Box 39

Bill's Last Show...

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:35:07 +0000

As Bill prepares for his final show after 40 years he waits for old friends to drop into the studio to say goodbye? With Benedict Cumberbatch’s ‘hot chilli and rice nights’ now just a fading memory, is this really the end? Or will Bill find Yvonne, the love of his life that he missed but never forgot, as he fought his way through an entirely adequate career behind the mic? An improvised and ad-libbed radio comedy drama, with great music of course! ,

THE BATTLE FOR YPRES with IAIN TALLENTIRE

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:52:00 +0000

Ypres, in Belgium, was one of the major battlefields of the Western Front, repeatedly fought over for its strategic location. By 1918, Ypres was a shattered landscape of rubble, shell holes, and broken foundations.

300, 000 men gave their lives in and around this one town of just 20,000, a place about the same size of modern-day Harwich.

BOX 39 VERSUS AI with IAN HORNETT

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:28:23 +0000

Well, the gloves are off now. Just be ready Stanway FM. This is radio-war…

COGGESHALL with SIMON GRINHAM and BOB MAY

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 21:31:09 +0000

Another set of memories gone like fat squawking Canadian Geese accidentally flying into a giant offshore wind turbine…

GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE with KATE LAWRANCE

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:38:37 +0000

Rory was digging a flower bed like he was attacking one of his rather chewy Rabbit burgers – and mother had just finished servicing her sit-on mower.

With Kate Lawrance

THE LONDON OVERGROUND with ANDREW OLDERSHAW

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:02:06 +0000

At Surrey Quays a man with a trumpet played just one note, as if to warn us of something unspeakable. I eventually arrived in Peckham, where I had intended to buy a lightbulb. The shop was closed

BOX 39 VERSUS THE PEOPLE with CRAIG BARKER

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

You don’t get Glamour these days, with your TikToks and your podcasts. Everyone’s got a podcast now—plumbers, dentists, even the bloke who does Basil Brush.

STUPIDITY with ARTIE FUNKHAUSEN

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:47:30 +0000

Box 39’ US correspondent Artie Funkhausen charts the waning reason of a nation drifting into empty-headed complacency and confusion..

This is the final radio show made for Colne Radio by Adrian Coen (1964-2025)

with Artie Funkhausen

THE TRUTH with TIM MORGAN

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 20:38:40 +0000

There’s more TRUTH than there has ever been before, thanks to the ever-growing access to the ever-growing technology, to globalisation and to the invention by Alexander Graham Bell of the hoverboard.

In loving memory, this show is dedicated to Adrian Coen.

The Wivenhoe Free Festival, 1969

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Almost forgotten, but never forgiven. Hear the truth at last, as we uncover that moment in Wivenhoe’s past, that very nearly made global history.

With Adrian Coen

FOR BETTER or FOR WORSE? with BOB MAY & SIMON GRINHAM

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:41:05 +0000

I burned a stick of sage live on air, and replaced the usual mix of Britpop, indie, and dance with 15 uninterrupted minutes of whale sounds remixed by DJ Spoony.

But it turned out that people don’t want chakras with their cereal. They want Elastica, banter about what was the best Pot Noodle, surprise calls from Timmy Mallett pretending to be Tony Blair. and Mr. Blobby and The Chemical Brothers doing the weather.

BARD TIMES with MIKE HARWOOD

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:30:34 +0000

Was Shakespeare actually Edward de Vere from Wivenhoe? With live Shin-kicking, an Elizabethan Banquet in the studio, and everyone’s made their own Codpiece. Nigel from Accounts has even attached a working sundial…

with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Mike Harwood

The Search for Helen Mirren

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:22:59 +0000

Ade’s lucid dream takes him all around the world in the hope of meeting Helen Mirren for a chat in Africa. And here it is.

With Jenny Miller

ALONE with BILL LAWRANCE

Fri, 23 May 2025 06:42:32 +0000

to cycle to Ho Chi Minh City from Colchester, go down the Lexden Road to the A12, and once past Witham it’s pretty straightforward really…

CARRY ON UP THE BUSES with BOB MAY

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:30:03 +0000

From the heights of Carry On Cleo in 1966, to the depths of On The Buses in 1971. Was it the lowest point of TV comedy, as the UK faced unprecedented decline and chaos? Maybe people just needed something silly…

episode 182 - WHEN I'M 65 with KATE LAWRANCE

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:12:31 +0000

“there was a massive glumness across Britian caused by the discovery of austerity, and having to wear cardboard suits and stockings made of gravy”

But that’s all changed now. Older Age is the new Younger age…

with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Kate Lawrance

Bad Decisions, with Craig Barker

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In politics, sport, war and business, flawed choices have changed our world.

Box 39 puts on its lucky pants, and investigates.

The M25, with Bill Lawrance

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It’s the worlds biggest car park, and made the Rave scene available to anyone with a Ford Cortina and a pocketful of E’s…

Singapore, with Bill Lawrance

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Turn left at Wivenhoe Station, then go about 12000 km south-east and you can’t miss it. Lovely place. Wonderful toilets and so clean.

Thank you Barry.

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, with Iain Tallentire

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It was the bacon roll that saved me. That, and Steve’s bread pudding.
And the most beautiful walk in the whole of Yorkshire.

The Bahowo School Tales, with Bahowo

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Bahowo is a small fishing village, by the South China Sea, on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi, on the equator, to the east of Borneo and to the north of Java.

At the heart of this community is Bahowo School, from where children of Bahowo have written their tales for us.

BONUS - CERITA SEKOLAH BAHOWO 1

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

This episode is entirely in Indonesian. With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, The Baroness Janet Fookes, Phil Boast, Paula Larcher, Sebastian & Cicha, and the children of Bahowo School

BONUS - CERITA SEKOLAH BAHOWO 2

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

This episode is entirely in Indonesian. Once again with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, The Baroness Janet Fookes, Phil Boast, Paula Larcher, Sebastian & Cicha, and the children of Bahowo School

BONUS - CERITA SEKOLAH BAHOWO 3

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

This episode is entirely in Indonesian. Once more with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, The Baroness Janet Fookes, Phil Boast, Paula Larcher, Sebastian & Cicha, and the children of Bahowo School

BONUS - CERITA SEKOLAH BAHOWO 4

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

This episode is entirely in Indonesian. One more time, with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, The Baroness Janet Fookes, Phil Boast, Paula Larcher, Sebastian & Cicha, and the children of Bahowo School

It's Christmas innit, with Mike Harwood

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Seasonal capers, with live studio guests, including Queen Camilla, Jacob Rees Mogg, Tony Soprano, Michael Portillo, Kylie Minogue, Cameron Diaz, Liz Truss, Dame Edna, Julie Andrews, Rev, Justin Welby and many more.

All Puns Intended, with Ian Hornett

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Ian Hornett has advanced Pun-osis and hyper Pun-itis, Treatment is required urgently, but Susie Dent is at the bingo.

The Bowie Letters, with Adrian Coen

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In 1979, David Bowie released his album ‘Lodger’, triggering a series of letters between Adrian, Bowie and other public figures that lasted for over a year.

Hidden in a storage unit in Marks Tey, until now.

Investigating Yogyakarta, with Adrian Coen

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Adrian takes a walk through Yogyakarta, this beautiful city on the Indonesian island of Java, known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage. It’s a journey in real time, of memories, and of great music.

With Adrian Coen

AUSGANG EXIT - IF TRUTH BE TOLD

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

With Ausgang Exit in existential crisis, we tell the real story of Henry, Big Sue, and Big Sue’s electric oboe - and what really happened after fame grabbed them by the balls, and squeezed harder than anyone expected. Featuring interviews with those who knew them, wanted to know them and never wanted to know them again.
From north Norfolk to northeast India. This is Ausgang Exit - if truth be told. With Ken Dodd, Bob Geldof, Ray Winstone, Stephen Hawkin, Boris Johnson, John Peel, Julie Walters, Tony Blair, Ricky Gervais, John Cleese, Ronnie Corbett, Boy George, Dicky Bird, Julie Goodyear, Billy Connolly, Frankie Howard, Neil Kinnock, Frank Bruno, Lord David Frost, and the lawyers of Ausgang Exit.

Mid-Season, Mid-table Mediocrity! Football Special

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 12:00:00 +0000

A sharp and comprehensive guide to what lower league football means, as mid-winter approaches. Not for the faint-hearted (it says here!) With the eyes, nose, teeth and appendix of football, Mr Bryn Griffiths. And with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood in the dugout.

BONUS: 100 Years Since World War One - PART 2

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:00:00 +0000

additional and bonus interviews, music, features and memories that mark the 100th anniversary of ‘the War to End All Wars’. with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood

100 Years Since World War One - PART 1

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 12:00:00 +0000

To mark this important anniversary, we open Box 39 for original interviews, music, features and memories, to create a unique and original show from our community. PART 1 With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood.

IMPOSSIBLE!

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 12:00:00 +0000

What are the possibilities that its all impossible? Iain explains, Mike clarifies, Adrian adds wisdom, and Bill faffs about in the Studio. Its live and definitely kicking! With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood

POWER!

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Bill sits all powerful in the Senior Presenter’s Chair, ensuring the show is pitch perfect. But will power corrupt him before the show ends?

With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood.

TEAM!

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Iain’s organising the team building event in the studio, and ensuring that everyone knows their place.
With great chat, humour, interviews and community.
And the music is gorgeous and sublime. With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood.

CHANGE!

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Iain has the science, Mike has the philosophy and Bill has trouble with his knobs and faders!

Its all change in the studio with house band Ausgang Exit returning with new music, new members and a new following on the internet. And the music is lush. With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood.

What is HAPPINESS? with guests Iain & Mike

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 11:00:00 +0000

‘True Happiness this way lies’ - and who could argue with that! Take the big deep dive into the very bottom drawer of Box 39 with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood

Lord David Price Denies Everything!

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 11:00:00 +0000

With an exclusive investigation into the Ukrainian Salmon operations of Lord David Price, reports and interviews from the community, chat, banter, options for Iain’s new hairpiece AND a new presenter in the studio… With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen, Iain Tallentire and Mike Harwood.

Cricket Balls, with Andrew Oldershaw

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 11:00:00 +0000

The glorious summer of cricket is contemplated, with postcards, ice creams and the sound of willow on leather. With all that fresh summer air, what’s not to like?. Plus all the usual gorgeous music. With Bill Lawrance and Adrian Coen - and special guest presenter Andrew Oldershaw..

BONUS - Spotlight on Des Harney

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Wordsmith, and onetime salesman of Guinness to the West Indies, Mr Des Harney drops in to Colne Radio Towers, with only his favourite songs and a desire for a curry after the show. With Bill Lawrance and Des ‘Desser’ Harney

Colchester in World War 2 - Ron Sargent Remembers

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Wonderful memories of a time long ago, when the world was just different, from Ron Sargent, a teenage boy living in the countryside near Colchester.
With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire

Nude Cricket in Sweden

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Lord David reports on nakedness between the wickets in Stockholm, whilst Ralph Struth has a tear up in Southend… with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire

The Roar of the Lionesses - Women & Football, with Carrie Dunn

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000

A pleasing consideration of the rise of Womens Football and the Roar of the Lionesses, with top sports journalist Carrie Dunn. With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Bryn Griffiths

Songs in the Key of Donna

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:00:00 +0000

More unique and original radio from the Box 39 team, and our new house band Ausgang Exit… And listener Donna From Norwich chooses the music. with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire

Cricket at Lords - but no Ladies...

Thu, 31 May 2018 11:00:00 +0000

A visit to Lords, and some Swedish jogging… with Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire

BONUS: 3 Men Go to the Indian Ocean

Sun, 06 May 2018 11:00:00 +0000

From the clifftop overlooking golden sands and the Indian Ocean, our 3 presenters enjoy their escape from the radio studio - with chat and blather about the seaside, and plenty of laughs too. With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire

Tropical Hospitalisation

Thu, 03 May 2018 11:00:00 +0000

We find out how A&E in Indonesia is a vital part of the community…and Iain gets a fabulous repair on his collar bone With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire

From Colchester to Indonesia

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:00:00 +0000

From the Roman remains in Colchester to the ancient temples of Java in south east Asia…

With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire.

BONUS: Homelessness in Colchester - a Student Project

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Students from an Essex school work to understand the causes and impact of homelessness on individuals and the community. With those who are homeless, the local MP, the manager of a Night Shelter and the students themselves. With Bill Lawrance and Adrian Coen.

Building The Wall of Sound!

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Deep in a dusty corner of the radio studio lies Box 39. We open the Box, remove the chat, the banter, the music and the community.. and we build our Wall of Sound… With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire

Settling In Nicely...

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Deep in a dusty corner of the radio studio lies Box 39. And for second time we turn the key, lift the lid and open that Box… With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire.

The First Show...

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Deep in a dusty corner of the radio studio lies Box 39. And for the very first time, we open the Box… With Bill Lawrance, Adrian Coen and Iain Tallentire.

'Box 39' is Opening Soon - PREVIEW

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 12:00:00 +0000

There’s a new show coming… ‘Box 39’, a wonderful blend of music, chat, humour, and community, hosted live in Studio One by Bill Lawrance, and with our expert on most things Adrian Coen, locked away in the Music Library.