Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Due to Covid regulations set by Her Majesty’s Government restricting singing indoors to no more than six, and singing outside to thirty or fewer, the scaled down 21st Lewes All-Day singing was held out of doors this year at Harvey’s Brewery Yard, Lewes, Sussex, United Kingdom.

The annual Lewes Sacred Harp Singing Day was called to order by Chairman Rachel Jordan leading 34b. The opening prayer was offered by Mike Cooper. Leaders: Nick Hall 565; Natalie Edelman 503; Iain Paxon 36b; Ron Hollman 71; Seth Dickens 171; Milly Murphy 178; George Simms 76b; Edwin Macadam 272; Neil Horlock 324; Ian Lamb 50b; Sheila Girling Macadam 117; Brenda Harvey 497; Jill Thompson 454; Nigel Bowley 29b.

RECESS

The second session commenced with Rachel Jordan leading 350. Leaders: Nick Hall 560; Ron Hollman 362; Natalie Edelman 86; Milly Murphy 198; Seth Dickens 313b. Rachel Jordan spoke for the sick and housebound and read the following list of names: Rob Mahoney, Ian Wallace and Virginia Dyer. The memorial lesson was led by Rachel Jordan in honour of the following deceased whose names were read: Michael Land, Prue Green, Terry Shearing, Andy Miller, Jemimah Tomlinson, Dave Mounfield, John Bunce, Rowan Forrester, Adrian Bolge, Vonnie Chantler, Gill Cole, Chris Bullough, David Pitts, Coy Ivey, and Dave Cooper. She led 330b and Edwin Macadam offered a prayer.

Leaders: Iain Paxon 535; Neil Horlock 65; George Simms 328; Edwin Macadam 217. Ian Lamb offered Grace.

LUNCH

Sheila Girling Macadam called the class back to order leading 99. Leaders: Nigel Bowley 277; Emily Spademan 445; Ian Lamb 335; Brenda Harvey 155; Nick Hall 527; Rachel Jordan 500; Iain Paxon 203; Natalie Edelman 515; Ron Hollman 513; Milly Murphy 276; Seth Dickens 89; George Simms 137; Edwin Macadam 236; Neil Horlock 40; Sheila Girling Macadam 504; Ian Lamb 481.

RECESS

The final session commenced with Emily Spademan leading 477. Leaders: Nigel Bowley 283; Brenda Harvey 282; Rachel Jordan 474; Nick Hall 511; Iain Paxon 448t; Ron Hollman 547; Seth Dickens 70b; Milly Murphy 159; George Simms 348b; Ian Lamb 510; Sheila Girling Macadam and Edwin Macadam 466; the Winchester singers 101b.

The Secretary reported twenty-three singers had registered, all from the UK, and fifty-seven songs had been led by sixteen leaders. A collection was taken for the High Sheriff of East Sussex’s Charity.

Rachel Jordan thanked all who had helped in any way to make this singing possible, especially Miles Jenner, High Sheriff of East Sussex and Head Brewer of Harvey’s Brewery who had offered his splendid premises at very short notice. She led 347 as the closing song. Milly Murphy offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Rachel Jordan; Vice Chairman—Nick Hall; Secretary—Nick Hall