This is not #100…
THINGS ARE CHANGING – BUT WHAT YOU LOVE WILL STAY THE SAME…… Episode #100 is now online for my Patreon supporters, and there it shall remain. There has been a slight lull while we gear up for #101, which will mark a watershed moment in the podcast’s journey. Why? Because behind the scenes, lots of work has been going on to take the podcast up a level in terms of consistent audio and video quality -something which has on occasion been lacking during the formative episodes. Through an exciting partnership with Old Leamingtonians RFC, the H-Hour Podcast now has a physical, permanent home at OLRFC’s ground in Leamington Spa, at Hugh’s very own studio.
Although still in Phase 1 of a three-phase build, the studio is designed specifically for podcasting but with benefit to the community in mind. When ready, it will be made available to local schools to make their own productions, it will be made available to members of Old Leamingtonians RFC and also to the wider military community. It is still in build, but podcasts will resume albeit in “under construction” circumstance so the videos may not be perfect yet but they will certainly be better than they were!
The studio has only been enabled because of the support and generosity of key people and organisations who all represent the most amazing examples of support to the military community:
Kate Lawlor: for putting up with Hugh, encouraging him to take a break once in a while and for being perfect. Thank you.
All of my Patreon supporters: supporting the podcast through a voluntary monthly subscription via patreon.com/hkpodcasts, these guys and girls choose to throw some spare change Hugh’s way every month to help keep the show on the road. They are also becoming key in different decisions and directions that the H-Hour podcast and the Leading Minds Series may take, kindly providing their input to Hugh when needed. Through their subscription, they are also supporting military charities through the donations made each month by Hugh. Thank you.
Tim Ford: one of the H-Hour Podcast’s keenest and longest standing supporters and someone who over the years has helped a huge number of ex-military personnel both personally and professionally, thank you Tim – particularly for your heroic efforts enabling the Kajaki movie premier in the States of Jersey, supporting RIchard and Dawn at Holidays4Heroes and most recently for your introduction for me to Phil at Alfa Drop Box.
Phil Gibbs and the team at Alfa Drop Box: Phil has very kindly donated one of Alfa’s demonstration boxes which now houses the studio. His team delivered and fabricated the box in a rapid and professional manner for which Hugh is very grateful, particularly when Alfa have been flat out with their day to day operations during the pandemic, enabling mobile storage and operations solutions to the NHS and other organisation – thank you Phil and team.
David St John-Claire and the team at The Aardvark Group: these guys have been with the podcast from almost the very start and they have renewed their sponsorship for yet another year. Aardvark’s sponsorship of the show for over two years now has been critical to the podcast’s development and David’s personal support and friendship to Hugh has at difficult times kept things moving. Sponsor’s aren’t chosen lightly and given the life-saving operations that The Aardvark Group are involved in around the world, it is very satisfying to be able to help spread the word about this company and its people. Thank you David – for your support not only the show, but also to the military community.
Last but by no means least, Michael Vallance and Rugby4Heroes. Mike and R4H have also been sponsoring the podcast from the very early days and have renewed their sponsorship for yet another year. They have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to not only sponsor, but also provide advice and guidance on the sometimes challenging behind-the-scenes efforts that need to happen to enable the show to continue. In addition to their support of the podcast, Mike and R4H plough a huge amount of effort, every single day, into supporting the military community – from charity fundraising to business advice, emotional support to emergency support. Mike and R4H, since their inception in 2009, have helped hundreds if not thousands of people, connected with the military community (including Hugh) and continue to do so – asking for nothing in return. Mike is a welcome and key part of the H-Hour family and we hope that shall stay the case for a very long time! Thank you Mike.
Please feel free to connect with and follow all of those mentioned above – if you would like a direct intro just get in touch with us!
