SINCE the 1970’s I have been a big fan of Jools Holland; first seeing him live at Exeter University in 1978 as part of the band Squeeze, of which he was the keyboard player.

The drummer that night was Gilson Lavis; on the way back to London after the gig the band were involved in a road traffic accident on the M5, which resulted in Gilson being hospitalised.

In 2022 I was back at the same venue watching Jools with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, telling the tale of that road accident.

The drummer in the orchestra that night was Gilson. He survived his ordeal and has continued to play alongside Jools for six decades.

I wonder how many of you reading this watched, and saw the New Year in with Jools on Tuesday evening.

For me, it signifies new beginnings, but without losing sight of the old. New Year’s Eve would not be the same in our household without Jools.

What I really admire in him most is the way that he embraces change and newcomers into the musical world, but never loses sight of the old. Throughout the year he showcases a vast array of new talent in his TV series, Later with Jools, maybe acts not to our personal liking, but every artist in the entertainment field will agree that once one appears with Jools, you are “made”.

Listening to new up-and-coming talents is sometimes a challenge for us especially those with outrageous looks and words, but nine times out of 10 these new stars have been influenced by old-timers.

How can we follow those principles and apply them to our living day by day? How good are we at passing on knowledge in our own fields to those around us?

In St John’s Gospel Jesus says, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

So as this new year begins can we try to see the good in others, listen to new ideas, embrace change with an open mind, but do not forget the things that have influenced our own lives.

I see God in action, through Jools; a Christian using his musical talents which God has given him to further God’s kingdom, living his life in a way that embraces all that is good, since boyhood he has tried to be loyal, following good family values and upholding principles.

Whether we like it or not the world is changing, God’s world is changing, each and every one of us can help it to be a better place, the place God intended it to be.

During lockdown, Jools used his talents to fundraise for Rochester Cathedral.

You may like to join me in this prayer; “Father, We thank you for church music and its rich history and exciting future.

“We thank you that as musical styles and instruments have changed, your word has not changed and you have not changed! As we keep putting the same words to new sounds, help us always to aim to glorify you and speak truth. Amen.”

May I ask God’s blessing on each and every one of us, to give us the strength and ability to follow these principles in the year ahead.

Rev Sandra Collier