Whittlesey reaches out to its Australia namesake - to discuss sport and weather!

By Joel Lamy
Published 12th Feb 2021, 18:49 BST
Updated 12th Feb 2021, 19:11 BST
Craig LloydCraig Lloyd
Craig Lloyd
The Fenland town of Whittlesey has reached out to its Australian namesake with the conversation naturally turning towards sport and the weather.

Fenland Youth Radio stretched out the hand of friendship to Whittlesea in Victoria - 30 minutes from Melbourne - as part of the Fenland Breakfast show.

During the Second World War Whittlesea sent food parcels to residents in Fenland, while in 1985 local farmers George and Anne Bates sent a picture of the Cambridgeshire town painted by local artist Maureen Watson to Whittlesea which was hung up with pride by CEO of Whittlesea Craig Lloyd.

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Moreover, when bushfires ravaged Whittlesea in 2009, Fenland residents sent a significant financial contribution to support its community which included the proceeds of a Melbourne (Cambridge) to Whittlesey sponsored bike ride.

A Peterborough Evening Telegraph article from March 20, 1985. Photo: Robert WindleA Peterborough Evening Telegraph article from March 20, 1985. Photo: Robert Windle
A Peterborough Evening Telegraph article from March 20, 1985. Photo: Robert Windle

The 10,000 mile phone call as part of the radio show went without a hitch with the contact between Whittlesey and Whittlesea firmly re-established.

Craig, who is also an accomplished singer, was delighted to chat about the weather over there (29 degrees) and the Australian Open, not to mention the upcoming Ashes series Down Under.

The Fenland Breakfast show is 8am to 10am every Friday morning on Fenland Youth Radio, hosted by Robert and Julie Windle and Pino Soccio.

To listen, go to: www.fenlandyouthradio.com, download the app or ask Alexa to “enable Fenland Youth Radio”.

Related topics:AustraliaWhittlesey

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