One 2 Three
Patrick Sherring
Local historian Robert Fletcher told us how much easier it is to research what he described as “hidden stories”. There are many names on all the war memorials, yet often there are those about whose lives very little is known, even by their families. Clearly Robert finds it fascinating to undertake this research. This has led to him being in contact with families providing them with new information. They, in turn have provided him with details and photographs. He talked about Camille Bon Seigneur, born a Canadian, a pilot who joined the RAF and who was killed in Ingatestone in World War 2. VAD nurse Bates is buried in Shenfield Churchyard. The role of VADs is part of the wartime history that is unknown to many people. R R Kerr was a U boat victim, buried in Fryerning cemetery, about who virtually nothing was known before Robert’s research. He informed us that there is an increasing amount of resources available for anyone interested in these “hidden stories”. He recommended the Common Wealth War Graces Commission and Foundation, Ancestry/Lives of the First World War (available free for an hour a day online at Essex Libraries), local churchyards, cemeteries and old photographs.
In the second hour we heard from Pauline Randall telling us about the Billericay Street Market happening in the St. Mary Magdalene church in the High Street tomorrow. There will be a wide range of stalls. Refreshments will be available. No entrance fee.
Playlist
Lauren Housley – This ain’t the life. Lauren is on tour at the moment promoting her new album, Girl from the north. Catch her in concert at Emmanuel Church Billericay on December 19th at 6pm. Ticket information on her website and via the church.
Yes – Wonderous stories. A UK no 7 in 1977.
June Tabor – The band played Waltzing Matilda. This poignant track about a young Australian solder severely injured at Gallipoli in WW1 was chosen by Robert.
The Joe Loss Orchestra featuring Sam Brown – The Spitfire song. Robert chose this track, released in 1941 when the war was not going well for the Allies. It is a up-bear morale booster about British aeroplanes.
Courtland & Jeffries – Goodbye-ee. A track from 1917 about a serviceman saying goodbye to loved ones. Robert chose this icon WW1 song.
The Friday Teaser
Roy Wood, then and now.
Roy Wood has been described as being ” responsible for some of the most memorable sounds of the 70s”. A member and co-founder of The Move, ELO and Wizzard. He celebrated his 75th birthday. We heard Wizzard – Se my baby jive. A UK no1 from 1973.
Rolling Stone called Joni Mitchell “one of the greatest songwriters ever.” She celebrated her 78th birthday. We heard the track, Free man in Paris’ from the 1974 album Court and spark. In the Rolling Stone 500 greatest songs of all time, this is no 470.
Taron Egerton was 32 years old on Wednesday. We heard his version of Rocketman from the film of the same name.
Sophie Griffiths – Home. Check out the feature in the Brentwood Gazette about Stewart Pink interviewing Sophie about this song. Also available on our website.
Moody Blues – Voices in the sky, a UK no 27 in 1968 from the classic album In search of the lost cord. Remembering the drummer from the band, Graham Edge RIP who passed away this week aged 80 years.
Madness – Baggy Trousers. The song of the day.
Chatr this week in
No 1 Chicago – If you leave me now. This track also topped the charts in USA, Australia, Ireland, Canada and the Netherlands. It won the Grammy Award for the best arrangement accompanying a vocal.
No 3 Leo Sayer – You make me feel like dancing. Only reached no 2 in the UK, a USA no 1.
No 20 ABBA – Dancing Queen. A no 1 in UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and Norway.
Lisa Harman – A New York minute. A track from her album Nothing Simpler than a smile. This track is causing interest in New York.
Hugh Masekela – Johannesburg Hi-Lite jive.
Join me next week when Tom Page and Julia Lacey will be singing live in the studio.
