An Organist’s “Au revoir”
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I first played the Organ in a service when Derrick Harrison (Organist 1960 – 69) was in post, and I played the final hymn and a Voluntary under his supervision one Ash Wednesday. I covered for 3 months after Derrick left, and was “acting Organist from June 1974 – May 1976 and again September 1976 – February 1977 when I left the village to work in residential Child Care.
After a period at University studying Social Work, I realised that being Organist at St Mary’s was a bullet with my name on it, and so after “covering” again from September 1981 to December 1982, I finally capitulated and became “ORGANIST” in January 1982 – making 28 years continuous service.
They have been very happy and fulfilling years and have covered a period of huge liturgical change within the Church of England which inevitably keeps an Organist on his mettle, giving both challenges and opportunities. Strangely, the Clergy at St Mary’s have been almost as tenacious of their Post as I have and in all these years, I have worked with only 3 incumbents at St Mary’s.
Working with the Choir has been a source of many mixed emotions, but I tend only to remember the good bits and the “Highs” – the Carol Services that went well, the child who learned to sing like an Angel, the people who give unstintingly of their time to make sure the children are trained, the Robes are presentable – the hymn boards taken down after service and so on. The list is endless.
To them and to the Congregations over the years I give my thanks for help and advice, and for comments and compliments. I am humbled by being a part of occasions when I’ve shared sorrows and joys, and will always remember Funerals and Weddings of St Mary’s family members for which the Organ and Organist can be such a crucial component.
But it is Au Revoir – I fully intend to be around and available for years to come to fill the gaps and enjoy playing the fabulous instrument we now have. I’m sure you will offer my successor all the encouragement and support you have given me and I wish them well whoever they are. This is actually the best Organist post that you could ever wish to have!
John Townend
