Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Stapleford Sacred Harp Singing was called to order by Helen Brown leading 313t. Margaret Gillanders offered the opening prayer.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Helen Brown; Arranging Committee—Ian West, Judy Whiting, and Chris Brown; Secretary—Margaret Gillanders.

Leaders: Ian West 140 (CB); Michael Walker 54t (CB); Judy Whiting 268b (CB); Dave Richardson 63; Rosalind Oldham 68b; Duane Nasis 176b; Rebecca Over 416; Ella Cumber 57; Chris Brown 341; Vicky Elliott 335; Joe Vickers 157; Carmel Wood and Helen Brown 532 (for Aldo Ceresa); Ruth Steggles 277; Cath Ingham 282; Hannah Land 137 (CB); Helen Brown 77t.

RECESS

The class was called together by Ian West leading 571 (CB). Leaders: Chris Brown 229; Duane Nasis 213t; David Moore 449 (CB); Rebecca Over 293; Ruth Steggles 384; Michael Walker 464; Dave Richardson 303; Vicky Elliott, Dave Richardson, and Carmel Wood 153; Martin Boddy 287; Hannah Land 228; Ella Cumber 505 (CB); Joe Vickers 573 (CB); Rosalind Oldham 478 (CB); Carmel Wood 98 (CB); Cath Ingham 30t; Erin Johnson-Hill 411 (CB); Judy Whiting 492; David Moore 361. Rosalind Oldham asked the blessing on the mid-day meal.

LUNCH

The class reconvened with Hannah Land leading 56t. Leaders: Chris Brown 211; Vicky Elliott and Diana Elliott 159; Ted Brown 373; Ella Cumber 189; Ian West and Alan Bown 312b; Rebecca Over 242 (CB); Joe Vickers 392 (CB); Helen Brown 436; Michael Walker 559 (CB); Rosalind Oldham 488 (CB); David Moore 299; Cath Ingham 87; Erin Johnson-Hill 392; Judy Whiting 151; Dave Richardson and Rebecca Over 274b; Ruth Steggles 274t; Duane Nasis 182; Ted Brown 99; Carmel Wood 435.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Hannah Land. The following deceased were remembered: Michael Whiting; Jeff Sheppard and Josie Hyde—Alabama, USA; Tim Disney, Walter Grauberg, Geordie Tyrell, Bill Gillanders, Elsie Batty, and Diane Mennella—New York, USA.

The following sick and housebound were named: Stanley Smith, Carlene Griffin, Shelbie Sheppard, C.T. Williams, Maria Wallace, Margaret Steel, Pam Hales, Derek Bolton, Mike Nunn, Grant McClean, Bill Kerridge, Karina Horton, Steve Harrison, Gay McKenna, Donnie Barr, Hazel Myzska, Roger Moffatt, Natasha Moffatt, Barbara Wood, and Dolorese Lee. The song on page 30b was sung for all those named. The memorial lesson was closed with prayer offered by Ted Brown.

Leaders: Rosalind Oldham 147t; Michael Walker 556; Ella Cumber 390.

RECESS

Carmel Wood led 290 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Dave Richardson 496; Julie Russell and Ian West 122; Rebecca Over 138t (CB); Duane Nasis 319; Ruth Steggles 472; Judy Whiting 208; Erin Johnson-Hill 55; Joe Vickers 38t (CB); Helen Brown 316; David Moore 344; Cath Ingham 267; Chris Brown 176t; Vicky Elliott 146; Michael Walker 475; Erin Johnson-Hill 477; Dave Richardson 473.

Following announcements and thanks, Helen Brown led 62 as the closing song. Jonathan Stanyon offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Helen Brown; Secretary—Margaret Gillanders