Foreword

It is a privilege to be asked to write the foreword to Sheila Hamil’s memoir. Revd. Sheila Hamil would probably describe herself as an ordinary Christian, yet in her writing we meet an extraordinary person whose honesty, integrity, compassion, and total dedication to her faith, entwined with her deep love for her family, shines through every page. Her strong sense of social justice and care for the community is apparent throughout.

The early chapters, set in the 1950s and 60s, resonate with many of us of a certain age, sparking memories of our own youth and early adulthood. Yet, her experiences are still relevant to young people today, going through similar moral dilemmas and searching for answers to the bigger questions in life.

Sheila’s writing style invites the reader to enter into the experience she is describing as we join her and her husband Bob on their travels at home and abroad. Her love for their children and grandchildren and interest in the things they get up to are amusing and moving, and her sense of fun is infectious. Her passionate concern for those in need is apparent both before and after she became a priest in the Church of England following her ministry of song with United Folk. Above all, her relationship with God runs through her reminiscences like a golden thread.

Chapters are enhanced by her wonderful songs and Sheila’s own voice comes through as though she is personally accompanying those reading it. I can highly recommend this interesting and uplifting story of Sheila Hamil’s life with its joys and challenges. It encourages the reader to reflect on their own lives, past and present, and leaves them wanting to read more. I look forward to Sheila’s next venture — whatever that might be. 

Lay Preacher Carol Dixon — United Reformed Church & hymn writer