First there was Band Aid, then Live Aid – now it’s SCHOOL AID. In deepest rural Broadchalke a revolution is brewing. Several months ago, the record producer, The Vicar - in despair at the sight of the local school in flames as a classroom burnt down, and with the playground already filled with mobile classrooms – challenged me to write a song to raise money for the new school. And ever since, our work on The Vicar’s Songbook No 1 has been regularly interrupted by gentle taps on the door as small children come to add their voices, often with the accompanying parent being badgered into discovering a hidden musical talent. No celebrities. A record made entirely by the local community for the local community.

And why is it needed? Because the old Victorian school needs replacing, and the government – our government – is not supplying enough money. The school needs to raise at least £400,000 from the local community. £400,000! And here was me innocently thinking that those tax demands that land on our doorsteps pay for state schooling.

And I am sure Broadchalke school is not unusual. All schools need School Aid. So we have included an instrumental version of the song, inviting other schools to add their own voices – and make their own versions to sell.

This is not a party political issue.
Where’s the money Mr Blair?
Can you spare a quid, Mr David?
Have you got any, Mr Kennedy?

And it will all be in vain unless enough people buy a small plastic disc, or press the download button. So please, download. And feel free to record your own version for your own charitable cause.

David Singleton.
24 November 2005.