008 The Vicar of Draycott

008 The Vicar of Draycott

A  behind the scenes look at the life of a  rural Priest.  Reverent Stuart Burns, the Vicar of Draycott,  by definition is at the epicentre of the community. As Tiggi chats to Stuart she begins to find out more, focusing on his past and discovering why he felt called to serve God.  Born to politically aware parents in South Africa at the height of Apartheid and as supporters of the human rights activist Desmond Tutu, Stuart often witnessed violence and brutality.  As a student he lost his faith but eventually it returned and he became ordained. As a new Priest he presided at many funerals of people he knew caught up in conflict.  Now married with a young family, life in South Africa became untenable.  20 years ago he moved to the UK and his story continues with the ups and downs of faith, community  and the Church in current turbulent times.  On a lighter side we find out Stuart is an accomplished cook and loves a TV thriller with a homemade curry!

007 Draycott’s Postman Hat

007 Draycott’s Postman Hat

On the hottest day of the year, Tiggi chats to the Draycott Bowler Hatted Postman, Ian MacLauchlan.  His story is fascinating.  Having left South Africa during political unrest, he moved his family to the UK, and has had a myriad of jobs, including serving in the military, teaching sports, as a bank manager and most recently in the Post Office.  Having worked in massive postal sorting offices across the country, his dream was to serve as a Postie in a sleepy rural country village and Draycott became his permanent patch.  Ian  admits to side stepping larger career opportunities to follow his dreams of serving community and to set up the animal charity ‘Hounds for Heroes’.  The charity trains dogs to support veterans with both physical and mental health challenges. With his endless high energy level Ian’s hobbies, all sports based, include international bog snorkelling! A funny, poignant episode highlighting that success and personal satisfaction comes in many forms.

005 Moon Walk

005 Moon Walk

This episode takes us on a journey with Draycott resident Teresa Wyatt as she tells her story about walking all night through London for nearly thirty miles to heighten awareness about breast cancer and to raise money for the Moonwalk cancer charity.  When her legs were tiring, the dawn chorus of bird song, and thoughts of people challenged with brutal cancer treatment, spurred her to the finish line!

004 Tiggi’s Tales

004 Tiggi’s Tales

“This Episode is Tiggi’s story.  Interviewed by her BBC friend Elaine, Tiggi explains how she came to live in Draycott, and, twenty years on, her reasons for creating this Podcast series Draycott Diaries.  During the conversation Tiggi talks candidly about her sight loss, the community that has supported her and about a new life in the making with Jackie her Guide Dog.  No need to grab the tissues, it’s all good!”