Podcast provides ‘Voices from the Road’

GEM Motoring Assist has launched a new podcast, ‘Voices from the Road’, with the first episode now available to stream.

The podcast, part of GEM’s 90th anniversary celebrations, is presented by Valerie Singleton OBE.

It seeks to create and build a ‘fascinating audio archive’ capturing the widest possible range of motoring memories – starting way back in 1932.

The first episode is now available, including material from the following years:

1970
Retired academic and concert organist Graham Barber remembers the life of his teacher and mentor, the organist Brian Runnett, who was killed in a road collision shortly after performing at Westminster Abbey.

1982
Dawn Franklin passes her driving test after just one proper lesson – then 45 minutes later has her first brush with the law.

1935
Eddie Loofe shares childhood memories of his father learning to drive on the roads of north Manchester – and recalls munching chicken sandwiches in the back of the car as Dad drove onto Blackpool beach.

The podcast can be accessed via the Voices from the Road website. Alternatively, subscribe to receive new episodes via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or other podcast providers.

Neil Worth, GEM chief executive, said: “The key thing about the podcast is the people telling the stories… it’s all about real life on the road.”

Other notable stories from the first series include:

• Escorting a V1 doodlebug – complete with a ton of explosives still on board – from the Kent coast to Knightsbridge Barracks in 1944
• The background to the very first speed awareness courses in 1991
• The thinking behind one of the most successful road safety social media initiatives in 2014

James Luckhurst, podcast producer, said: “It has been a fascinating experience to go out looking for stories we think will stand the test of time; stories which may surprise, amuse, delight and challenge the listener. 

“Of course, we have so far only just scratched the surface, but it’s great to make available this enduring space which I look forward to filling with many more great stories.”

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