The skies are never silent.

Invisible to the naked eye, VLF, or Very Low Frequency radio waves, are the sonic equivalent to the stunning visual aurorae that illuminate the planet's poles. Caused by the interaction of solar energy with the charged part of the Earth’s atmosphere, they can only be made audible with special equipment.

This audio feature blends original recordings of VLF sounds with the voices of those who work with them, from science to sound art, King’s Cross to California.

With thanks to:
Dan Tapper, sound artist (www.magneticsignals.tumblr.com) 
Stephen McGreevy, VLF recordist (www.auroralchorus.com)
Dr Simon Foster, Imperial College London
Camley Street Natural Park

Produced by Patrick Sykes (www.patrickjsykes.com)

Sunsong

The Durham Miners Gala is one of the last traces of the industry that once defined England's North East. Tens of thousands of people come to the annual event to celebrate their shared regional heritage, watching the parade of brass bands and banners process through the city centre.

Memories of mining, bitter and proud, as well as those of galas past, run through the voices of this audio feature, which follows Knaresborough Silver Band and their day at the gala representing the village of Brandon.

With thanks to Knaresborough Silver Band and the residents of Brandon.

Produced by Patrick Sykes

A Day of Days

An extract from an episode of The Reunion that I produced for BBC Radio 4, broadcast on 3rd May 2013.

. . .

Sue MacGregor reunites the pioneers behind The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), the radical community that launched the Green Movement in Britain from a disused slate quarry in Machynlleth, Wales.

Led by an entrepreneurial aristocrat turned environmentalist, a group of self-declared 'Crazy Idealists' arrived at 'The Quarry' in 1973 with an urgent mission. The limits to growth and resources had been forecast, the nuclear threat was real, and fundamentally new ways of living had to be found that were more self-sufficient, locally-focused, and alternative to the assumptions of modern industrial society.

From humble beginnings as a tiny commune sidelined by the scientific establishment, CAT went on to build some of Britain's first ever electricity generating windmills and the largest solar roof in Europe. They attracted the patronage of the royal family, the suspicions and support of their local Welsh neighbours, and the interest of tens of thousands of visitors. Forty years on, the alternatives that CAT pioneered are becoming mainstream, and the Centre's work is more relevant than ever.

Joining Sue MacGregor are: Mark Matthews, the Centre's first director; architect Roderick James, who designed the first complex of buildings; Bob Todd, the Centre's pioneering technical expert; Liz Todd, Bob's wife and an early volunteer, who raised her young family on the site; and Des Rees, the Welsh builder who unexpectedly found himself immersed in The Quarry's unique way of life.

Producer: Patrick Sykes
Series Producer: David Prest
The Reunion is a Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Reunion — The Centre for Alternative Technology (Extract)

“I would describe Milan as a city in the north of Italy”

But what's that woman doing to that defenceless bull? Where the hell's the river? What's with all the fur coats? Why does the city look the way it does? These, and many more questions answered in this audio tour of Milan, led by local hero Charlie Cassarino.

Produced by Patrick Sykes

‘Well, it used to be worse than this’

Freelance radio producer. Contact: patrickjsykes (at) gmail (dot) com. www.patricksykes.net

Patrick Sykes

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