Sam Brazier-Gibbs is vicar of the C of E churches in Blackmore and Stondon Massey. The Priory church of St. Laurence has stood at the heart of Blackmore village for over 900 years. Sam talked about visits to the church and Blackmore by Henry VIII. Prior to the dissolution of the monasteries there was an Augustinian priory in Blackmore and the church was then the monks chapel. After the dissolution, visits to the house opposite by Henry VIII to the present day vicarage led to the birth of Henry Fitzroy. Sam said that today they are a growing church family with a big heart for Jesus, each other and the community. There is a different style of service each Sunday at 11 am during the month. The Serenitea Community Café is held every Tuesday 10.00-12.00. A warm welcome, bacon or sausage sandwiches, homemade cakes, teas and coffees etc. Teas in the Tower is the first Sunday of each month June to October, 2.30 – 4.30pm. Tea, coffee, cake and live music in the church.
Blackmore – Priory Church of St Laurence
St. Peter & St. Paul Stondon Massey is a 12th century church on the top of a hill. There are strong associations with the Tudor composer William Byrd. The church and Sam featured in the BBC commemorations in 2023 to mark the 400th anniversary of his death. Sam also talked about her own reluctant journey to ordained ministry. After faith became real to her she wanted to be a youth leader. Now she loves being a vicar and stated she could not imagine doing anything else.
Playlist
Elton John & Britney Spears – Hold me closer – 2022 No 1 in 5 countries. UK no 3, USA no 6, Top 10 in 17 more countries.
Sam Cooke – A change is gonna come – 1964 release. No 2 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. Chosen last week by Nick Pucenot when chatting about racial justice.
Deacon Blue – Twist & shout – 1991 UK no 10, Ireland no 13 – from album – Fellow hoodlums – UK no 2. Sam told us how her brother, who is older than her, was a Deacon Blue fan as they were growing up, she was not. In 1991 he had a ticket for a concert but was unable to go. Sam went instead. She loved it and has ben a fan ever since.
Idina Menzel & others – The Wizard & I – from the musical – Wicked. Idina was the original Elphaba on Broadway. During lockdown Sam looked for ways to make her feel happy. She discovered the musical Wicked. She has now been on numerous occasions. In three years time, to mark her son’s 21st birthday, they plan to go to New York to see the show on Broadway.
The Fisherman’s friends – Keep haulin – title track from 2019 film. Sam chose this track for her son, who she said was born loving the thought of going to sea.
Birthdays competition
Becky Hill – Right here – from 2024 album – Believe me now – UK no 3, Becky is 31 years old today.
John Williams – Star wars theme – Released 1977. On Saturday John celebrated his 93rd birthday.
Canned Heat – On the road again – 1968 UK no 8, Top 10 in 6 more countries. USA no 16. Top 20 in another two countries. Drummer with the band Adolfo de la Parra celebrated his 79th birthday, also last Saturday.
Thanks to Chris, Bob, Sain and Sarah in Harlow, Chris in Guildford, Sam in the studio and Patrick in Ingatestone for taking part today. The winner with 6 points was Chris in Harlow. Sam scored 3 points. Sian 1 point.
Bee Gees – How deep is your love – from soundtrack of the film – Saturday night fever- USA no 1 & in 5 more countries. UK no 10 & Top 10 in 10 more countries. Requested by Patrick
Seal – Fly like and eagle – 1986. USA no 10, UK no 13, Top 10 in Belgium and Canada.
Chart this week in 1985
No 1 Elaine Page & Barbara Dixon – I know him so well – second best selling single of the year. From the musical CHESS.
No 4 Bruce Springsteen – Dancing in the dark – No 1 in 3 countries, USA no 2, UK no 4 Top 10 in another 9 countries. Sales of over 4 million in USA & 1.8 million in the UK.
No 17 Commodores – Night shift. No 1 in Netherlands, UK no 3, USA no 3, Top 10 in 11 more countries. Song written as a tribute to Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye.
Tom Bright – Don’t forget about me – track from his third album – Somewhere anywhere – released last year.
Tumbling Souls – End up running – track released last year from the band from the Outer Hebrides.
Quincey Jones – Soul Bossanova.
Joe South – Walk a mile in my shoes – 1970 USA no 12.
Next week my studio guest is Mike Baker. He studied on the Chelmsford Course in Christian studies. He will be talking about the benefits and insights he has from undertaking it and where it might lead him in the future.
