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Showing episodes and shows of
Natalie Doig
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Weird in the Wade
38 Demon Dogs and Creepy Canines (Live)
Recorded live at the Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade, this is a special Christmas episode of Weird in the Wade! Nat with special guest Owen Staton explore tales of demon dogs, creepy canines and haunted hounds. Avoiding the most famous of them all Old Shuck, this episode considers lesser-known tales including those shared by listeners, as well as folktales from Bedfordshire and across the UK. From Luton’s fiery hound of Galley Hill to a tragic Welsh folktale, as well as tales of kindred canines who seem to guide human companions out of danger. Special thanks to Owen Staton from Ti...
2025-12-22
1h 00
Weird in the Wade
37 The Ghosts of Preston Manor
Join Nat on a brief trip away from the wade to the seaside and Brighton’s hidden gem, Preston Manor. This ancient manor house is possibly England’s most haunted. There is a ghost story, sometimes multiple ghost stories for every room at this beautiful stately home. Dan Cox Head Guide for Brighton Museums and Preston Manor takes us on a tour of the house sharing ghost stories old and new, including his own creepy encounter. Nat also delves into the history behind Preston’s most famous phantom “The White Lady” and discovers more about the late V...
2025-12-08
53 min
Weird in the Wade
36 The Ghosts of Coopers Hill
Listener Nick, tells Nat about a strange and ghostly experience he had at Coopers Hill in Ampthill, Bedfordshrie back in the early 1980s. Did Nick witness a ghost, a time slip or is there a more rational but equally intriguing explanation for his sighting? With the help of Bryan Bland from Ampthill Ghost Walks, Nat uncovers the strange history of Coopers Hill, or the Firs as locals call it. That history includes, Victorian poachers, Canadian lumberjacks in World War One, and a secret cold war bunker. Musicain Olie Campbell inspired by the stories...
2025-11-24
58 min
Weird in the Wade
35 The Potton Road Poltergeist
Can an historic poltergeist haunting cast light on the current phenomena affecting Andy’s house? We visited Andy’s house in the last episode. Nat uncovers the poltergeist story behind the 1994 newspaper headlines. She considers the historical context of the haunting, including the broadcast in 1992 of Ghostwatch. Nat also chats with Bethan Briggs-Miller of Eerie Essex podcast and co-founder of the East Anglian Folklore Centre about haunted houses and attending paranormal investigations. Nat also returns to Andy’s house, where what she hoped would be a simple update from Andy after the last show, turned into s...
2025-11-10
1h 06
Weird in the Wade
34. What's Haunting Andy's House?
Weird in the Wade is back! In this episode Nat investigates haunting phenomena happening in a house right now in Biggleswade. Andy and his little dog Dolly are troubled by bangs, footsteps, and other strange sounds and sights in their cottage. Do former occupants hold the answers? Does the recent and ancient history of the land hide clues? Is Andy's house the only home experiencing ghostly activity in that area of Biggleswade? Over this episode and the next Nat explores what could be haunting Andy's house, and others in the area...
2025-10-27
57 min
Weird in the Wade
Weird in the Wade Returns: Trailer
A quick trailer for the Return of Weird in the Wade, featuring a teaser of what to expect from the first new episode: What's Haunting Andy's House? Make sure you're subscribed to Weird in the Wade wherever you listen, so you don't miss an episode. Remember new episodes of Weird in the Wade will be released every two weeks from Monday 27th October 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-10-20
01 min
The Rue Papers
S2 Ep 10 Monsters in the Basement
Content warning - suicidal ideation Someone needs to tell Bea about what they found in the basement With Tracey Mulford as Diana and Natalie Doig as Rose
2025-10-04
17 min
Weird in the Wade
33. A Spectral Army at Sempringham
On a summer wander away from the wade, Nat visits a South Lincolnshire hillside which has attached to it an intriguing medieval tale of a phantom army. In a strange coincidence, Nat learns that her brother who runs there regularly has a tale to tell about that hillside as well. Sempringham was the site of an abbey and a monastic order founded by an Englishman, St Gilbert. The site holds a holy well and a link to a Welsh princess, as well as possibly Vikings. Join Nat, her brother Chris and Dr Francis Young as they uncover the secrets...
2025-08-25
55 min
Weird in the Wade
The Burryman
On a summer wander away from Biggleswade, Nat investigates one of the UK's strangest seasonal folk customs, the Burryman of Queensferry. For centuries a man covered from head to ankle in spiky burdock seedheads has walked along the banks of the Firth of Forth, bringing luck and banishing evil from the town. Uniquely Scottish, looking like a man covered in bees or a bear walking on his hind legs, scaring young children, but fascinating them all the same, the Burryman is a striking vision indeed. But as Nat joined the Burryman procession in 2024 she became intrigued by...
2025-07-28
1h 08
Weird in the Wade
31. Biggleswade's Phantom Army
The medieval chronicles are peppered with odd tales amongst the mundane, when folklorist and historian Dr Francis Young came across one of these peculiar stories he shared it with Nat, because it happened at Biggleswade. In this episode Francis and Nat ask, and hopefully answer the questions: what was this strange sight? What did it mean to the witnesses? How have our interpretations of the uncanny and otherworldly changed over the centuries? They also explore how landscape shapes and holds secrets about our past beliefs and activities. Who were these "monstrous fighting men," and do t...
2025-06-30
1h 03
Weird in the Wade
30 The Secrets of Royston Cave
Beneath the pretty market town of Royston in Hertfordshire, lies a cave that was carved out of the chalk by hand, in the distant past. After being dramatically rediscovered in the mid 18th century, Royston cave has spawned competing theories about its use and meaning and has been a tourist attraction ever since. Smothered in medieval carvings which in turn have been covered by more recent etched graffiti, this cave is unique in many ways. Linked to the Knights Templar by some, an important spiritual site to many, and an historical curiosity from the moment a small boy climbed...
2025-05-26
1h 22
Weird in the Wade
29. Return to the Haunted Poundstretcher
As a celebration of two years of Weird in the Wade, Nat returns to the subject of her first ever episode: The Haunted Poundstretcher. The site is now a café and gym where Nat and her team of friends hold a ghost hunt overnight. They have access to the café, gym, attic and cellar space. They hear from staff and visitors who have experienced something uncanny in and outside of the building. Nat also explores why the rumour that the ghost girl who haunts the site, died in a fire, might have a grain of truth to it...
2025-05-05
1h 06
Weird in the Wade
Witches Apprehended! Mary and Mother Sutton
In 1612 in Milton Ernest, a village five miles north of Bedford, two women, a mother and daughter are accused and tried by their village for witchcraft. Their story is written up in a propaganda pamphlet the following year, and their case is used in a 1627 legal guide for witchcraft cases. Yet even those who are familiar with the dark tales of England's witch trials often have not heard of their story. The 1612 Northampton witch trial is often credited as the first documented evidence of ducking being used in such trials. But Mary Sutton was ducked at least a month...
2025-03-31
1h 39
Weird in the Wade
Part Two: The Witches of Bedfordshire
In this episode Nat completes her exploration of witchcraft in Bedfordshire starting with a 19th Century ghost sighting of a witch. The episode covers a case of Victorian girls playing at witches to horrific and cruel effect. Then moves through the 20th Century with it's contrast between the rise of wicca and nature based neo pagan witchcraft, and the persistent fear of "black magic" and the satanic panic. Nat ponders whether we have moved far enough away from the causes and motivations of the 17th century witch trials. But ends the episode with a delightful...
2025-03-12
44 min
Weird in the Wade
Part One: The Witches of Bedfordshire
In this episode Nat takes you on a journey, exploring the history of witchcraft in Bedfordshire from medieval times up until the late 18th century. Kicking off with a ghost story about a witch. This episode moves from what is possibly Bedfordshire's earliest record of witchcraft, to the witch trials of the 17th century and beyond. It seems even when persecuting witches was outlawed in 1735, the people of Bedfordshire persisted in attempting to punish those who they thought dabbled in magical harm. Part Two which is available now, which follows up from the 19th century t...
2025-03-12
1h 05
Weird in the Wade
25 Old Ragbones: Biggleswade's Unidentified Man
As the missing person's charity, Locate International launch a fresh appeal into "Biggleswade Man" Nat takes a closer look at this missing persons, and unidentified body case. Even if you don't live in Biggleswade you could hold the key to solving this 28 year mystery. In February 1997 some schoolboys playing truant discovered the body of a homeless man. They recognised this man as "Old Ragbones," an itinerate tool sharpener. Old Ragbones attracted rumours in life and even more so in death. After 28 years he has still not been identified. Someone must know who he is...
2025-02-26
41 min
Weird in the Wade
Where's Weird in the Wade?
Just a quick update to let you know where your Weird in the Wade episode is? Don't worry new episodes are on their way. You won't have to wait long. Listen to find out why the Witches of Bedfordshire episodes will be a little late. There's also exciting news about an appeal to find a missing man who's body was discovered in Biggleswade 28 years ago. He has never been identified. Coming in the next few days is an episode about this tragic mystery. Can you help identify Old Ragbones, as he was known to the local children...
2025-02-24
04 min
In Touch
Myths and Assumptions about Blindness
Natalie Doig is fascinated by myths and legends. Indeed, such is her passion for that which is "weird, wonderful and a little off kilter" that she stepped back from her career working in the disability rights sector to make a podcast about it. Called "Weird in the Wade", a recent episode explored the tale of "Blind George of Anstey". Natalie joins us to discuss Blind George and the issues the story raises about how blindness is perceived.Also joining the discussion are Dr Rod Michalko and Professor Tanya Titchkosky. Both have studied societal attitudes to blindness and...
2025-02-18
18 min
Weird in the Wade
24. The Mystery of Pegnut Wood's Creepy Bridge
There's a wood between the Bedfordshire town of Potton and the ancient hamlet of Sutton, which has spooked many locals including Nat. The creepiness seems to coalesce around an ancient bridge along an equally venerable footpath which has possibly been in use for over 1000 years. After Nat encountered this strange part of the woods nearly three years ago, she's been trying to piece together it's history and to find a cause of the unsettling feelings walkers have described. Why do few birds sing in that part of the woods? Was the path used a...
2025-01-27
50 min
Weird in the Wade
23 Haunted Cinema's with Danny Robins
In this festive special episode Nat chats with Danny Robins of Uncanny, the Witch Farm, the Battersea Poltergeist and 2:22 A Ghost Story Fame. They chat about haunted cinemas, theatres and doppelgangers. But before their chat, Nat explores the creepy tales from one of Bedford's former cinemas. There's phantom monks and an old Priory to explore along the way. Special guest Owen Staton returns with a confession about a haunted cinema he worked in! And Nat learns why an ambulance and priest were stationed outside a Biggleswade cinema in the 1970s. It r...
2024-12-23
1h 23
Weird in the Wade
New Witness to the most haunted pub in Biggleswade
This stocking filler of an episode is packed full of new witnesses and updates to previous cases. In today’s episode we’ll hear from a new witness to the haunting of the Golden Pheasant. It's a chance to set the story straight about one of the hauntings I covered in that episode. There’s new information about Thelma Roberts the 1950s UFO investigator and some medical evidence which could shed new light on the Potton Poisoner case. And at the end of today’s episode I will reveal who the special Christmas episode g...
2024-12-16
20 min
Weird in the Wade
22. Haunted Theatres
They say every theatre has a ghost. Nat embarks on an investigation to see if this is true. Starting with the newest theatre in Biggleswade, the Bigg Theatre. Once a town hall, then a petrol station, department store and a restaurant, it seems the Bigg Theatre building has a long history associated with performance and more recently ghostly happenings. Three actors share their stories of uncanny occurrences within theatres from Brighton, to Swansea and northern towns. Why do performance spaces feel so otherworldly at times? Is there a logical reason for this or a spiritual o...
2024-11-25
1h 14
Weird in the Wade
21. Haunted Henlow Camp
In this episode we travel to RAF Henlow where phantom footsteps in the snow, and a poltergeist are said to be linked to a daring pioneer of parachuting in the 1920s. We'll learn about the hauntings, and this airman's dare devil antics which tragically led to his untimely death. Nat Doig also shares some of her eerie memories of living at RAF Henlow as a child in the 1980s, including ghost stories, creepy world war II buildings and a haunted landscape. There's also some exciting updates about BBC Sounds and a Halloween event with BBC 3 C...
2024-10-28
1h 05
The Rue Papers
S1 Ep5 Is There Anybody There
Content Warning - psychiatric institutions Cheveley tries to contact Millington using a psychic. It does not go well... This episode includes the voice of Natalie Doig, from the award winning podcast Weird in the Wade as the voice of Rose.
2024-10-04
17 min
Weird in the Wade
20. JF Hunt The Victorian Medium Who Worked With Shakespeare's Ghost
19th Century spiritualism is at the heart of this episode which we'll explore through the exploits of a Biggleswade medium who believed he was in direct contact with the spirit of William Shakespeare. John Francis Hunt, who we met in the previous episode, was an extraordinary man, he pursued justice, sought out buried treasure and was a constant correspondent with the newspapers, the social media of his day. We'll explore spiritualism's roots in A merica with the Fox sisters. How spiritualism became a kind of culture war in the mid 19th century as well visiting a...
2024-09-30
1h 18
Weird in the Wade
19. Solved: The Haunting of Murder Bridge
I'd almost given up on discovering how murder bridge between Biggleswade and Sutton, got it's name. Until completely by accident I stumbled across a ghost story, reported as part of the minutes of a meeting of the Biggleswade Hospital Board in 1922. That led me on a twisty path to the truth, involving a libel case, a notorious Biggleswade spiritualist who believed he was the ghost of Shakespeare's secretary, and two tragic and mysterious deaths. At the heart of this tragic story was the reason why Murder Bridge was given it's name, and who the locals thought the ghost that...
2024-08-26
1h 10
Weird in the Wade
18. The Night Hag (with guest Ciaran O'Keeffe)
The Night Hag, is an old name for sleep paralysis. A sleep condition or disorder that has led to some of the most terrifying stories and folktales from around the world. From encounters with demons, witches and ghosts, to alien abductions sleep paralysis has spawned many scary stories. Likewise many paranormal experiences have been explained by sceptics as being caused by sleep paralysis. In this episode I explore my own terrifying experience of sleep paralysis, consider what might cause it, discover links to our past including some local ghost sightings in workhouses over a century ago.
2024-07-29
1h 33
Weird in the Wade
17. The Haunted Tunnels
Find out how terrifying sighting of a Cavalier ghost in the 1930s links to Biggleswade's mysterious tunnels. I explore the cellar below where the phantom was seen, discover hidden passageways, bricked up tunnel entrances, and much more. I take you on a trip down the river, and to the Camden House school room, we explore the history of Biggleswade's brewing industry, and I visit the Bedfordshire archives all in an effort to solve the riddle of what these tunnels were built for, and why they were bricked up. Join me on this journey if you dare!
2024-06-24
1h 22
Weird in the Wade
16. The Haunting of Camden House
Today's episode follows a ghost story over three centuries. We start in the 1880s with school children terrified by a ghost in a garden. Then we explore a newsagents bothered by paranormal activity in the 1960s. In the present day we discover a secret tunnel entrance and hear rumours of a helpful spirit where the garden once bloomed. Linking all these hauntings is the building of Camden House. Once a Victorian school, then a newsagents for over 50 years, more recently it has been a succession of takeaways and restaurants. I also had a last minute breakthrough which f...
2024-05-27
1h 03
Strong Songs
"Limb by Limb" by Phish
Phish may be known for their 30-minute live jams, but turns out you can distill their best qualities into a song one-tenth that length. To that end, Kirk picks apart and reassembles their 1998 studio recording of "Limb By Limb" in all its polyrhythmic, guitarpeggiated glory.Music by: Trey Anastasio, with Page McConnell, Mike Gordon & Jon FishmanLyrics by: Tom Marshall & Scott HermanAlbum: The Story of the Ghost (1998)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"You Enjoy Myself" by Trey Anastasio from Junta, 1989"The Story of the Ghost"...
2024-05-17
59 min
Weird in the Wade
15. Weird Wanders Two: My night in York's Most Haunted Inn
As part of my haunted house challenge I spent the night at the Golden Fleece Hotel in York. The pub is renowned for being the most haunted pub in the city and maybe even Britain. No fewer than 15 ghosts have been reported to haunt the 17th century pub. Listen to my live recordings during the night, as well as interviews with fellow guests over breakfast, all of whom had strange stories to tell. I investigate one of the pubs most enduring ghost stories and find out one of the strangest tales I've ever come across. ...
2024-04-29
1h 17
Weird in the Wade
14. Weird Wanders One: Blind George Ghost of Anstey
We take a short wander away from Biggleswade, over the county border into Hertfordshire in this episode. Nat Doig tells the tale of Blind George of Anstey. It's a folktale with a bit of everything, a secret tunnel, a blind fiddle player, a faithful dog, the devil, and a ghost. Nat also explores myths and legends around blindness including busting some modern myths with her guest Paul Day. Nat and Paul discuss a neurological condition which affects many blind people, and could hold a clue to solving at least some ghost sightings. Paul also shares h...
2024-04-01
1h 14
Weird in the Wade
13. Ghostly Crime Part 2: Biggleswade Body Snatchers and Things That Go Bump in the Night
In this episode Nat Doig explores the tale of Biggleswade's body snatchers. As is often the case it turns out that the truth is stranger and more satisfying than fiction. Do the body snatchers haunt the town still? Why might the town have forgotten the most exciting part of the story, preferring instead to remember just a murky fragment of the tale? Nat ponders these questions and finds some surprising answers. This episode also looks at a haunting linked to a victim of crime in London's Green Park. Listen as Nat tells the story of this sorrowful...
2024-03-18
1h 02
Strong Songs
"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden
Turns out some songs stand on their own, however memorable-slash-horrifying their music video might have been.Written by: Chris CornellProduced by: Michael BeinhornAlbum: Superunknown (1994)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:"Spoonman" and "The Day I Tried to Live" by Chris Cornell and Soundgarden from Superunknown, 1994Kim Thayil interview at SongfactsNorah Jones' cover of "Black Hole Sun," Live in 2021"In My Life" by Lennon/McCartney from Rubber Soul, 1965The 2021 Strong Songs interview with session guitarist Andrew Synowiec"Tom Sawyer" by Rush from Moving Pictures, 1981--------------------
2024-03-08
56 min
Weird in the Wade
12. Ghostly Crime Part One: Murder Bridge, Thomas Dun and a Chat with Eerie Edinburgh
In this bumper episode I explore why so many ghost stories and hauntings have a connection with crime or criminals. I investigate the local legend of Biggleswade's Murder Bridge, a place every school child knows not to approach. I tell you the tale of Thomas Dun, reported to be Black Tom's phantom friend or even the real Black Tom. His 800 year old story is full of despicable deeds and more strange and eerie folk tales. And finally as a real treat, I talk with Wayne from Eerie Edinburgh about why he thinks so ma...
2024-02-26
1h 18
Strong Songs
"In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel
Strong Songs Season Six kicks off with a widely requested classic: Peter Gabriel's 1986 yearner "In Your Eyes." Because why hire one rhythm section when you can hire two for twice the price?Written by: Peter GabrielProduced by: Daniel LanoisAlbum: So (1986)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:Rick Beato's Interview with So producer Daniel Lanois"DIY" by Peter Gabriel from Peter Gabriel 2: Scratch, 1978"Sledgehammer," "Don't Give Up," and "Big Time" by Gabriel from So, 1986Kwame Ansah-Brew demonstrates the Talking Drum--------------------FEBRUARY 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
2024-02-23
53 min
Weird in the Wade
11. Black Tom Phantom Highwayman of Bedford
In this episode we explore one of Bedford's most famous hauntings. A folktale so well known it gave it's name to an area of the town. What is now a rather unassuming roundabout just north of Bedford town centre, known locally as Black Tom's Grave, was once a place of fear. Was a highwayman executed on that site? Does his restless spirit still wander beneath the trees there? Why are there so many paranormal reports in that small area of Bedford? And who is the shadowy figure often reported along side the spectre of Black Tom? We...
2024-01-29
1h 01
Weird in the Wade
Bonus Episode: Facing my Demons at the Black Magic Church
Happy New Year! In this bonus episode I visit the ruin of St Mary's Old Church, Clophill. On a chilly December morning, 60 years after the ruin became notorious for black magic rituals, devil worship, vandalism, desecration and hauntings, I spend a few hours recording and photographing the site. An instance of pareidolia (seeing a figure in random mottled wall markings in this case) forces me to confront some childhood demons. You don't have to have listened to the previous episodes about Clophill's infamous church to listen to this bonus episode but you might enjoy it more if y...
2024-01-01
42 min
Some Other Sphere
Episode 110 - Natalie Doig - Weird in the Wade
My guest for this episode is Natalie Doig. Natalie is the creator of Weird in the Wade, a blog and podcast which details her exploration of the spooky happenings, forgotten history and curious folklore of the area around her hometown of Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire England. This has seen her investigate a wide range of unusual cases, from a shop plagued by ghostly activity to UFO sightings in the 1950s, a haunted woodland and a fire that devastated Biggleswade in1785. Natalie has a very engaging presenting style and a real talent for rediscovering local stories that ha...
2023-12-20
1h 09
Weird in the Wade
10. The Ghosts of St Mary’s Old Church
In this Christmas bonanza episode chock full of ghosts, I tell you about the many hauntings reported at St Mary's Old Church, Clophill, over the last 60 years. From Spectral beasts scaring news agents at Christmas, to a punk band who felt their haunting encounter at the church brought them bad luck, to more recent mobile phone footage of monk like phantoms. It's all explored in this episode. Did the church's sad past of vandalism and desecration disturb spirits who should have been left to rest in peace, or did black magic rituals held at the church, summon s...
2023-12-18
1h 01
Strong Songs
The Band: The Last Waltz
For the Season Five finale, Kirk takes a look at The Band and Martin Scorsese's beloved 1978 concert film The Last Waltz - "The beginning of the beginning of the end of the beginning."Featuring music by The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, and Garth HudsonDirected by: Martin ScorseseAlbum: The Last Waltz (1978)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:"The Weight" by Robbie Robertson as covered by The Staple Singers and Aretha FranklinStudio versions of several songs from the show, featured on The...
2023-12-15
1h 05
Weird in the Wade
9. The Black Magic Church
There's an abandoned church on a hill top at Clophill in Bedfordshire, that fuelled my nightmares as a child. In today's episode I explore the history of this notorious church that the tabloid press labelled a "black magic church" back in the 1960s. This ruined church has associations with magic, ghosts, grave robbers, the devil, desecration and death. But are the newspaper stories and the local folklore true? And why was I so scared by the very thought of this church as a child? How do my nightmares link to a very different kind of church in Biggleswade? All...
2023-11-27
1h 08
Strong Songs
Strong Solos, Vol. 2: Electric Guitar-aloo
The electric guitar is a beautiful, maddening instrument, and man does it sound good in the right hands. On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into solos by guitar legends Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, and Larry Carlton.FEATURED/DISCUSSED:"Seven Come Eleven" by Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman, recorded by the Benny Goodman Sextet in 1939"Fried Pies" by Wes Montgomery from Boss Guitar, 1963"Hey Joe" by Billy Roberts recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on Are You Experienced?, 1967Larry Carlton's solo on "Kid Charlemagne" by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (AKA Steely Dan...
2023-11-17
1h 04
Weird in the Wade
Bonus Episode: More Big Cats of Bedfordshire and Beyond
In this bonus episode we hear from a new witness who saw a large black cat in Bedfordshire in the 1990s. His sighting was near to the famous encounters with the beast of Silsoe which I also explore. We also catch up with Owen Staton, completing the interview started in episode 7, The Big Cat of Biggleswade and Phantom Felines. Find out more about Owen and his podcasts by following him on Twitter / X here. Read the show notes and links on the blog at weirdinthewade.blog Contact the podcast at weirdinthewade@gm...
2023-11-13
33 min
Weird in the Wade
8. The Most Haunted Pub in Biggleswade
The Golden Pheasant in Biggleswade is not the town's oldest or even grandest pub, but this real ale beer house is reported to be Biggleswade's most haunted. Over the years strange phenomena and mysterious stories have built up around the establishment. I visited the pub and chatted with regulars and staff to try and get to the bottom of the haunting. What I discovered made my blood run cold on at least three occasions as I uncovered two tragic deaths from the Victorian age, which seem to provide answers to the ghost sightings and sounds experienced at...
2023-10-30
1h 01
Strong Songs
A Little Extra Zelda
On this bonus episode, originally recorded as a Patreon bonus in 2022, Kirk goes through a few great Legend of Zelda pieces that he didn't manage to get into on last year's Zelda-focused Strong Songs episode. If you want to hear next week's new episode on Tears of the Kingdom early, go become a patron now!FEATURED:"Tears of the Kingdom Theme" from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, comp. Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, Tsukasa Usui"Song of Storms," "Dark World/Lorule Theme," "Gerudo Valley," and "The Great Fairy's Fountain" by K...
2023-10-27
24 min
Strong Songs
Belle & Sebastian's Very Good Chord Progression
Kirk takes a tour through the cycling, modulating chord sequence in Belle & Sebastian's buoyant 2017 song "The Girl Doesn't Get It."Variation 1: | C | Dm7 | Bb | Gm FVariation 2: | C | D | Bm | Esus EVariation 3: | A | Bm | A/C# | Esus EFEATURED/DISCUSSED:"The Girl Doesn't Get It" by Belle & Sebastian from How To Solve Our Human Problems, Vol. 1, 2017"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton performed by Whitney Houston on The Bodyguard soundtrack, 1992--------------------OCTOBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSCorpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White...
2023-10-20
21 min
Weird in the Wade
7. The Big Cat of Biggleswade and Phantom Felines
There have been several sightings of a big cat stalking the water meadows, heaths, and back gardens of Biggleswade in the last twenty years. And they're not your usual black panther type sightings; they're more intriguing. Of course, I just had to investigate. In this episode I speak with an eye witness about the large and unusual cat they saw whilst walking their dog. We have another witness statement sent into the show, and I look at old newspaper stories. All in an attempt to work out what the Beast of Biggleswade really is. And...
2023-09-25
1h 05
Strong Songs
Counterpoint, Chaka Kahn, & Peter Gabriel
Kirk answers your questions on 60s pop counterpoint, Chaka Kahn syncopation, Taylor Swift's re-recording project, good practice habits, Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer," and more.FEATURED/DISCUSSED:"You've Got Your Troubles" by Roger Greenaway and Roger Cool, recorded by The FortunesContrapunctus 1 by J.S. Bach recorded by the Emerson String Quartet on Bach: The Art of Fugue, 2003T.I.B.W.F. by The Budos Band, from The Budos Band, 2005"Dying to Get To Europe" by Ketil Bjornstad from Seafarer's Song, 2004"The Place Where He Inserted the Blade" by Black Country, New Road from Ants From Up There, 2022"...
2023-09-08
54 min
Weird in the Wade
6. The Potton Poisoner: Part 3
In this final part of the story of Sarah Dazley, the Victorian poisoner, we follow the evidence shared at William Dazley's inquest and murder trial. We unpick tricky testimony and tangled timelines in an attempt to decide if Sarah really did it. There's gossip, pills and powders, a dead pig, and a teenage pregnancy all to uncover. We hear a new ghost story shared by a listener this time centred around the Chequers Inn at Wrestlingworth where the inquest was held. Does Sarah's restless spirit still haunt the pub? And keep listening for a sneak p...
2023-09-04
1h 07
Weird in the Wade
5. The Potton Poisoner: Part Two
This is the second part of a three part story about Sarah Dazley the Potton Poisoner. This episode opens with Sarah's arrest on the banks of the Thames in London and her appearance in front of the Lord Mayor. We'll hear a late night conversation between Sarah and the women guarding over her in a Biggleswade tavern. Find out why arsenic poisoning was such a problem in Victorian Britain. As well as exploring the details of the inquests into the deaths of her first husband and baby. It's an episode with twists and turns, delving into Victorian a...
2023-08-28
1h 07
Strong Songs
"Soul Vaccination" by Tower of Power
Kirk climbs inside the machine-gun rhythms and unstoppable grooves of the legendary Oakland funk outfit Tower of Power.Written by: Doc Kupka and Emilio CastilloAlbum: Tower of Power (1973)Listen/Buy via SongwhipALSO DISCUSSED:"What is Hip?" "Squib Cakes" "Only So Much Oil in the Ground" "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)," "So Very Hard to Go," "Credit," all by Tower of Power"Saturday Night Live" theme by Howard Shore, feat. Lenny Pickett"Cold Sweat," "I Got the Feelin'," "Mother Popcorn," "Funky Drummer" by James Brown, 1967...
2023-08-25
49 min
Time Between Times Storytelling with Owen Staton
Time between Times Storytelling with Owen Staton. Firepit Fables with Natalie Doig
Today I am joined at the firepit by Natalie Doig who is a Folklorist and the Presenter of the Wonderful " Weird in the Wade" Podcast which charts the wonderful history and strangnesss of the Town of Biggleswade in Bedfordshire in England. We talk about Natalie's history and interest in folklore and the paranormal and how she came to be a Podcast Host. I then finish by telling one of Nat's favourite stories. Join us at the Firepit Email Owenstaton@aol.com twitter @owensgriffiths] www.ko-fi.com/owenstaton Weird in...
2023-08-10
33 min
Weird in the Wade
4. The Potton Poisoner: Part One
On Saturday 5th August 2023 it will be 180 years since the execution of Sarah Dazley the Potton Poisoner, she was hanged outside Bedford Gaol in front of 10,000 people. The haunting of a pretty cottage ties to the story of the Potton Poisoner. A murder case that was a Victorian sensation. Scandalising a nation, and still fascinating true crime enthusiasts today. Should Sarah Dazley, dubbed the Potton Poisoner by Victorian press, be known as the UKs first recorded female serial killer? Or is she innocent? The story is murkier and more twisty than a penny dreadful or melodrama.
2023-07-31
1h 01
Weird in the Wade
Bonus Episode: Updates, News and a New Spooky Story
A bonus episode with updates from previous episodes, a new spooky story that happened to Nat Doig earlier this year, and some news about changes to the podcast. There's also a new trailer for the next episode about the Potton Poisoner. If you haven't listened to all of our previous episode's here's some timings so you can avoid spoilers! Pound Stretcher update is at 3 minutes 45 Flying saucer update is at 8 minutes 15 Potton Wood Update is at 14 minutes 10 New Spooky story and trailer all spoiler safe from 20 minutes onwards ...
2023-07-17
40 min
Strong Songs
An Operatic Odyssey, with Luigi Boccia
Special guest Luigi Boccia takes Kirk on a magical journey through the world of the opera tenor, from Caruso and Lauri Volpi to Di Stefano and Pavarotti.Featuring performances by Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Enrico Caruso, Franco Corelli, Giacomo Lauri Volpi, Jussi Björling, Sergei Lemeshev, and Jon Vickers.Find a Spotify playlist of Luigi's many Tenor examples here.--------------------JULY 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSCatherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Ashley Hoag – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascett...
2023-07-14
3h 38
Weird in the Wade
3. What’s Haunting Potton Wood?
Can a WW2 plane crash explain the strange phenomena that have been reported in this quiet corner of English woodland over the last 70 years? How does the tale of a little hero dog tie in with the ghostly encounters? Why do so many visitors to the wood smell burning when there are no signs of fire near by? This month's episode is a little different. We have a witness interview, field recordings from the woods, access to Luton Paranormal's research files and lots of history to explore as we try to find out what is haunting Potton...
2023-07-03
1h 04
Weird in the Wade
Bonus Episode: Luton’s Noontide Hag
In 1848 a boy from Luton workhouse has a strange and horrifying encounter in church. His story is reported in the newspapers and there are links to Scotland, Sir Walter Scott and a pioneer of stage magic. Hear all about it in this bonus episode. Get in touch with Weird in the Wade on Twitter and insta @weirdinthewade or through our blog. We'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to support us you can buy us a coffee at Ko-fi or simply follow, like and review the pod as it helps other's find us...
2023-06-19
20 min
Weird in the Wade
2) Flying Saucers Over Biggleswade
It's the 1950s and for a few short weeks Biggleswade becomes the flying saucer capital of the world! A UFO hoax is uncovered, whilst two flying saucer sightings a year apart, remain to this day, a mystery. Find out how the hoax and the genuine UFO mystery are intertwined, meet a cast of characters including a working class engineering hero, and a woman investigating UFOs with her trusty Labrador. In the 1950s things were definitely weird in the wade. Thank you so much for listening! Read the show notes and transcript at weirdinthewade.blog
2023-06-05
1h 03
Weird in the Wade
Bonus Mini Episode: The Silsoe Grey Lady
In this bonus, mini episode, partly recorded on a dawn walk around Wrest Park, hear the ghost story of the grey lady of Silsoe in Bedfordshire. Birdsong will accompany you as we travel back in time and discover what haunts the George Inn and how the haunting is linked to the beautiful and stately Wrest Park. Show notes and transcript at Weird in the Wade's blog Please consider supporting the podcast if you can by rating or reviewing this episode or buy me a Ko-fi at https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade Follow us on s...
2023-05-29
14 min
Weird in the Wade
Bonus Episode: The Great Fire of Biggleswade, New Evidence.
A bonus episode about the 1785 Great Fire of Biggleswade. I've unearthed new evidence, which has lain unnoticed for 230 years. Does the established narrative including the cause of the fire need to be challenged? Make up your own mind after listening. Find out about how the news was reported 230 years ago, how connected our country really was back then, and how history can turn on a six pence or on a dog's paw. Researched, written and presented by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear Find the transcript and show notes at...
2023-05-15
37 min
Weird in the Wade
1 The Haunted Pound Stretcher
The staff at the Biggleswade pound stretcher got more than they bargained for when strange things started happening at their place of work. We examine what really went down in the shop and gather witness testimonies. We'll also look at links to Biggleswade's past and the building's unique place in history. Can we discover who Aggie the poltergeist really was? Visit Weird in the Wade blog for more info including transcript and photos. Find us on Twitter and Instagram Theme music by Tess Savigear Other music and additional sound effects by...
2023-05-01
53 min
Weird in the Wade
Weird in the Wade: Trailer
Something is coming... A new podcast about all that's weird, wonderful and a little off kilter in the town of Biggleswade in Bedfordshire. Before our first episode is released on Monday 1st of May listen to a trailer all about this new and fascinating podcast. If you like your spooky stories with an historical context or your history with a pinch of the paranormal then this is the podcast for you. Theme music by Tess Savigear Written and presented by Natalie Doig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
2023-04-20
05 min
In Touch
Birds & Gardening
Unlike most of the natural world, birds are quite easy to enjoy with a visual impairment because, well, they can be rather noisy. Martin and Jackie Brown invited us into their garden and share some of their enthusiasms for gardening and, you guessed it, birds. Natalie Doig also joins us. Natalie is partially sighted and enjoys taking photographs of birds and other wildlife, because it allows her to zoom in and discover details she wasn't aware of before. She tells us about her techniques and shares her top tips. We also review some bird identification apps that...
2022-06-07
18 min
Strong Songs
"Blood and Thunder" by Mastodon
White! Whale! Holy! Grail!Strong Songs kicks off year four by getting H-E-A-V-Y, with an analysis of Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder." Pass straight past the Mellow Meadows, through the Forests and the Foothills of Rock, and see if you can reach the summit of Hard Mountain. The view from up there is amazing.Written by: MastodonAlbum: Leviathan, 2004Listen/Buy on all platforms via SongwhipOUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk HamiltonKirk is the host of Strong Songs, and he's been having a lot of fun with the guitar...
2022-01-14
42 min