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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: Hear Listening: An Officer and a Swimming Pool: How I decided to Travel Blind

An Officer and a Swimming Pool: How I decided to Travel Blind

Hear Listening

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Adventures travelling blind in both 21st and 19th centuries.

Alex Bulmer, writer and performer, compares her modern travelling experiences with that of 19th-century blind traveller James Holman.

Alex Bulmer, writer and performer follows in the footsteps of 19th century blind travel writer James Holman. Holman’s writings are extraordinary – he risked everything by leaving the UK to travel alone across the world. Alex was inspired by his bold attitude, at a time when there was little disabled access or disabled people’s right to independence.  She set off to retrace his journey across landscapes and geography. This very personal, unusual series gives witty insight into how going blind redefines sensory awareness. 
  
The Essays trace the beginning of the idea, the initial journey and the “failure” she felt when she abandoned the project through to how she regained the will to continue. across the music belt of America, and her travel revelation walking the Camino Real. 
 
Essay 1: An Officer and a Swimming Pool - How I decided to Travel Blind

Alex introduces us to James Holman, 19th century blind travel writer, and how going blind creates a whole new approach to sensory perception. She sets off on her travels, challenging her own ability to understand new places and spaces without sight.
 
The writer
Alex Bulmer is an award winning performer and writer in Canada and UK. She has written extensively for BBC Radios 3 and 4, Graeae Theatre Company and Red Dress productions. Recent activities include a role in the soon to be released new Apple television series, See; producing, directing and hosting Toronto’s second Cripping The Stage, an evening of disabled artist; teaching voice at Canada’s prestigious Banff Centre.  In 2014 Alex was named by UK Power Magazine as one of the most influential disabled people, a list including Stephen Hawkins and Stephen Fry.

Producer Polly Thomas
Executive Producer Eloise Whitmore
A Naked Production for BBC Radio 3


The Essay: Hear Listening

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Alex Bulmer follows in the footsteps of 19th-century blind travel writer James Holman.

Alex Bulmer, writer and performer, compares modern travelling experiences with that of 19th-century fellow blind traveller, James Holman.

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