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Published by BBC Local Radio
Exploring and explaining news stories from across England and Wales. Series 6: Dark Island An island of dreams for some, a place to hide for others. Investigative journalist India Pollock uncovers the disturbing secrets beneath the tranquil image of Caldey Island. Previously on In Detail... Series 1. The Pub Bombings Exploring the impact of two Birmingham pub bombs in a 50 year evolving story. Series 2. The Toxic Waste Scandal Explore the shocking events that ripped through a steelworks community in Corby. Series 3. Felled: The Sycamore Gap Story Hairy Biker Si King investigates who felled the tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland. Series 4. The Jesus Army Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain. Series 5: Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance Viraj Mendis from Sri Lanka begs for sanctuary in an Ascension church. The vicar, Father John Methuen, agrees to protect him defying Thatcher's government. If you want to be notified as soon as new episodes are available, make sure you've subscribed on BBC Sounds.
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Concerns grow about the behaviour of one man amongst the secluded community. Boundaries become blurred and troubling questions arise about trust, power and life on the island. Credits: Created, written and presented by: India Pollock Producers: Jenny Johnson, Siân Elin Dafydd Sound Design: Cathy Robinson Executive Producer: Gabriella O’Donnell Original Music: Branwen Munn Production Manager: Sharon Laban Sounds Commissioner: Bridget Curnow
Dawn and Pete Towns are a new couple, attracted to Caldey Island for its nature and breathtaking scenic location off the Pembrokeshire coast. The fresh start sees them become the new managers of St Philomena’s guesthouse. But soon their dream is shattered and life there becomes awkward and deeply troubling. This is not the place they thought it was. Credits: Created, written and presented by: India Pollock Producers: Jenny Johnson, Siân Elin Dafydd Sound Design: Cathy Robinson Executive Producer: Gabriella O’Donnell Original Music: Branwen Munn Production Manager: Sharon Laban Sounds Commissioner: Bridget Curnow
An island of dreams for some, a place to hide for others. Investigative journalist India Pollock uncovers the disturbing secrets beneath the tranquil image of Caldey Island. From BBC Radio Wales.
Karen plots Viraj’s escape from Sri Lanka and finds a new home for them both in Germany. A new posting in Yorkshire proves troubling for Father John. Viraj’s friend Charlie Baker finds some peace after his experience in Sri Lanka. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church. Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church. Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church. Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church. Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church. Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church. Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s authority before crashing down. Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
Ex-Jesus Army members unite in finding their freedom, rebuilding their identity and speaking their truth. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Thousands mourn and a new generation takes control. Meanwhile criminal confessions about troubling abuse claims are ignored by elders and the pressure mounts. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Troubling revelations, a heavy conscience, and one man left questioning what to do next. Philippa recalls her visit to court to testify on behalf of her friend 'Gemma' and shares how it led her to question her beliefs and her spiritual family. Meanwhile, the Jesus Army continues as it was before, protecting the community and the elders. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Street preaching, child look-outs and a police investigation. The vulnerable are drawn into the Jesus Army while a court case looms. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Faith, control and growing tension in the Fellowship Church community with wild services, exorcisms and warnings of hidden wrong doing. This episode contains references to exorcism. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
All new followers were welcome to the Jesus Fellowship, they were given new names and strict rules to become a member of the community. Treasured possessions are left at the door. No media, no music, no belongings and harsh discipline for children. This episode contains references to suicide and the physical punishment of children. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Exploring how the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Noel Stanton, settled in the rural Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke. The church attracted thousands with promises of Christian faith, community and a better life.
Uncovering the rise and unravelling of one of the biggest religious cults in Britain. Exploring the controversies, abuses and lasting scars left on those who lived within it. Diving deep into the Fellowship Church and the 'Jesus Army', led by Baptist evangelical maverick Noel Stanton in the Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke. Devotees gave up their homes, their money and in some cases their family to live in Noel’s 'heaven on earth' where everything was shared – even children. Presenter Annabel Amos grew up in a village 5 minutes away from where this all began, as ex-members and survivors share their stories she has realised she knew little of the horrors lurking behind a promise of faith. Presenter: Annabel Amos. Producer: Ellena Wood, Tim Wheeler and Sarah-Jane Muddiman. Writer: Tim Wheeler with additional scripting by Jack Kibble White. Story consultant: Jack Kibble White. Sound design: Meic Parry. Sounds producer: Alex Huxley. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Anna Bartlett and Katie Buchanan. Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin. All interviews were produced and directed by Ellena Wood for the BBC series 'Inside the Cult of the Jesus Army' - on BBC iPlayer/BBCTwo. For help and information on issues covered in this series, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, are sentenced in a live-streamed hearing at Newcastle Crown Court. BBC Correspondent Fiona Trott describes the atmosphere on the day. The two men were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage in May. Also, Si King hears whether some of those who loved the tree feel the sentence brings closure before finally returning to Sycamore Gap to see for himself how one of his favourite places has changed forever. Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Fiona Trott, Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin.
Si King explores what the future holds for Sycamore Gap and what made the tree so special. Discovering people's connection to the tree, the site and the significance of the Hollywood debut in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Si King also asks whether dark tourism might help preserve interest in the area where the tree once stood and learns of plans for the tree's seeds. Presenter: Si King. Producer: Jane Downs with additional reporting by Jo Lonsdale and Martin Lindsay. Sounds Producer and design: Alexandra Booth. Sound Mixing: Chris Fawcett. Story Consultant: Barney Rowntree. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Executive Producer: Dan Farthing and Alistair Miskin. Credit: Danny Boyle/28 Days Later appear courtesy of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative / Sony Pictures. This episode contains reference to suicide. Information and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
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