The Ballad of Ben's

Ben's Centre is many things to many people! A day centre and outreach team that supports those with substance misuse and homelessness issues. A sanctuary for vulnerable adults and those often left behind by society. During our 25th of operation in Sheffield, CEO Daryl Bishop, had grand plans for a celebration of the charities achievements over those years but the pandemic sadly put a dampener on anything that encouraged people to gather.

 Seeking alternative ideas to mark the occasion that people could get involved with from their own homes, the idea was born to produce a song to celebrate the founding of this essential charity back in 1996 when Ben, a local Police officer recognised the futility of repeatedly arresting people who clearly needed help and created a place of sanctuary for them.

Local vocal superstar, Sally Doherty was approached tentatively and asked if she would be interested in helping out. Within days, she had penned a masterpiece and got to work gathering contributors to help the song come to life.

Thanks to the talents and generosity of a handful of incredible musicians and the voices of service users that you will hear in the chorus, the Ballad of Ben's was born and is now available. The story of the founding of this sanctuary, this lifeline for so many is now yours to enjoy!

Help us spread our wings and share our tale and above all...enjoy! LISTEN TO THE TRACK HERE: The Ballad of Ben's by Sally Doherty - DistroKid

Credit to:

Sally Doherty – Vocals
Shez Sheridan – Guitar, Cittern, Balalaika Primo
Winkie Thin – Accordion
Backing vocals provided by men from my street and the voices of service users
Recorded by Sally Doherty
Mixed and Mastered by Lyndon Hobson
Cover Art by Martin Bedford