Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual New Year’s Day Singing was called to order by Helen Brown leading 171. A warm welcome was extended to all, and Simon White offered the opening prayer.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairlady—Helen Brown; Vice Chairman—Ted Brown; Arranging Committee—Sarah West and Judy Whiting; Secretary—Margaret Gillanders.

Leaders: Ted Brown 303; Margaret Gillanders 84; Ian West 135; Ruth Steggles 63; Chris Brown 127; Maria Wallace 168; Michael Walker 421; Judy Whiting 273; John Seaton 178; Steve Fletcher 312b; Richard Percival 479; Sharon Langridge 159; Sarah West 288; Helen Brown 392; Ted Brown 72b.

RECESS

Margaret Gillanders called the class back to order leading 500 (CB). Leaders: Chris Brown 56b; Maria Wallace 142; Ian West 98 (CB); Judy Whiting 441; Michael Walker 475; Steve Fletcher 474; John Seaton 47t; Sharon Langridge 276; Sarah West 224; Richard Percival 269. Gillian White asked the blessing for the mid-day meal.

LUNCH

Ruth Steggles re-convened the class by leading 559 (CB). Leaders: Matt Wojcik 456; Rosalind Oldham 199 (CB); Rosie Wojcik 567 (CB); Margaret Gillanders 575 (CB); Ted Brown 176b; Maria Wallace 38b; Chris Brown 45t; Ian West 501; John Seaton 68b; Sharon Langridge 563 (CB); Michael Walker 212; Steve Fletcher 504; Sarah West 498; Richard Percival 43; Judy Whiting 354t; Rosalind Oldham 410 (CB).

The memorial lesson was conducted by Gillian White. The names of the following deceased were read from the list: Erik Mogensen, Else Marie Christensen, Audrey Nathan, Sally Smyth, Maurice Wilson, William Gurney, Robert Woodhouse, David Holmes, Margaret Clay, Marie Holloway, Deirdre Powell, Gladys Buchanan, Trevor Sanderson, David Lee (Essex), Joyce Thayer, Lesley Anderson, Gwyneth Ford, Jack Walne, Jimmie Denney, Denson Hinton, Odella Whitmore, and Bob Meredith.

Ted Brown spoke for the sick and housebound. The names of the following were read out: Brenda Knudssen, David Daykin, Muriel De Freyne, Gerard Carter, Mick Lovely, Jan Woodhouse, Ray Fisher, Leo McGuigan, Kathy Armstrong, Alexandra Cull, Ann Milne, Gillian Ford, Tom Hodgkinson, Uncle Basil, Maureen Gamlin, and Richard Stanley-Wainwright.

Ted Brown led 77t for all of those named. Helen Brown concluded the lesson with prayer, and led 534.

RECESS

Matt Wojcik called the class back together leading 229. Leaders: Ruth Steggles 454; Margaret Gillanders 38t (CB); John Seaton 106; Ted Brown 496; Maria Wallace 350; Chris Brown 211; Sharon Langridge 481; Rosie Wojcik 564; Michael Walker 436; Steve Fletcher 452; Sarah West 335; Richard Percival 28t; Rosalind Oldham 480; Ruth Steggles 505 (CB); Judy Whiting 150; John Seaton 277; Rosie Wojcik 201; Matt Wojcik 376.

Following announcements, Helen Brown led 323t as the closing song. Simon White offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairlady—Helen Brown; Vice Chairman—Ted Brown; Secretary—Margaret Gillanders