When we sold our house, we moved our goods & chattels1 from London to Scotland. This move marked a new beginning for us. We had decluttered a lot of our belongings, decided not to take any furniture, and I hired a large van for what remained. We loaded it up and drove to Edinburgh.
Since it was a long drive and I was not used to driving a big van, and I had my daughter and the dog with me, we decided to stay over-night at a hotel halfway up. In the UK it is difficult to get contents insurance on a van if you drive it yourself, and I was uncertain if I had enough cover.
Since we had items of great sentimental value, we packed several suitcases to take into the hotel that night. We made sure we included things we really did not want to lose.
Aside from important documents, it was challenging to decide what to take into the hotel, since we couldn’t take everything. The situation made me think of ‘Desert Island Discs’ a beloved radio programme in the UK. The show was created by Roy Promley in 1942; when discs (records) was how people listened to music at home.
On the weekly show a guest is invited to imagine themselves as a castaway on a remote desert island. They can only pack eight records to take to the island, along with a book2 and a luxury item3. Throughout the show the guest shares their life story, using music that was significant during different stage of their life (childhood, student days etc.).
Not all guests are famous or celebrities, some are experts in their respective fields, such as scientists. Click here to hear some of the programmes (if you can get BBC in your country).
This format is interesting as it showcases a unique side of each person, not often heard in interviews, whilst also allowing the listeners to enjoy a variety of music. Personally, I also find it fascinating to learn about the guests’ luxury items.
Highlighting things you love, and explaining why you love them, is a great way to tell your story. Choosing a limited number of items in a specific category, like music, provides a fresh perspective for sharing your story. You could choose any category. For example, during his terminal illness my husband selected book titles for a cake that we served at his memorial service. Each book represented an aspect of his life and interests.
The castaway this week is YOU. Here are some category ideas for your Desert Island Packing.
Music - 8 songs, 1 book, 1 luxury.
Books - 8 books, 1 song, 1 luxury. Or, like my husband, you could choose your ‘memorial’ books.
TV programmes / streaming / YouTube - 8 programmes that you love and 1 you dislike.
Movies - 8 movies that you love and 1 you dislike.
Childhood stuff - 8 things that were important to you in your childhood, and 1 thing you disliked or was afraid of.
Clothes - 8 outfits over the years that you have loved, and 1 you disliked.
Events - 8 events in your life that you will always remember. You could also choose best holiday moments.
Belongings - 8 things you never want to part with, or that have been very special to you, even if you no longer have them. And 1 thing you were happy to get rid of.
Memorial - 8 objects that represent your life.
Pride - 8 things you are most proud of doing.
People - describe the 8 people who have been important in your life, and what they have meant to you.
This is also a fun exercise to do with children. For example ask them about their favourite toys, or how they entertain themselves. If you repeat this activity every year you will gain wonderful insight into their development, and they will have nostalgic reminders of their childhood. Consider buying a notebook specifically for this purpose and ask the children to write in it. You could also include a photo of them taken on the same day.
Do you have any other ideas for Desert Island Packing? Don’t forget to explain why you made your choices. Have fun!
Goods & chattels refer to things that you own that are not land or buildings.
Guests can choose any book, they are also automatically given the Complete Works of Shakespeare, and either the Bible or another appropriate religious or philosophical work.
The luxury must be inanimate and of no use in escaping the island or allowing communication from outside. Roy Plomley enforced these rules strictly. However, subsequent presenters have allowed some variation on the rules; John Cleese was allowed to take Michael Palin with him, on the condition that he was dead and stuffed. Examples of luxuries have included champagne and a piano, the latter being one of the most requested luxuries.
Yes! I was hoping you'd do this this week! Let's see: 8 songs 1. Hey Jude (the Beatles), 2. Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen) 3. Houses (Judy Collins) 4. Clouds (Joni Mitchell) 5. TAngled Up in Blue (Bob Dylan) 6. Freedom (Jon Batiste) 7. It's Raining Men (The Weather Girls) 8. That's What I Like About You (The Romantics) One Book: My Side of the Mountain (Jean Craig George) One Luxury: Coffee
Thanks for reminding me about Gregory’s cake. Don’t think I fully appreciated it at the time.