Nicholas Henshaw’s final service at Chelmsford cathedral after nine years as Dean is on Sunday 5th of February. He told us that as a Mancunian who had been a Vicar on Tyneside, in Yorkshire and worked at Derby Cathedral, when he saw the post advertised for the Dean at Chelmsford Cathedral, he knew nothing about Essex. The thought of helping the Cathedral community become more relevant to the people of all of Essex appealed to him, as well as developing links with various organisations within Chelmsford. The recent Gaia exhibition, with thousands of visitors each day, and displays within the Cathedral with representatives from different groups including the council and the University, demonstrated that this has happened. Nicholas talked about the different kinds of experiences we all have in life, including some that are very difficult, means our life can be seen like a patchwork quilt of many colours. His move to a part-time post in East Sussex will enable him to undertake the traditional roles associated with being a parish priest, together with time for writing and one-to-one spiritual direction. He is wearing a recently purchased T-shirt displaying his love of Scandinavian heavy metal music.
Playlist.
Sting – Fields of gold. 1993 UK no 16, USA 23. From his 4th album – Ten Summers tales. It has sold over 4 million copies.
Shea Rafferty – Don’t be hard on yourself – from his album – Making history – my Presenters Pick album 2022. See the whole list in the Brentwood Gazette.
Fleetwood Mac – Gold dust. Nicholas chose this track from the album Rumours. The album is no 7 in the Rolling Stone 500 greatest albums of all time. 46 years after release in February 1977 it is still the UK album charts. It has sold 40+ million albums world-wide. Nicholas said he had always loved the album. This included still having a vinyl copy, even though he no longer has a player. He thought this track was Stevie Nicks at her best.
Pink Floyd – Wish you were here. Title track from the 1977 album. No 1 UK, USA and 6 more countries. The album has sold over 20 million copies world-wide. No 209 in the Rolling Stone 500 greatest albums of all time. Nicholas chose this track because it forms part of a concept album covering deep themes.
David Bowie – Heroes. Title track from David Bowie’s 12th album. In the 2021 list Rolling Stone 500 greatest songs of all time, it up to no 23. Nichola felt that Bowie’s songs had a prophetic quality.
Birthdays competition.
Above, 1970, Stephen Stills (wearing red) between Graham Nash on our left, Neil Young on the right and Dave Crosby in the foreground.
Below, Stephen Sills in 2022.
Stephen Stills celebrated his 78th birthday. We heard – Teach the children –from Crosby, Stills and Nash 1970 album – Deja Vu. A no 1 in USA, UK and six more countries. The album has sold over 7 million copies. It is no 148 in the Rolling Stone 500 greatest albums of all time.
Korean singer PSY is 46 years old. We heard – Gangnam style – from 2012. This brought him world-wide fame as it was no 1 in over 30 countries, including the UK. It was a USA no 2. It has over 4.6 billion views on YouTube.
Chris Stein, co-founder of Blondie, is 73 years of age. We heard – Heart of glass – from 1978. No 1 in UK, USA and 5 more countries. Co-written by Chris Stein with Debbie Harry. It is no 138 in the 2021 Rolling Stone 500 greatest songs of all time.
There were no correct answers today. Joint winners with being closest with one artists were Chris in Guildford, Patrick in Ingatestone and Chris in Harlow. Thanks also to Nicholas in the studio, Bob in Harlow and Drive presenter Stewart for participating.
Taylor Swift – Anti-hero. Patrick requested this track which was a No 1 in the UK, USA and 15 more countries; Top 10 in a total of 38 countries last year.
Jonny Morgan – Wired. Jonny comes from Bath. This track was released in 2021.
Paul Carrick – Tell someone who cares. Track from his 2018 album – These days. UK no 33.
Chart this week in
No 1. Pet Shop Boys – You were always on my mind. Track originally recorded for an ITV programme about songs recorded by Elvis Presley. Following reaction to the show, the record company decided to release it as a single. It was a no 1 in the UK and 5 more countries, selling half a million 45 rpms in the UK alone. Track on the album – Actually – UK no 2.
No 5 WET WET WET – Angel eyes. This was the highest UK chart position. Top 10 five more countries.
No 12 Johnny Hates Jazz – Turn back the clock. Title track from the album that was a UK no 1 and no 1 in Norway and Sweden. This was the highest position for the single in the UK. No 1 in Iceland and Top 10 in 4 more countries.
George Harrison – What is life – in the UK B side of My Sweet Lord. In two countries no 1, Top 10 in ten countries including USA. From the triple album released in 1970 – All things must pass. No 368 in the 1993 list Rolling Stone 500 Greatest albums of all time.
Earth, Wind & Fire – September. Remembering drummer Fred White who passed away this week. He played on this 1978 disco classic, UK no 3 and USA no 8, Top 20 in 11 more countries.
Mike Post – L.A. Law. Grammy award winning theme for the show that ran for 172 episodes between 1986 – 1994.
Join me next week when my guest is Helen Wilkerson from Street Support Chelmsford.