No 338 – Launching into 2012

It’s my first podcast of the year, which is perhaps slightly later than desired, however I do share with you all the reasons for the delay and hopefully it’ll make up for it.

We discuss the new 100% UK made wood burning stoves currently being released by backpackinglight.co.uk and share some of the technical dilemmas such an ambitious project entails.

My resolution this year was to bring to market a series of stoves which were 100% designed and manufactured in the UK.

These days I feel too much skill and knowledge is being lost overseas, and in our own little way, I feel that creating something here for the outdoor enthusiast is doming my bit to fly the flag.

It may not be cheap, but I’m hoping the quality will last long after the price has been forgotten.

Starting with the Pocket Stove for the solo traveller, then the Honey Stove which expands into The Hive for the more sociable gatherings. The new Titanium versions are also imminent and it does give me a thrill to think we are the only people in the UK doing this.

The final stove, which is in the final stage of modification is a wood gasifyer. The Wilderness Stove will hopefully meet the demands of those who understand and appreciate the simplicity and elegance of such and item. However, we have a few more issues to overcome before it is ready for Spring.

The new Outdoors Station website is now up and running in fine form and there’s a brief introduction to that for those who haven’t visited for a while.

As part of my involvement with the European Podcast Awards, I’ve been delving into a whole variety of nominations from the website and have found a few nuggets which I think fellow listeners will enjoy.

http://faroepodcast.blogspot.com/
The Faroe Islands Podcast explores the news, culture, and politics of the Faroe Islands. And it’s in English, so you can actually understand it!

http://globalvoicesonline.org/-/special/global-voices-podcast/
The Global Voices Podcast features interviews with our contributors about top stories and important issues in worldwide citizen media and online expression.

http://www.maximisepotential.co.uk/
Maximise Potential is here to help you become successful in your life by offering free coaching and mentoring through a series of unique interviews from inspiring people, all of whom have donated their time free of charge, who all display exceptional self-belief, mental toughness and desire to achieve.
They inspire and educate others by sharing their understanding of NLP, learning techniques, successful management styles, mental skill development and self-motivation methods – everything you need to become successful in your own life, career and business.

http://www.podcasts.ie
A free audio podcasting site featuring exclusive interviews with and performances by Irish writers of Poetry, Prose and music as well as  Irish culture and heritage including Myths and Legends and People and places. We also have lots for you to listen to as we open the archives of our production company All Points West Media Services, including radio programmes from the past as well as some of the documentaries and radio dramas we have produced and some programmes unique to Podcasts.ie

Finally Andy shares with us the interview he did in 2011 with the Colin Brown the warden of Alltbeithe
Youth Hostel when he was passing through Glen Affric on last years TGO Challenge. Many people who visit this remote hostel often wonder as to the lifestyle and the impact it has on those who stay there all year round.

http://www.syha.org.uk/hostels/highlands/glen_affric.aspx