I was joined in the studio tonight by John Horner, who is a resident in both Ingatestone and Cyprus. Everyone just thinks of this island as a holiday destination, but John was able to tell us about the refugee problems following the unrest in the Middle East. He reminded us that by air Cyprus is less than an hour from Beirut and closer still to Syria and Lebanon. John has worked as a volunteer for MECO, Middle Eastern Christian Outreach. www.aboutmeco.org He told us from personal experience how the local churches are trying to assist people who are kept in detention centres where families are housed in shipping containers. Imagine being in one of those under the Mediterranean sun. He also told us about a refugee he knows that has been in Cyprus for ten years and has received no help from any authorities. He suggested that everyone should learn more about the problems and could find information on the United Nations website as well as those of the major charities, such as www.oxfam,org.uk or www.savethechildren.org.uk
The light relief tonight came from a number of odd news stories. There was the well known supermarket chain trying to tempt children to eat vegetables by re-branding them for Christmas. So broccoli becomes Father Christmas Trees, sprouts are Elf Cabbages, carrots Snowman Noses, cauliflower is Snowy Trees, apples Reindeer Snacks and tomatoes Rudolph Noses. No-one was convinced it would work. There was also the restaurant in China giving discounts to obese men and thin women.A stray cat in Russia broke into a store at Vladivostok Airport and helped itself to $1000 worth of fish delicacies. Apparently the cat now has fans and people visit the airport in hope of seeing it. Finally there was a drawing of Winnie the Poo playing Poo Sticks with Piglet that fetched £314,500 at auction. Who has that kind of money? Surely you would be afraid to put it on the wall!
Tonight’s playlist.
Booker T & MGs – Crazy
Dolly Parton – Try – from my Presenter’s Picks album of the year Blue Smoke.
Dave Brubeck – Take Five – chosen by John
Erroll Garner _ Thanks for the memory (live) – chosen by John who had seen him playing live.
Silent Night – Oasis Christmas – this has been produced in Cyprus and if you would like to buy it to aid the work with refugees by local Christians, please contact the show.
Cee Lo Green – Mary did you know?
Michael Buble – It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas – for Rene
Ike & Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits – requested by Chris who had just got in and needed something to wake her up and give her more energy.
Baron Knights – The lead is missing from the Chapel roof – request by Michael and the cause of hilarity amongst the listeners.
Pharrell Williams – Happy – my Presenters Picks single track of the year.
Clare Teal – Everything is you
Spinners – 12 days of Christmas – requested by Patrick
Annie Lennox – Angels from the realms of glory
Dave Koz – Little drummer boy
Lady Antebellum – All I want for Christmas is you
Ella Fitzgerald – Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Elvis Presley – White Christmas
Kenny Gee – Silent night.
Join me next week when my studio guest is Revd. Ruth Mitchell, the new URC minister for Brentwood, Billericay and Ingatestone. Also join me if you can on Boxing Day between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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