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Lord Ashley

Sue Lawley's castaway is politician Lord Ashley.

Twenty-six years ago, the then Labour MP Jack Ashley entered a world of silence - a minor operation on his ears went disastrously wrong and he lost his hearing completely. But, thanks to a complex operation, Jack Ashley, now Lord Ashley, can hear the voices of his grandchildren for the first time.

In Desert Island Discs this week he'll be talking to Sue Lawley about the struggles of his early poverty-stricken years, the misery of losing his hearing, and the dogged determination which has earned him the reputation as one of Britain's best-known and best-loved campaigners for the disabled and disadvantaged.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus by George Frideric Handel
Book: A Book About Warfare
Luxury: Smoked salmon and wine

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 16 Dec 1994 09:05

Music Played

  • Johann Strauss II

    The Blue Danube

    Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Daniel Barenboim

    • Strauss - Waltzes And Polkas.
    • Erato.
  • Aled Jones

    Ave Maria

    • Best Of Aled Jones.
    • 大象传媒.
  • British Legion Choir

    Lilli Marlene

    • Songs They Sang.
    • Columbia.
  • Vera Lynn

    We'll Meet Again

    • Let's Meet Again.
    • Parade.
  • Bing Crosby

    Yours

    • Bing Sings All About Love.
    • Warwick.
  • Ernesto De Curtis

    Torna A Surriento

    Soloist: Beniamino Gigli

    • Popular Songs.
    • EMI.
  • Castaway's Favourite

    • George Frideric Handel

      Hallelujah Chorus (from Messiah)

      Orchestra: Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields and Choir Conductor: Neville MarrinerConductor: Neville Marriner

      • Your Hundred Best Tunes.
      • Decca.
  • Sunbury Junior Singers Of The Salvation Army

    Silent Night, Holy Night

    • Festival Of Carols.
    • Music For Pleasure France.
  • Book Choice

    • A Book About Warfare

  • Luxury Choice

    • Smoked salmon and wine

Credit

Role Contributor
Presenter Sue Lawley

Broadcasts

  • Boxing Day 1993 12:15
  • Fri 31 Dec 1993 09:05
  • Fri 16 Dec 1994 09:05

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