CamTalks

Sponsored by Bell & Co — Alderney’s leading estate agent, helping people find their place on the island.Stuart Clark has been coming to Alderney since he was a child. Summers spent exploring bunkers, working in the First and Last, and drinking in gardens shaped him as much as his time in London, Sandhurst, and later, Iraq.He’s a former British Army officer and helicopter pilot who flew missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Today he serves as a States Member and Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, helping to steer Alderney’s future.In this episode we get into his family’s history on Alderney, what it takes to survive Sandhurst on four hours’ sleep, learning to fly with the Army Air Corps, desert landings in 50° heat, convoy protection in Basra, and the mix of pride and pressure that comes with wearing the uniform. We also talk about legacy media, podcasts, and how AI is quietly reshaping government even here on our rock.It’s a conversation about service, sacrifice, and choosing to come hom

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co. Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney?http://bellandcoalderney.comCharmaine Johnson moved to Alderney and found exactly what she’d been chasing her whole life — community. She’s a physio, a heptathlete, and at 62 she just represented the island at the Island Games. People know her as “Sporty Gran,” but that barely covers it.In this episode we get into the feeling of belonging the moment you step off the plane, building Alderney Athletics from almost nothing, why discipline beats motivation, how faith and joy fuel performance, growing up in Kingston with Jamaican roots, dyslexia as a superpower, and the practical magic of keeping an ageing community moving.It’s a conversation about community, resilience, and choosing to be useful — on a small island that rewards anyone who shows up.“The best is still to come.”LET’S CONNECT

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co. Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney?http://bellandcoalderney.com](http://bellandcoalderney.comSarah Kelly has lived on Alderney since 1999. She came for “two years of career experience” and never left. From working in the courts to becoming Alderney’s first female Greffier, Sarah’s story is full of twists, humour, and deep island insight.In this episode we dive into how Alderney’s unusual legal system really works, what makes island life both safer and stranger than the city, the challenge of regulating online gambling from a tiny rock in the Channel, the story of setting up a rugby club during lockdown, and of course the gossip, ghost stories, and pubs that so often double as Alderney’s real courtroom.It’s a conversation about community, law, and what it means to choose a small island as home.“People always say: we’re so lucky. And on Alderney, you really do feel it.”LET’S CONNECT

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney?http://bellandcoalderney.comOur next guest on CamTalks is Ronnie Cairnduff — folk singer, filmmaker, pub landlord, theatre organiser, and my dad.In this episode, Ronnie shares his wild journey from hitchhiking with a guitar towards Australia, to running London’s biggest folk clubs, to discovering Alderney by accident and helping to shape its cultural heart.We talk about his early days growing up in post-war Northern Ireland, the madness of Alderney Week with safaris and SAS abseilers, building the Georgian into the island’s pub of pubs, and how he accidentally nearly got sued by The Beatles.He also opens up about family, legacy, and why he believes Alderney’s future will depend on the optimism and creativity of the next generation.It’s not just a father–son chat. It’s a love letter to a life well lived and an island that keeps pulling us back.LET’

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney?bellandcoalderney.comOur next guest on CamTalks is Edward Hill — real estate mogul, States Member, paddle club pioneer, and one of Alderney’s most experienced characters.In this episode, Edward shares his remarkable journey from selling apartments off-plan in the Egyptian desert to breathing new life into Alderney’s tennis and paddle scene.We talk about his early days as Iberia’s first British cabin crew, how to sell without selling, and the secret to building trust, teams and entire towns from scratch.He also opens up about the challenges of island politics, his vision for Alderney’s future, and why community matters more now than ever.It’s not just about selling dreams. It’s about making them happen.LET’S CONNECT

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney?bellandcoalderney.comOur next guest on CamTalks is Reverend Samantha Martell — Alderney’s vicar, former pig farmer, and one of the island’s most unexpected characters.In this episode, Samantha shares her journey from breaking her back on a pig farm to finding purpose in the priesthood, and why she believes churches should feel more like living rooms than institutions.We talk about grief, belief, puppet ministry, and why she bought a sausage truck to bring the community together.She opens up about the joy and challenge of leading St Anne’s, the future of faith on the island, and what it really means to serve others in a place as small as Alderney.It’s not just about religion. It’s about resilience.LET’S CONNECT

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney?bellandcoalderney.comOur next guest on CamTalks is Ellis Downes — a world-class obstetrician, gynaecologist and former Harley Street consultant who now calls Alderney home.In this episode, Ellis shares his thoughts on why laughter might be more important than medicine, how loneliness impacts physical health, and the surprising lessons he’s learned from Alderney’s tight-knit community.We talk about generational habits, parenting, parish councils, and the politics of small islands.He opens up about his journey in medicine — from delivering babies to delivering public service — and what it really means to be useful later in life.And yes, we also hear the story of the couple who wanted to name their baby after him… until they heard the name Ellis

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney?bellandcoalderney.comOur next guest on CamTalks is Bennt Bengtsson — artist, former creative director, and founder of BB’s Wine Bar on Alderney.Bennt’s story begins with his father’s success in business and spans a rich career in the early days of advertising, when ideas mattered more than algorithms. After years in the creative world, he made a bold move to Alderney, chasing peace, purpose and maybe a glass of wine or two.But Bennt hasn’t slowed down. In this episode, we talked about his frustrations with the island’s lack of innovation, the danger of standing still, and why sometimes the only option is to get mad as hell and say something.It’s not just about wine. It’s about wake-up calls.LET’S CONNECT

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney? bellandcoalderney.com Our next guest on CamTalks is Robert Kirkland — global educator, PE teacher at St Anne’s School, and the man leading Alderney Football Club from the sidelines.Robert moved to Alderney with his family after a career teaching in schools around the world, from the UK to Saudi Arabia. Now, he’s bringing that international perspective to island life — and to the pitch. As chairman of Alderney Football Club, he’s not just building a team, he’s building a future for the sport here, and he’s calling out for new players to join.In this episode, we talked about what makes Alderney so unique, how you can’t go anywhere without bumping into someone you teach, and the leadership qualities he admires in figures like Sir Alex Ferguson — discipline, vision and care.It’s not just about football. It’s about foundations.LET’S CONNECT

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney? bellandcoalderney.com Our next guest on CamTalks is Dougal Bowen — Alderney’s voice on the airwaves, bingo caller, jurat, and, finally, the interviewee for once.Dougal came to Alderney as a young boy. And like many who stay, he didn’t just live here — he stitched himself into the island’s story. You’ve probably heard his voice on the radio, calling numbers at bingo, or speaking up for the island as a Jurat. What you haven’t heard — until now — is how being bullied as a child shaped the man behind the mic.This episode flips the script. The interviewer becomes the interviewee. And what we get is something honest, surprising and deeply human — from the quieter pain of childhood to the quiet pride of being someone Alderney relies on.It’s not just about broadcasting. It’s about belonging.LET’S CONNECT

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays, and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay, or invest in Alderney? bellandcoalderney.com Our next guest on CamTalks is Lesley Cairnduff — a devoted carer, musician at heart and one of the driving forces behind Millie’s Foundation, Alderney’s charity supporting those living with dementia. Lesley’s journey to Alderney began with a holiday that turned into a life-changing move. What followed was decades of dedication to the island’s elderly community, both through hands-on care and through her work raising awareness and support for families affected by dementia. In this episode, we explore Lesley’s deep love for music — from her days singing to patients to her lifelong obsession with David Bowie — and how music has remained a source of healing, joy and connection in her life. We also dive into the story behind Millie’s Foundation, the inspiration it took from her own mother, and why she believes compassion a

Our next guest on CamTalks is Lee Flewitt — a beloved writer, performer and theatre-maker who has spent decades bringing laughter, creativity and chaos to the island of Alderney.Lee’s life story is filled with heart, humour and resilience. From growing up in the basement of the Victoria Hotel to becoming a key figure in Alderney’s gala nights, his voice has shaped the island’s cultural life more than most. He’s written and performed in countless sketches, pantomimes and plays — always with a wink, a roar of laughter and a deep love for community storytelling.In this episode, Lee shares how he lost an eye in a freak childhood accident, how he conquered the Alderney stage (sometimes literally from the ceiling in a homemade Tardis), and how Alderney Week became a canvas for some of the island’s most unforgettable theatre moments.We also talk about AI, the future of creativity, and why Lee believes Alderney is still one of the best places in the world to live — even as the world changes around us.It’s a wide-rang

This podcast is proudly supported by Bell & Co — Alderney’s go-to for homes, holidays and a proper sense of place. Looking to move, stay or invest in Alderney? bellandcoalderney.com Our next guest on CamTalks is Bruno Kay-Mouat — shipping boss, community builder and one of the most quietly influential men in the Channel Islands. Bruno runs Channel Seaways, the smallest but longest-running freight company in the region. Every week, his team delivers over 60,000 tonnes of cargo to Poole, Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney — keeping the islands alive with food, fuel and supplies. But there’s far more to Bruno than just shipping. In this episode, we talk about growing up in Alderney, his French roots, building a company culture that feels like family, and how he once dug up potatoes with a digger. We also dive into the cyber attack that nearly crippled the business, and why he

Our next guest on CamTalks is the late Ray Parkin, a much-loved businessman, performer and philanthropist who became a legend on the island of Alderney. This episode was originally recorded in August 2021. Ray sadly passed away not long after, on 16 September 2021, at the age of 89. Having lived on the island since 1959, Ray’s life and energy left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him — including me. I grew up watching him bring people together with boundless creativity and joy.Ray is best known for transforming Alderney Week from a small local gathering into one of the most vibrant festivals in the Channel Islands. As its organiser from 1970, he shaped it into a week-long celebration filled with parades, races, concerts and themed events — over 100 activities by the 1990s.But his legacy goes far beyond entertainment. Ray served as a Member of the States of Alderney and brought a sense of positivity and playfulness to island life. He was a true community builder — affectionately known as “Mr Alderney Week”

Our next guest on CamTalks is Emma Weaver, a renowned mental health speaker, TEDx organiser, and author of the book "Mental Wealth". She has dedicated her career to fostering discussions around mental health, and organising platforms that inspire change. Through her work in TEDx, Emma has created a platform for sharing ideas that challenge convention and inspire new perspectives. Her book "Mental Wealth" further explores these topics, providing valuable insights into mental health. With a career spanning several years, Emma has a wealth of experience in public speaking, book writing, and event organisation. She has worked with a variety of organisations, promoting mental health awareness and advocating for change. Emma is also highly engaged with her readers and followers, fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Her work champions discussions about mental health, empowerment, and personal growth. In the upcoming episode, we will be discussing Emma's book "Mental Wealth

Our next guest on CamTalks is Valeria Bullo, an experienced Production Wellbeing and Inclusion Consultant. She has dedicated her career to bring about behavioral change in the TV and film industry. With a strong background in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Human Resources, Education, and Mental Health, Valeria has a proven track record of establishing significant industry partnerships and supporting creative talent pipelines, focusing on creating opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups. During her tenure at the Film and TV Charity, Valeria created the first-of-its-kind toolkit for mentally healthy productions, part of the Whole Picture programme. This initiative has been instrumental in leading and implementing change in the industry, particularly in terms of mental health and well-being. With a career spanning over two decades, Valeria has a wealth of production experience, ranging from commercials and corporate films to documentaries, TV, and feature films. She has worked on both indepen

Meet our guest for this episode of CamTalks, Ryan Park, also known as the Men's Mental Health Coach. Ryan's journey into mental health advocacy began in 2019, when a close friend, who seemed to have it all, tragically took his own life. This devastating event ignited a fire within Ryan to delve deep into the science of male mental health. He uncovered extensive research on the impacts of hormones, lifestyle and goal setting on men's mental wellbeing, which is often overlooked or misunderstood. In 2020, Ryan began coaching men using simple, science-based strategies that improved their mental health. The outcomes were promising, with many men overcoming feelings of despair and regaining a sense of control over their lives. His coaching practice grew, and he distilled the knowledge from over 900 sources and coaching sessions into a practical, evidence-based framework for men's health and happiness. In 2022, Ryan took the stage at TEDxEnniskillen to share his findings. Despite initial feelings of

In this episode of CamTalks, we're joined by Corin Silva, a talented actor who's been making waves in the industry. Corin has recently featured in the BBC Show SAS Rogue Heroes, Netflix's All the Light We Cannot See, and Apple TV's Master of The Air. His performances are renowned for their depth and authenticity. Corin isn't just a successful actor, he's also a close friend. We've known each other for over a decade and have shared countless experiences and adventures. Corin is also starring in our latest project, a short film called Sunrise. The film is a passion project for both of us, centering around the vital topic of mental health. Don't miss this episode as we dive into his journey, career, and our shared experiences. CONNECT WITH CORIN

In this episode of CamTalks, we sit down with Joe Simmons, also known as The Short Film King. Joe is a filmmaker based in Harrogate who produces work internationally, mainly through a non-profit film movement called the KINO movement. His graduation film from the Northern Film School, IMPRESSION, is currently starting its festival run. IMPRESSION has already been screened as part of the official competition at El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt and Kerry Film Festival in Ireland. Joe has also recently completed a short film Vestige, which is making waves at the film festival circuits. Tune in to hear Joe's insights on filmmaking and his experiences with the international film scene. CONNECT WITH JOE

In this episode, we are joined by Anastasia Vinnikova, an award-winning mental health expert and advocate. Anastasia's focus areas include workplace wellbeing, mental health of those early in their careers, and mental health in sportspeople. She is also deeply invested in mental health equality. Apart from her advocacy work, Anastasia has also worked for Samaritans and serves on the board of trustees for the children's charity Inspire UK. In addition to this, she holds a position in HR at MindForward. Anastasia is a proud member of the InsideOut Emerging Leader list and is dedicated to making a significant impact in the world of mental health and wellbeing. During our conversation, we discuss her experiences working within the mental health space, the need for greater support for small charities, and the differences between mental health and mental illness. CONNECT WITH ANASTASIA