John Shield, former deputy organist at Worsbrough, St Mary's, died at his home in Barnsley on 9 March 2015, aged 84.
John dedicated many years of service to St Mary's. Born in Birdwell, Barnsley, in 1931, John became involved in Church life from an early age, serving as a chorister at Worsbrough, St Mary's, during World War II and, notably, as head boy singing on Decani. He later began organ lessons with Percy Haigh, the then choirmaster at St Mary's, and subsequently took on the role of deputy organist to both Percy Haigh and later Michael Stratford.
In Memoriam
John Shield - 2nd January 1931 - 9 March 2015
Three Haigh Stratford scholars received their “Voice for Life “
Awards on Sunday 13th September 2015.
As part of the Crossroads Mission the bishops from the northern province came to our diocese for three days to join our deaneries.
The Right Revd Paul Ferguson, Bishop of Whitby, joined our congregation to celebrate sung Eucharist and presented the Royal School of Church Music Awards to St Mary’s Junior Choristers.
Special guest presents Royal School of Church Music Awards
John also played the organ at St Peter's, Hoyland, whilst continuing to deputise at St Mary's. Andrew Noble was appointed as organist and choirmaster in 1987 and John continued to deputise for him at St Mary's until his retirement in 2014.
John is survived by his wife, Jean, and stepsons, Marcus and Guy.
John also played the organ at St Peter's, Hoyland, whilst continuing to deputise at St Mary's. Andrew Noble was appointed as organist and choirmaster in 1987 and John continued to deputise for him at St Mary's until his retirement in 2014.
John is survived by his wife, Jean, and stepsons, Marcus and Guy.
Ruby Lister (left), Martha Hayward (centre) and Takarra Preston (right)
Martha Hayward, a soprano who sings with St Mary’s Choir, gave a concert on Saturday 10th September 2016 in St Mary’s Church in aid of church funds. Martha also invited two of her singing pupils, Ruby Lister and Takarra Preston, to take part in the concert.
Andrew Noble’s sensitive piano accompaniment beautifully underpinned Martha’s glorious voice. The audience of some 200 people much appreciated and warmly applauded a varied programme of music including:
O mio babbino caro – Puccini
Rejoice greatly – Handel
I know that my redeemer liveth – Handel
Alleluia – Mozart
Sung by Takarra Preston –
A dream is a wish – Hoffman (from Cinderella)
Sung by Ruby Lister –
Where is love – Bart (from Oliver)
Pack up your troubles – Powell
The boy I love – Ware
A Nightingale Sang – Sherwin
Silent Noon – R.V.Williams
Maa bonny lad – arr. Moore
Summertime – Gershwin
La diva de l'empire – Satie
The concert was rounded off with a delicious afternoon tea provided by Shelagh Hayward.
About Martha Hayward
Martha, who qualified as M Mus at Leeds College of Music, currently teaches a variety of music from classical to musical theatre, all over Yorkshire. She sings on a regular basis with Bradford Cathedral Consort and the innovative vocal ensemble, Albion.
Locally she teaches two full singing classes and two junior school choirs. Upcoming local events include a cabaret fundraising evening for the hospice at the Civic Hall, Barnsley (organised by Santander), on 29th September 2016. She will also be guest soloist at an evening of Rutter with Cawthorne Choral Society on 8th April 2017 and a ‘Songs and Scones’ concert at All Saints, Darfield, on 6th May 2017. For more information about Martha, please visit her website: www.marthahayward.co.uk
About Takarra Preston and Ruby Lister
Although only just having started singing lessons, Takarra is a budding talent who has already sung with Opera North!
Ruby, who was a finalist in this year’s ‘Barnsley’s Got Talent’ competition, has just received an award from the London College of Music for an outstanding result in her Grade II Musical Theatre exam.
Martha Hayward (M Mus) in Concert
Alison and Andy's wedding
Saturday 18th October 2014
The Choir was invited to sing at the wedding of Alison Lamb and Andy Earl on 18th October 2014.
To quote the happy couple: "The Choir did us proud and it will be a day we shall never forget"
