Michael then spoke of the significance of the location of the singing: The first all-day Sacred Harp singing in central London is in Rotherhithe, the home port of the Mayflower, with its links to the Pilgrims’ emigration to America. He spoke of one Puritan family and stressed the historical, cultural, religious, personal and familial links between the two countries.

Sheila Girling Macadam gave an excellent lecture on the British roots of Sacred Harp music, beginning with the psalms sung by the Puritans of 17th century New England. The class then sang 'Old 100th' as lined out by Dave Townsend.

Sheila Macadam continued her lecture on the links between Britain and the Sacred Harp, leading the class on 273 and 300 to demonstrate the close musical connections between 18th century British religious music and the New England school. Rachel Jordan led 49t.

Steve Fletcher then led the class on 34b and gave a talk on the history of Sacred Harp and other shape note singing in the UK. She then led 31b. Leaders: Edwin Macadam 287, 84; Bernard Collard 28b, 362; Ken Baddley 159, 350; Jacqui Selby-Macleod 163b, 448b; Mick Verrier 107, Mick and Emily Verrier 146

Lunch recess

Nick Hall called the class to order leading 63 and 503. Leaders: Dave Richardson 82t, 473; Whitney Chapman 29t, 457; Steven Biggs 178, 276; Dave Townsend 250; Linda Reid 99, 433; Michael Walker 378t; Sheila Girling Macadam 268; Rachel Jordan 474, 501; Steve Fletcher 448t; Emily Verrier 299, Edwin Macadam 183; Bernard Collard 454; Ken Baddley 481; Jacqui Selby-Macleod 122; Mick Verrier 209

The memorial lesson was conducted by Bernard Collard, who spoke of the power of prayer to touch the lives of those who had experienced the loss of a loved one. He then asked those present to remember the following: Amanda Denson-Brady – Georgia; Loy Garrison (Georgia); Reby Stanford (Georgia); Corene Laminack (Alabama); W.G. McGough (Alabama); Delores Beasley (Alabama); Virginia Stuart (Tennessee); Jeanette Lowry (Missouri); Edith Tate (Alabama); Homer Benefield (Georgia); Gladys McGraw (Georgia); Minja Lausevic (Massachusetts); Cicely Mary Smith-Bird; Ursula Vaughan-Williiams; Michael Markwell; Varsha Lighthill; Carol Gardiner (London); Christopher Walker; Michael Bickell; Mr Watson of Manningtree School; Helene La Rue (Oxford). Michael Walker led 77t in their memory.

Ken Baddley then held the sick and housebound lesson, and spoke of how we are mindful of the lives of those who are not physically present and of how they are nevertheless present to us in our hearts. Ken then led 27 for Helen Bushell, Mandy Townsend, Mel Browne, Gladys Buchanan – Cheam village; Karen Crook – Exeter; Pete Croot; Andy Lamb – Eynsham, Oxford.

Recess

Leaders: Steven Biggs called the class to order leading 45t; Nick Hall 497; Whitney Chapman 335; Dave Townsend 85; Linda Reid 515; Michael Walker 30b; Sheila Macadam 186; Rachel Jordan 269; Steve Fletcher 148; Edwin Macadam 236; Jacqui Selby-Macleod 143; Mick Verrier 142; Dave Townsend 155. Thanks were extended to all those who made this singing day possible.

Announcements were made of upcoming singings. Sheila Macadam, Steve Fletcher and Michael Walker led 56t as the benediction.

Chairman -- Michael Walker
Arranging Committee -- Sheila Macadam
Secretaries -- Jacqui Selby-Macleod and Nick Hall