David Packer has started a new outside walking tour around Hampton Court Palace - a relaxed, small-group evening stroll that takes you off the palace lawns and into the streets, bridges and pubs that actually grew up to service the royal place. We chat to David about why these outside stories matter: the bridge as part of the palace’s theatrical entrance, the Mitre pub from 1665, the Royal Mews and the bustling north side that most visitors never notice.

Along the way he peppers the tour with spine-tingling ghost yarns (including his own 2-3am “I don’t want to be here” moment in Fountain Court), juicy human anecdotes (yes, Joan Rivers once rocked up) and clear reminders about the difference between solid history and the fun of legend. The walk is about 90 minutes, best in the evening once traffic calms down, and is deliberately capped at around 10 people so it stays intimate and chatty. If you want to actually meet the place that grew up around the palace rather than just tick a box, drop David a DM via his Instagram.

Takeaways:

• We learn that Hampton Court Palace literally made the area - buildings, pubs and services grew up to cater for palace visitors across centuries, shaping the whole local landscape.
• David explains that many of the palace’s spooky tales are oral traditions or 19th-century inventions, so ghost stories often mix folklore, press snippets, and evolving exaggeration.
• We hear a proper hair-raising account: on a quiet night in Fountain Court David felt an unexplainable dread and scuttled back to the mess room, the only time he changed plans in over twenty years.
• David's outside walking tour focuses on things you miss going straight to the gates: the 1930s bridge, the Mitre pub from 1665, the Royal Mews, and the sadly neglected north side full of human stories.
• David urges visitors to slow down and look up: his favourite view from the far corner of the rose garden gives a practical, Tudor-town panorama of the palace that most people never notice.

• Follow David on Instagram

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Ferry Coffee Shop

Purveyors of fine coffee, tea & snacks.

Business Partner: Meon Media

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Business Partner: The Sound Boutique

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Martin Pither runs a thriving Thursday-night pub quiz at the Barley Mow on Watersplash Road that routinely fills the room, and it's become proper community glue. I went down to meet Martin and hear how he builds those rounds from scratch, juggles brutal feedback, and even turned the whole year into a book called 'A Year in the Life of a Pub Quiz', complete with 60+ photos so you actually know the people behind the team names. He keeps things inclusive (no bookings, first-come-first-served), varies 14 different rounds so it never gets stale, and splits prizes into picture, music and general-knowledge categories so more folks have a shot at victory. It’s not all laughs though: Martin talks about the lonely nights when one disputed question turns 70 people against you, the careful referencing he uses (and yes, he treads carefully with AI-sourced answers), and the months of feedback from friends, retired teachers and even tax inspectors that sharpen each quiz. What really struck me was how this simple weekly fixture binds families, gives shy regulars a place to belong, and even reaches expats online. People tell him they look forward to Thursday like it’s a small holiday.

Takeaways:

• We learn how a pub quiz can glue a community together, creating weekly rituals and friendships.
• We discover the practical side of running quizzes: question vetting, multiple references, and feedback loops to avoid embarrassing mistakes.
• Themed nights, picture rounds and music clips keep things fresh and fair for everyone.
• Prizes and prize-splitting increase participation, giving more teams a shot at winning and celebrating together at the bar.
• The importance of inclusivity: first-come seating, welcoming new players, and tailoring rounds so different ages and interests feel included.
• Quirky outcomes, like worldwide fans of the picture rounds and a book with answers at the bottom, perfect for campsite or family quizzes.

• Buy Martin's book

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Ferry Coffee Shop

Purveyors of fine coffee, tea & snacks.

Business Partner: Meon Media

Small business support.

Business Partner: The Sound Boutique

Thoughtful audio for every story.

Emma Pattinson takes us behind the scenes of the Shepperton Car Boot, a beloved local fixture that’s been running for 24 years and counting. We chat about how she transformed a family land problem into a vibrant community event that’s all about recycling and finding hidden treasures. From the early days of setting up stalls in spirals to attract more buyers to the well-organised system they have now, Emma shares how hard work and a love for the community keep this event thriving. She emphasises that it’s not just about making a quick buck but creating a friendly space where people can find affordable items and connect with one another. Plus, there's a sprinkle of humor as she shares some of the quirky items and experiences that have popped up over the years. So, if you've been thinking about decluttering or hunting for treasures, tune in for some fun tips and a peek into this local gem!

• Shepperton Car Boot Sale website

Produced by Gareth Davies at The Sound Boutique

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Business Partner: Meon Media

Small business support.

There's a new ice-cream bicycle in Shepperton!

Donnie's Ice-creams

Business Partner: The Sound Boutique

Thoughtful audio for every story.