people
Here we feature people who are or were involved in ArtServe (or MCMS before it), including obituaries. Should we publish (for members only) a complete list of ArtServe members - perhaps including each member's home town/area? Let us know what you think - email the webmaster.
The Revd Bryan Spinney was foremost a true minister of the word and sacraments of the church and a real pastor to those in need. However he was also very interested in all aspects of church music and although not himself a singer or musician of any note he was a great encourager of anyone who felt called to a Ministry of Music.
Bryan was thrilled to be elected as a member of the executive committee of the Methodist Church Music Society in the 1970s, a body that he loyally served for many years. He was soon appointed as the editor of the MCMS Bulletin (subsequently called Notes) the contents of which soon reflected his imaginative leadership.
Graham was a Methodist minister in local appointment, serving in two circuits from his home base in Shrivenham. He was also part of the chaplaincy team at the Defence Academy in nearby Swindon. Along with his wife Stella, Graham was MCMS conference co-ordinator before becoming chair. He did both jobs with sincerity and great pastoral insight, looking to the needs of individuals as they were well known to him. He then became the first chair of ArtServe, stepping down at the 2010 AGM.
At the time of her death on 20 June 2011, aged 97 years, Freda Head was among the oldest living contributors to Hymns and Psalms. Two of her hymns are in that book: Lord, hear our prayer for this new year (day) (357), and Your will for us and others, Lord (398). Her membership of the main committee for the publication of that hymn book arose from a great interest in hymns.