One 2 Three
Patrick Sherring
Ingatestone Infant and C. of E. Junior schools will be going fully smartphone free from September. Executive Headteacher Neil Taggart and parent Geoff Woollgar explained that there is mounting evidence that excessive smartphone and social media use among children can have long term detrimental effects on their mental health. The schools are taking the decision to prioritise the children’s wellbeing by only allowing “brick” phones to be brought into school. Neil commented, “We hope this will help parents establish boundaries around smartphone use for their children and provide them with the best opportunity to develop safe and healthy relationships and habits.” Neil also made the point that many social media companies have a 13+ age recommendation for a reason. Neil said that other local schools are exploring the possibilities of becoming smartphone free.
Geoff is a member of Smartphone Free Childhood. After a launch in February 2024, over 200,000 parents across Britain have joined. Geoff said there is a growing realisation of the significance of this problem locally, nationally and internationally. In September 2024 the Parent Pact was launched. This is a simple online tool that allows parents to come together and chose to wait until at least Year 9 to get their child a smartphone. More information can be found at https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org
Playlist
Gerry & The Pacemakers – You will never walk alone – this Liverpool FA anthem was played to give thanks for the career of Diego Jota RIP.
Deacon Blue – Late 88 – track from their album – Great Western Road – a UK no 1 in March this year.
John Pierce – Nessun Dorma – translation is ‘none shall sleep’. Jon Cloke came to the studio two weeks ago to talk about Proms at the Hall at Ingatestone hall tomorrow evening. John is singing at the event along with others. Full details on the PhoenixFM events guide on the website.
The Beach Boys – Spirit of America – from their 1963 album – Little Deuce Coup. Chosen by Geoff as this track, introduced to John by his Dad, is now a family favourite. He saw Brian Wilson from the band performing on five occasions.
Becky Hill, Chase & Status – Disconnect – 2023 UK no 6. – Geoff loves this genre of music. He recently saw Chase & Status at O2 with friends from school who he still sees regularly. It was an incredible set with pyrotechnics and lasers.
Jason Derulo – Ridin Solo – 2010 UK no 2, USA no 9 & Top 10 in 3 more countries. When his son was two years old this track had to be on repeat day after day.
Stevie Wonder – You are the sunshine of my life – requested by Neil for his wife Sally and daughter Harriet.
Birthdays competition
Sam Ryder – OH OK – recent release and former no 1 on PhoenixFM chart. Sam, born in Maldon and educated in Chelmsford is 36 years old.
Communards – Never can say goodbye – 1987 UK no 4. Spain no 1 and Top 10 in 7 more countries. Lead singer Jimmy Somerville is 64 years old.
Ray Davies & The Crouch End chorus – Waterloo sunset – This is songwriter Ray’s favourite version of the song, which in the original by the Kinks is no 14 on the 2021 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. Ray is 81 years old.
Thanks to Chris and Bob in Harlow, Chris in Guildford, Ezme, Geoff and Neil in the studio and Patrick in Ingatestone for taking part today. The winners with 3 points Chris in Harlow, Ezme, Geoff and Neil.
Lee Mead – Any dream will do –Patrick requested this 2007 UK no 2.
Teddy Swims – God went crazy – a recent release.
Chart this week in 1989.
No 6 Gladys Knight – Licence to kill – Theme from the 16th James Bond film. UK no 6. Sweden no 1. Top 10 in 7 more countries.
No 7 Queen – Breakthru – UK no 7. Top 10 in 3 more countries.
No 16 M – Pop muzik – USA no 1 & in 7 more countries. UK no 2. Top 10 in 6 more countries.
Jamie Cullum & Geoff Gascoigne – God only knows – 2010 version of the classic Brian Wilson song. No 11 in the 2021 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time.
Quincey Jones – Soul Bossanova
Leon Bridges – Hold on – recent release.
