It was the first time that my studio guest Revd. Celia Parkes had ever been in a radio studio. She spoke with ease like a professional. Celia told us about her call to faith and some extra-ordinary co-incidences. She had worked in a vets, as well as being a shepherd on Exmoor. She clearly loves county activities, sailing her very little boat and walking her dog. Ministry training culminated in four years in a church in Southampton. This is an ethnically and socially diverse city, with an ever changing population. She found her time there very rewarding. She is delighted to be back in the country. “Now”, she says, “I can talk again to people about horses and sheep”. Celia chose three tracks that helped her tell her story of life.

In the odd news stories tonight we learnt about the woman from California who prayed to meet her Prince Charming and met him in the Swiss Guard at the Vatican. There was also the University of California first year course in taking selfies and examining their cultural significance (yes honestly!). The stars of the Big Bang Theory have set up a $4 billion fund to pay for scholarships to UCL California in science. This sounded generous until a U.S. tax expert contacted the show to say these contributions were tax deductible. Also the three main stars in question went on strike last year to ensure they were paid $1 million per episode. This led to a discussion about what would you do with so much money?

Tonight’s playlist
Booker T & MGs – Crazy – show theme
Van Morrison & Mark Knoffler – Irish heartbeat
Judy Tzeke – Sunshine boy – requested by Lee
U2 – I still haven’t found what I’m looking for – chosen by Celia
Westlife – You raise me up – chosen by Celia
Carole King – You’ve got a friend – chosen by Celia
Miles Davis – Summertime
John Lennon – Just like starting over – requested by Patrick
Jessie J – Dominoes – requested by Bob
Cliff Richard – Some people – requested by Phyl
Taylor Swift – Style – requested by Sian
Kenny Rogers – Love walking you around -requested by Michael
Jake Owen – Days of gold
Diana Krall – Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Elton John – Nakita
Jamie Cullum – Walkin
Robbie Williams – Go gentle
Mark Antionne – Valerio

Join me next week when my studio guest in the first hour is Jane Bennett. She is very well known in our community for helping people at difficult times. In the second hour the Revd. Jes Salt and his wife Jane will be with me. Jes has been the curate at Ingatestone and Fryerning for four years and is soon to take a full-time Vicar’s post in Cambridgeshire. I may struggle to get a word in!

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