HORNBY CHURCH MUSIC REPORT 2020

The choir has continued to lead the music element of our worship Sunday by Sunday at St Margaret’s during the past year. Our numbers tend to fluctuate but we manage, on average, 10-11 choristers each week. During the year one of our members, Ann Shaw, moved away but we were pleased to welcome David Rawsthorn who sings with us whenever he is able. We were delighted that one of our members, Kathy Paice, was married to Murray Cuthbert in January of this year. Many congratulations to them.

Our Junior Choir continue to be with us on the second Sunday of each month. We have four regular choristers, one of whom has joined us in the last year. These choristers are enthusiastic and contribute greatly to our worship. The three eldest have been with us for over four years. At their request we have now put in place a continuation of the Royal School of Church Music Award system. Three of the girls completed the first stage of this with Tony and were very keen to continue. We have obtained the relevant work books for them and this work will go forward on the second Sunday of each month. We thank Kathy Cuthbert who works with the children on a monthly basis, developing their lesson reading skills and practising the children’s musical contribution to the service. Kathy, Sally and Janet will help the girls with their RSCM work.

In Holy Week last year some of our members participated in the musical (and acting) elements of the Hornby Passion Play written by David Battersby. The choir also enjoyed singing the seasonal music for Maundy Thursday and Easter Day.

Once again we gathered together an augmented choir for our carol service. It is always a pleasure to welcome our augmentees from St Mary’s and the wider village community. We thank Janet who conducted the choir and Peter who played the organ. The event was enjoyed by all.

After Christmas it was a privilege to sing at the funeral of Dorothy Jarvis, a lady who loved singing and who herself was a lifelong supporter of St Margaret’s Choir. It was a lovely service and we raised the roof singing some very well known hymns.

We are indebted to our organist, Peter, who juggles his organ commitments in the Lune Valley on a weekly basis. Our now fully restored organ sounds very good on a Sunday morning. We are also indebted to Kathy who takes her place at the piano when Peter is unable to be with us.

In this coming year we hope to continue the choral tradition that has been built up at St Margaret’s, making music on a Sunday and also to mark special occasions. In conclusion, thanks are due to all those who contribute to and support our musical life.

Sally Ewens

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