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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

 

good luck with this worthy cause Donation by M & P Johnn 22/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Some run a marathon or do the 3 peaks race. Some even climb Kilimanjaro. RSM does a hymnathon.... Donation by Simon Acland 22/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

A wonderful idea - I hope the organ blower is powered by electricity and not any of the congregation Donation by Andrew 22/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

If anything can get rid of the beetles it will be Richard playing the organ for 27 hrs! £10 a verse. Donation by Isabel Turner 21/06/07  

£233.00 + £65.72 Gift Aid

GREAT EFFORT MORSIE DEAR BEST OF LUCK Donation by The James' 21/06/07  

£50.00

Good luck, Richard. Catch up soon. Donation by Richard Simon-Lewis 21/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Where can I buy the CD? Donation by John 21/06/07  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Anonymous 21/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck! Donation by Simon and Fiona Mortimore 21/06/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

194 - "Hallelejah, my Father". Good Luck Dad! X x Donation by Elle morse 20/06/07  

£19.40

May the force be with you! Donation by Alan, Denise & Charly 20/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation by anonymous 20/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Great idea Donation by Mike de Giorgio 20/06/07  

£300.00 + £84.62 Gift Aid

rather you than me Donation by Robin and Julia 20/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Excellent idea. All the very best Donation by Geoff Cox 20/06/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Will be with you in spirit though not in voice Donation by Susanna 19/06/07  

£54.00 + £15.23 Gift Aid

Impressive, original and v. charitable challenge - best of luck, success and fun Donation by Anonymous 19/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by A Bayliss 19/06/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Richard Abell 19/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Michael and Marylyn Martin 18/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation by Rachel Pleming 18/06/07  

£60.00 + £16.92 Gift Aid

Brilliant idea! Donation by Patrick Maclure 18/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Bob Meier 14/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck. Will there be a CD boxed set ? Donation by Anonymous 14/06/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation by Fred Montague 13/06/07  

£100.00

Good luck Donation by Anonymous 13/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Sarita Bichard 13/06/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Simon Robertson 13/06/07  

£500.00 + £141.03 Gift Aid

you really are mad but good luck! Donation by anonymous 13/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by anonymous 12/06/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
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