Sophie-Rose, Swayley and Máira joined me to talk about a dance off happening next Saturday at 10 a.m. at Margaretting Primary School. Head teacher Máira told us how she is encouraging everyone to dance and how enjoyable it can be. It is also good for physical and mental well-being. Sophie-Rose, aged ten, is a pupil at Ingatestone C. of E. Junior School. She is also an expert street dancer, with a trainer who lives in Holland. Recently she took part in an all age competition in Germany and came in the top ten. Sophie-Rose will be at the dance off to demonstrate. Swayley is a pupil at Margaretting school, who enjoys dancing but has never been to any classes. He is really looking forward to the event. Jonty told us that at Brentwood School everyone in Year 7, regardless of age, has Dance on the curriculum.

Rob talked about new developments with CHESS, the charity working with homeless people in Essex and based in Chelmsford. He had some exciting news about a new building they have bought in Chelmsford. This will be both their administrative centre and also the base for all their work, with sleeping accommodation on site. Rob said he had dreamt of something like this for all the years he had been working for CHESS, and now it is happening. However, funds are now needed to renovate the building. He hopes that with fund-raising and grants, this should be ready by the Spring of 2017. He also told us about a fundraising concert. On 25th of November there will be sleepout in the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral. This is both to raise funds and awareness of the issues around homelessness. More information on their website, www.chelmsfordchess.org

Musically tonight we paid tribute to Leonard Cohen. We remembered the music and radio career of Jimmy Young. He was the first broadcaster in the UK to mix music radio and current affairs. He was also the first to feed back listener reaction to guests and listeners. As Jonty commented, “That about sums up our show”. We also remembered actor Robert Vaughan, best known to people of a certain age as Napoleon Solo in The Man from Uncle.

Tonight’s playlist
Booker T & MGs – Crazy
Genesis – I can’t dance
Rick Astley – Dance – suggested by Tom
David Bowie – Let’s dance – introduced by Swayley for his granddad, who loves David Bowie and this is his favourite track.
ABBA – Dancing Queen – requested by Phyl. She also commented how confident the children sounded.
Hillsong United – Touch the sky – chosen by Rob.
Fleetwood Mac – Albatross – chosen by Rob in memory of his Dad.
Charlie Fink and Luke Tredgeway – Satellite moment – from the soundtrack of A Street cat named Bob.
Kate Bush – Army dreamers
Leonard Cohen – Travelling light.
Maxie Priest – Wild world – requested by Patrick
Beatles – Let it be – requested by Michael
Irene Cara – Out here on my own – from the soundtrack of Fame
Ward Thomas – You’ve got a friend – for Alison in Lincoln, who loves their voices.
Jimmy Young – Unchained melody
Colin Blunstone – Say you don’t mind. Sue, listening in the car in Brentwood, said hearing this track took her right back to the late 1970s.
Moody Blues – Wildest Dreams
Passenger – Anywhere
Theme from ‘The man from Uncle’

Join me week when Corrie will be here, with a return visit to talk about her Pink Lady charity drive and some of the experiences.

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