THE
MEMORY IN A BOTTLE PODCAST
ALL EPISODES
The Memory in a Bottle podcast follows Jess as she travels the Lincolnshire coast, gathering stories from those who know it best. Journeying south from Grimsby through Cleethorpes, Humberston, Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Anderby Creek and Ingoldmells to Skegness, Jess and her guests explore changing seaside traditions and the enduring spirit of coastal communities.
The series also reflects on the devastating impact of the 1953 North Sea Floods, which left a lasting mark on many of the places she visits. Alongside local voices, Jess speaks to historian, Doctor Kathryn Ferry, about the legacy of Butlin’s, and Professor Vanessa Toulmin about the circus’s deep ties to Britain’s coastal towns. Plus, a special behind-the-scenes episode introduces the creative team and the inspiration behind the project.
53° 32' 2.508'' N, 0° 0' 22.4928'' E
///spend.dash.milky
Jess is joined by three generations of the Askam family — Joan, Richard, and Phoebe — as they share their deep-rooted love for Grimsby and Cleethorpes. From childhood days feeding ducks and playing by the promenade, to memories of Grimsby's vibrant past and hopes for its future, they reflect on what makes their hometown so special across the decades.
GRIMSBY
53° 32' 2.508'' N, 0° 0' 22.4928'' E
///spend.dash.milky
Jess is joined by Leanor, who shares her memories about moving from Aberdeen after WWII, growing up in a fishing community, and decades of community spirit through events like the Cleethorpes Carnival and her escapades as Clara the Clown. Leanor shares a vivid portrait of life on the Lincolnshire coast, past and present.
CLEETHORPES
53° 32' 2.508'' N, 0° 0' 22.4928'' E
///spend.dash.milky
In this Humberston Academy special, Jess is joined by pupils Hannah and Amber as they share their perfect coastal days. From building sandcastles and collecting seaglass to exploring arcades, country parks, and Cleethorpes beach, they reflect on what makes their home so special – and how they would protect it for the future.
HUMBERSTON
53° 20' 18.168'' N, 0° 15' 59.4576'' E
///thudded.topics.radar
Jess speaks with two generations of the Farenden family - Carol, David, and their son Andy - as they share stories of Mablethorpe and the wider Lincolnshire coast. From childhood beach chalet trips and fish and chips to shrimp fishing and seals, their memories span decades of family tradition and coastal change. Together, they reflect on how these seaside places have shaped their lives, relationships, and sense of home.
MABLETHORPE
53° 18' 52.7472'' N, 0° 16' 56.946'' E
///regulates.punters.prefect
Jess chats with father and daughter, Seb and Jacey, about life in Sutton-on-Sea. They share their favourite ways to spend a perfect day, from early morning beach walks and rock collecting to fish and chips, funfair rides and memories of local festivals. Together, they reflect on what makes Sutton-on-Sea such a special place to call home.
SUTTON-ON-SEA
53° 18' 52.7472'' N, 0° 16' 56.946'' E
///regulates.punters.prefect
Jess speaks to Adrian, who shares vivid memories of growing up in Sutton-on-Sea during the 1940s and 50s. From sand dune adventures and puppet shows to reflections on D.H. Lawrence’s connection to the area, Adrian paints a lively picture of coastal childhoods, wartime relics, and dreams for Sutton-on-Sea’s future.
SUTTON-ON-SEA
53° 15' 34.1712'' N, 0° 19' 25.5108'' E///shipped.eyelashes.grows
WARNING: This episode contains discussion of self-harm, eating disorders and suicide.
Jess speaks with Jenni and Jack Swift, founders of Evelyn's Butterfly Effect, about the life and legacy of their daughter Evelyn. They reflect on how Anderby Creek became a place of freedom and healing for their family, and their work with mental health charities. Together, they share powerful memories of resilience, hope, and the lasting importance of simple acts of kindness.
ANDERBY CREEK
53° 11' 31.1244'' N, 0° 21' 19.6776'' E
///overpower.vowing.restore
Jess chats with Andy and Felicity, who share their love for Ingoldmells. From early memories of the smell of the sea and 99 ice creams to paddleboarding, donkeys, the rides at Fantasy Island, hairy cows, and sandy adventures, they explore what makes a perfect seaside day. Together, they celebrate the simple joys, community spirit, and lasting magic of the coast across the generations.
INGOLDMELLS
53° 8' 30.9624'' N, 0° 20' 37.6296'' E
​///doors.clots.riots
Jess chats with Tilly and Charlotte about their shared love for Skegness. From Tilly’s memories working at Butlin’s in the 1960s to Charlotte’s favourite ice cream spots and birdwatching trips, they paint a joyful picture of seaside life across generations. Together, they share what makes Skegness special – from fairytale fountains to sunsets by the sea.
SKEGNESS
In this special episode of Joan, Leanor, Adrian, Carol, and David share their memories of the devastating 1953 North Sea floods and their impact on Cleethorpes, Grimsby, and the wider Lincolnshire and Suffolk coasts. Through powerful personal recollections, we hear how the floods changed lives, landscapes, and communities — and how their legacy is still felt today.
NORTH SEA FLOODS
COMING SOON
53° 10' 50.6388'' N, 0° 21' 4.4496'' E
///fire.comedy.chair
Jess speaks with historian and author, Doctor Kathryn Ferry, about the remarkable story of Butlin’s and its founder, Billy Butlin. Katheryn charts how Butlin’s transformed British holidays from its beginnings in 1936 through its golden years and beyond. Together, they explore how Butlin’s shaped seaside life in Skegness, the changing fortunes of the great British holiday, and why Butlin’s remains an iconic part of our coastal heritage.
BUTLIN'S
COMING SOON
53° 19' 43.266'' N, 0° 16' 24.4776'' E
///taller.careful.lime
Jess speaks with Professor Vanessa Toulmin, founder of the National Fairground and Circus Archive, to explore the circus’s deep connections to coastal communities like those in Lincolnshire. They discuss how travelling shows shaped local life, traditions, and British popular culture, and why celebrating and preserving this vibrant heritage still matters today.
CIRCUSES
COMING SOON
53° 13' 52.4316'' N, 0° 32' 17.5704'' W
///serve.bend.cake
In this special behind-the-scenes episode, the team behind the project — Jess, Katy, Andy, Richard and Chris — share their own personal memories of the Lincolnshire coast and the importance of Memory in a Bottle. From childhood holidays to secret quiet spots and treasured seaside traditions, the team reflects on what makes the coast so magical and why it deserves to be celebrated for generations to come.
BEHIND THE SCENES