046 Draycott’s Postie’s Journey – For Charity

by TiggiT | Nov 14, 2021 | Episodes, Latest, Main

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Tiggi chatted to Ian Maclachlan (the Draycott Postman) just before he embarked on the race of his life. Raising funds for “Hounds for Heroes”.

Ian left Draycott with hope in his heart, declaring the support of the local community would spur him on in times of self doubt. It transpires that proved the case when he almost quit for reasons you will find out in this recording as he updated Tiggi on his return.

Ian with his friend Chris Hewett were contestants in the 35th Marathon des Sables 2021. Billed as the toughest foot race on earth, with record temperatures this year reaching well above 50 degrees centigrade. The race, situated In southern Morocco, where Ian and Chris had to run 250k across the Sahara desert –  equivalent to a London Marathon a day for 7 days. 200 participants started the race. Each runner carrying his/her own backpack with seven days of supplies and limited water, approximately 35kg. Only a few of the runners finished the race. With gruelling temperatures and the unwelcome addition of dysentery, made the already unbearable almost impossible.

Listen to Ian’s story of shocking self discovery, pushing himself to the very edge of human endurance. However, he is already planning his next challenge!

045 Draycott in Autumn

by TiggiT | Oct 14, 2021 | Episodes, Latest, Main

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Peter Bright, a resident in the beautiful Mendip area of Somerset for many years, is our guest this month.

Peter is a retired Biology Teacher and natural historian with an extensive knowledge of local wildlife. Tiggi asks questions that have come to her mind whilst trudging through the Autumn leaves in her walks on the local hills. Much of this episode considers both human and animal responses as Somerset prepares for winter. It touches on historic cider making and looks forward to the Somerset tradition of Wassailing in the New Year.

With the poem “Autumn” read by Sophie Barham and the anticipation of mulled cider. Grab your blanket and pull up your favourite chair as we cast you into the season of red, yellow and gold.

043 The Draycott Doctor

by TiggiT | Sep 13, 2021 | Episodes, Latest, Main

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A Draycott resident of nearly 30 years and active in both the local Church and the Parish Council, Dr Richard Dingley OBE, KStJ is at the centre of the community. Although few people know about his fascinating past.

Fresh from medical school in the 50’s he joined the RAF. Stationed in Singapore, he acted as a Parachuting Doctor, dropped into the Malayan jungle to support the Special Operations team on the ground. His life passion has always been working in remote places across the world, treating eye conditions and supporting the blind. Wherever he travelled his young family came too. Even driving up terrifying mountain roads in rustic vehicles, adapted as eye clinics, to remote places in Borneo.  With his wife Sylvia they set up a group to climb Mount Kinabalu. All the climbers were blind, but with support, they made it to the top. A climb of 13,435 ft leaving the sighted support team exhausted and way behind.

Living in a house with no windows, snakes and monkeys were regular visitors to the family home in North Borneo. Sharing his memories with Tiggi, the stories keep on coming.  However, at its heart is a story of compassion and bravery.

Awarded an MBE for his charitable work and the honour of becoming a Knight of St John, Dr Dingley’s family arranged a very special Birthday surprise this year just in front of the Draycott Memorial Hall which led to the amusing disturbance of an exercise class nearby!