THE EAST GRINSTEAD SOCIETY

We are delighted to welcome Sussex Harmony (www.sussexharmony.org.uk) a Lewes based “quire” of keen amateur singers and instrumentalists to our next meeting. Founded in 1992 to research and perform the music of the English country churches and independent chapels from the 18th& 19th centuries, their repertoire also includes secular items and Shape Note singing – the American derivative of this so-called West Gallery music.

Singers and “musicianers” sat in the gallery at the west end of the church to lead the music and also played for the village dances and festivals. So, it’s not surprising that this music is often vibrant and
lively. Sussex Harmony would love you to join them in some numbers. Sussex is fortunate in having a rich store of this music, thanks in part to Canon Kenneth MacDermott, who lived in East Grinstead for the later part of his life. Around 1920 he wrote to all the parishes in the diocese of Chichester asking for details of this music which was in the process of dying out as the “reforming” Victorians decided to sanitise the church music and throw out the village bands.

Sussex Harmony will take us through a Sussex year with anthems, hymns, psalms, traditional songs and funeral hymns. An opportunity not to be missed!!

Members attending are free; there is a small charge of £5 for non-members
Those joining the Society will have the £5.00 fee waived!
Coffee and biscuits provided!