Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 22nd annual Gwehelog Sacred Harp Singing was held on Saturday before the third Sunday in July. The class was called to order by Joyce Smith leading 276. Lilith Wozniak gave the morning prayer.

Leaders: Barry Parsons 30t; Chloë Somers 29t; Al Williams 51; Sonia Nayer 440; Lilith Wozniak 86; Samuel Turner 73t; Claire Welford 318; Ian West 315; Derek Buckland 162; Hayden Arp 331; Josh Lant 548; Rowan Simms 283; Paul Zaba 504; Teresa Maguire 67; Edwin Macadam 150; Jo-anne Carlyle 68b; Werner Ullah 50b.

RECESS

Rowan Simms called the class back to order leading 72b. Leaders: Sheila Girling Macadam 173; Christian Zaba and Paul Zaba 547; Steve Fletcher 372; Michael Walker 82t; Edwin Macadam 352.

Steve Brett gave the sick and housebound lesson and began with special mention of Chris Brown and Judy Whiting, who ran and supported this singing for many years, but were both unable to attend this year. Steve spoke on the importance of caregivers during sickness: from the simple care of reaching out to full time carers. Steve read the following names: Chris Brown, Judy Whiting, Bridget McVennon-Morgan, Peter Polish, and Cath Tyler. Steve Brett led 402 for the sick and housebound.

Barry Parsons delivered the memorial lesson on the intersections of grief and hope and how we approach both through song. He spoke of Max Porter’s ‘Grief is the Thing with Feathers’ and read from “HOPE” by Emily Dickinson. Barry read the following names: Dawn Jeffery, Ellen Dent, Lala Hancock, and Alan Gunthorpe—London; Louise Wilson—Battle; Keith Scott—Topsham; Emily Webster—Cambridge; Uschi Nolte and Eva Striebeck—Germany; Dan Brittain—Arkansas, USA; Dan Burk and Jeff Begley—California, USA; Richard Mauldin and Henry Guthery—Alabama, USA; Chloe Webb—Texas, USA; Heather Wood—New York, USA. Barry Parsons led 285t for the deceased. Ellen Southern gave the memorial prayer, speaking of fellowship, speaking from 1 John and of true love shown through action.

Leaders: Ian West 111b; Jo-anne Carlyle 122; Chloë Somers 117; Claire Welford 428. Grace was delivered by Chris Coombs.

LUNCH

Al Williams called the class back to order leading 445. Leaders: Oisin Kidson-Ireland 298; Derek Buckland 101b (in memory of Uschi Nolte); Paul Zaba 245; Sonia Nayer 102; Chris Coombs 430; Hayden Arp 434; Sheila Girling Macadam 534; Josh Lant 212; Teresa Maguire 500; Chloë Somers 38b; Joyce Smith 491; Michael Walker 506; Steve Brett 530; Lilith Wozniak 451.

RECESS

Samuel Turner called the class back to order by leading 387. Leaders: Barry Parsons 336; Werner Ullah 457; Steve Fletcher 344; Hayden Arp 149; Claire Welford 163t; Lilith Wozniak 106; Rowan Simms 323t; Edwin Macadam 183; Chris Coombs 475; Ian West 501; Jo-anne Carlyle 49b; Al Williams 480; Derek Buckland 123b; Paul Zaba 362; Michael Walker 436 (for an anonymous dedicatee).

Thanks were given to the officers and committee members, keyers, refreshments, and food organisers. Treasurer Chloë Somers reported that expenses had been very accurately met. The Secretary’s Report was given by Meg Winter: thirty-four registered singers, twenty-four leaders from four countries (UK, Ireland, USA and Germany) led sixty-two songs. Announcements were made.

Joyce Smith led 129 as the closing song. Chloë Somers offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairperson—Joyce Smith; Secretaries—Joyce Smith and Meg Winter