Born in Ilford and having lived in Chadwell Heath, Darren Barlow has been the C of E Rector of Shenfield since January this year. He began his ordained ministry in Rayleigh and then Billericay before moving to Grays and being there for 17 years. We decided he was definitely a south Essex boy. He spoke passionately about the importance of getting involved in community projects, “if you don’t like something, get involved to change it”. In Grays Tina Holland had a vision for the renovation of the Grays Park pavilion, which had been derelict and vandalised for many years. It is now a thriving community café, where Darren was taught the skill of a barista. He was also chaplain of Grays Athletic. Prior to ordination Darren had worked in leadership training before he felt the call to train full-time for the ministry. With a young wife expecting their first child, they moved to Cambridge. Darren felt their time at Ridley Hall was formative, though not without challenges. His father had felt the move to leave their house and be a ordinand (student vicar) with no salary and living in a house rented by the college was irresponsible. However, he changed his mind and became Darren’s greatest supporter. Now Darren looks forward to working with the people in Shenfield and Brentwood. He also has a role as an Honorary canon of Chelmsford Cathedral.
Playlist
Rick Astley – Everyone of us – track from 2019 album – Best of me – UK no 4.
Stevie Wonder – Master blaster – 1980 USA Cashbox no 1 and no 1 in 5 more countries. UK no 2.From the album – Hotter than July – UK no 2, USA no 3, Global sales 3 million +.
Deacon Blue – Dignity – originally released in 1987, UK no 31. Re-issued 1994 no 20. Darren said this track recalls an era. With his wife Sarah recently saw Deacon Blue live.
John Rutter – Clare benediction. This track reminds Darren of his time training for the ministry at Ridley Hall in Cambridge.
Keane – Sovereign light café – from 2012 album – Strange land – No 1 in UK, Netherland and Ireland. USA no 17. Darren is very familiar with the Sovereign Light Café in Bexhill on Sea where he saw the video for this track being filmed.
Birthdays competition
Lou Bega – Mambo no 5. 1999 No 1 in UK and 19 other countries., including in France for a record 20 weeks. USA no 3. Best selling record of the year in 8 countries. 517 million views on YouTube. Lou is 49 years old.
Al Green – Let’s stay together – 1971 USA no 1, UK no 7. No 60 in 2004 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. Al is 78 years old.
Westlife – Uptown girl – 2001 Comic Relief single. No 1 in UK, Ireland and Mexico. Top 10 in 13 more countries. Former band member Brian McFadden is 44 years old.
Thanks to Chris and Bob in Harlow, Chris in Guildford and Darren in the studio for taking part today. The winner with 4 points was. Bob.
Patrick requested Elton John – Song for Guy – 1978 UK no 4, Top 10 in 3 more countries. Final track on the album – A single man – USA million seller.
Jools Holland & Marc Almond – A lovely life to live – title track of 2018 album.
Kenny Rogers – Love can turn you around – title track from 1982 album and from the soundtrack of the film – Six pack – Grammy nominated for best Country male vocal performance.
Chart this week in 2005
No 1 Tony Christie featuring Peter Kay – (Is this the way to) Amarillo – Unofficial Comic Relief single. No 1 in UK and Ireland. 1971 no 1 in 4 countries. UK no 18.
No 4 Elvis Presley – The wonder of you – chart entry at this position, following week no 34. 1970 UK no 1, USA no 9. Released to promote the album – The definitive collection.
No 11 McFly – All about you – No 1 in UK & Ireland. Iceland no 8. Official Comic Relief single.
Luke Purdie – Ain’t down South – 2021 debut single from UK Country singer.
Lily Allen – Somewhere only we know – 2013 UK no 1 for 3 weeks selling 1.2 million copies. No 1 in Ireland and Top 10 in 2 more countries.
England Dan & John Ford Coley – Love is the answer – 1979 USA no 10, UK no 45.
Join me in two weeks on 3rd of May when my studio guest is Zoe Jay who is fundraising for Helen Rollason Cancer care.
Above, Zoe Jay on her visit to the studio last year.