Susan Lucas has been the C of E Archdeacon of Southend since 16th of February 2025. In her previously role as Team Rector in East Ham she had responsibility for three very diverse churches. Her appointment officially began at a service at Chelmsford Cathedral. Sue was particularly delighted that this included a choral item especially written by one of her organists. She felt it was a great privilege to recently undertake services that acknowledge the importance of volunteer churchwardens. Clearly she feels encouragement to be an important part of her on-going ministry. This is alongside helping in finding creative solutions to problems.
Playlist
Paul Carrick – The cold light of day – from recently release album – The Country side of Paul Carrick. No 15 this week in the PhoenixFM chart.
Jon Batiste – Big money – New release from the multi Grammy award winner. No 20 this week in the PhoenixFM chart.
Ella Fitzgerald – Mack the knife -from 1960 album – Ella in Berlin. Grammy wards for best female vocal performance & best female vocal album. Sue said this track always makes her laugh. Ella had been asked to sing a song that she states she is not sure she knows. It soon becomes clear she does not. What follows is simply brilliant spontaneous creativity.
Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah – from 1984 album – Various positions. There have been many hundreds of recordings of this song. Sus stated that the song is based from an incident in the life of King David recorded in the Bible. She feels that Leonard Cohen’s slightly of key rendition of his composition is the best version.
Killers – Human – from 2008 album – Day & age. Single no 1 in Norway & Israel. UK no 3. Top 10 in another 15 countries. All three of Sue’s music choices are on the theme of being human. When she was a curate in Anfield the church ran an informal youth worship service and this track really spoke to everyone in the words, “are we human or are we dancers?” For Sue faith liberates us to dance through life with God.
Birthdays competition
Bluebells – Young at heart – 1984 UK no 8, 1993 UK no 1. Bassist of the band Lawrence Donegan is 64 years old. He has also worked at the House of Commons and since 2004 has been a journalist with the Guardian.
Fairground Attraction – Perfect – 1988 UK no 1 & in 3 more countries. Top 10 in another 9 countries. Drummer with the band Ray Dodds is 67 years old.
Gareth Gates – Spirit in the sky – 2003 Comic Relief single. UK no 1. Top 10 in 4 more countries. Gareth is 41 years old.
Thanks to Chris and Bob in Harlow, Chris in Guildford Sue and Karl in the studio for taking part today. The winner with points with 4 points was Chris in Harlow. Carl was pleased with 3 points. Sue was surprised to even get 1 point.
Karl Afteni from The Friends of Mountnessing windmill talked about the Grade 2 listed windmill. Originally built in 1807 it had become derelict but was restored to working order in 1983. The Friends undertake repairs to keep it in working order. They also organise open days. Up-coming dates are 17th of August and 21st of September 2 – 5 pm. Private tours can also be arranged for interested groups. More information can be found at
https://www.mountnessingwindmill.weebly.com & https://www.facebook.com/mountnessingwindmill
The Who – My generation – 1965 UK no 2, Top 10 in 6 more countries. No 11 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. Karl feels that music is a stimulus to memories. 1965 was a memorable time in his life.
Simon & Garfunkle – Bridge over troubled waters – 1970 No 1 UK, USA & 5 more countries. No 66 in Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. This track reminds Karl of his football team Boro Athletic being on tour in Antwerp.
Cure – In-between days – 1985 UK no 15, Australia no 16. Karl feels that all the Cure hits have great intros.
Fun Boy Three – Our lips are sealed. 1983 UK no 7. Patrick in Ingatestone requested a track by this group.
Michael Buble – God only knows – From 2016 album – Nobody but me – USA & UK no 2. Hungary no 1. Top 10 in 18 more countries.
Focus – House of the King – 1971. Theme for TV shows – Don’t ask me (1970s featuring Magnus Pyke) & Saxondale (2006 featuring Steve Coogan)
My studio guest next week is Hugh Dibbins. He has been a trustee and director of Fellowship Afloat charitable trust since 1980. He will be talking about the work of this organisation, based in Tollesbury, including a recent youth event. https://www.fact.org.uk
