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Duncan Belcher

Tuesday, 18 November 2025 15:48

Hi, I’m Duncan Belcher, and I’ve been volunteering with Cirencester Radio since 2020. I present ‘The Power of Music’ every Monday at 6pm. Two shows a month, one a regular show with features like ‘Under the Covers’ and ‘The Story is the Song’, and then a special show with music based on a specific subject. I had the idea for the show after I had volunteered for a wonderful charity called ‘Playlist For Life’.

Scientific research has highlighted the power of music for conditions such as dementia. The use of personal, meaningful music stirs emotions and memories and can reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and make difficult tasks more manageable. The show promotes the charity and encourages listeners to start their playlist.

I play music from many genres, including Folk, Country and Rock, all from my own collection. And all the time, I encourage my listeners to keep adding tracks to their own soundtrack to their life.

I enjoy selecting the music for each show, and I always keep in mind one of my favourite pieces of rock journalism from the US author Silas House, where he talks about how ‘music can help you in times of need’ and how music is the balm to heal your soul. What a power that is — what an awesome power right there in our record collection. Hence the name of the show.

All my shows are available on Listen Again on the Cirencester Radio website at cirencesterradio.co.uk.

If you’d like to be part of your local community radio station, we always love hearing from you. Contact details are on the website. We are always looking for volunteers and sponsors.

More details and help with starting your own playlist can be found at playlistforlife.org.uk.

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