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My story

 

HYMNATHON COMPLETED!

 At 4.55 pm on Friday 22 June, I sat down at the organ of St Stephen’s Sparsholt to play the first verse of the first hymn in “Hymns Old and New”.

26¾ hours later, about sixty of us gathered for an emotional rendition of “I vow to my country” and then the 571st and final hymn in the book – very appropriately this was “You shall go out with joy”.

I would like to thank everyone who supported this event, including all those who gave up their precious time to come and sing, particularly those who came from a distance and also those who were there through long hours offering singing support and good cheer.  Thanks to all those who have donated so generously – the result speaks for itself - and also to all those who helped so kindly with the publicity.  I must thank my family and particularly my wife Chrissie, who has been a constant source of loving support, as well as helping with the publicity.  Finally there are many others, too numerous to name, who have made a contribution of one kind or another to this great event.  You know who you are - thank you!

For the record, I survived on one helping of shepherd’s pie (not quite timed to coincide with Crimond!), one banana, one slice of Marmite toast and a delicious plate of kedgeree (all provided by my wife) plus chocolate, wine, Talisker and coffee (kindly provided by others).  I would also not have survived without some very kind medical intervention! 

In response to individual sponsors' requests, I did sing one verse contralto; we included "When a knight won his spurs" and "I vow to thee my country"; and I wore my Southampton shirt to play "For all the saints".

There were several highlights, but I particularly remember being encouraged by the presence of so many fellow-residents, friends, colleagues and former colleagues: the rousing rendition of “Oh, Oh, Oh, how good is the Lord”; the helter-skelter dash for the finish; and the magical sound of the bells pealing to mark the completion of the task. 

Many, many thanks to everyone.  I enjoyed every moment. 

If by any mischance you are visiting this site without having contributed, please feel free to rectify this! 

You can find out more about the Church at www.hants.gov.uk/pew-news/benefice/ststephen.htm

 

Well done,Richard Donation by Michael Rice 30/07/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Sorry it's late Richard and that I couldn't be there on the night. Many congrats on your achievemen Donation by Hugh and Beanie Devas 27/07/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

congratulations to richard morse on an astonishing feat Donation by sandy mitchell 18/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well Done. Donation by John Taylor Firth 16/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Sarah Le May 16/07/07  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

what an inspiration! Donation by Anonymous 13/07/07  

£400.00 + £112.82 Gift Aid

Very well done! Sorry for late donation. Donation by Charles & Louise Rogers 12/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done Richard Donation by Modwenna Rees-Mogg 06/07/07  

£20.00

very well done Donation by Jo Valentine 06/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

What an amazing result - well done! Donation by Martin Knight 04/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Charles Graham 04/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done!! Donation by Andrew L 28/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

We all arrived at 10am on Sunday morning to find that only three, random hymns were on offer! Donation by Andy Morse 27/06/07  

£57.10 + £16.11 Gift Aid

Donation by anonymous 27/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Sorry we missed this event. Hope the bottom is not too sore! Donation by Sam (and family!) 26/06/07  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

Well done ! Donation by Peter Mills 26/06/07  

£100.00

Many congratulations Richard Donation by Peter Baldwin 26/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by nicholas Mills 25/06/07  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

Donation by Naomi Russell 25/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation by david wyles 25/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Mark thought of you on his 50mile duatholon. Sorry not to see final 4 hymns.Brilliant !Xlilla & Mark Donation by ELIZABETH Alexander 25/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by anonymous 24/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Barbara Brian & Patrick 24/06/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

'twas a job exceedingly well done!! Donation by Anne and Edward Gledhill 24/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

An inspiring achievement. This one's for Blaenwern! Donation by Tricia Hodder 24/06/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Congratulations Richard - hope you found some of it as fun as we did! Donation by Caroline Hayes 23/06/07  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

Donation by Mr. Robert Bottone 23/06/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done, Richard. Now for the long sleep!! Donation by Anonymous 23/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done, Richard. Donation by Sally Wesley 23/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

We're proud of you - best of luck. Donation by gavin & heck 22/06/07  

£285.00 + £80.38 Gift Aid
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