Podcast shining light on Bromley’s positive stories celebrates third birthday

A podcast dedicated to shining light on the positive stories of Bromley has just celebrated its third anniversary.

Darren Weale, 58, of Orpington, launched Bromley Buzz in 2021 with a pilot episode he shared on his LinkedIn.

Now, 184 episodes later, the podcast is streamed on Spotify, covering everything from the arts to sport, entertainment and charities across the South London borough.

Mr Weale said: “When it started, I canned a PR podcast in favour of founding a community one.

“The pilot episode was picked up by a local councillor on my LinkedIn and members of the community – three years later we’re still going.”

Featured stories include a nine-year-old girl who scored 10 goals in her first game for Orpington FC and interviews with four MPs, four Mayors as well as leaders of Bromley charities and faith groups.

Mr Weale said: “I look forward to every recording of the podcast. They’re making a difference and sharing Bromley and positivity, giving a platform for many voices not heard from, or not heard from enough.”

Looking back on their journey so far, co-presenter Sarah Marsh-Collings, 49, from Belvedere, described her favourite episode.

She said: “My favourite memory from the buzz would have to be visiting Charles Dickens’ former home, Down House, particularly the greenhouse and the mulberry tree.

“The idea that mulberry trees ‘walk’ as their branches touch the ground and replant, and how this may have inspired Tolkien’s Ents is pretty cool.”  

Pictured top: Bromley Buzz team Sarah Marsh-Collings, Darren Weale and Zeenat Noorani (Picture: Darren Weale)