The BBC first introduced Desert Island Discs on 29th January 1942.

The programme invites guests to imagine they are shipwrecked on a desert island and pick eight records to take with them. Duty Manager, Julie Morley has inventively adapted this much-loved programme.

Julie says ‘I’m touched that an idea of mine has been so warmly embraced, supported and enjoyed by all involved, from my wonderful castaways and their stories to our receptive audience, and not forgetting myself as DJ Julie. I have very much enjoyed facilitating this social event. I simply invite each owner by letter to choose up to six pieces of their favourite music, a book and a luxury item, that they would take with them if they had to be castaway to a desert island. Our sessions are very relaxed and made all the more special with nibbles and a glass of wine (or two). Due to its popularity, I have decided to continue the idea with a Christmas theme for December. Here are some of my favourite stories from our castaways’:

Eileen Murphy

The one song that means so much to me is “Amarillo” by Tony Christie.

The reason is it brings memories of my small granddaughter whom we sadly lost when she was just four years old. Ellie was a devoted fan of this song, so much so that it was played twice at her funeral as…”once was never enough” for her! I can never hear this being played without the image of her singing her little heart out!

Mike Jobbins

Unchained Melody – famously recorded by Jimmy Young and latterly The Righteous Brothers, this 1955 top of the charts hit evokes lasting memories of discovery and courtship with Pearl, my beloved wife and best friend, (“my Pearl of great price!”). Those first heady years saw us squeezing in precious times together between my practical work schedules and study courses towards qualifying as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

Time and again, “parting was such sweet sorrow” as I spent frequent periods away on term building contracts, so exchange of letters and 45rpm recordings became the norm and Unchained Melody was favoured for its lyrics, as well as musicality.

Pearl has gone ahead of me now, but I still have her letters and playing this timeless recording still brings back memories of those early times of getting to know each other and planning a future together that was to last over 60 years.

Lynn Bennett

Where do you start when you’re asked to choose just six records out of the millions out there?

I quickly abandoned trying to select my favourites and settled on six pieces of music each with a particular memory attached to it.

One such piece is “A Policeman’s Lot is Not Happy One!” from the Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan. My husband, Mike and I were very fond of G&S , loving the catchy tunes and clever words, especially as performed by the D’Oyley Carte touring cast. When they came to Birmingham, we went to the shows at the Alexandra theatre four or five times a week. We would treat ourselves to a meal at “Gino’s” where members of the cast could be spotted “in the flesh!”

Why this particular song? Mike was proud to serve as a Special Constable, doing a weekly night duty alongside regular officers and found out for himself how true the title was, it reminds me of waiting for him to come home safely with tales of the night’s events.

Jen Gray

Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke, recording from St Paul’s (25.07.2009). I chose this piece as I have always found the music so rousing and thought it would cheer me up on my desert island!

This version, played on the organ at St Paul’s, was filmed showing many areas of the cathedral including the organist playing. It would remind me of an uncle of whom I was very fond, he played the organ in my own local church.

Gareth Hardwick

The single disc I would choose out of my six would have to be “Count Your Blessings One by One…., and it will surprise you what the Lord has done”.

Why? I’m not a religious person but I try to be constantly positive and if I stray into negative territory I will sing this hymn to myself and it refreshes my thoughts. I also think I’m very lucky to live in Burcot Court – another reason to count my blessings.