Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 18th annual session of the Tyneside Shape Note Singers met at St Francis Church Hall, Cleveland Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne on the first Saturday in June. The class was called to order by Helen Barber, who welcomed the class and led 147t. Andrew Clark offered the opening prayer.

The following officers were appointed to serve: Chairman—Helen Barber; Secretary/Arranging—Lin James; Treasurer—Phil Tyler.

Leaders: Phil Tyler 56t; Claire Welford 171; Benny Ross 37b; Joel Wallenberg and Peter Bourne 35; Tim McElwaine 107; Tamara Wallace 31t; Cath Saunt 276; Chris Coombs 314; Jan Geerts 111t; Ruth Holman 63; Calum Parker 480; Naomi Russell 452; Andrew Clark 448t; Sula O’Duffy 300.

RECESS

Karen Turner led 445 to bring the class together. Leaders: Margaret Bradshaw 105; Joan Gordon 47t; Oisin Kisdon-Ireland 472; Claire Welford 362; Tim McElwaine 457; Ed Johnson-Williams 47b; Cath Saunt 217; Chris Coombs 142; Jan Geerts 110; Phil Tyler 209; Ruth Holman 208; Calum Parker 383; Naomi Russell 74b; Sula O’Duffy 496; Karen Turner 556; Margaret Bradshaw 212; Joan Gordon Edinburgh 84.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Benny Ross and Joel Wallenberg. Benny read the following list of names of the sick and shut-ins: Debbie Davidson, Erin Johnson-Williams, Jan Saunt, and Deborah Saunt. He led 68b.

Joel Wallenberg conducted the memorial lesson and led 66 in memory of Derek Paton-Williams; Allen Freiesleben—Dorset; Alison Etter—Canada; Eve Turner—Newcastle upon Tyne. Helen Barber led 473 to close the session. Andrew Clark gave thanks for the mid day meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session began with Phil Tyler leading 299. Leaders: Mark Wardlaw 250; Andrew Clark 535; Tim McElwaine 117; Cath Saunt 29t; Ed Johnson-Williams 539; Chris Coombs 430; Jan Geerts 198; Claire Welford 500; Ruth Holman 58; Calum Parker 270; Naomi Russell 56b; Karen Turner 474; Ed Johnson-Williams 278t; Joan Gordon with Lucy Whalley 178; Helen Barber 236.

RECESS

Mark Wardlaw led 27 to bring the class together. Leaders: Claire Welford 501; Oisin Kisdon-Ireland 189; Margaret Bradshaw 475; Joel Wallenberg 572; Benny Ross 340; Phil Tyler 69b; Andrew Clark 99; Tim McElwaine 163b; Chris Coombs 103; Jan Geerts 531; Ruth Holman 352; Calum Parker 542; Naomi Russell 503; Sula O’Duffy 274t; Karen Turner 448b; Oisin Kisdon-Ireland 426t; Joan Gordon 146; Helen Barber 547. Announcements were made. Lin James, secretary, reported that with twenty-one leaders seventy-two songs had been led. Helen Barber as the Chair thanked the pitchers (Claire Welford, Jan Geerts, Phil Tyler and Mark Wardlaw) and all present for making this a wonderful day of song. The class was dismissed by Andrew Clark, who led 347 and offered a prayer.

Chairperson—Helen Barber; Secretary—Lin James