Diana Sinclair

The much anticipated Song Writers Retreat was held at the luxurious De Vere Hotel in Daresbury Park, near Warrington, a 30 minute drive from Manchester. From interested supporters to experienced song writers, attendees came from as far as Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Bradford, Fazeley, Northampton, Sheffield, Stafford, Manchester and Wolverhampton. The weekend began with a group song writing session led out by Diana Sinclair on Friday evening. The group selected the theme of Hope and Trust to begin their discussion and working together produced a song called God is Always in Control.

The song Writer’s retreat focussed on topics ranging from song writing, inspiration, various methods of working, aspects of writing poetry, structure, form, writing for a specific group or community, writing to a set theme, music arranging, working with your accompanist(s) and sound engineer, and producing a finished product. There was much time for reflection and lively discussion regarding the philosophy of song writing. Other issues raised during the sessions included – should Christians only write songs about Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit?, dealing with emotions, who should evaluate your song and must your song be shared, or is it ok just to write songs for one’s own benefit?

The Tuckley Twins, Linda and Arlene, delivered a Sabbath morning presentation on the theme of Inspiration which was very well received. They later shared that they have songs accepted for publication in the expected NAD Youth hymn book. Time was spent completing individual and group assignments throughout the weekend. Presentations were short leaving plenty of time for discussion and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. Each of the three open mic sessions yielded something new, from poetry, spontaneous applause to exclamation when surprising skills were revealed. 'I didn’t know he could play the guitar!’ ‘She has a really lovely voice!’ ‘That song really did speak to me.’ Christine Burt, Simon Douglas, Chantell Hayes, Bryan Quarrie, Carina Stewart, Zena Taylor, are just some of our well known song writers and musicians who worked together over the weekend. Other visitors included Carlance Parnell and Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi who closed the occasion with words of encouragement and a reminder that our partner is God and we can accomplish anything in cooperation with Him.

Songs were written over the weekend for baptism, children’s story time and communion, and will shortly be available through the NEC music website. Our discussions included the possibility of a book and recording of original songs with a message for people today. If you would like to be part of this project, please contact Diana Sinclair. In addition to song writers and musicians, we are recruiting people able to notate, arrange and record. As several song writers were unable to attend this event, another open mic sharing session will be arranged within the West Midlands at a date to be announced.