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Courtney Pine, Rula Lenska, Andrew Davidson, Amrik Singh

Lively and diverse conversation as Libby Purves meets journalist Andrew Davidson, jazz musician Courtney Pine, actor Rula Lenska and Sikh chaplain Amrik Singh.

Libby Purves meets journalist Andrew Davidson; jazz musician Courtney Pine; actor Rula Lenska and Sikh chaplain Amrik Singh.

Andrew Davidson's grandfather Fred was a doctor who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the First World War. Posted to the Western Front with the 1st Battalion Cameronians, he packed his folding camera alongside his medical equipment and began to secretly document life in the trenches. Andrew's book, Fred's War, gives a rare insight into life on the front line during the early stages of the Great War. Fred Davidson was one of the first medics to win the Military Cross. Fred's War - A Doctor in the Trenches is published by Short Books.

Jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine CBE has spent the past 20 years taking jazz out of its purist confines to a wider audience. Performing his album House of Legends, Courtney is appearing at the EFG London Jazz Festival. The album features his soprano saxophone exclusively for the first time and draws on his African-Caribbean roots, spotlighting the musical styles of merengue, ska, mento and calypso. House of Legends is on Destin-E World Records.

Actor Rula Lenska was born Roza Maria Laura Leopoldyna Lubienska to Polish aristocrats - refugees who fled the country during the Second World War. Rula found fame in the 1970s as 'Q' in the television series Rock Follies and her career has included roles in Minder, To the Manor Born, Doctor Who and Coronation Street. On stage she appeared in the Vagina Monologues and Calendar Girls. Rula - My Colourful Life, is published by Biteback Publishing.

Amrik Singh is a Sikh chaplain at London's Heathrow Airport. Between his chaplaincy and his role as a Heathrow ramp agent, he lives his life according to Sikh philosophies and traditions and shares his Sikhism with his co-workers and passengers. He recently appeared on 4thought, a moral, religious and ethical TV series on Channel 4.

Producer: Paula McGinley.

Available now

43 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Libby Purves
Producer Paula McGinley
Interviewed Guest Andrew Davidson
Interviewed Guest Courtney Pine
Interviewed Guest Rula Lenska
Interviewed Guest Amrik Singh

Broadcasts

  • Wed 6 Nov 2013 09:00
  • Wed 6 Nov 2013 21:30

Podcast