The Jenkins' Family Leave for Seattle

Parish Magazine 1999

Sunday 30 May [1999] was quite a day in the life of All Saints' Choir. There was choral singing at every service, beautiful music sung to the Glory of God and a farewell memory for Huw Jenkins to treasure for the rest of his life. The group of 'old faithfuls' was enhanced by the return of many past choristers, some of whom are now musicians in their own right, all remembering the 'never come again days' with the choir.

As the self-styled Granny of the choir, I recall the Cathedral week (1988) at Chichester and meeting this young, quiet gentleman, introduced by Janet Low. Then in September he joined us as the Deputy Director of Music and impressed us all with his superb organ playing. We all went to Worcester in 1989 and after Peterborough (1990), Huw became our Director, following Janet's resignation.

It is tempting to measure Huw's time with us in Cathedral Visits but we are a Parish Church choir singing praises week after week in our beloved All Saints'. Huw's utter, total dedication and commitment was with us throughout the years. All the services were planned and thought out, with lists pinned up on our kitchen walls with where, when and what to sing. And all those wonderful festive occasions - Christmas, Easter and weddings; all those more solemn times - Good Friday, Remembrance Day and funerals. Only a few people know that Huw also gave personal time to young choristers aspiring to earn their 'ribbons' as Bishop's Choristers through the RSCM, giving coaching in his own home.

And now he has left us to go, as Clive said in his lovely prayer, half the world away. All Saints' Choir feels bereaved and kind of lonely as it faces a new future, but the music will go on and we know how deep and caring is the support surrounding us. We place our trust in God and know that hearts and hands and voices given in His praise, in this place, will never cease. "He who sings prays twice."

We give Huw, Sue, Harry and Naomi into God's keeping and wish them all luck, joy and happiness, now and for all time. With hearts full of love for them there are no better words than those of our two star quality trebles - just simply - "Thank you for the music".

Esmé [Few]