Revamped program: At Home
Tue, 23 April 2019
The start of 2019 saw a few classic 2RPH programs undergo a makeover, one of which was Inside/Outside – Houses and Gardens. This revamped program is now known as At Home. Danielle Hanrahan asked presenter and producer Fran a few questions about revising the program.
At Home is a revamp of Inside/Outside. Do you know, if any, the differences between the programs?
The main difference between the shows was broadening the concept of a home. To this end, I have so far recorded programs on people who are at home on a boat, in apartment living, people living in lighthouses, and childhood homes of famous people. In addition, I have developed a focus for each program and build each fortnightly program around a theme. Currently I am collecting material to present a program focused on homes for our pets. My main focus is to create a picture of the story of each home or garden through the word descriptions.
What sorts of topics and articles can listeners expect to hear on this program?
For each theme, I look for relevant articles from a wide range of sources. For example, one program focused on apartment living with a piece titled, ‘Strata data, the facts of life for apartment dwellers,’ based on a popular and recognised forum – www.flat-chat.com.au. The convenor of this website, Jimmy Thompson, appears regularly on James Valentine’s ABC program. Within that program I included two articles on developing and maintaining balcony gardens and one on growing herbs indoors.
Another program focused on fire safety and fire prevention at home, with a focus on kitchen fires, heating safely and smoke alarms. I collected a range of published information for this program from Fire & Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service.
The program titled At Home on a Boat was developed after I read an article published in the Guardian titled, “Ten years living on a boat. It’s a fun life-I’m not a watery hobo”. I collected articles from sailing friend’s magazines and a blog, Sailing with Bloom, titled, “5 Reasons our family loves living on a boat). I finished the program with a piece published on the ABC website titled, “How the humble lemon helped grow the Sicilian mafia,” which is of course related to the avoidance of scurvy for sailors in 1700’s as exploration by sea expanded.
For one program I began in a Blue Mountains garden, which was featured in House and Garden magazine’s October 2017 issue. The garden design, by architect Capability Brown, had many of the features of the English. This led me to explore one of Brown’s most famous designs for Blenheim Palace gardens, the home of Sir Winston Churchill and there are many articles available to explore this wonderful house and garden.
What sources do you use for this program?
I use a variety of sources. I have access through my local library to a wide range of published magazines, such as House and Garden, Gardening Australia, Better Homes and Gardens, Vogue Living Australia, Homelife etc.
I also like to source, where possible, articles from local area papers. For example, I read out an article published in the Inner West Courier warning people of scam roof repairers, and what home owners need to be aware of.
The Sydney Morning Herald weekend edition is often a good source, with topical garden articles in Spectrum and handy home hints in the Good Weekend lift-out. In addition, I source material online, from websites such as Flat Chat, Fire NSW and Houzz.
What do you hope listeners take away from this program?
Apart from hopefully finding each program interesting and entertaining, I also hope listeners add to their knowledge and understanding of many and varied aspects of what makes a home.
What do you love about being part of 2RPH?
I love the comraderie; the intelligent, varied and amusing conversations I have whenever I am at the station; and while I feel some trepidation that I will present well-enough every time I am about to present a program, I hope I provide listeners with both a stimulating and relaxing listening alternative.
Lastly, how long have you been volunteering with 2RPH and what other 2RPH programs can listeners hear you on?
I began as a reader in 2013. I am a regular fortnightly (Tuesday) announcer for the SMH and Daily Telegraph, and Breakfast announcer/reader each Thursday morning.
Listen to At Home on Saturday at 4:30pm, every fortnight with repeats on Monday at 3:30pm.