bibliographic details. Lewis, Geoffrey (2014) The Longest Trench. Kidlington: SGM Publishing. Rolt, LTC. (1944) Narrow Boat. London: Eire and Spottiswoode. I have found that the best site to locate Geoffrey Lewis’ books is at The Canal Shop. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Canal Pushers (Summer readings) | 11 Sep 2022 | 00:22:51 | |
The first of our ‘Summer’ readings this year is from Andy Griffee’s meticulously researched, fast-paced, crime thriller Canal Pushers. Set on the West Midlands canals from Stratford-upon-Avon up to Birmingham and down to Hanbury (a handy map is included at the front of the book). The detail of the canal systems travelled is beautifully captured as is life aboard a narrowboat for would-be owner Jack Johnson. I initially started the book with some slight apprehension, being drawn by the canal setting and the rave reviews. However, I was quickly hooked. If crime thrillers are your thing, you are going to love this. If canals and narrowboating are more your thing, I think you will love this too. The publisher’s blurb provides the following synopsis: “Book 1 in the Johnson & Wilde crime mystery series, featuring ex journalist Jack Johnson, the enigmatic Nina Wilde, and a narrowboat with a top speed of 4 miles per hour… More information and bibliographic details Griffee, Andy (2019) Canal Pushers. Leominster: Orphans Publishing. Andy has written (to date) two further adventures featuring Jack, Nina and Eddie (the border terrier); River Rats (set on the Kennet and Avon) and Oxford Blues (based around the Thames at Oxford). More information about Andy can be found on his website: Andy Griffee. You can follow Andy on Twitter @AndyGriffee to f Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Milky tea and four sugars (Walking with elephants) | 04 Sep 2022 | 00:31:34 | |
There’s a warm welcome awaiting you under the heavy night skies of summer’s hinterlands. Tonight we meet a very special person with a lop-sided smile and who might be able to teach us to walk with elephants. Journal entry: 30th August, Tuesday. “Day’s end. I stand up here and try to see what is Infront of me. But the future is just a confused blur of uncertainty. When I look back, I can so easily draw-out the most intricate constellations that map the chaos of my footsteps of the paths that I have walked. In them I begin to see order and meaning. Why can’t I do the same for my futures? But now, all I see is the hunch of the owl-chapelled oak, in its small bowl of nettles and the sheep whose shadows stretch long across the sunny curve of the hill. Perhaps one day, looking back from some future vantage point, I too will be able to find lines of connection and clarity. The clear path that was taken through my future uncertainty.” Episode Information: This episode is dedicated to Angela Oliver who, with her husband Roger, through extraordinary sacrifice enabled an unlikely man to continue to walk carefree and tall with elephants. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Beside a young willow (in a thunderstorm) | 28 Aug 2022 | 00:34:22 | |
Although a little delayed, the long-awaited rain and thunder did eventually arrive. Join us tonight as we hunker down beside a young willow and enjoy, with a field full of crows, the wonder of a thunderstorm as it roars overhead and all the richness it brings. Journal entry: 19th August, Friday. “An impulse forage among the brambles on a We have done this hundreds of times before Both instinctively aware of its special quality
Episode Information: In this episode I read two of Wendell Berry’s Sabbath poems: XIX – ‘Some Sunday afternoon’ XXI – ‘I was awakened from my dream of the ruined world’ You can listen to the MIND Station using the imbedded player at Mind Station. Recording of the rain and thunder recorded on Erica: South Stratford Canal (16.08.2022). For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Hot August Nights (Listening for the thunder) | 15 Aug 2022 | 00:24:57 | |
It has been a sweltering hot week with temperatures in the 30s (90F). Join me onboard NB Erica, on a hot August night just as the heatwave is about to break, as we listen for the rolling sound of distant thunder. Journal entry: 10th August, Wednesday “The last of today’s sun slowly climbs A few hundred yards from me My notebook lies empty beside me Bats fill my silence.” Episode Information: In this episode I refer to the music of the jazz singer Cassandra Wilson and refer specifically to versions of Darkness on the Delta and the achingly beautiful Love is Blindness. The field recording of distant thunder was recorded by ‘sagetyrtle’ and uploaded to Freesound in October 2010. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| The Scent of God | 07 Aug 2022 | 00:27:44 | |
Join me this week as we moor on a still August night, under a proud stand of poplars studded with starlight and moonlight. Tonight, we explore the evocative power of scents and smells. Journal entry: 6th August, Saturday. "The sun is three fingers above the horizon Three ducks cast perfect wakes of Vs There is something ethereal about this light The sun has always been an alchemist at heart." Episode Information: For more information about Noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula), which is the largest bat in the UK, there is an excellent article on the Woodland Trust's website: Noctule Bat. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Down by the Cattle Pond | 31 Jul 2022 | 00:35:01 | |
There is a spot of ground that is special to me. Perhaps you have one too. They often are not particularly attractive, but somehow they are places we can go to find quietness. Join me to tonight when we visit one of my special places as we go down to the cattle pond with the help of Wendell Berry. Journal entry: 27th July, Wednesday “Drifts of mist rise and ghost upon the water The heron is in the cow-splash down by the oaks And wish for rain.”
Episode Information: In this episode I read a very short extract from Simon Barnes’ excellent, quirky, and altogether wonderful, A Bad Birdwatcher’s Companion published (2005) by Short Books. I also read Wendell Berry’s poem ‘A Standing Ground’ which can be found in his volume The Peace of Wild Things: And other poems published (2018) by Penguin Books. You can listen and watch Mary Berry read this poem here: ‘A Standing Ground.’ For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Let the Stars Sing out your Stories | 24 Jul 2022 | 00:41:48 | |
The forecast hot weather has come and gone, but its psychological, as much as physical, effects feel a bit harder to shift. So join with me tonight as we gaze deeply into the mirrored dome of the night sky and its web of starlight, to discover what stories they tell and their challenge for us to begin to create newer ones. Journal entry: 22nd July, Friday “Every day shakes the kaleidoscope. Today, three young jackdaws chase each other It calls to somewhere deep inside of us, Episode Information: In this episode I quote a section from Jack Johnson's song ‘Constellations’ which was released on his album In Between Dreams on Bushfire Records in 2005. You can listen to it here: ‘Constellations’. I also read an excerpt from Susan Hanson’s essay ‘Deep in the Heart’ found in Let There Be Night edited by Paul Goodard (2008) published by Uni of Nevada. John Moriarty talks about the impact of western mythology on the psyche and culture of western civilisations in many of his books; particularly, Nostos, An Autobiography (2001) and What the Curlew Said: Nostos Continued (2007). The best introduction to John’s writing is the excellent John Moriarty: Not The Whole Story (2018) written by Mary McGillicuddy. All these books are published by Lilliput Press. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| The Dog Days of Summer | 17 Jul 2022 | 00:24:11 | |
These are the long days. The days of heat and dust. The days of quiet skies and dulled colours. Days of eclipse and renewal. These are the dog days of summer. Journal entry: 23rd July, Saturday [Should be 16th July - blame the heat!!] “Martins twist and flit around the large ash, We slip the mooring ropes and leave.” Episode Information: In this episode I read two short extracts from Miles Hadfield’s (1950) An English Almanac published by J.M. Dent and Sons. Soundscape of dusk, recorded at Wilmcote (South Stratford upon Avon Canal) at 21.15 on 16th July 2022. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| A brooding sky and mirrored waters (Fen Country) | 08 Jun 2025 | 00:42:32 | |
Join us on a quiet night of summer rain as we listen to rooks and explore the beauty and ambiguities of two liminal places with a lot in common. We learn about the web-footed fenmen and are guided by Luke Sherlock to a ruined church under haunting skies. Journal entry: 6th June, Friday “We walk through the sheep field Even the magpies’ cackles cannot wake Episode Information: In this episode I read Edward Storey’s ‘You walk the roof of the world here’ and Jeff Moore’s ‘The worked land.’ I also read an extract from Luke Sherlock’s Forgotten Churches published by Quarto and refer to Adam Porter’s podcast ‘The Water Road’ More information about the campaign for a flag for the fens can be found here: Flag of the Fens. With special thanks to our lock-wheelers: Susan Baker General Details The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). P Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Unfamiliar Mirrors (... and a herring) | 10 Jul 2022 | 00:37:35 | |
Old stories can lift an unfamiliar mirror up to our lives so that we see ourselves anew and as we really are. Tonight, I will tell you an old story. It’s a story about a silvery day of sea fret (mist), rolling ocean waves, empty fishing nets, and a solitary herring. Journal entry: 6th July, Wednesday “I sit on the bank, one leg hanging down. He watches me. I smile, but it means nothing to him. He could be Penny - a little soul staring at each move I make. I want to tell him 'it'll be alright'. But that is the point, isn't it? Neither of us live in a world of fairy tale endings. But that they may hear our songs (you, duck, and me) and Episode Information: In this episode I read a very short extract from Roy Vickery’s (2019) Vickery’s Folk Flora, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson. I also refer to Sharon Blackie’s (2019) Foxfire, Wolfskin and other stories of Shapeshifting Women, published by September Books where you can read her (much briefer) version of the story of the herring and the fisherman. Field recording General Details In the intro and the Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| This one unremarkable dusk | 03 Jul 2022 | 00:25:22 | |
With apologies for sounding like an asthmatic badger, tonight we explore the special qualities of an unremarkable dusk and why we can feel so at peace with it and the darkness it can bring. Journal entry: 28th June, Tuesday. “I stop work to breathe in the storm-wind My shoulders feel heavy The water hose, snakes and hisses around my feet. Head upright, neck relaxed, the cob swan pushes towards me, My day begins to smile.” Episode Information: In this episode I refer to an interview with John O’ Donohue recorded by Krista Tippett (2008/2022) ‘The Inner Landscape of Beauty’ on the On Being podcast. I also read a very short extract from John O’ Donohue’s (1999) Anam Cara: Spiritual wisdom from the Celtic world published by Penguin Random House. I also refer to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s article ‘Nightfall’ published in Paul Bogard’s (2008) Let There Be Night: Testimony on behalf of the dark published by University of Nevada Press. I also refer to the following works: Matthew Beaumont (2016) Nightwalking: A nocturnal history of London published by Verso Books. Roger Ekirch (2004/2013) At Day’s Close: Night in times past published by Weidenfeld and Nicholson The episode finishes with a reading of Tom Hennen’s short poem ‘Summer Night Air’ from his Darkness Sticks to Everything: Collected and New Poems published (2013) by Copper Canyon Press. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint- Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Love Letters (Written in Canal Water) | 26 Jun 2022 | 00:34:55 | |
It is funny how, looking back, distinct paths and interconnections can be found. It is, sometimes, tempting to see them as clear paths that we are destined to follow. However, sometimes, they are coincidence or simply a case that one can spot significance after the event. But they can also be 'love letters written in canal water'. Journal entry: 21st June, Tuesday, Summer Solstice. “Mist burns off the water, baptising the canal in red and gold. Three newly hatched moorhens, a chaos of fluff and bald-headed, On the opposite bank, a smallish carp, asleep in death, light flecking off the lively scales. Just down from here the body of a vole floats on the listless current. How do I make sense of all this? Those three moorhen seem to know. Episode Information: For those wanting to watch Steve Tyrell’s wonderfully soothing and informative cruise click this link: Cruising the Ashby Canal!!! The sound of a Gardner 2LW. You can see more of Steve’s videos on his YouTube channel: Narrowboat Precious Jet. It is well worth a look if you are interested in the more practical aspects of boat-life (which I tend to stay away from!). I also refer to the lyrics of ‘Society’ written by Jerry Hannan and, probably, most famously sung by Eddie Vedder as part of the OST for the film Into the Wild. There are numerous YouTube videos of this song. The official version is: ‘Society’ OST. A version featuring the lyrics (with rather idiosyncratic spelling) is: ‘Society’ with Lyrics. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clic Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Lessons from the Breadlady | 19 Jun 2022 | 00:34:35 | |
The heat of the past few days has broken with sweeping skies filled with rain and lowering clouds. Join me tonight, as we reflect on life on water in the heat of summer, listen to the poetic words of one of our listeners, and discover the wisdom of making bread through the words of another listener and Robin Wall Kimmerer. Journal entry: 14th June, Tuesday. “The day starts fresh with clean skies and grasses that glitter with rainbows. Episode Information: This episode features the writing of two listeners; Margaret Jacobson and Sue ‘Breadlady’. I read the poem ‘The Colour of Water’ by Margaret Jacobson and a post by Sue on her love of bread. I also read a small extract from: For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 'I've Got Her Now' (Love and Hawthorn Blossom) | 12 Jun 2022 | 00:38:35 | |
This week has been one of extremes that encompasses the splendour of solitude and an onboard visit by three very enthusiastic police dogs (and a puppy)! Alongside all this, we took time to listen to some bats, watch the cygnets as the grow ever stronger and contemplate the hidden depths of the most surprising people. Journal entry: 8th June, Wednesday "The wind is kicking up among the branches of the ash and oaks while clouds as heavy as wet blotting paper begin to gather. There is that excitement in the air that portends change though the barometer stays level. The rooks are playing up and large spots of rain fleck the towpath. It is the time to stride across the ridgeways and old greenways in seven-league boots and drink in every second of the howling night... it is the time to close the hatches and listen to the rain as it rakes the cabin roof and batters on the window by my bed."
Episode Information: I am planning to feature bats more fully in a future podcast. However, if you are interested in finding out more about bats, there is a very good introductory guide to (British) bats on the Woodland Trust website: Bats. The bat sounds featured in this episode were a type of pipistrelle. We are not too sure which, but most probably (through population size) they were Common Pipistrelle. For more information: Common Pipistrelle. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Caught in a Rhyme | 05 Jun 2022 | 00:32:07 | |
On the week that the cygnets of our swan pair hatched, we explore the rather contradictory nature of the canal through the eyes of poets Jo Bell, Nancy Campbell, and Ian MacMillan. We find romance amidst the unromantic and beauty in the unbeautiful. Journal entry: 1st June, Wednesday "Heron, streak of grey light, Rain falls as needles of sunlight. Episode Information: In ‘News from the Moorings’ I refer to Mark Nicolaides’ beautiful and exceptionally informative website on the swan: Swan Life. You can read more about swans’ nesting and hatching behaviours in the section: Incubating Eggs. There is a very good collection of canal-themed poetry on the Poetry Society’s website where, in conjunction with the Canal and River Trust (CRT), there is a section that includes works from past and present ‘Canal Laureates’: Waterlines. In this episode I read the following poems: Jo Bell - ‘How to Live on a Boat’ Jo Bell – ‘Frozen In’ Nancy Campbell (2018) – ‘Recipe for a Towpath Garden’ Ian MacMillan – ‘Canal Life’ I am not sure how current Pete’s Etsy page is as most of his more recent artwork appears to be on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TuffreyArtist. You can also follow Pete on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeteTuffrey For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| On Drying Days (Like This) | 29 May 2022 | 00:29:00 | |
May slowly rolls into June, but is summer really here? The towpaths and hedgerows are garlanded in summer colours and the ducks (and swans) are beginning to move into their time of eclipse. Some of the mallard drakes are beginning to look very travel-worn! Meanwhile, days like these seem to bring a lot of childhood memories to mind. Journal entry: 27th May, Friday "Two hours until sundown and a stillness already settles. Later the peace will be disturbed and the sky explode with shouts and light. Episode Information: All birds moult (‘molt’ – US spelling) or go into ‘eclipse’. You can find more information about the eclipse or moult that ducks and swans experience on this site: Understanding Waterfowl: The amazing molt. More information can be found here: What is eclipse plumage? For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| The Colour of Water | 22 May 2022 | 00:36:37 | |
I want to describe to you what I saw today, but I can't. We have so many words to describe and represent the most complex of concepts. Why then is it almost impossible to describe something so simple and ordinary as the colour of the water earlier today? Kathleen Jamie and Thomas Merton (with a little excursive with Hana Videen) help us to find some answers. Journal entry: 17th May, Tuesday "The hills are painted a dusty grey and the world is filled with the quietness of sheep, the cry of distant crows and drip and splash of rain upon young oak leaves. The warm touch of bark beneath my hand and the shiver of a silvery mist. A perfect way to watch the slow dance of dawn." Episode Information: In this episode I cite or read extracts from: Kathleen Jamie’s (2004) Dublin Review article ‘Sabbath’ (open access), which can also be found in her (2005) book Findings published by Sort Of Books. Hana Videen’s (2022) The Wordhord: Daily Life in Old English published by Princeton University Press. Thomas Merton’s (2015) When the Trees Say Nothing: Writings on nature published by Ave Maria Press. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio r Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| When David Came (Cruising the Cut) | 15 May 2022 | 00:29:04 | |
The Greek myths tell us that there are times when the gods come down from Olympus to walk amongst mortals. We had a very similar experience when, on a sunny day in late March, David Johns came to visit us and record an episode for his canal-based vlog Cruising the Cut. Journal entry: 11th May, Wednesday “The carp are spawning! May rain casting rings on thrashed water, I lie in the half-light of dawn, Episode Information: David Johns’ canal-based YouTube channel is Cruising the Cut. You can view David’s episode on Nighttime on Still Waters (via YouTube) here: 265. Evoking the spirit of pirate radio - on a canal. For information about the wooden writer’s box: Blue Star Crafts. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyb Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Banbury Town (Rainy Saturday Afternoon) | 08 May 2022 | 00:32:06 | |
Banbury has a significant place in the history of canals, most notably for being the location of Tooley’s boatyard and its association with canal restoration campaigner LTC (Tom) Rolt. However, the relationship between town and canal has not always been easy. Join me today, as we explore the town through the eyes of Temple-Thurston, Rolt, and Pearson, from the comfort of a coffeeshop window seat on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Journal entry: 7th May, Saturday "Another early start. A busy day lies ahead. One from which I shrink. The swans are still asleep. The cob tucked beside his mate on the nest. I stare at nothing. Hear nothing. Lost on the still waters of the mind. Episode Information: You can find out more about the history and current workings of Tooley’s Boat Yard at: Tooley’s Boatyard Trust. In this episode I cite or read short extracts from: Michael Pearson (2003) Pearson’s Canal Companion: Oxford and Grand Union, published by Central Waterways Supplies. L.T.C. Rolt (1944) Narrow Boat, first published by Eyre and Spottiswoode E. Temple Thurston (1911) The Flower of Gloster, published by William Norgate. Linda Aubry’s narrowboat themed fabric designs Linda’s fabric designs, many of which have been inspired by traditional narrowboat canal art, including her toile designs, can be seen on her Spoonflower site: Designs by orangecookie. General Detai Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Erica's Place | 25 May 2025 | 00:39:40 | |
Welcome to tonight’s episode where ‘Erica’s Place’ by Mindshambles awakens a kaleidoscope of reminiscences about Mum and ‘elevensies’ and her never ending supply of fresh scones. As the different memories flow and glide past, it slowly becomes clear how much of ‘Erica’s place’ and Mum’s philosophy still lives on and unconsciously shapes these podcasts. Welcome to Erica's place. Journal entry: 20th May, Tuesday “The yellow flag are out. Yellow iris arrives flat-packed Episode Information: In this episode I read the first verse of John Betjeman’s ‘Upper Lambourne’ and a short extract from Miles Hadfield’s (1950) An English Almanac. I also read ‘Erica’s Place’ by Mindshambles (2025) With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Susan Baker General Details The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| 'A Gypsy Love of Colour' (Painted Boats) | 01 May 2022 | 00:38:34 | |
Why are canal boats and traditional canal-ware so colourful? When did the custom of painting working boats in bright colours begin and why? This week we explore our attraction to bright colours and what Tom Rolt describes as the ‘working boaters’ inborn gypsy love of colours.’ Journal entry: 25th April, Monday "Heavy grey clouds, ragged and torn Two women sit cross-legged on their cabin roof. A blackbird scissor the sky A hint of Earl-Grey tea. There is something freeing about The water shivers in the skittering breeze." Episode Information: For more information about Soundcamp’s livestream, environmental, sound project: Soundcamp – Reveil. You can watch Vanessa’s progress on creating her ‘daisy’ stern cabin panel art on her YouTube channel: The Mindful Narrowboat. She begins her work in Episode 91 In this episode I cite: Julian Dutton (2021) Water Gypsies published by History Press. Jim Batty (2019) Narrowboat Life: Discover life afloat on the inland waterways published by Adlard Coles/Bloomsbury. L.T.C. Rolt (1944) Narrow Boat, first published by Eyre and Spottiswoode John Hassel (1819) Tour of the Grand Junction. London: Printed for J. Hassell. John Hollingshead (1860) Odd Journeys In and out of London. London: Goombridge and Sons. Sue Wilkes (2011) Tracing you Canal Ancestors, published by Pen and Sword Family History. E. Temple Thurston (1911) The Flower of Gloster, published by William Norgate. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Entanglements with the Archdeacon | 17 Apr 2022 | 00:31:46 | |
The archdeacon is one of the colourful local characters who live here. Irascible and combative, he is nevertheless an important part of the social life of this small portion of the watery world. He’s a feral domestic duck with a chequered past and a strong sense of his own importance. A rather restless, listless day resulted in me drinking a lot of tea and reflecting on him and the work of Donna Haraway. Journal entry: 16th April, Saturday "I like it up here. It's not miles away from anywhere, but it certainly feels like it. The broad sky. The rise of hill. The tawny dried stems of last year's grass that rustle in the breeze that surfs over the hill's crest. I could walk to the top and look down on the world beyond but I won't, because then I'd know I am not on a fellside in Teasdale, buttoned with gentians and quartz, with the smell of tent canvas and crushed grass and the brassy shine of a primus stove. And I'd know that the world is waiting for me, even now, seeping across the borders of my mind." Episode Information: In this episode I read the first verse of John Betjeman’s poem ‘Upper Lambourne’. You can read the full poem here: Upper Lambourne. You can also hear John Betjeman read it on this video: John Betjeman reads ‘Upper Lambourne’. I also refer to the work of Donna Haraway. She has written a lot on this subject, but arguably she is best known for her essay 'A Cyborg Manifesto'. There are also numerous short (and long) videos on YouTube in which she presents her ideas in an accessible way. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Gene Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| No Small Gift | 10 Apr 2022 | 00:37:18 | |
“It is no small gift” wrote the poet Mary Oliver about the joy a dog brings into our lives. . Journal entry: “It is no small gift” wrote the poet Mary Oliver about the joy a dog brings into our lives. In the week that we had to say goodbye to Penny, we remember the many gifts this timid lttle whirlwind brought into our lives and made them so much richer. We also explore why so many of us find grieving for a pet so difficult. "The trees are still here; And the blackbird still sings But I stand, incomplete, without a shadow... No, that is not how it feels. Episode Information: Please go to noswpod.com for photographs of Penny. I also refer to Guy Winch’s article ‘Why We Need to Take Pet Loss Seriously’ from the Scientific American (May, 2018). For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and avai Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| I have Heard the Roar of Spring (and it is fearful) | 03 Apr 2022 | 00:30:17 | |
Just as the wind swung north with its sting of sleet and hail, the first batch of ducklings were hatched this week. It was a far from simple event! However, as winter attempted to reassert itself with some biting winds and sharp frosts, we are reminded that winter’s growl is no match for the roar of Spring. Journal entry: 1st April, Friday "Penny looks up at me, hunched and quizzical, There is nothing remotely romantic about these driven, windblown, thin needles of ice,
Episode Information: In this episode I read an extract from Simon Barnes’ wonderful book A Bad Birdwatcher’s Companion. Simon Barnes A Bad Birdwatcher's Companion: ...or a Personal introduction to Britain's 50 most obvious birds published (2005) by Short Books. I highly recommend the Naxos unabridged audio book version of this which is read by Simon and also includes samples of each bird’s call and suitable music. I also read a very short extract from the Norse Prose Edda written thought to have been written in the early 13th century by the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson. I also refer to Alexandra Harris’ Weatherland which is published (2015) by Thames and Hudson. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Steps out of Step | 27 Mar 2022 | 00:26:55 | |
A week of glorious spring weather has heightened springtime activity along the canal sides and nearby fields. It also coincides with a particularly busy period personally. My response and those of the birds and animals around could not be more different. We dip our toes into the worlds of the polar north and the work of Kosuke Koyama to explore some possible explanations for this. Journal entry: 25th March, Friday “The fresh sun glances off the surface of the canal with a shimmering, silver warmth, that sets the night-time chill a-dance. A clutch of moorhens squabble, fluster, scold, and court, in plain view, transforming the dark waters into a crystal maelstrom. It is so unlike their normally timorous behaviour. A mallard pair doze in the sunshine on the bank. I stand on the stern deck and beat the dust of winter from our rugs. We have stepped into spring.” Episode Information: In this episode I make a brief mention of the work of Knud Rasmussen. You can read his account of his work and explorations in: Knud Rasmussen People of the Polar North: A record published in 1908 by Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner. I also mention Kathleen Jamie’s beautifully written, insightful, and extremely thought-provoking book Surfacing published in 2019 by Penguin Random House. Kosuke Koyama’s Three Mile an Hour God has just been re-issued (2021) by SCM Press. David Johns’ canals and boating vlog Cruising the Cut can be found here: Cruising the Cut More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Skies of Impossible Blue | 20 Mar 2022 | 00:29:14 | |
This week’s episode is filled with sunshine, the scent of resin, and the soporific call of pigeon and dove as we explore a little further afield. A visit to Dad on the north Norfolk coast means a change in landscape. Find out why, even though I love walking, I am often very reluctant to talk about it with other walkers! Journal entry: 14th March, Monday "Fog. The canal is dark and glassy. He eyes me as he glides slowly passed Episode Information: For information about the beach and woods at Wells-next-the-Sea (audio soundscapes were recorded there: 17.03.2022) you will find this website helpful: The Wells Guide. Please visit the noswpod website for photographs of the Corsican Pine woodland at Wells’ beach. In this episode I read the poem ‘March: Pooley Country Park’ by Vanessa Thomas from the wonderful The Mindful Narrowboat vlog. You can listen to Vanessa recite it and watch her creating her beautiful nature journal here: #93 The 8 Things I Brought to My Tiny Home! | Simplifying My Life More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Wings of Angels (Cyril) | 13 Mar 2022 | 00:32:52 | |
Over the last few weeks, we have watched our little swan family slowly begin the new phases in each of their lives. Whilst it can feel sad, it is also a celebration of the life of young Cyril who is now strong enough and equipped with enough skills to begin to make it in the adult world. It is also an endorsement of success for the young parents who, initially, encountered so many problems in nest building and egg laying. Journal entry: 12th March, Saturday “Last night I lay awake listening to the rain drum on the cabin roof. Night-time is not a good time to think things through. I could imagine the circles made by the rain on the dark waters beside me And that, for me, made the difference.” Episode Information: Please go to the noswpod website for recent photographs of Cyril. In this episode I refer to the following books: Malcolm Schuyl’s The Swan: A natural history published (2012) by Merlin Unwin Books. This is probably the most authoritative book on the subject and is accompanied by some wonderful photography. Simon Barns quirky but indispensable A Bad Birdwatcher’s Companion (2005) published by Short Books. The audio book is excellent, entertaining, lavishly produced and offering samples of each bird call too! More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Masters of the High Wire | 06 Mar 2022 | 00:32:19 | |
The wind is beginning to lose its raw edge, but the water is still lively and choppy. Join us on a moonless mad March night as memories of Shambala evoke a contemplation of high-wire walking in many of its different guises. The stove is warm, the kettle is on and there is always a warm welcome for you. Journal entry: “6th March, Saturday. "There’s a kerfuffle of rooks around the oak at the top of the hill. Two ducks fly low in tight formation There’s a patch of reeds thick the warm rough smell of fox More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| The Darkest of Nights | 27 Feb 2022 | 00:26:48 | |
February has been a month of storms both meteorological and figurative that have left many of us feeling battered and anxious. Such storms leave their marks upon the landscape and familiar terrains can become strange, alien, and threatening. The cataclysmic events of the last few days are difficult to process and have catapulted us into what feels lik a much darker and more fearful world. How do we respond to it all and how do we navigate our way through times of intense darkness and confusion? We look to the misplaced wigeon to help us find some direction. Journal entry: “24th February, Thursday. "An old crescent moon hangs in a sky On my car radio Darkness falls Episode Information: In this episode I read the following poems (see episode chapters for time locations): Tom Hennen ‘When Night Nears’ from his collection Darkness Sticks to Everything: Collected and new poems(2013) published by Copper Canyon Press. Wendell Berry ‘To Know the Dark’ from his volume The Peace of Wild Things and Other Poems (2018), published by Penguin Books. I also read an extract from his book The World-Ending Fire: The essential Wendell Berry (2018) also published by Penguin books.
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Riding the Storm (Eunice) | 20 Feb 2022 | 00:31:26 | |
Snuggle up comfortably as you join us on the NB Erica for a wild night and day as we ride the storms Dudley and Eunice. The poems of Ted Hughes, Louis MacNeice, A.A. Milne, William Blake, and John Betjeman keep us company as they take us through a day of roaring wind and rattling rain-squalls. Please note, the audio for this episode has been intentionally kept ‘dirty’ to capture the ambient sounds of a storm as experienced on a narrowboat and so any bangs, clicks, clunks, and other background noises are entirely deliberate! Journal entry: “16th February, Wednesday. 21:15 Storm Dudley batters the boat, It is a night for wild souls who can match this night, storm for storm, Episode Information: In this episode I read the following poems (see episode chapters for time locations): Ted Hughes: ‘Wind’ from his first collection Hawk in the Rain (1957) published by Faber and Faber. Louis MacNeice: ‘House on a cliff’ from his collection Blind Fireworks (1929) subsequently published in collections by Faber and Faber. A.A. Milne: ‘The wind on the hill’ from his Now We are Six (1927) now published by Egmont (2009). William Blake: ‘Mock on. mock on, Voltaire and Rousseau’ (1796) John Betjeman: ‘Harrow on the Hill’ (1949) published first in A Few Late Chrysanthemums (1953) by in various later collections and anthologies like The Best of Betjeman (1978) published by Penguin Books.
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| A Totally Worthwhile Risk - 4 | 11 May 2025 | 00:35:14 | |
Tonight, we float upon a starfield of hawthorn blossom under a waxing moon. Why not join us as we continue with the final part of Mum’s account of the ‘totally worthwhile risk that was never regretted.’ Journal entry: 9th May, Friday “A westering sun Two geese in a field Episode Information: In this episode I read the first part of John Clare’s (1793-1864) ‘In suns and showers luxuriant May came forth’ published posthumously in Madrigals and Chronicles (1924). For photographs accompanying the reading from Mum’s account, please go to this episode’s page on noswpod. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Mind Shambles General Details The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Windy Days and Nights | 13 Feb 2022 | 00:32:48 | |
You join us tonight at the end of a rather windy day. There seems to be a fairly common feeling that we have been encountering a lot of blustery winds recently, both meteorologically and metaphorically. Tonight, we stoke the fire and reflect on the place of the wind in our lives, history and culture. Journal entry: “11th February, Friday. One some late winter days Make the grey world fold open into a summer’s evening Episode Information: In this episode I read short extracts from; John Marzluff and Tony Angell’s (2005) In the Company of Crows published by Yale University Press. Anonymous (c.1365) The Chronicle of Anonymous of Canterbury 1346-1365. A recent scholarly edition has been published by Oxford University Press (2008/2019). I also refer to: Storm Dunlop’s (2021) Weather Almanac 2022 published by Harper Collins. For more information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Solitary Stranger: The Wigeon | 06 Feb 2022 | 00:29:45 | |
This week we have been joined by a solitary stranger from the north. Probably blown south-west on last week’s northerly storm winds a wigeon has arrived. The appearance of this diminutive figure prompts us to find out a little more about this little duck and we discover his place in the legend of the Seven Whistlers and its association with the end of the world (but, perhaps, not as we know it). Journal entry: “4h February, Friday. Episode Information: In this episode I refer to the following books: Edward A Armstrong's (1958) The Folklore of Birds (Collins New Naturalist Library 39) published by Collins. BB (2008) The Naturalist’s Bedside Book published by Merlin Unwin Books. Stefan Buczacki’s (2002) Fauna Britannica published by Hamlyn Walter Černy’s (2000) Field Guide in Colour to British Birds published by Silverdale Books. Rob Hume (2007) RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (revised edn.) published by Dorling Kindersley. Recording of Wigeon calls by Stanislas Wroza on 01.01.2022 at Radonvilliers, Aube, Grand Est, France and downloaded from the xeno-canto site. Full recording details and credits: General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| A Dark Alchemy of Words | 30 Jan 2022 | 00:41:02 | |
Living on a boat has meant that we have had to make some difficult decisions about which books come with us onboard. Tonight, I introduce to you one of my most favourite friends on our bookshelf – the collected poems of Dylan Thomas – and explore why he holds such an important place in my life. Journal entry: “26h January, Wednesday. A magpie on the top most branch rattles its greetings to the blurred dawn. Episode Information If you are on Twitter, you can follow and watch ‘A Minutes Peace’ by clicking on https://twitter.com/minutes_peace. You can also watch them on Colin’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/colsey2003ify/videos In this episode I read extracts from: Matt Gaw’s informative and touchingly evocative exploration of darkness and the night in his (2020) Under the Stars: A journey into light published by Elliott and Thompson. The following poems by Dylan Thomas: ‘The force that through green fuse drives the flower’ The episode concludes with a complete reading of his ‘In my craft or sullen art’. More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Winter on the Moorings | 23 Jan 2022 | 00:28:15 | |
As we begin to enter the depths of winter, this episode celebrates with a soundscape of winter at the moorings that tries to capture the life and energy of this season. Journal entry: “18h January, Tuesday. A rich winter moon hangs between the branches of the ash. Penny picks up the scent of rabbits
Episode Information All audio used for this soundscape was recorded on site. More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message using the voicemail facility by clicking on the microphone Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Echoes of Distant Memories | 16 Jan 2022 | 00:36:20 | |
The remnants of two days of murk still cling to the hedgerows and trees as you join us tonight on the narrowboat Erica. A very slow thaw is polishing the dulled surface of the water making reflected lights once again dance with life. Curl up and let’s enjoy those little shards of distant memories that still colour out present and fill us with such powerful emotions. Journal entry: “12th January, Wednesday. This morning the canal looks sluggish and dark. Episode Information In this episode I refer to Dru Marland’s ‘Canal Ice Scale’ chart. You can buy it as a postcard at her etsy ‘shop’ here: Canal Ice Scale Chart. More of her terrific work (including her wonderful 2022 calendar – which is selling very fast!) can be seen here: Dru Marland. More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Into a New Year | 09 Jan 2022 | 00:25:42 | |
Join us on NB Erica on a blustery January night. The cold Wolf Moon is nearing its first quarter and the stars glitter like ice. After an unexpected delayed start to the New Year, we are back on air and with some exciting(-ish) news to tell you. Journal entry: “2nd January, Sunday. Hello New Year - this is me. You seem so big and dark and unknown, but I have known your brothers and sisters and I have learnt to revel in the days of their sunshine and find their special beauties under skies of steel and water. I have some very special friends - so please treat them gently. As for me, I stand here, as I always do, with my pockets full of fear, but also that flutter of hope and excitement which must be your special gift to me. It is raining now, but your sun will soon come, and larks will sweep the skies. Welcome."
Episode Information You can go to the brand new Nighttime on Still Waters website by going to: noswpod.com. Here you will find photographs and information relating to the podcast and individual episodes. Among other things, you can read and see photographs of our early life on the canal as well as see behind the scenes of the podcasts and an explanation of the terms used in the Weather Log. I finish with the poem ‘Invitation’ by Mary Oliver (2013) from her book A Thousand Mornings published by Penguin. More information about Nighttime on Still Waters You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. It will also allow you to become more a part of the podcast and you can leave comments, offer suggestions, and reviews. You can even, if you want, leave me a voice mail by clicking on the microphone icon. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| A Fireside Christmas Eve | 24 Dec 2021 | 00:30:53 | |
Curl up with us for this very special Christmas Eve edition of the podcast. Whether you are feeling on your own or just in need of a bit of a breathing space, why not join me tonight for this special Jólabókaflóð inspired edition of Nighttime on Still Water’s? Although the weather may be closer to Greg Lake’s “veil of tears for the virgin birth”, there will always the possibility for “eyes filled with tinsel and fire.” Journal entry: “24th December, Friday. Christmas Eve Yesterday All the haws were encased in perfect globes of water. Days wrapped in mist hold their own special beauty.” Episode Information In this episode I read excerpts from: Dylan Thomas (1954) ‘Memories of Christmas’ from Quite Early One Morning published by J.M. Dent. Everyman’s Library. Laurie Lee (2015) ‘Village Christmas’ from his Village Christmas and Other Notes on the English Year, published by Penguin. Modern Classics. Lucy M. Boston (2000) The Children of Green Knowe published by Faber. Susan Cooper (2019) The Dark is Rising published by Penguin. Puffin Books For the episode featuring Lucy M. Boston’s River at Green Knowe where you can find more information about her books and the actual house of Green Knowe (well worth a visit) – Episode 39: Summer Readings 3. For more information about the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð – Jolabokaflod: Founding Story
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| The Hill | 19 Dec 2021 | 00:30:11 | |
As tonight’s full moon is shrouded by the fog that rolls down the hill and curls and drifts upon the water join us aboard the NB Erica as we fall once more in love with the commonplace and overlooked things. The hill may not be named, or even be awarded a contour of its own, but it nevertheless is the place of gentle and unremarkable miracles. Journal entry: “17th December, Friday It didn’t take long Penny sniffs the torn and broken stems.
Episode Information In this episode I read: Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem ‘Pied Beauty’ from Poems and Prose published by Penguin Classics (1985). Tim Hennen’s (2013) ‘What the Plants Say’ from his Darkness Sticks to Everything published by Copper Canyon Press. I also read a quotation from Arthur Machen’s (1924) The London Adventure: Or the art of wandering. Republished by Tartrus Press. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Winter Wisdom (Wintrum frod) | 12 Dec 2021 | 00:37:22 | |
Following the epic weather of the past few weeks, we go back in time to a period that best celebrated this type of weather. In this episode we explore why the enigmatic appeal of Anglo-Saxon poetry and its fascination (or even obsession) with winter casts such an enduring influence on our culture. It is the perfect type of literature for cold winter nights, but there are also other deeper traits that remain deeply rooted in our shared cultural memories that inform our attitudes to winter. Journal entry: “8th December, Wednesday Storm Barra is barrelling around the boat The darkness is flecked silver with rain
Episode Information In this episode I mention the following books: Michael Alexander’s (2006) The Earliest English Poems Penguin Classics series, published by Penguin Books. Alexandra Harris’ (2015) Weatherland: Writers and artists under English skies published by Thames and Hudson. I read excerpts from the following poems (Michael Alexander’s translations): The Ruin (alternative translation) Exeter riddle 73 (other texts count it as 74) For those wanting to explore the world of Anglo Saxon and Old English literature, you might find this website, created by Dr Aaron Hostetter from Rutgers University, very helpful: An Old English Poetry Project. A digital version of the Exeter Book produced c.970 (in which the above are featured) can be viewed here: Exeter Book I also mentioned Andy Grifee’s narrowboat-based crime series featuring Johnso Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| A Rhythm of Cycles | 05 Dec 2021 | 00:34:33 | |
You join us on (another)stormy night, but this one is moonless and black as tar. It is the night of the new moon – the Cold Moon or the Long Night Moon. The phases of the moon give us an opportunity to contemplate the intricate play of cycles all around us and how the mirror, challenge and provide direction for our lives. Journal entry: “3rd December, Friday The tops of the trees is Shakespeare’s wood have disappeared in cloud. A defrosted world, smothered in mist and pearled with beads of water. The canal looks opaque. A jackdaw hides in plain sight amongst the wind-left leaves of an oak Episode Information For more information about the phases of the moon and the names given to the moon each month, the Royal Museums Greenwich, have an excellent website: Why do we have special names for full moons? In this episode I read the following poems: RS Thomas ‘The Moon in Lleyn’ from his (1984) RS Thomas Later Poems: 1972-1982 published by Papermac. David Whyte ‘Faith’ from his (1990) Where Many Rivers Meet published by Many Rivers Press. Walter de la Mare (1922) ‘Silver’ multiple publishing. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| A Totally Worthwhile Risk - 3 | 27 Apr 2025 | 00:47:56 | |
Join us tonight under a waning April moon as we think about the local ducks preparing for the ‘long sit’ and hear more about what happened to Mum and Dad after they had landed in Canada to start a new life together. Journal entry: 25th April, Friday. “Down in the engine bay I am once more a clumsy adolescent. The march of time becomes visible From time to time, we both groan.” Episode Information: For accompanying photographs, please go to this episode’s page on noswpod. The website featuring the MS Seven Seas that I mentioned in this episode can be found here: SS Maritime.com. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Mind Shambles General Details The intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello’ by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| It was a dark and stormy night... | 28 Nov 2021 | 00:13:20 | |
The after-effects of the booster jab are just beginning to slam into me and so tonight’s episode is going to be fairly short. However, you join us on a very cold and stormy night as Storm Arwen with its ‘screaming northerlies’ batters the boat and brings with it our first snows of the winter, but the boat is warm, the hatches are battened and, as always, there is a very warm welcome awaiting you. Journal entry: “27th November, Saturday Mum, you would have loved days like this. But the leaf is now fallen from the tree of my life Somewhere on this howling wind rides your love Happy birthday.”
Episode Information In this episode I read Mum’s favourite poem ‘Nicholas Nye’ by Walter de la Mare. You can read the poem here: Nicholas Nye.
General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Traveller's Joy | 21 Nov 2021 | 00:31:21 | |
The pace of autumn is gathering and a chill is creeping into the air tonight, but the stove is warm. In tonight’s episode we go off to encounter Traveller’s Joy, and explore the potency and importance of names. Journal entry: “19th November, Friday The ash tree held its breath as the moon grazed the darkness, A handful of stars, misplaced and constellation-less, And now the dawn rises ochre and mauve. Thank God for sunrise
Episode Information In this episode I refer to the following authors: W. Keble Martin (1965) The Concise British Flora in Colour published by Ebury Press. Roy Vickery (2019) Vickery’s Folk-Flora: An A-Z of the folklore and uses of British and Irish plants published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson. Niall Mac Coitir (2015) Ireland's Wild Plants: Myths, legends and folklore published by Collins Press. Richard Folkard (1884) Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyric: Embracing the myths, traditions, superstitions and folk-lore of the plant kingdom published by Sampson Low (multiple re-publishers). For more general information and photographs of Traveller’s Joy/Old Man’s Beard, some good sites are: Woodlands.co.uk: Traveller’s Joy General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed b Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||
| Episode Out of Time | 14 Nov 2021 | 00:22:48 | |
Against all odds, this episode comes a little out of time! Events have conspired resulting in a slightly truncated episode recorded in the afternoon!! Nevertheless, duck chatter and babies (with a little help from John Moriarty) help us to find a path through the tangled thickets that many of us are possibly facing. Journal entry: “10th November, Wednesday A light mist, like smoke, has begun to sweep down the hill turning fields and woods to smudgy greys. Scattered across the gentle curve of the hills blurred sheep graze, like clumsily erased pencilled mistakes. Dry leaves rattle. Episode Information In this episode I refer to the Jo and Vic’s vlog Holly – The Café Boat. The episode featuring the arrival of baby William is ‘The Next Episode.’ I also read several passages from John Moriarty’s (2007) What the Curlew Said: Nostos continued published by Lilliput Press. General Details In the intro and the outro, Saint-Saen's The Swan is performed by Karr and Bernstein (1961) and available on CC at archive.org. Piano interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram. All other audio recorded on site. Contact
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com Become a 'Lock-Wheeler'
I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. You can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. | |||