Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The second annual Oxford Sacred Harp Singing was held on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in June. Edwin Macadam called the singing to order at 10:00 a.m. by leading song on page 479.

Leaders: Sheila Girling Smith 228; Mick Verrier 107; Rachel Jordan 155; Ken Baddley 350; Bernard Collard 171; Alan Weeks 34b; Jean Barton and Dave Townsend 377; Adrian Bolge 375; David Atkin 335.

Dave Richardson led a short singing school, and explained the history of the use of shape-notes. A handout of the major and minor scales was distributed, and song on page 33b was sung as an example.

The class resumed singing with the following leaders called: Jenny Ellis and Rachel Jordan 66; Paul Setford 31t; Dave Richardson 448b; Margaret Gillanders 452; David Cooper 324; Ruth Cooper 454; Steve Fletcher 148; Dave Townsend 362; Mandy Townsend 106; Daffyd Charles 146; Helen Brown 56b (for her husband, Ted, who is recovering from a second successful cataract operation the previous day); Ian West 28t; Grace Scrimgour and Helen Brown 504.

RECESS

Edwin Macadam called the class back to order leading song on page 236. Leaders: Sheila Girling Smith 474 (for Bruce Randall, in honor of his 2,000th composition earlier this month); Alan Burchard and Mandy Townsend 48t; Sally Jones and Mick Verrier 272; Rachel Jordan 163b; Ken Baddley 99; Bernard Collard 49b; Dave Townsend 383; Adrian Bolge 63; David Atkin 352. Helen Brown said grace, and Sheila Girling Smith led song on page 180.

LUNCH

Before the end of the lunch recess, the class was taught “New Invention”, a song by Mick Verrier.

The afternoon session of singing began with Paul Setford leading song on page 299; Dave Richardson 94; and Margaret Gillanders 84.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Bernard Collard who led song on page 122. We remembered: Tony Mitchell, George Riddell, Karen House, Ronald Nathan, Bernard Stevenson, Mike Briggs, Lesley Wragg, Ron Thomas, Joan Izzard, Stella Tredwell, and Peggy Woodley.

Ken Baddley spoke of the nature of compassion and led song on page 490 for the sick and housebound. We remembered: Nesrin Boysan, Ted Brown, Ethel Fowler, Jeanne Paine, and Margaret Rogers. The memorial lesson was concluded.

Leaders: David Cooper 36b; Ruth Cooper 288; Steve Fletcher 85; Mandy Townsend 448t; Daffyd Charles 128; Helen Brown 542; Ian West 480; Jean Barton and Bernard Collard 344; Jenny Ellis and Ken Baddley 481; Edwin Macadam 494; Sheila Girling Smith 147t; Mick Verrier 163t; Rachel Jordan 269; Ken Baddley 515b; Sally Jones, Margaret Jones, and Ken Baddley 569 (t? b?); Bernard Collard 497.

RECESS

Alan Weeks brought the class to order by leading song on page 198. Leaders: David Atkins 40; Paul Setford 195; Dave Richardson 473; Mandy Townsend 361.

Announcements were made. Thanks were given to the officers: Chairman—Edwin Macadam; Treasurer—Alan Weeks; pitcher—Rachel Jordan; signs and site organization—Ken Baddley; Catering Committee—Ann Weeks, Jan Green, and Jenny Ellis; Arranging Committee/Secretary—Sheila Girling Smith.

Everyone was invited back next year on Saturday, June 23, 2001.

Chairman—Edwin Macadam; Secretary—Sheila Girling Smith.