When was the iconic cross on Bray Head built - and who was behind it? Local historian Brian White has the answers.

At the Bray Rowing Club, sea spray has taken its toll. With the concrete roof collapsing, the club now faces a tough decision: rebuild or relocate. Meanwhile, their prized racing boats sit exposed to the elements. Leah visits the club to hear more from John Curran and Tony Dutton.

And as the war in Ukraine continues, nearly a thousand Ukrainians have found refuge in Bray. Mark sits down with Ivanna to learn about her journey and what life is like now.

Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads 

Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com 

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 
Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. 

The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.

Ep 5. The Cross, Save Our Rowing Club and from Ukraine to Bray

Ivanna’s Story: From War to Welcome
In this moving extended interview, Ivanna shares her journey of fleeing war-torn Ukraine and the emotional toll of leaving home behind. She reflects on her first impressions of Bray - from the peaceful streets to the wonder of seeing a robin for the first time. With heartfelt gratitude, she speaks about the warm welcome and compassion she received from the people of Bray. Ivanna also opens up about the hidden pain many Ukrainians carry, describing how they continue to smile for the world, even as their hearts remain broken inside.

Ivanna from Ukraine on having to flee from war

This episode of Bray Talking Heads is full of nostalgia! We dive into the archives with a charming playback of old interviews recorded by BLB’s Uncle Bob, featuring children from the Holy Communion class at Ravenswell School. Can you recognise any of those young voices?

Remember when Bray had several TV rental shops? Back when a television cost nearly a month's wages, renting was the norm. Malcolm Hill, a former repair engineer, takes us back to those black-and-white days.

And finally, can you remember the first record you ever bought? We take a musical trip down memory lane.

Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. @braytalkingheads Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.

Ep 6. Nostalgia, TV Rentals and 'Rabbits Ears',  School Kids from the 80s & First Records

The People's Park - a short history with Brian White of Bray Cualann Historical Society.

We remember a much-loved Bray character who sold newspapers seven days a week in all weathers. Do you recall what he used to shout outside the Royal Cinema and the Holy Redeemer Church? We take a stroll through the People’s Park, a green haven gifted to the town, and hear from Brian White about its rich history, along with voices from the community on why it remains such a special place. Could residents of the Lower Dargle benefit from a local drop-in centre to help combat social isolation? We explore the idea. Finally, we dip back into Freddie’s tapes for more heartwarming snippets from the young voices of Bray’s past.

Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. 

Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Please tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/sets

Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.

Ep 7.  The People’s Park – A Green Oasis, Skipping Rhymes and Chicken’s Call!

What makes for a long, happy retirement? We hit the streets of Bray to gather tips and reflections from those living it. Leah shares a chilling story of hearing a banshee - and of the friendly ghost she may be sharing her home with! We also stop by the Signal Arts Centre, a vital hub for creativity and community in Bray and Wicklow, offering space and support to emerging artists. And we share the last heartwarming clips from Uncle Bob’s archive - can you recognise the innocent voices of Ravenswell’s seven-year-olds?

Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. 

Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Please tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/sets

Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.




Ep 8. Things That Go Bump in the Night, Retirement Wisdom, and Art for Art’s Sake.

In this extended interview, Leah sits down with Eleanor Philips, the CEO and Creative Director of Signal Arts Centre. Founded back in July 1990, Signal was created to fill a real gap — there just wasn’t a central hub for visual arts in Bray or across North Wicklow. Since then, it’s become a thriving space where artists can develop their practice while also connecting with the wider community. We’ll hear how it all started, the challenges along the way, and how Signal continues to support creativity over three decades later.

Eleanor Philips - Signal Arts Centre, Bray

This week, we uncover the story of Bray’s long-lost Turkish Baths – a fleeting glimpse of opulence on Quinsborough Road. Fast forward to today, where saunas dot the seafront, and Bray still knows how to keep things warm. Plus, we join the unveiling of a new commemorative seat with a view for Bagatelle, the band that has a strong association with Bray!

Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. 

Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Please tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/sets

Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.





Ep. 9. Hot Stuff! From Turkish Baths to seaside saunas, and a seat for Bagatelle on Bray Head!

Braytalkingheads