Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The Stapleford All-Day Singing was called to order by Helen Brown leading 52t. Ted Brown offered the opening prayer.

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

Helen spoke about Ruth Steggles (co-founder of this singing), who died in August, and dedicated the singing to her memory. Helen led 33b in Ruth’s honour.

Leaders: Vicki Elliott 163b (CB); Margaret Gillanders 36b; Joe Vickers 265b (CB); Sarah West 268b (CB); Ted Brown 303; Rosalind Oldham 66; Ian West 268t (CB); Judy Whiting 72b; Faiz Wareh 180; Michael Walker 30t; (CB); Cath Saunt 34b; Cora Wareh 587 (CB); Calum Woods 411 (CB); Teresa Maguire 506; Sam Carter 54t (CB); Eimear O’Donovan 73t (CB).

RECESS

Hannah Land reconvened the class leading 82t. Leaders: Chris Brown 514 (CB); Dianne Chittock 37b; Rebecca Over 273 (CB); Tarik Wareh 372; Ella Cumber 344 (CB); Scott Lewin 199 (CB); Steve Brett 271t (CB).

The memorial lesson was conducted by Ian West and Michael Walker. Ian spoke on behalf of the sick and housebound and led 68b for the following: Curtis Owen, Edith Owen, Delorese Lee, Karen Turner, Cath Tyler, Don Grimshaw, Nate Green, Norma Green, Melanie Hauff, Nigel Cumber, Peter Golding, and Sister Pippa.

Michael spoke in remembrance of the deceased and read the following list of names: John Pinnick, Ian Whiting, Ruth Steggles, David Smith, Alex Elliott, Dorothy Allen, Chris Burch, Phyllis Sharpe—United Kingdom; Chris Holloway—Germany; Eileen McDougall—France; Earlis McGraw, Geneva Prichard, Johnny Lee, B.M. Smith—Georgia, USA; Hester Edwards, Toney Smith, Lavoy Smith, Gary Smith, Bernice Harvey, S.T. Reed—Alabama, USA; Charlie Derleth—Missouri, USA; Tom Robinson and Jimmie Forman—Texas, USA; Janelle Davis—Illinois, USA. Michael led 380t (CB) in their memory, and closed the memorial service with prayer.

Leaders: Aldo Ceresa 173; Pattie Wareh 486 (CB); Mark Wardlaw 292b (CB); Ted Brown 81t; Joe Vickers 475. Grace for the midday meal was offered by Hannah Land.

LUNCH

Immediately after lunch the class gathered outside the church to celebrate the life of Ruth Steggles. Hannah Land (daughter) spoke and David Steggles (husband) gave a Bible reading, followed by the scattering of Ruth’s ashes. The following songs were led by Hannah: 30b; 454.

The singing was reconvened by Steve Brett leading 482 (CB). Leaders: Rebecca Over 504b (CB); Calum Woods 572 (CB); Cora Wareh 154; Sam Carter 300; Aldo Ceresa 411; Cath Saunt 556; Tarik Wareh 465 (CB); Eimear O’Donovan 384; Sarah West 382; Michael Walker 306; Helen Brown 273; Ian West 98 (CB); Pattie Wareh 99 (CB); Judy Whiting 590 (CB); Ella Cumber 406; Mark Wardlaw 133 (CB); Margaret Gillanders 505 (CB); Faiz Wareh 174 (CB); Hannah Land 392 (CB); Teresa Maguire 83t; Chris Brown 164; Scott Lewin 408 (CB); Helen Brown 503.

RECESS

The class was reconvened by Joe Vickers leading 324 (CB). Leaders: Vicki Elliott 212; Aldo Ceresa 565; Rebecca Over 77t; Chris Brown 28b; Steve Brett 465; Michael Walker 497 (CB); Sarah West 269 (CB); Eimear O’Donovan 165; Mark Wardlaw 55 (CB).

Helen Brown led 573 (CB) as the closing song. Joe Vickers dismissed the class with prayer.

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