Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 01:51 PM

Agreed- it's a lovely photo!

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 01:36 PM

Thanks Maeve - it's still worth clicking on the link for Angus's lovely photo of Sarah and her choir!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 12:28 PM

Lovely. Thanks for posting.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 09:22 AM

Here is the text from Herga Kitty's link a couple of posts back- well worth including it here:

Sarah Morgan obituary       Su Jordan
    The Guardian, Thursday 19 December 2013 09.52 EST        

"Sarah Morgan, who has died from cancer aged 65, was a linchpin of the English traditional folk scene. What had begun as a musical interest led her through a capella harmony singing with Mary Eagle, Bread & Roses and Hen Party, to the trio Craig, Morgan, Robson.

She performed regularly, led harmony workshops at folk festivals including Chippenham and Whitby, and founded community choirs in Winchester and Andover with English folk music at the heart of their repertoires – including many of her own arrangements. Recently, she ran conferences on community choirs at Winchester University and at the folk arts centre Cecil Sharp House in London. Her hobby became her profession.

Born in Epsom, Surrey, into an RAF family, Sarah inherited her father Philip Groom's love of music and wicked sense of humour, and her mother Lynette's love of nature. She performed in musicals at her church youth group as a teenager, and a boyfriend encouraged her in solo singing.

After A-levels, Sarah spent time teaching in working-class schools in Liverpool, and this started a journey on which she would find fulfilment through enabling development in others.

In Brighton in the 1960s, while training as a teacher, she married Don Morgan, helping bring up his young children and becoming immersed in the vibrant folk scene. Over the next 25 years, she went from horse-riding instruction to youth training to management training (latterly for Ofcom).

Sarah completed an English degree as a mature student at Reading University. Wanting to continue her education beyond this, in the last weeks of her life she finished her doctoral submission (her PhD was awarded posthumously by Winchester University). Her thesis, Community Choirs - A Musical Transformation: A Review of My Work in Management, Music, Choir Leadership and Folk Song, will be published as an ebook; a Sarah Morgan Foundation is being created to continue her work.

In 1992, she married Steve Jordan, gaining another stepchild – me. In 1995, they moved from Winchester to the small Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne, where Sarah lived and maintained her beautiful cottage and garden until her death. Sarah was an affectionate, generous, highly intelligent woman with a successful career and a busy, full life; an inspirational role model.

Sarah and Steve divorced four years ago. She is survived by another stepdaughter, Angela, me and my daughter Clio - her beloved new grandchild."

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 09:03 AM

I remember once hearing a delightful account of how an unsuspecting group of carol singers knocked at Sarah's door, and were treated to a much better performance of their carol, from the occupants of the house.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:25 AM

Thanks so much for posting this, Kitty! I think this part bears repeating:

In the last weeks of her life she finished her doctoral submission (her PhD was awarded posthumously by Winchester University). Her thesis, "Community Choirs - A Musical Transformation: A Review of My Work in Management, Music, Choir Leadership and Folk Song", will be published as an ebook; a Sarah Morgan Foundation is being created to continue her work.


Sarah, Ralphie, now Pete Seeger… can't see for the tears...

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 08:20 AM

Kitty.... increasingly, the Guardian is putting obits (especially Other Lives) on the website in advance of print publication, and some do not get print published as well. ... Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 07:53 AM

I just happened to spot, in the Guardian last Wednesday (and unexpected, because so belatedly published) this affectionate tribute from Suse. I'm not clear why it only appeared in hard print this month when the date online is 19 December.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Mike
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 04:30 PM

This is the first time I have tuned in to Mudcat for long time.
So late it may be to make a comment, but...........
I consider myself fortunate to have met Sarah and enjoyed her music.
From the days she visited llandeilo club and the times I met her with Moira and Carolyn ..............Mike

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Carolyn Wacher
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 08:25 AM

CMR came to Aberystwyth in early July this year, gave a fantastic workshop followed by a concert in the evening, in which our choir, Heartsong was the warm-up act.

I and another member, Peter had sung with CMR previously at Whitby and other places, but the rest of the choir were overwhelmed by their wonderful harmonies, so many of them written by Sarah. We had no inkling of Sarah's illness, and her death was such a shock.

We were so lucky to have had the experience of working with Sarah, Carolyn and Moira. I've just watched the Viva performance and will send it round to other members of the choir.

Thank you Sarah, Carolyn and Moira for all your magnificent work and our condolences for the loss of such a good friend and colleague.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Simon Furey
Date: 12 Oct 13 - 12:28 PM

Thanks, Maeve. I'll try that.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: maeve
Date: 12 Oct 13 - 07:46 AM

Her singing partners, Caroline and Moira, will certainly be the ones to consult. Their contact information is on the website. It may take some time for orders to be filled- I'm guessing- but no harm in inquiring.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 13 - 06:57 AM

Thanks Maeve, but sadly the CMR website contains only links to Sarah for her books. That's my point.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: maeve
Date: 12 Oct 13 - 06:45 AM

Simon Furey and others- Plenty of inspiration in the form of books and cds right here:
http://www.cmr-harmony.org.uk/.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: nutty
Date: 12 Oct 13 - 05:19 AM

Thanks so much for the Video link Tim - it was amazing to watch and such a testiment to Sarah's genius. I was in tears at the end as well.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Simon Furey
Date: 12 Oct 13 - 04:12 AM

Does anybody know if and how Sarah's song books are still available to buy? They were available from her personally, but of course not now. I have friends and family across the world who want them having seen the video.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: RTim
Date: 11 Oct 13 - 07:06 PM

Here is the link to the Viva Presentation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgxRwHIfQ14&feature=youtu.be

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Howard Kaplan
Date: 11 Oct 13 - 03:29 PM

What viva concert video? Is it on-line?

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Simon Furey
Date: 11 Oct 13 - 10:18 AM

How very understanding of the university to grant Sarah her (well-deserved) doctorate, and how sad that she never lived to receive it. It's a fitting tribute to a smashing and gifted person whom I had been privileged to know since 1971. I love the viva concert video as well.
Keep you in peace, Sarah.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 08:04 PM

And from me too. I have sung several of CMR's songs (often Sarah's arrangements) since first hearing that she was ill. "Crossing the Bar" at Penicuik last night, which was where I first met/heard CMR around 2007.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,surreysinger sans cookie
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 07:15 PM

Justly deserved and very fitting . I have to admit to having had damp eyes when I read the news - but no surprise.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 01:12 PM

Congratulations to Moira, Carolyn and Mary. And, of course, to the Good Doctor, who I didn't know but anyone who is awarded a Doctorate impresses me a LOT. RIP, Doctor.

Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 09:57 AM

Excellent news, but also so sad..
Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: maeve
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 09:03 AM

Wet eyes here. Well done, Sarah, family, and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 08:48 AM

HOw wonderful -Sarah would have been so proud.

Subject: Dr. Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,flyingcat(moira)
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 08:41 AM

Message via Chrissie Ferngrove.

"I am very proud to announce that Sarah has just been awarded the Professional Doctorate by Contribution to Public Work at the University of Winchester. The examiners were extremely impressed with her submission and were very happy to make the posthumous award. Congratulations Sarah, we are all very proud of your work and what a wonderful legacy to leave to all of us. You are greatly missed and an inspiration to everyone xx"

Absolutely brilliant, I never doubted it for a moment. The Viva was a wonderful representation of what she achieved. well done to everyone involved
Moira
Yaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: maeve
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 07:38 AM

Moira-
Sarah's gifts and grace are well matched by those of her close friends. Thank you all for your efforts in her honor.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,flyingcat(moira)
Date: 09 Oct 13 - 07:15 AM

The viva for sarah's doctorate took place last night. the University agreed for it to go ahead without her. Carolyn conducted Wnchester choir, 2 members who were on the Choir leaders course led and taught two pieces of new and work in process pieces and Carolyn, mary eagle and myself sang three songs that Sarah had either written or created the harmonies for. It was a brilliant night and the examiners were visably moved.
We hope for her to become Dr Sarah Morgan and be formally recognised for her work in folk music and community choirs.

Moira

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 08 Oct 13 - 08:14 AM

A glass (Or Several) was raised for Sarah in Portland Maine last Wednesday ~

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Dave/MaryGoulder
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 08:56 AM

Taking a long time to get used to this sad news. A one-off special, Sarah will be missed by so many in so many different ways. The memories are still flooding back after such a long friendship. Sincere condolences to all who were close to Sarah.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Sue Rule
Date: 02 Oct 13 - 03:57 AM

Only just heard this sad, sad news. I did not know Sarah well, but she was one of the people who shaped my folk journey. To lose her so soon is tragic. Deepest sympathies to those close to her.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 01 Oct 13 - 10:25 PM

It would be good to know the time of the service to pause and remember today.

I intended to be there but I guess this one should be for family and those so close, as there will be so many.

Richard

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Noreen
Date: 01 Oct 13 - 08:56 PM

Will be thinking about lovely Sarah throughout the coming day, when she is being laid to rest.

N

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 01 Oct 13 - 08:31 PM

Sarah was so special to my introduction to the folk world some 25 years ago. A true Gem to me for many years till now, such a huge loss but her songs and memory do live on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: henryclem
Date: 30 Sep 13 - 07:12 PM

Only just back from holiday and so sorry to hear this news ... I can only echo the gratitude and admiration expressed with such feeling by so many for all Sara has meant to us as a person, and as a true champion of all that is best in the music we live for and love.   

My condolences to her family, to Carolyn and Moira, and her many friends.

Henry

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 30 Sep 13 - 04:26 PM

Only just found out myself, having finally managed to re-access Mudcat after over a fortnight "down".
Saddest possible news, the only consolation being that Sarah's period of suffering was mercifully brief.
I can only echo the words of the above posts, particularly those of Linda K and George P who put it so beautifully.
Sarah was a great inspiration, and the loveliest of ladies.
I too cannot sing Crossing The Bar or Keep You In Peace without thinking of Sarah... and there are so many other associations.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to her family, and to Carolyn and Moira.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: banjoman
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 06:37 AM

Babs - lovely to hear you remembering Sara. I am sure you will remember the great times at Whitchurch when she was part of Bread and Roses, and at the Red House where she was seen often.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: sapper82
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 06:33 AM

Only just caught up with the news and sat in tears on a travel shift from Derby to Middlesborough.
A lovely lady who will be very much missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,barbara surridge (nee goodyear)
Date: 26 Sep 13 - 05:44 PM

Such a tragic loss, and a friend since 1970's in Basingstoke ...Bracknell, Berkshire Midsummer, Towersey, et al. Who can not remember the great Sunday Morning 'sings' at festivals. 'when the roll is called up yonder......'what more can we say
Babs and Mike

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: bradfordian
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 10:55 AM

We all have been blessed by Sarah's contribution to folk music, choral & community music. We shall cherish her legacy. I along with my colleagues especially appreciate her contribution to the furtherence of awareness of the poetry of Cicely fox Smith through her adaptation of "Homeward" (Home Lads Home) God bless, thank you Sarah, and "warm be the sun that shines upon you". R.I.P.

bradfordian

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: banjoman
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 06:03 AM

Very sad - she will be very much missed especially here in Hampshire where she made her home. Thank God we were able to be a tiny part of her life although she was a major part in ours with her music.
Thanks

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 03:52 AM

She will be remembered for what she has done. Singing 'Crossing The Bar' will take on a deeper meaning for some time. I will remember a lot of laughter from the Bread and Roses rehearsals.

David

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Tachyon
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 02:09 PM

Just wanted to say how sorry i am, and to offer my condolences to those who knew her well. Sarah had an exceptionally fine voice, and that such a wonderful and talented individual should pass away so soon is deeply saddening.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Young Buchan
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 02:09 PM

RIP Sarah

There'll be rest for horse and man when our time on earth is done,
And we all go home together at the setting of the sun.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 01:32 PM

I was so very sad to hear this news. Though in a way glad that Sarah did not suffer for very long, although every second must have been incredibly difficult for Sarah, her family and close friends.

An inspirational Lady gone to sing harmony with the choir that has gone before. My condolences, candle lit.
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,Jon Heslop
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 12:11 PM

Like many others, I can't find the right words to say how I feel.
Are the Gods so jealous that they have to take the talented and beautiful first?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 09:00 AM

I'm sorry to hear this. As said in an earlier message, I have fond memories of her performances with Curates Egg, and on at least two occasions as queen of the Guildford Summerpole.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Mick Tems
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 05:50 AM

I have known Sarah for many a long year now, through all those summer festivals such as The Handsome Mouldiwarp, Whitchurch and Berkshire; Don and Sarah invited Calennig to Bracknell Folk Club and their home, and she played the perfect host - pleasant memories! Sarah, Moira and Carolyn journeyed over The Second Severn Crossing into Wales for a triumphant - and, sadly, the last - appearance at Llantrisant Folk Club. How I wish I could experience her voice and and her wonderful personality again.

Mick Tems

Subject: RE: Obit: Sarah Morgan R.I.P. (Sep 2013)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 04:02 AM

Bringing this back up to the top, above the "illness" thread, as it seems to have disappeared when Mudcat was down... I thought the "illness" thread had been closed? Happy for you to delete this post if the illness thread is closed.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sarah Morgan (2013 illness) [Update 8 Sep]
From: r.padgett
Date: 18 Sep 13 - 03:52 AM

Sarah Morgan per Bryony Griffith has died

Sarah I knew for very many years and always seemed to pop up in different groups and formats at different festivals and latterly Craig Morgan Robson ~ she was the boss and her traditional folk knowledge particularly song was exceptional and she was known to everyone and not just to the professional singers ~ very approachable and down to earth

A sad day and big loss to the folk scene in the UK

I posted this on Sep 16th and will no doubt be ashock to many, of course mudcat was having problems over this period too

Ray