Gerald Corbett DL, President of the OT Society 2024-2025 and Chairman of the Marylebone Cricket Club from 2015 to 2021 shares his essential playlist with us. 

1. The Tonbridge School Hymn

I chose this as it represents a basic statement of values and beliefs; duty, endeavour and the greater good. It is also very nostalgic and brings back wonderful memories of Tonbridge. 

2. White Cliffs of Dover - Dame Vera Lynn

1940 was one of our greatest moments as a nation. The 'Miracle of Dunkirk' and the Battle of Britain were crucial in defining Britain's spirit. We fought on alone, against all the odds. 

3. You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry and the Pacemakers

Otherwise knows as The Liverpool Song, this wonderful tune makes me think of love, loyalty and playing for 'the team'. It also is a poignant reminder that as humans, we are not alone. 

4. Elusive Butterly - Bob Lind

This song is about love, dreams, the joy of the outside and how ephemeral it all is.

5. Three Lions on a Shirt - The Lightening Seeds

This brings back memories and hope, reminding us that the dream lives on, there’s always another day, adversity can be overcome, and we must never give up. It is also a love song to our country.

6. The Merry Widow waltz - Franz Lehár

My great grand parents went to the opening night in London in 1907. The operetta is a story of love triumphing over money, how doing the right thing wins through in the end and that decency prevails.

7. Roses are Red - Ronnie Carroll

This song is about good old-fashioned sentiment, love at first sight, and how initial attraction can endure. It is also about  perseverance and tells us that when you find magic, cherish it forever.

8. We Plough the Fields and Scatter Hymn

I was bought up on a farm. This beautiful harvest hymn, with German origins, celebrates the seasons and nature. It also hightlights uncertainties, the power of God and the toil and endeavour needed to reap rewards. 

Luxury Item:

It would have to be a cork screw on the offchance that a case of fine wine is washed ashore from a shipwreck. It would also be handy for opening coconuts! If I were permitted to take a bottle of wine with it, it would have to be a bottle of the 2000 Chateau Beychevelle.

Book:

I would take a draft of my book, Snakes and Ladders, which is due out next year. I would spend my time endlessly refining each line.