The Enthusiasts
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Below are all the enthusiast's originally recorded on Radio Knex 3 in April 2006. Some of them have a little more to say on their chosen enthusiasm. Here are our extended highlights. We also have a special treat and have added some more recent recordings of enthusiasts since the first show went out. Please feel free to browse, listen to our web exclusives.

Geoff Abbotts
A Private Singing Enthusiast.

When the Knex3 project took part at Kings Norton Summer Festival in 2006, I was encouraged by Mr Abbotts granddaughter, Maddie, to visit him and listen to her grandfather’s singing talent.

At the time of the festival, Mr Abbotts appeared confident, yet a little reserved about his own musical abilities. It seemed fitting therefore, that our very last Knex3 audio enthusiast’s interview should be a celebration and recognition of a highly personal and longstanding passion. Knex3 makes a special home visit to meet Geoff Abbotts and listen to his private singing talent - from a man who has lived in the area all his life.

When it comes to singing and dancing at home - this interview includes positive words from daughter Rachel.

If you fancy booking Geoff for an event, you can get in touch via: rachelabbotts@hotmail.com

Alan Smith & Neil Barker.

Alan Smith
Central Radio Car Club Enthusiast.

Harry Palmer arrives at the only indoor remote car control club in Birmingham. Dropping into one of their Friday night meetings at Kings Norton High School, he talks to veteran remote car enthusiast, Mr Alan Smith - a longstanding member with over 20 years commitment to the club (as well as other members keen to share their enthusiasm). Harry discovers that it only takes £150 to set up a remote vehicle ready for action! He learns about some of the techniques, rules and the challenges of good racing as well as finding about how a laptop computer and other bits of hi-tech gadgetry have added to the sport enabling the evolution of car racing on a par to Formula One!!

For further details about the club, please visit: http://www.rlbird.demon.co.uk

Octogenarian Vera Box
Holiday & a self help support group bring new life to retiree Vera Box.

Now aged 82 & having worked enthusiastically until the age of 70, meant that retirement took on a new and important challenge for Vera Box. Local group TEDs (3 Estates Disabled and Career Support Group) - a self help group for disabled people and carers on the 3 Estates of Kings Norton really brought her enthusiasm for holiday trips and friendship back to life! Jack, her husband also joins in with the enthusiasm!

Kath Wrenn is extraordinary!
Regularly taking on a new challenge enthusiastically!

Kath Wrenn learnt to swim in her mid fifties. When she was in her early 60’s Kath then embarked on her first aeroplane trip to Australia to see her sister Shirley who she hadn’t seen for nearly 50 years.
Kath is a massive fan of Gene Pitney and when he died from a heart attack, she felt personally moved to raise funds by way of a charity walk for the British Heart Foundation.

Listen to a snapshot of Kath’s enthusiastic perseverance, a web exclusive interview that is a little longer than usual!

Chris Corbett - Cake maker & Decorator

Chris Corbett started cake decorating when she had her first son. Hear Harry interview Chris and find out how encouragement by customers and friends led from a PS2 PlayStation cake to lots lots more! Oh yes - she’s also a great cake maker!

If you fancy having a cake decorated then contact Chris on Tel: 0121 4597272
Email: chris3kc@yahoo.co.uk

Kings Norton Youth Marching Band
Adrian Evans, Band Master, reveals the enthusiasm!

Kings Norton Youth Marching Band was set up by Adrian Evans in 1998. The 12th November 2006 was Remembrance Day and also the anniversary of their band -specifically set up to provide support for this national day of remembrance. Now in its eighth year, listen to find out about what they do, fun camps and championships they attend as well as their ongoing weekly training programme. Enthusiasm prevails!

Website: www.kingsnorton-ymb.org

Jimmy Fantastic
Enthusiastic poet.

An emerging presence of down to earth & personalised poetry, that one can and should listen to!    
Contact Jimmy Fantastic

A gem of a hip hop musician. Find out why it's so important to create hip hop and what, in his opinion, inspires his words and his dedication. Success is surely beckoning.

Album History in the Making out June 2006 - www.cityofstars.com for sales/info updates.

The idea of Radio Knex3 emerged last summer at the Three Estates Summer Festival when Harry began interviewing community stall-holders and volunteers who had a real commitment to the things they were promoting. People began to suggest local characters and enthusiasts and Harry began his mission to track them down! This show touches on some of these groups and individuals and some details are listed in the useful contacts section in this website.

Quo - enthusiastic tin can collector and dog walker

Quo got his name many years ago because of his Status Quo fanaticism. He's quite a character and spends many days of the year walking his dog Tara and collecting aluminium tin cans. He loves Kings Norton and the many places he secretly goes to find a peaceful life.

Harry meets Merlin Wilcox
Photo: Rob Hewitt

Barnt Green Sailing Club - listen to expert Merlin Wilcox.

Barnt Green Sailing Club is a special place. Located less than a mile behind Longbridge industrial site where Rover was once built, this picturesque place is a haven of family and international members. Not an elitist club by any means, it's warm, friendly and thriving against all odds… For those who want an extra treat, click on the highlights below to hear extra interviews with stars and trainers…

Visit www.sailingbarntgreen.com to find out all the in's and out's!

Email Merlin Wilcox : wilcoxmc@waverider.co.uk - Extra audio highlights below...

Kings Norton Rugby Football Club

Website exclusive and very special interview with Radio Knex3 and KNRF club.

A fantastic and seriously well organised and run rugby football club! If you haven't listened to the interview, then you won't know what you're missing! Responsible for the training of national champions (the recent Jacky Davies in the ladies bob-sleighing team in this year's winter Olympics who was part of the 1995 women's team at the club). Junior membership promoted and encouraged. Find out everything you need to know (why not turn up and watch a match!?).
Log onto www.kingsnortononline.co.uk or ring 0121 445 3340
(Tues, Thurs evenings or Saturday).

James Williams is the club's President and junior's chairman and can be contacted
directly on 0121 682 8600

Frank Holz
Group leader of the Staffs and Warks TR motor club group

The Stafford and Warwicks TR Group exists for owners and enthusiasts of the TR marque from TR2 to TR8 and the derivatives of the TR. Members of the Stafford and Warwicks Register meet first and third Tuesday of the month. Contact Frank Holz on 0121 486 3286 for details.

Email: groupleader@staffs-tr.org.uk - Website: www.staffs-tr.org.uk

Fiona McKellar
Nutritional Campaigner for Foodnet

‘Eating to protect your health' is their strapline! Lots of activities this coming year and until 2010. Working with local people to support them to develop their skills and increase their confidence to choose, buy, cook and eat healthy foods. Offer training and information in a variety of settings in and around the 3 Estates, Kings Norton.

Log onto www.dietetics.bham.nhs.uk or tel. 0121 4153660

‘We are spooked'

Read real accounts of ghost stories taken from Will Buckingham's research with people
from the 3 Estates, Kings Norton.

Project now offline.

Disclaimer:

Radio Knex3 recommends website details in good faith.
It does not take responsibility or necessarily reflect
the opinions of Knex3, Harry Palmer or their sponsors.