Syd & Beryl Stocken

Sydney Stocken began singing in 1929,
as a choirboy in the "All Saints" Church
of England in Woollahra, New South Wales.

This choir frequently sang for such prestigious occasions as naval weddings at “St Mark's” Darling Point and the St Andrews cathedral in Sydney. Yet even here propriety gave way to boyhood adventure when one day “the boys” shattered the reverent atmosphere with a noisy cicada being sequestered in the piano.

During his Avondale college days, Syd's musical talent enthusiastically developed with various choirs, quartets, etc. Beryl fondly reflects on the day shortly thereafter in 1943 when he "sang for his bride" – accompanied by the song of a little bird on a nearby branch during their garden wedding at Warburton, Victoria.

Most of the recordings of Syd's vocal talent come to us from late 1970's and the musically rich Norfolk Island. Here Syd's talent once again blossomed as he joined forces with various Christian musicians and vocalists. Most tracks were recorded in the home of Norma Summerscales, although a couple come to us from the famous St Barnabas Chapel featured on the album cover.

This album preserves these Norfolk Memories, along with a few more recent renditions. The tracks have been digitally remastered from a variety of fading audio cassette masters.

Syd enjoyed a laugh and will be remembered for his humorous claim: "I've sung before Queen Elizabeth, King George… and all those other hotels in Sydney!". However the tone of this album will show that Syd's purpose in singing is to focus on his Saviour's love, and on lifting people's hearts to their Creator.