One million days

The Bishop of Huntingdon was in Ely Cathedral on Sunday, 13th June 2010 to present awards to long-serving musicians from parishes in the Diocese of Ely. On a day designated by the Royal School of Church Music to be “Music Sunday”, it was fitting that local musicians were honoured in this manner during a service of Choral Evensong, sung by the boys and men of Ely Cathedral Choir.

In total, 90 nominations for Long Service Awards for Music were received. All the nominees had served for a minimum of 25 years as musicians in no more than two different parishes in the Diocese and most had contributed over many more years. Their combined years of service totalled some 3,500 or, as the Bishop pointed out, around 1.27m days.

Each award winner received a Certificate of Long Service, designed especially for the occasion and those serving 50 or more years additionally received engraved medallions. There were also special, written messages of congratulations for each nominee from John Rutter (distinguished Cambridge church musician and composer) and Lindsay Gray (Director of the Royal School of Church Music). Having made the presentations, the Bishop thanked all those present for their faithfulness in the gift of their talents, their time and their teamwork in the service of God.

Many of the recipients spoke of their surprise and joy that their hard work had been recognised in this way. Among those being honoured were Molly Crouch (Abbots Ripton: St Andrew) and Ken Negus (Godmanchester: St Mary the Virgin) who had both given over 70 years to music, Molly as an organist and Ken as a singer. Close on their heels was Mervyn Ling (Chesterton: St Andrew) who completes 69 years of service in 2010.

Commenting on the occasion Jan Payne, Hon Bishop’s Adviser for Music in the Diocese said, “This was a most enjoyable and rewarding occasion. It is right and proper that such extraordinary service should not go unrecognised. We owe much to these loyal and dedicated musicians who have enhanced the worship in their churches over many years.”

View photographs from the event. With thanks to David Neate for all these photos.