Norwich-based writer Sarah Herman is behind the Anglia Square: The Little City podcast – a four-part documentary series that delves into the dilapidated 1960s development as it faces demolition and regeneration. Here, Sarah explains the fascination
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Sarah Herman, a freelance copywriter, brand storyteller, and author. And now a podcaster! My podcast is called Anglia Square: The Little City. It’s a four-part documentary series about a dilapidated 1960s development in Norwich, which is facing demolition and regeneration. To make it, I spoke to artists who lost their studio space, businesses forced to shut their doors, local residents, architects, historians, and council members. It was a really interesting project that made me take a much closer look at my own neighbourhood.
Are you Norwich born and raised? What do you love about the city?
I’m not from Norwich, but I love it. I moved here with my husband nearly twelve years ago on a bit of a whim. We had never been to Norfolk before and didn’t know anyone, but it felt like the perfect fit. And the city has given us so many reasons to stay put. It’s the ideal size for me – I love being able to walk everywhere, and it’s been so easy to meet new people over the years and build a business here. And I love that it’s a bit off the beaten path (except when I need to get somewhere else fast).
What is it about Anglia Square that fascinates you?
I’ve walked past Anglia Square almost every day for more than a decade. For a medieval city, it really stands out architecturally. It’s so angular and unapologetic. But more than that, I have always loved the vibe of the place; the mix of independent stores and cheaper chains – the different unique businesses that have come and gone, like Ernie’s Zero Waste Shop, Caracol Books, Random Buns of Kindness. When I first moved here, I used to go to the Hollywood Cinema nearly every week. I really missed it when it closed.
What led you to doing the podcast? And who helped you with it?
Finding out that Norwich City Council had bought the site and was planning to get demolition underway lit a fire under me. I had been thinking about making a podcast for a while, and I wanted it to be about something local. This felt like the perfect subject. I tried to capture the spirit of the place at this weird, transitional time when the shops were closing down and there was a lot of uncertainty. It felt important to record people’s experiences, their memories – and their concerns about its future.
I made the whole thing by myself – recorded it, narrated it, edited it. But it wouldn’t have been possible without all the wonderful people who gave up their time to be part of it. And I had some helpful advice from Anna Perrott and Sophie Little at SOUNDYARD, which is a fantastic podcast studio round the corner from Anglia Square on Magdalen Street.
How was it received at the recent Norwich Podcast Festival?
I launched it in October to coincide with the first Norwich Podcast Festival, which was run by SOUNDYARD. There was a party to celebrate the festival where I met some other brilliant local podcasters. And the feedback has been fantastic – and not just from my own friends! It seems like it’s got people talking about Anglia Square and what’s going to happen next.
What else do you do when you’re not making podcasts? You’re a prolific writer?
Yes, lots of writing! I’m a freelance copywriter and branding specialist. Which basically means I help organisations to tell their stories with words. I’m lucky to have written for some global organisations as well as a host of East of England favourites, including Bread Source, Holkham, and Jarrolds. I’m also a non-fiction author. I’ve written over 30 books on all kinds of random topics – from feminism to unsolved crimes – and four about LEGO.
What is the next project/book?
I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve for my next podcast project, which I’d love to get started on next year. I have a new book out in November called The Regency Guide to Seduction and I’m just finishing up a writing project about Bob Dylan’s life in New York City.
You can find all episodes of Anglia Square: The Little City on SOUNDYARD. For more about Sarah Herman, visit sarahherman.co.uk
Featured image of Sarah Herman by Beth Moseley Photography
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