Rob told us about the on-going need for work with single homeless people across eight local authorities. He said the cost of living crisis along with the high costs of renting accommodation meant the situation was the worst it had ever been and 64 bed spaces was often not enough to meet the need. Whenever you see a homeless person, Rob urged that you to look beyond the person to appreciate that there will be a back story that has led to the crisis that finds them living in the street. The best way to help them is contact https://www.streetlink.org/ This will then lead to contact being made. Rob described the process of an ideal scenario to work through supported living until the person can live independently. In 2022 CHESS homeless worked with 174 people. He said that work also happens behind the scenes and 160 people were prevented from becoming homeless. As the winter months approach, there will be needed warm clothes and sleeping bags among other items.
Fundraising is always important. The Sleep Out has returned to the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral this year. You can be sponsored to sleep out for a night. This also gives an insight to how it feels to be without somewhere to sleep. Rob also urged creativity in thinking of any events to fundraise.
More information about CHESS and the latest news on https://www.chesshomeless.org
Playlist
Marvin Gaye – Mercy, Mercy me. from the 1971 album – What’s going on? – No 1 in the 2020 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest albums of all time.
Shea Rafferty – Out of the blue – from the 2022 album – Making history.
Jamie Cullum – All at sea – from the 2003 album – Twentysomething – UK no 3, Netherland no 3, Australia no 2 USA no 83. Rob chose this because he loves being out on the sea.
Coldplay – Everyday life – Title track from the 2019 album. UK no 1 and also in ten more countries. USA no 7 and Top 10 in 22 more countries. Rob read through the first four lines of the lyric and noted their power and relevance.
Deacon Blue – Fellow Hoodlums – Title track from 1991 album that was a UK no 2 and spend six months on the chart. Rob said that he used to be a drummer and has always loved this track.
Birthday’s quiz
Above, Jon Anderson in 1981 on Top of the Pops.
Below, John Anderson in 2023.
Jon Anderson, best known as singer, songwriter and musician with Yes, is 79 years old. We heard his 1981 duo with Vangelis – I’ll find my way home – UK no 6, no 1 in Switzerland and Top 10 in 3 more countries.
Robbie McIntosh was base playing with the Prenteders from 1982 – 1987 and in Paul McCartney’s band from 1988-1994. He is 66 years old. We heard the Pretenders 1986 track – Don’t get me wrong – UK & USA no 10, also Top 10 in Australia and Belgium. From the album – Get close – UK no 6, USA no 25.
Keith Urban – Long time summer – 2011 USA Country no 1 selling over one million copies. Keith recently celebrated his 56th birthday.
Thanks to Chris and Bob in Harlow, Chris in Guildford, Rob in the studio for taking part. Our winner with three points was a return to form for Chris in Harlow.
Patrick requested Hot Chocolate – Love is life – 1970 UK no 6. First of 14 UK Top 10 singles between 1970 – 1997.
Billy Joel – Piano man – Title track from 1973 album. No 421 in the 2004 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. Streamed 753 million times on Spotify.
Beatles – In my life – track from the 1965 album – Rubber Soul – in the 2021 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time, number 98.
Rob Saggs chose the chart this week in
No 1 U2 – The Fly – no 1 in seven more countries. From the album – Achtung Baby – which has sold 18 million copies world-wide.
No 6 Scorpions – Wind of change – No 1 in eight countries, UK no 2, USA no 4. 14 million copies sold world-wide. Over a billion hits on YouTube.
No 13 Enya – Caribbean blue – this was the highest UK chart position. No 8 in Ireland. From the album – Shepherd Moons – Grammy award for best new age album.
Harry Styles – Treat people with kindness – track from 2019 album – Fine line – Grammy award for best male solo performance. No 491 in 2021 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time.
Carrie Underwood – Drunk and hungover – from the recently released De-Lux version of her 2022 album – Denim and Rhinestones.
James Blunt – Beside you – from his album – Who we used to be – released today.
Duran Duran – Blackmoonlight – from the album – Danse Macabre – released today.
Join me next for another great music selection and local charity news.