Big Learner Relay Pudcast

BLR

The Big Learner Relay is an annual event involving 100's of Driving Instructors and pupils raising money for BBC Children in Need. Nine years ago while watching 'Children in Need' Lou Walsh thought 'Why aren't us driving instructors doing something to raise money for such a great cause? - Let's do something! How about a Big Learner Relay?! We could relay a top box (the kind that driving instructors have on the roof of their cars) from one driving lesson to another around the country!?' Well, to cut a long story short in 2014 we travelled over 2500 miles from lesson to lesson and raised over £65,000 and in 2015 we went even bigger, travelling nearly 3000 miles and raised a whopping £99,850 for Children in Need. This makes us the biggest group fundraiser since Children in Need began. We have continued to fund raise through the relay each year and even having to cancel all of our plans in 2020 due to the pandemic, but we have kept going. We are very proud. Will you be fundraising or donating to such a good cause? We hope so! read less

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BLR Choir 2023 ~ In Memory of Lou Walsh

BLR Choir 2023 ~ In Memory of Lou Walsh

Every year the BLR Choir record a soundtrack song for the Big Learner Relay to support driving instructors across the UK raising £100,000s for Children in Need. This year we lost the founder and inspiration Louise Walsh, who died suddenly in August. We assembled not just to recognise the relay, but to honour our friend and colleague who will be sadly missed and long remembered.With lyrics in hand, written by Chris Bensted, we met at The Lantern Theatre, in The Mountbatten School, who were kind enough to support the event. Special thanks to Gordon Clark and Simon Newton who worked wonders providing music and mastering our untrained but enthusiastic voices. The day was made extra special with Lou's husband, eldest two children, sisters, their partners and friends joining the clutch of instructors behind the mics.We invite you to listen. To reflect on the amazing achievements Lou has inspired. To celebrate all our memories. And to donate to the last Big Learner Relay for Children in Need. Visit https://www.biglearnerrelay.co.uk or donate by text, simply text PASS and your donation to 70085. E.g PASS10 to donate £10 (T&Cs on the website)To all the choir members over the last 7 years, it has been an honour and a privilege to hear you breathe life into the relay journey. Thank you all for everything you have done.

Episodes

BLR Choir 2023 ~ In Memory of Lou Walsh

BLR Choir 2023 ~ In Memory of Lou Walsh

Every year the BLR Choir record a soundtrack song for the Big Learner Relay to support driving instructors across the UK raising £100,000s for Children in Need. This year we lost the founder and inspiration Louise Walsh, who died suddenly in August. We assembled not just to recognise the relay, but to honour our friend and colleague who will be sadly missed and long remembered.With lyrics in hand, written by Chris Bensted, we met at The Lantern Theatre, in The Mountbatten School, who were kind enough to support the event. Special thanks to Gordon Clark and Simon Newton who worked wonders providing music and mastering our untrained but enthusiastic voices. The day was made extra special with Lou's husband, eldest two children, sisters, their partners and friends joining the clutch of instructors behind the mics.We invite you to listen. To reflect on the amazing achievements Lou has inspired. To celebrate all our memories. And to donate to the last Big Learner Relay for Children in Need. Visit https://www.biglearnerrelay.co.uk or donate by text, simply text PASS and your donation to 70085. E.g PASS10 to donate £10 (T&Cs on the website)To all the choir members over the last 7 years, it has been an honour and a privilege to hear you breathe life into the relay journey. Thank you all for everything you have done.

Day Twelve: Eltham - Crawley

Day Twelve: Eltham - Crawley

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Eleven: Salisbury - Eltham

Day Eleven: Salisbury - Eltham

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Ten: Plymouth - Salisbury

Day Ten: Plymouth - Salisbury

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Nine: Barry Island - Plymouth

Day Nine: Barry Island - Plymouth

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Eight: Shrewsbury - Barry Island

Day Eight: Shrewsbury - Barry Island

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Seven: Cleckheaton - Shrewsbury

Day Seven: Cleckheaton - Shrewsbury

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Six: Burton on Trent - Cleckheaton

Day Six: Burton on Trent - Cleckheaton

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day 5: Ipswich - Burton on Trent

Day 5: Ipswich - Burton on Trent

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Four: Sleaford - Ipswich

Day Four: Sleaford - Ipswich

While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Three: Redcar - Sleaford

Day Three: Redcar - Sleaford

Messages from handsome Australians, Guests, Lou's update and the BLR song are all on the menu tonight. But the key question is- Do you agree with Dawn Hay that the BLR is better than Christmas? While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day Two: Kilmarnock - Redcar

Day Two: Kilmarnock - Redcar

Day two sees Lou pick up where she left off in Kilmarnock and finish in Redcar, hitting the following places along the way:CumnockBiggarBeattockEcclefechanCarlislePenrithStainmoreBarnard castleRushyfordMiddlesboroughAs well as hearing an update from Lou, we also catch up with Phil Cowely who tells us about his fancy dress theme this year and why he's looking forward to being a lead car driver. While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

Day one: Aberdeen - Kilmarnock

Day one: Aberdeen - Kilmarnock

It's day one of the relay and we're starting as we mean to go on, with interviews with Richard Storrs of Intelligent Instructor and one of todays lead car drivers, Emily Sneddon! We also have some special messages from some wonderful people, be sure to be sending yours in too! You can get access to Chris Bensted BLR Facebook frames here. While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

A warm welcome to to the Pudcast!

A warm welcome to to the Pudcast!

It's a warm welcome to the BLR 2022 as I speak to Amy Cullen, Chris Bensted and Lou Walsh. They share some stories around the Big Learner Relay and have messages for everyone taking part. There's also an update on what to expect from the Pudcast going forward. While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

2022 Big Learner Relay theme song

2022 Big Learner Relay theme song

Since 2015 Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective has written a song for the Big Learner Relay. After a hiatus in 2021, Chris has returned with a d new solo project for 2022! Enjoy...While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

2020 Big Learner Relay theme song

2020 Big Learner Relay theme song

Since 2015 Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective has written a song for the Big Learner Relay. Here you'll find the 2020 offering. Things were a little bit different this year...You can check out the video here.While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

2019 Big Learner Relay theme song

2019 Big Learner Relay theme song

Since 2015 Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective has written a song for the Big Learner Relay. Here you'll find the 2019 offering. As with all the songs so far, this one has a very special meaning...You can check out the video here.While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

2018 Big Learner Relay theme song

2018 Big Learner Relay theme song

Since 2015 Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective has written a song for the Big Learner Relay. Here you'll find the 2017 offering. We've attempted Duos, solo's and choirs, and now it's time cor Chris to take a step back for a new lead singer...You can check out the video here.While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

2017 Big Learner Relay theme song

2017 Big Learner Relay theme song

Since 2017 Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective has written a song for the Big Learner Relay. Here you'll find the 2017 offering. After Chris's solo career didn't quite turn out the way he'd hoped, it was time for a new approach...You can check out the video here.While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!

2016 Big Learner Relay theme song

2016 Big Learner Relay theme song

Since 2015 Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective has written a song for the Big Learner Relay. Here you'll find the 2016 offering where Chris decided that he was a bigger star than his fellow band mate and decided to go it alone. You can check out the video here.While the podcast and BLR itself is always fun, it's important to remember the reason behind it - driving instructors raising money for Children in need. So if you can spare a little change, donate whatever you can here. A big thanks to the sponsor of the Pudcast - the Driving Instructor and Trainers Collective. You can find their website here. You can find the host of the podcast (Terry Cook) with his weekly podcast: The Instructor, here. For more information about the Big Learner Relay, you can find us on Facebook, or reach the website here. And don't forget donate!