Step inside the historic walls of Taunton's Castle Hotel in this episode of Adventures in Journalism. Host Martin Hesp sits down with legendary proprietor Kit Chapman to celebrate the 75th anniversary of his family's stewardship of this Somerset landmark.

Kit shares candid stories from the hotel's "black and white movie" past, including his father's 1950s restoration, the hotel's transformation into a Michelin-starred culinary destination, and humorous encounters with the likes of Henry Blofeld and Keith Floyd. We explore how the Castle has remained a permanent fixture in a changing world, serving as a gateway to the Quantocks, Exmoor, and the Somerset Levels. Whether you are a fan of English heritage, fine dining, or the art of hospitality, this interview offers a fascinating look at one of Britain's most prestigious establishments.

In this episode of Adventures in Journalism, veteran journalist Martin Hesp reflects on one of the most remarkable scenes of his career—the wreck of the MSC Napoli off the coast of Branscombe. Exactly 18 years after the ill-fated container ship came to grief on the Jurassic Coast, Martin pulls from his personal audio archives to revisit the chaos and curiosity that followed.

Join Martin as he shares original field recordings from the shingle beach, where hundreds of people gathered to witness (and sometimes scavenge) an extraordinary array of cargo—from BMW motorcycles and wine barrels to car mirrors and dog food. The episode also features an insightful and humorous conversation with award-winning press photographer Richard Austin, as the two old friends recount the "modern-day Poldark" scenes and the changing face of regional newspaper journalism.

In this feature-length episode of Adventures in Journalism, Martin Hesp visits the historic village of Kingsbury Episcopi. To coincide with this week's "Hesp Out West" column in the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press, we go behind the scenes to meet the people who define this unique corner of the Somerset Levels.

In this episode:

• [00:00] Intro: The view from One Tree Hill and the "Adventures Out West" sting.

• [05:15] The Cider Heritage: A visit with Julian Temperley among the oak barrels of the Somerset Cider Brandy Company.

• [18:40] Village Life: Conversations with the local history group on the traditions of the River Parrett.

• [32:10] The Local: Reflections on rural community and the future of village life.

About the Podcast: Adventures in Journalism is hosted by Martin Hesp, a veteran journalist with over 40 years of experience covering the West Country. This podcast brings the "Hesp Out West" newspaper features to life through on-location interviews and rural storytelling.