It was fascinating hearing Paul talk about his sabbatical in the Philippines, being a Festival Angel in Leeds and walking part of the Camino de Santiago. In the Philippines he worked with people living in Tondo on a rubbish dump. Much of their lives is spent scavenging. Despite their conditions, living in tiny space with no facilities, Paul discovered people who had hope and aspiration. Through sponsorship, many children were engaged in education, seen as the way out of their conditions and the way to a brighter future. Paul undertook leadership training with those who work there full-time. Back in the UK he worked as a festival angle amongst the 120,00 people attending the Leeds Festival. This involved living in a tent. The angels also had a tent as a safe space for festival goers to come a talk. Paul found an unexpected open-ness amongst the young people attending to engage in deep and searching conversations. This was particular the case when during the festival it was announced that a girl attending had died. The final part of the sabbatical was spent walking part of the Camino de Santiago. Despite the poor weather, this was clearly a time of fascinating conversations, along with time to think and reflect. As Paul wrote on his blog about the walking, ‘the journey is the destination’.
Tonight’s playlist
Rick Astley – Beautiful life
Aled Jones & Russell Watson – Shenandoh – requested by Phyl
Jeremy Zucke – Come thru – chosen by Paul. He had seen Jeremy performing live at the Leeds Festival.
Morgan Way – Frozen in time – Paul chose this track from this band from East Anglia.

Lauren Housley – My sleeping head – Paul runs regular gigs in Billericay and Lauren has featured on a number of occasions.

Walk off the earth – Someone that I used to know.
Birthdays this day.
Steelers Wheel – Stuck in the middle with you – Peter Egan – singer and song writer, 73 years old today.
Cardigans – Sick and tired – Bassist Peter Svensson, 45 years old today.
Chuck Berry – No particular place to go – Born this day in 1926 and died when he was aged 90 years.
Nana Mouskouri – A place in my heart – requested by Patrick who e-mailed int o say that hearing the track on the radio reminded him of holidays in the Aegean.
Caro Emerald – Riviera life (acoustic version)
Sophie Griffiths – Beauty – Sophie will be singing live on the show on Boxing Day morning, between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Chart this week in 1982
No 1 Culture Club – Do you really want to hurt me?
No 5. Beatles – Love me do
No 15 Mari Wilson – Just what I always wanted.

David Pickthall Big band – Memphis in me
China Crisis – Wishful thinking
Bryan Duncan – Remember me

Join me next week for two hour of great music for your Friday evening entertainment.