President: Secretary: Treasurer: David Illingworth Nigel Webb Malcolm Thorning 01305 848685 01929 553375 01202 659053
NEWSLETTER
September 2019
FROM THE HON. SECRETARY
Since the last Newsletter we have held some memorable meetings of which the visit, although it was a long and tiring day, to Buckfast Abbey must rank among the best we have had. Our visit took place on Thursday 16th May 2019 when some sixteen members assembled in the afternoon sunshine outside the Abbey to receive a very warm welcome from David Davies, the Abbey Organist. He gave us an introduction to the acquisition and building of the organ before we entered the Abbey. The new organ in the Abbey was built by the Italian firm of Ruffatti in 2017 and opened in April 2018. It has an elaborate specification of some 81 stops spread over 4 manuals and pedals. It is, in effect, two organs with a large west-end division and a second extensive division in the Choir. There is a full account of this organ in the Organist’s Review for March 2018 and on the Abbey website. After the demonstration we were invited to play. Our numbers were such that it was possible for everyone to take the opportunity. David was on hand to assist with registration on this complex instrument as the console resembled the flight deck of an airliner. Members had been asked to prepare their pieces before-hand and this worked well with David commenting on the excellent choice of pieces members had chosen to suit the organ. We are most grateful to David Davies for making us so welcome and help throughout the afternoon.
Before lunch we had visited the nearby Parish Church of St Andrew at Ashburton. He we had the opportunity to play on an instrument built by Willis (1880), altered by Percy Daniel and enlarged by Michael Farley (2009). Here we were most warmly welcomed with coffee and biscuits. A most successful day and our thanks are due to David Illingworth for making the arrangements.
On the 20th June we just crossed the border from Dorset into Somerset with a visit to Yeovil arranged by David Knight. We met first at St Michael and All Angels Church. This organ was built by Norman and Beard in 1898. Its outline specification is Great 10, Swell 9, Choir 6 and Pedal 3. The organist, Jonathan Delbridge, demonstrated the organ after which members were able to play. After lunch we visited the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Ghost. The organ here was a fairly large 3-manual with an Osmond plate on it and is currently maintained by Michael Farley, however, its original builder is unknown. This organ is in a gallery and speaks well into the body of the church. David Knight, who plays there once a month, demonstrated the organ after which it was available to members.
On Saturday 20th July we met at St Paul’s Church, Weymouth for an illustrated talk by our President-Elect, David Knight, on the Life and Music of Charles Villiers Stanford.
SEPTEMBER MEETING
Wednesday 18th September at 2.30pm
Bring and Play Session at St Laurence Church, Upwey DT3 4LG
Members are invited to prepare a short piece which they would like to bring to the attention of other members. At the end of the afternoon we shall adjourn to the nearby Wishing Well Café for a cream tea.
OCTOBER MEETING
Saturday 12th October at 12noon for 12.30pm
Annual Lunch at Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, Corfe Road, Studland BH19 3AB
Menus and details for making your booking are at the end of this Newsletter. Please ensure that your bookings are with Bill Brown by 28th September.
Please also take note of the comment from the Treasurer regarding last year’s lunch.
NOVEMBER MEETING
Saturday 16th November
Meet at St Swithun's Church North Allington for 10.30 am.
(Satnav: DT6 5DU). Approaching Bridport from the east, continue along East Street and West Street and turn right at the mini-roundabout into North Allington. The church is on the left. Cars can be parked at the church all day as there are no other events. If you prefer not to walk to the other churches, there is a public car park in East Street beyond the United Church. We will be met at St Swithun's by the organist, Donald Allcock, who will introduce the organ dating from 1857, enlarged and "sorted out" by Conacher c.1900,(2m/12), rebuilt by Derry Thompson 1974 and restored 2-3 years ago by Andrew Cooper.
Proceed to the Chapel in the Garden for 12 noon, where we will be met by the Church Secretary. Angelica Kennard, (north side of East Street, directly opposite the United Church). The organ by James Eagles c.1850 (2man/17) was originally installed in the Methodist Church and moved here c.1917. Latterly in the care of Derry Thompson, it was awarded an Historic Organ Certificate - Grade II in 1974.
Re-convene at the United Church for 2.15pm (please use the Church Hall entrance down the passageway). David Illingworth will introduce the organ. Originally by J W Walker in 1862, with alterations/ additions by Norman and Beard in 1910, Osmond in 1929 and Michael Farley 2000 (2 man/28). Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available before we leave.
FUTURE MEETING
Saturday 14th March 2020. Annual General Meeting at the Church Room, St Mary’s Puddletown.
FROM THE HONORARY TREASURER
Please note that subscriptions were due at the AGM in March. The amount remains unchanged at £12.00 for a single member or £18.00 for two members at the same address. An increasing number of members are paying by money transfer these days, and if you wish to join them the account details are:
Sort Code: 30-99-12 Lloyds, Wareham. Account No: 00193115
An unwelcome surprise for me last year was that one member changed his mind about his choice of meal. When I analysed the bill I found that we had been charged for both meals (quite understandably). The Auditor advised me that this was NOT an acceptable way of spending other people’s subscriptions. If this occurs again it will be necessary for anyone doing this to pay for the extra lunch!
ORGANISTS NEEDED
The Benefice of Pimperne, Stourpaine and Durweston with Bryanston is looking for Organists to cover a number of services across the Benefice from 22nd September to 5th January 2020. The Benefice comprises three Churches. Each Church has one service every Sunday which follows a pattern of a 9.15 and 11.00am service of Holy Communion and an Evensong at 6.00pm. If you feel you are able to help us or would like more details, please contact Revd Belinda Marflitt 0333 0118088 or email [email protected] St Michael's Askerswell (2 man/9) are looking for an organist. Two services a month - Eucharist 2nd Sunday am and Evensong 4th Sunday. Further details are available from Donald Allcock: tel: 01308 485402.
News of Members
Members will be sorry to hear of the death of Tony Watts of Poole who died on 26th August after a period of illness. He deputised at several local churches including St. Peters, and Holy Angels, Lilliput and Brownsea Island. A fluent French speaker he offered to arrange a visit on behalf of the Association to northern France, but sadly this never materialised.
DIARY
Christchurch Priory
Thursday lunchtime organ recital series - 12.30 pm - admission free - retiring collection - console on view - video screens
September 26th WILLIAM FOX (St Paul's Cathedral, London) October 3rd PETER KING (Exeter) October 10th JAMES GOUGH (St Martin's in the Fields, London) October 17th RICHARD PEARCE (London) October 24th BENJAMIN NEWLOVE (St Michael's Cornhill) October 31st TONY PINEL (St Chad's, Shrewsbury) November 7th GEOFFREY MORGAN (Christchurch Priory) November 14th PAUL CARR (Birmingham) November 21st SIMON EARL (Christchurch Priory) November 28th ED JONES (Worcester Cathedral)
St Mary's, Sturminster Newton
October 7th at 12.15. Stephen Binnington (St Gregory's Marnhull). Works by Dubois, J. S Bach, Rheinberger, Franck, Wolstenholme and Mushel
Dorset Association of Organists
Annual Lunch at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, Studland BH19 3AB
Saturday 12th October 2019 at 12noon for 12.30pm
MENU
Starters
A Poached Salmon, Horseradish Potato Terrine with Lemon Crème Fraîche (GF)
B Garlic Creamed Field and Wild Mushroom, Toasted Ciabatta (V) (GF)
C Cream of Carrot, Cumin and Coriander Soup(V)
Mains
A Grilled Fillet of Sea Bass with Lemon, Herb and Prawn Butter (GF)
B Beef Bourguignon, Bacon Lardons and Roasted Baby Onions (GF)
C Roasted Breast of Chicken and a Creamy Chorizo Sauce
D Vegetarian Main Corse is available on Request, please contact Bill Brown
Sweets
A Mixed Berry Eton Mess (V) (GF)
B Peach and Raspberry Crumble with Custard (V)
C Passion Fruit Posset with Sable Biscuit
Coffee or Tea and Mints
£27 per person to include gratuity
Please complete and return the accompanying form by the 28th September 2019
Order Form
DAO Annual Lunch on 12th October 2019 at 12 noon for 12.30pm At the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, Corfe Road, Studland BH19 3AB
Please keep your own note of your choice on the attached menu and complete the summary details below.
Name for Place Starter Main Sweet Setting
A vegetarian Main Course is available on request. Please contact Bill Brown on 01929 422 826 Name of Member………………………………………………
Tel. No…………………………………………………………. Cheque enclosed (payable to Dorset Association of Organists) at £27 per person Please note that it may not be possible to refund payment for cancellation of any meal within 48 hours of the lunch.
Total Payment £……………………………………………….
Please send to, Mr W Brown, 15 Newton Manor Close, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1JS Tel: 01929 422 826 To arrive not later than SATURDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2019 Please note any special dietary requirements below: