Nick Pucenot is a racial justice advocate based in Westcliff. He grew up in a very multicultural part of north London, with friends from diverse backgrounds. The church has recognised that it has not always been ‘the welcoming spiritual home’ for many people whose family heritage lies within Commonwealth countries and the wider world. Nick is passionate about promoting racial justice and working to create a church where people of all races feel valued and heard. He said listening to the stories of people and developing relationships was crucial to valuing others. He suggested a number of books that could be very helpful in developing understanding. These included

We need to talk about race – Ben Lindsay

Black and British – David Olusoga

My skin, your skin – Laura Henry Allain – a book for children.

Hair love – Matthew A. Cherry – a book for children.

For more information, checkout

https://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/about-us/our-faith-in-action/diversity-and-inclusion/racial-justice

Playlist

Ringo Starr – Look up  – title track from his recently released album. Commercially his most successful album since 1974. No 5 in Scotland. UK Country no 1.

Seal – Love’s divine – track from the 2003 album – Seal IV – UK no 4, USA no 6, Top 10 in 8 more countries.

McFadden & Whitehead – Ain’t no stopping us now – 1979 UK no 5, USA no 13. Nick chose this track because it speaks of a momentum for change.

Sister Sledge – We are family – 1979 Canada no 1, USA no 2, UK no 8, Top 10 in 2 more countries. 1993 UK no 5, Top 10 in 2 more countries. Nick chose this track as we should all be one big family.

Sam Cooke – A change is gonna come. 1964 release. No 2 2021 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. No 1 in Rolling Stone 100 greatest protest songs of all time. Nick chose this beautiful  optimistic song of hope, written in the era of the struggle for civil rights in the USA. This track has grown in popularity and significance over the decades.

Birthdays competition

Harry Styles – Sign of the times – 2017 UK  no 1 & in 4 more countries. USA no 4 & Top 10 in 14 more countries. No 428 in 2021 Rolling Stone 500 greatest songs of all time. Harry Styles is 31 years old.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – Runnin down a dream – 1989 USA no 23. From the album – Full moon fever – USA no 3, , UK no 8, Top 10 in 4 more countries, global sales of over 5 million. No 298 in 2020  Rolling Stone 500 Greatest albums of all time. Guitarist in the band Mike Campbell is 75 years old.

Shakira – Waka waka , this is for Africa – 2010 No 1 in 15 countries. UK no 23. Global sales of over 15 million.

Thanks to Chris, Bob in Harlow, Nick in the studio, Chris in Guildford and Patrick in Ingatestone for taking part today. The winner with 4 points was Nick, much to his astonishment.

Nancy Sinatra – You only live twice – 1967 UK no 11. Rolling Stone’s 3rd best Bond song. Patrick requested a track featuring Nancy Sinatra.

Michael Buble – Love you anymore – track from 2018 album – Love – UK no 1 & in 2 more countries. Top 10 in another 12 countries.

Joni Mitchell – Big yellow taxi – 2007 album – Shine – USA no 14. The song in various recording by Joni has sold over 400,000 in the UK.

Isley Brothers – Behind the painted smile – 1969 UK no 5.

Chart this week in 1978

No 7 Bill Withers – Lovely day – France no 1, UK no 7, USA no 38.  1987  UK no 4. Sales of 2 million in USA, 1.2 million in UK. No 402 in 2021 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time.

No 16 Electric Light Orchestra – Mr Blue sky – UK no 6, Netherlands no 8, USA no 33. Continues to sell, estimates now over 6 million.

No 20 Darts – Come back my love – UK no 2. 20th best selling single of the year. Top 10 in 3 more countries. Song originally recorded in 1955 by USA group The Wrens.

Bob Dylan – Blowin in the wind – 1963 release. No 14 in 2004 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. From the album – The free wheelin Bob Dylan – No 97 in 2003 Rolling Stone 500 greatest albums of all time.

Quincy Jones – Soul Bossanova

Steeley Dan – Reelin in the years – 1972 USA no 11. 200,000 UK sales across the decades.

Next week my guest is Sam Brazier-Gibbs, Vicar of  The Priory church Blackmore and St. Pater & St. Paul Stondon Massey. She will talk about the fascinating history of these churches, the connection with the composer Willian Byrd and the mission of the churches in 2025.