In the wake of last week’s protest at City Hall regarding provision of priority housing for women who are victims of domestic violence, I devoted most of this week’s show to the issue. For the first hour I was joined in the studio by representatives of Sisters Uncut and Bristol Women’s Voice. We also used material from last week’s parliamentary debate on the Istanbul Convention and information provided by the Women’s Equality Party. It was a really good discussion and it provoked quite a bit of audience feedback.

You can listen to the first hour of the show here.

In the second hour I was joined in the studio by my colleagues, Frances and Judeline, both of whom gave personal stories of their experience of domestic violence.

In the final half hour we wished happy birthday to our producer, Paulette, and also wished her well in her forthcoming retirement.

You can listen to the second hour of the show here.

Quite what Paulette’s retirement means for the future of the show, I am not sure. I have told the station management that I’m willing to commit to one show a month, but I can’t do more than that because I need to earn a living and I have three businesses to run. However, thanks to the magic of the internet (technology gods willing) I should have shows on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4. These will just me playing some favorite pieces of music; in particular longer stuff that I can’t use on a normal, chat-based show.

It being that time of year, the playlist for yesterday was all Christmas music:

• Greg Lake – I believe in Santa Claus
• Jackson 5 – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
• Clarence Carter – Back Door Santa
• Isaac Hayes – The Mistletoe and Me
• Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby
• Temprees – Its Christmas Time Again
• Luther Vandross – May Christmas Bring You Happiness
• The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping