The Life and Times of a Cornish Funeral Director
By: David Bray
Language: en-gb
Categories: Society, Culture, Personal, Journals, Documentary
A look into the life of an undertaker, growing up, living and working in Cornwall, with added interviews from other locals, talking about their memories.
Episodes
Wadebridge
Jan 10, 2026A little history of where I live
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Family and Music
Jan 03, 2026Among topics in this week’s episode are the latest addition to our family and my early years playing music
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Feelin’ a bit like Christmas
Dec 27, 2025Little bits of Christmas
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A little more of Margaret Bosley
Dec 20, 2025The final part of my interview with Margaret
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Margaret Bosley.
Dec 13, 2025Part two of my interview with Margaret.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Chatin’ with Margaret Bosley
Dec 06, 2025The first part of my interview with Margaret
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Terry Gardner
Nov 29, 2025More from Terry, plus my little altercation with our cat.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ rugby with Terry Gardner
Nov 22, 2025In this week’s episode Terry talks about his time with the Camels.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ with Terry Gardner
Nov 15, 2025Terry talks about his early years in Bodmin, his working life and surfin’
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Steve Burrows
Nov 08, 2025The final part of my interview with Steve.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ tin mines with Steve Burrows
Nov 01, 2025As well as talking about Steve’s time down in the mine, I talk about my rather hectic social week
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Havin’ a yarn with Steve Burrows
Oct 25, 2025The first part of my interview with Steve
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A besonnten from Wales and more from Phil Trevena
Oct 18, 2025Part 3 of my interview with Phil. Also I talk about a besonnten I received from Wales and an email from Scotland.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A little more from Phil Trevena
Oct 11, 2025Part 2 of my interview with Phil
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Havin’ a yarn with me meht Phil Trevena
Oct 04, 2025The first part of my interview with Phil, plus looking back over last week, including the Martin Jennings Memorial Run.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A little bit more from Marina Rickard
Sep 27, 2025The last part of my interview with Marina.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Marina Rickard
Sep 20, 2025More memories from Marina
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ with Marina Rickard
Sep 13, 2025The first part of my interview with my Auntie Marina.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Derek Lindsey
Sep 06, 2025Part 2 of my interview with Derek
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talking with Derek Lindsey
Aug 30, 2025As well as talking to Derek, I also look back over my past week.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Podcast from Playa de las Americas and more from Janet De La Cour
Aug 23, 2025A slight variation on Alistair Cooke’s ‘Letter from America’ and the final part of my interview with Janet.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Janet De La Cour
Aug 16, 2025In this episode, we have part two of my interview with Janet, plus a little bit about my last week, and Direct Funerals.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Chattin’ with Janet De La Cour
Aug 09, 2025The first part of my interview with Janet, plus Cornish choughs and the Gaia Trust
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Wadebridge School and Federation with Graham (Albert) Hawke
Aug 02, 2025Graham talks about his time at Wadebridge School and the pop group Federation
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Graham (Albert) Hawke
Jul 26, 2025In this week’s episode, Graham recounts his early involvement with music
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Carnival Capers with Graham (Albert) Hawke
Jul 19, 2025To coincide with this year’s Wadebridge Carnival, I talk to Graham about his memories when they used to enter every year
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Chatin’ with Graham (Albert) Hawke
Jul 12, 2025Part one of my interview with Graham, (also known as Albert).
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A Boat, a Coracle and More From Sid and Marion Bray
Jul 05, 2025A slightly nautical episode this week and more from Nan and Gramp
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Sid and Marion Bray Talkin’ with John and Sheila Trethewey
Jun 28, 2025Recorded back in the 1980’s, a lovely little chat, talkin’ about local people and places
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Snakes in the Grass, and more from me meht Allan Roberts
Jun 21, 2025The second part of my interview with Al, plus, amount other things, snakes in the churchyard
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Havin’ a yarn with Allan Roberts
Jun 14, 2025Part one of my interview with Al, plus, amongst other things, looking into direct cremations.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
All Roads Lead to Wadebridge
Jun 07, 2025A busy time in town, with the annual Royal Cornwall Show, plus a look back at last week.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Don’t Look Back
May 31, 2025Meeting an old school friend brings back Sports Day’s memories, plus other bits and pieces
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Irish Hermits and Olympians
May 24, 2025This episode includes things such as Crantock and the Cornwall rugby team.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Etape Caledonia
May 17, 2025A look back over the last week, including our cycle in the Scottish Highlands
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Our Journey with Alzheimer’s
May 10, 2025As we take part in our latest sponsored event, I look back on how Alzheimer’s Disease affected our lives
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Trevithick Day to May Day
May 03, 2025Looking back at this year’s Trevithick Day, May Day, plus other bits.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Penhaligon’s Friends
Apr 26, 2025Talking about the bereavement charity, and, also, David Penhaligon.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ again with Tegwen Owen
Apr 19, 2025Part two of my chat with Mrs Owen
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ with Tegwen Owen
Apr 12, 2025Part one of my interview with Mrs Owen.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Where be that Blackbird to, and Part Two of Frank Gabriel’s Tribute
Apr 05, 2025The usual weekly roundup, including going to watch The Wurzels, and Part 2 of Tony Gabriel’s tribute to his father.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A Tribute to Frank Gabriel
Mar 29, 2025Talking with Tony Gabriel about his late father, Frank, and a look back at the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Bath Half and a New Kitchen
Mar 22, 2025Looking back at the Bath Half and the opening of the refurbished kitchen at the John Betjeman Centre
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Round Up of the Week
Mar 15, 2025Looking back over the last week
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Unfinished Business with Phil Tremain
Mar 08, 2025Another episode with Phil, talking about St Columb.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A little bit more from Sue Hawke
Mar 01, 2025The final part of my interview with Sue
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Sue Hawke
Feb 22, 2025Part 2 of my interview with Sue.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Havin’ a chat with Sue Hawke
Feb 15, 2025The first part of my interview with Sue.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Phil Tremain
Feb 08, 2025The second part of my interview with Phil Tremain.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ with Phil Tremain
Feb 01, 2025A little bit from me, and then part one of a lovely conversation with Phil
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Bits and Pieces
Jan 25, 2025Topics covered this week range from Bob Dylan, Ruarri Joseph and Charlotte Dymond, as well as the round up of my past week.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
A Little More from Margaret Warren
Jan 18, 2025The final part of my interview with Margaret
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
More from Margaret Warren
Jan 11, 2025A quick round up of my week, including a bit about the delays weem experiencing with funerals at the moment, and then, the second part of my interview with Margaret.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
Talkin’ with Margaret Warren
Jan 04, 2025The first part of my interview with Margaret.
Joybringer - played by Federation (1981)
Graham Hawke, David Bray, Al Nance, Jon Hooper, Steve Treadwell, Sally Rowe.
All Kinds of Everything
Dec 28, 2024This episode includes, Tom Bawcock’s Eve, the white rabbit of Egloshayle, and finishing with a snippet of Joybringer, from my first group, Federation.
Duration: 00:20:57That’s a big 10-4 Rubber Duck, and more from Ken Miller
Dec 21, 2024Various topics this week, including the CB radio, the Blue Anchor at Fraddon. Also, the final part of my interview with Ken.
Duration: 00:37:42Stallions, gales, and more from Ken Miller.
Dec 14, 2024Looking back over the previous week, and some more lovely memories from Ken.
Duration: 00:39:46Talkin’ with Ken Miller
Dec 07, 2024My usual weekly roundup and the first part of my interview with Ken.
Duration: 00:38:31Altar boy for a day and more from Liz Capp
Nov 30, 2024Looking back at over the last week and the final part of my interview with Liz.
Duration: 00:31:01A Weekend away in Carbis Bay and more from Liz Capp
Nov 23, 2024More lovely memories from Liz about Bodmin years ago, and before that, a little bit from me.
Duration: 00:25:34Chattin’ with Liz Capp
Nov 16, 2024My usual weekly roundup, and then the first part of my conversation with Liz, talking about the early part of her life, firstly at Camelford, and then Dunmere.
Duration: 00:38:00The Final Part of my Interview with Mike Hewitt
Nov 09, 2024In this we episode Mike talks about Rock RNLI and other boat related incidents.
Duration: 00:27:28More from Mike Hewitt
Nov 02, 2024More memories from Mike.
Duration: 00:24:42Talkin’ with Mike Hewitt
Oct 26, 2024A lovely chat with Mike, about his young days in Wadebridge, then his move to Rock, and also memories of his ancestors.
Duration: 00:33:32More from Chris Parkyn
Oct 19, 2024Part two of my interview with Chris. Plus a little bit about Warleggan and Poldark.
Duration: 00:35:37Chattin’ with Chris Parkyn
Oct 12, 2024The usual weekly roundup and talking to Chris about his young days, in and around Rumford
Duration: 00:28:10A New Vicar, Some Diggers and More From Moira Gill
Oct 04, 2024This week I talk about another new vicar coming to our area, a moving tribute using diggers and the final part of my interview with Moira.
Duration: 00:25:59An Inspector Calls and more from Moira Gill
Sep 28, 2024Talking about recent inspections that we’ve had and more lovely memories of Padstow from Moira Gill.
Duration: 00:31:34Talking with Moira Gill
Sep 21, 2024Part one of my interview with Moira, where, amongst other memories, she recalls her early days in Padstow.
Duration: 00:28:51Part two of my interview with Bob Tremain
Sep 14, 2024This episode starts with my usual weekly roundup, followed by more memories from Bob.
Duration: 00:26:21A lovely chat with Bob Tremain
Sep 07, 2024As well as my usual weekly roundup, I have a lovely yarn with Bob, talking about his memories in and around St Mawgan.
Duration: 00:33:15Talkin’ old Wadebridge with Margaret Thompson.
Aug 31, 2024In this episode Margaret talks about Glen Road, and old Wadebridge.
Duration: 00:25:32The second part of my interview with Margaret Thompson
Aug 24, 2024A few bits and pieces from me and more memories from Margaret.
Duration: 00:26:34Talking with Margaret Thompson.
Aug 17, 2024In this episode I talk with Margaret, plus other bits and pieces.
Duration: 00:29:03More from Mark Hawken, plus lots of bits and pieces.
Aug 10, 2024Part 2 of my interview with Mark, plus the Raft Race, Gunwen, Lamorna and a little be more.
Duration: 00:31:08Havin’ a yarn with Mark Hawken
Aug 03, 2024In this episode I have a lovely talk with Mark Hawken.
Duration: 00:23:45Talking to Mervyn Walker about his volunteering in Lourdes.
Jul 27, 2024As well as rounding up my journey to Spain last week, I talk to Mervyn about the many times he’s been a helper at Lourdes.
Duration: 00:32:43Y Viva Espanã, and more from Tony, Wendy and Steve
Jul 20, 2024This week’s podcast comes from foreign climes, with the final part from Tony, Wendy and Steve in Camelford.
Duration: 00:25:44AC/DC, Withiel WI, a new Patronage and more from Tony, Wendy and Steve Powell
Jul 13, 2024Talking about our trip to see AC/DC, my talk to the Withiel WI, being made patron of the John Betjeman Centre and more from the Powells.
Duration: 00:25:17Up Camelford with Tony, Wendy and Steve Powell
Jul 06, 2024Talking with my cousin Tony, Wendy and Steve.
Duration: 00:27:10Another Bethel, Fontana, Innis, and more from Hazel Mitchell
Jun 29, 2024A varied episode, which includes my first visit to another Bethel. Also the beautiful new gardens at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, plus Innis Chapel.
Then, more form Hazel Mitchell.
“Granfer!!”…A Tribute to Tom Warne
Jun 22, 2024This episode is dedicated to Tom Warne, sadly missed, but will never be forgotten.
Duration: 00:20:37Havin’ another yarn with Hazel Mitchell, and Hail to the Homeland.
Jun 15, 2024This episode includes my weekly round up, another lovely chat with Hazel and Hail to the Homeland.
Duration: 00:30:36Goin’ Show?
Jun 08, 2024A few different topics in this episode, including a bit more on Washaway, saying goodbye to an old friend and a little about the Royal Cornwall Show.
Duration: 00:25:43Washaway your Troubles
Jun 01, 2024Ashes, tattoos, St Conan’s plus a lot more in this week’s episode.
Duration: 00:19:48The last part of my interview with Martin Taylor
May 25, 2024My usual weekly roundup, and more from Martin.
Duration: 00:24:56A little more from Martin Taylor
May 18, 2024The second part of my interview with Martin
Duration: 00:23:38Out Polzeath with Martin Taylor
May 11, 2024A few odds and ends from me, and then a lovely interview with Martin Taylor.
Duration: 00:26:01A Cornwall in the Sky
May 05, 2024A short, bonus, episode, in which I read my poem, A Cornwall in the Sky.
Duration: 00:04:29Opera, cycling, May Day, moving goalposts, and the final part of Mark Henwood.
May 04, 2024A look back over another interesting week plus more from Mark.
Duration: 00:33:23Talking about this year’s London Marathon, and, also, a little on father’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease
Apr 27, 2024A recap on this year’s London Marathon, with a little on why I was raising funds this year for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Duration: 00:30:01Mark Henwood and Pocahontas.
Apr 19, 2024The second part of my interview with Mark, and Pocahontas’ connection with Cornwall.
Duration: 00:33:32Havin’ a yarn with Mark Henwood
Apr 13, 2024The usual weekly roundup and then the first part of my interview with Mark.
Duration: 00:31:03More from Ken and Rose Sargent
Apr 06, 2024The second part of my interview with Ken and Rose, plus a round up of my week.
Duration: 00:25:16Talkin’ with Ken and Rose Sargent
Mar 30, 2024A slightly different start to this week’s episode, a lovely chat with Ken and Rose, and a bit from me at the end.
Duration: 00:30:57The second part of my interview with Gerry Chandler
Mar 23, 2024A quick roundup of my week, followed by more from Gerry and Betty.
Duration: 00:27:23Chattin’ with Gerry Chandler.
Mar 16, 2024In this episode I talk to Gerry Chandler, of St Merryn, and also have a quick round up of my last week.
Duration: 00:30:14A new vicar, a new art gallery and more from Bill Pearce
Mar 09, 2024The second part of my interview with Bill, and a round up of my week.
Duration: 00:32:55Talkin’ with Bill Pearce, plus looking back over my last week.
Mar 02, 2024In this episode Bill talks about growing up in St Teath, his lifelong friend Pearl, his teaching career and working for Plymouth Argyle FC.
Duration: 00:31:33Military musings, a nasty scam and more memories from Janet Chadband.
Feb 24, 2024In this episode I talk about our recent funerals of ex military, including a D-Day veteran. Then, a warning of a scam that has appeared in the last few weeks, and, also, the second part of my interview with Janet.
Duration: 00:25:10