Bexley & District Organists’ & Choirmasters’ Association Patron: Daniel Moult Affiliated to the NEWSLETTER Incorporated Association of Organists
November 2012 Happy Winter Solstice Last one was July 2012 This for our lapsed Druid members Newsletter Co-ordinator Reg. Boulton 19 Willow Avenue Swanley BR8 8AT YOUNG ORGANISTS Tel: 01322 614260 [have ditched the fax] We had our scheduled meeting - “Clergy DON’T FORGET ….. E-mail: [email protected] Seminar”, as we quaintly termed it. Only the BDOCA has a long standing commitment Archdeacon turned up for the clergy side - Diary dates: darned shabby, and the Archdeacon was to support financially Wed. 16.1.13 Annual Dinner - Sophie’s Choice, Sidcup Fri. 18.1.13 RC Evensong—Our Lady of the Angels, discomfited! BDOCA fielded 8 members, plus two youngsters learning the Blackfen members of nearby associations. The organ. Contact Sue Sat.2.3.13 Choristers’ Competition—St Michael’s, Abbey Wood presentation was given by Nik, fleshing it out as Moore for details, giv- Sat. 20.4.13 Organ crawl—City and Westminster ing as much informa- Sat. 27.4.13 Evensong (“come & sing” - reh. 2.30pm; he went - the Power Point presentation is now svce. 5pm) to honour Geoff’s years of contributing to on Dropbox . tion as you can. RSCM music in Rochester diocese ?.5.13 Celebrity recital—probably Christ Church, Bexleyheath The ensuing discussion covered a lot of ground, ST LAWRENCE RC Sat. 20.7.13 Coach trip to Blenheim Palace Sat. 3.8.13 6pm Treasure Hunt—meet at The Ship, and Paul Wright, the Archdeacon, seems very CHURCH, SIDCUP Green Street Green (Dartford one) Wed. 18.9.13 7.30pm AGM St Anselm’s RC church, supportive. Sue has done some notes on the If you get asked to play Dartford discussion, and I’ve posted those on Dropbox - there, could I they’re a tad cryptic, but should prompt thought. respectfully suggest that, before you accept If you still haven’t joined Dropbox, please let me the booking, you speak Inside this issue: know and I’ll repeat the invitation. to Peter Mitchell or me? 1 Sue’s notes have now gone to Paul Wright, and TERRY BARCOCK has we’re waiting on him driving the issue forward moved—new address: 2 with the clergy. He felt that there is a lot more 488 Blackfen Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9NT. Tel: 020 scope than is presently being grasped in 8301 5961 3 recognising the worth of organists’ contribution 4 to worship. MEMBERSHIP LIST 4 A new list will be issued in 5 There’s still ground for anyone to make a 1/13. Attached is a draft. contribution to this argument. Let me have yours, Please let Reg. know, if you if you wish—it would be good to hear from you. want any changes to your 6 Indeed, it would be good to know that you entry. By 31.12.12 , please. In 7 recognize, and fret for, the problem. particular, it would be good to be able to add to the “available to deputise” list, Committee 8 so please consider that. Coming events
Page 222 Bexley & District Organists’ & Choirmasters’ Association IAO CONGRESS 2012 The Congress this year was based in Cheltenham from 29 July to 3 August. The previous week had been hot and sunny and I had enjoyed walking in Herefordshire. As soon as Congress started, the weather turned showery, but this didn’t spoil our enjoyment. The hotel was right on the southern edge of Cheltenham and, after I arrived, I took a path opposite up onto the Cotswolds for some good views, dodging showers. The evening meal was early, as afterwards we travelled to Tewkesbury Abbey to hear the Grove and Milton organs, both with 4 manuals, played by the organist, Carleton Etherington. The Grove organ was presented to the Abbey in 1887 by Rev. C W Grove, in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The next day, we went to Worcester, starting at the cathedral, where Adrian Lucas, the former organist, played a varied programme on the 2008 Kenneth Tickell organ. A walk through the shopping precinct in drizzle took us appropriately to St Swithun’s church. The organ here was originally built in 1795 by Robert and William Gray, was enlarged by John Nicholson in 1844 and has recently undergone a historic restoration by Goetze & Gwynn. Andrew McCrea from the RCO spoke about the history of the organ and how it was used and played appropriate English music on it. Then there was time to walk round Worcester dodging showers before going on to Malvern Priory. The Nicholson organ company has its works nearby, so it is not surprising that they rebuilt the organ in 2003. Here we heard a programme of early 20th century British music played by Roger Judd MVO, former organist at St George’s, Windsor.
We visited two small organs first on the next day, starting with the Vowles organ in Westonbit House, which is now a girls’ school. From there, we went what should have been a short distance to Great Badminton, but the coaches encountered a low bridge just half a mile from our destination, so we had to make a detour. The parish church is part of the Badminton estate and the organ, by Walker, was presented to the church in 1908 by the Duke of Bedford. Both these organs were expertly played by Margaret Phillips, who chose varied programmes which showed off the organs well. A wet lunchtime was spent in Cirencester, before going into the parish church. The organ there was originally built by Henry Willis in 1895 and had a complete rebuild in 2009 by Harrisons. Half the stops are original Willis and the remainder are new, but in the Willis style. The organist, Anthony Hammond, included music by two unknown composers, James Lyon and Leonce de Saint-Martin, in his recital.
The following day was spent at Cheltenham, starting with the AGM of the IAO, at which the annual capitation fee was raised to £4 per member of affiliated associations, so our BDOCA subscriptions may need to be increased [ committee’s decided NO increase Ed.]. The IAO President-Elect, who takes over next year, is James Lancelot from Durham cathedral. After the AGM, our Patron, Daniel Moult, gave a masterclass in the chapel of Cheltenham College with two talented people taking part. Then there was free time to wander round Cheltenham and enjoy its Regency splendour, dodging another shower. Our final visit was to Cheltenham Ladies’ College, where the 2006 Tickell organ stands on the upper rear gallery in the distinctive Arts & Crafts period Princess Hall. The recital was given by Paul Manley, organ scholar at The Queen’s College, Oxford.
I didn’t go on the visits on the last day to St Mary, Redcliffe, Bristol (I had been there before) and Llandaff cathedral, Cardiff, as I had a bad back (it’s all right now) and I didn’t think long coach journeys would do it any good. The hotel was quite pleasant and was unusual in that most of us went downstairs to our rooms. The one drawback was that, apart from the last night, we were asked to stagger the time we had our evening meal, owing to the size of the dining room. The annual dinner on the last night was held in a different room and the guest speaker was Dr Roy Massey MBE, formerly organist of Hereford cathedral, who regaled us with amusing anecdotes.
Next year, Congress is centred on Nurenberg, SE Germany, which should be well worth going to. Bruce Davis
VESPERS 23.9.12 We put together a decent choir. The clergy did no more rehearsing than half an hour before the service; they used the Liber Usualis , rather than (as I had asked) the music I had produced. On the plainsong front, the principle of antiphony between the clergy in the chancel and the choir at the back was scuppered by the clergy singing the choir bits, too—and loudly. I’d checked every step of the way, when preparing the music booklet, with the MC, yet the clergy came up with a different ending for one of the psalms, where they had one more note than us at the end of each verse; and, at one point, they came in with plainsong, when we had polyphony to sing. Then the Benediction motets turned out to be wrongly placed and the MC had to come running down the aisle to tell me to perform them at once. The polyphony bits were fair, while the Benediction motets went very well. After, we were asked to return for a Benediction in Advent, but had to say no, as it would clash with our members’ own events. At least one member of the congregation, as well as the MC, thought we did well. A big thank you to all who took part. There’s another event (RC) coming up on 18.1.13—see on.
ANNUAL DINNER - OUR NEXT EVENT At Sophie’s Choice, Station Road, Sidcup, again—darned good nosh, and not expensive. Wed. 16.1.13 7.30pm . Do come along! Please let Nik know if you’re coming. Cost comes out around £18 per head plus drinks. November 2012 Page 333 CHORISTERS’ COMPETITION Sat. 2.3.13 probably at St Michael’s, Abbey Wood, again. Adjudicator tba. Musical agenda should be published early January. One little extra, this year, as exhorted by Rochester Diocese (but not compulsory) is that children taking part should bring completed Parental Consent forms—the form is on Dropbox.
ORGAN CRAWL We’re working on a tour round interesting organs in the City of London and Westminster on Sat. 20.4.13 . There are some new/rebuilt organs well worth a look at. More details anon.
CELEBRITY RECITAL In May 2013—date to be fixed. And probably at Christ Church, Bexleyheath.
COACH TRIP Sat. 20.7.13 Blenheim Palace plus other places—tba.
TREASURE HUNT Sat. 3.8.13 start at 6pm at The Ship PH, Green Street Green (the Dartford one). Geoff. is organising.
President’s report 2012. This year has seemed almost quiet in the BDOCA, but that is the swan gliding on the water. The feet are still paddling underneath. We have been preparing a presentation asking why there are no young organists and are due to present this to the local clergy and anyone else who wants to come along on Saturday the 29 th of September, 10 am at Geddes place. From this we hope to move on to some items in the near fu- ture to try to encourage young organists with the help of members and clergy. The year started with a very well attended New Year meal at Sophie’s Choice enjoyed by all. The choir competition was well attended again this year with more group entries than has been known in recent years. The standard was high and it was good to use St. Michael’s, Abbey Wood for the venue, and also good to see Abbey Wood Jubilate choir entries. Our trip this year was to Oxford to Merton, Exeter colleges and Christchurch cathedral. The weather was beautiful for the time of year and all had a good time. It was a shame that the Evensong was not as advertised and the Girl’s school singing evensong (surely for the first time it would seem) had all eyes on their handsome young conductor but obviously for the wrong reasons. For this year’s celebrity recital we took a chance, and with Nigel Ogden’s approval, had 2 concerts; one in the afternoon at St. John’s, Welling and the second in the evening at Christchurch, Bexleyheath. It worked well and Nigel gave two fantastic performances with no repeats and, as usual, no music including a tremendous and haunting rendition of the theme from “Titanic”. Superb. July saw our usual treasure hunt, which was well attended. We took a scenic route through some hitherto unknown country roads to end up in a very familiar Sidcup. Not so familiar that we got all the clues though. After a fine recital by Michael Bell at Holy Trinity, Lamorbey, we ended up with a great meal at our usual haunt – Sophie’s Choice. Our big singing event this year will be Choral Vespers and Benediction at St. Mary’s, Chislehurst on the 23 rd September. This will be tough but worthwhile. Our other singing event unfortunately fell through but perhaps we can do it next year. This year also sees an increase in membership to 50 which is very pleasing: welcome to all our new members. This year sees the end of my 3 rd year as president. It has been most difficult with other commitments, but having now completed my MA in music at Bangor, I would like to see through the work that has been started to encourage young organists, so I have put myself forward for another year if it is acceptable to the membership. Here’s to a successful 2013 for the BDOCA.
IN HONOUR OF GEOFF. On Sat. 27.4.13, there will be a “come & sing” evensong at St George’s, Beckenham, to honour Geoff’s 20 years as Rochester RSCM music committee secretary. 2.00pm rehearse; service 5.00pm. More details to follow.
EVENSONG 18.1.13 —Peter Mitchell writes BDOCA has been asked to provide a choir to sing Choral Evensong at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen on Friday 18 th January in the evening (time to be advised) to mark the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Following the creation of the Ordinariate, Evensong has been authorised as an official service of the Roman Catholic Church. I hope that we will be able to provide a good number of singers for this historic ecumenical service. Smith of Durham responses, Holman Mag and Nunc and John Clarke-Whitfield’s ‘Behold, how good and joyful’. Rehearsal times will be advised. Please let us know if you will be able to join us. [There will be a separate e-mail with full details shortly - if you want this posted to you, please tell Reg.] Bexley & District COMMITTEE: Nik Kerwin President Organists’ & Choirmasters’ 020 8311 4126/ 07850 787772 [email protected] Association Dennis Moor Vice President 020 8462 7907 /07780 970663 [email protected] Secretary: Sue Moore Secretary Sue Moore 020 8859 6997/07713 348323 [email protected] 55 Avery Hill Road Geoff. Hempstead Treasurer New Eltham 01342 313112 [email protected] London SE9 2BJ Reg. Boulton Tel: 020 8859 6997 01322 614260/07889 172319 [email protected] Mob: 07713 348323 Bruce Davis E-mail: [email protected] 01322 558129 [email protected] John LeMasurier BDOCA website: http://bdoca.myzen.co.uk/ 01322 522112/07850 719090 [email protected]
STONE HOSPITAL CHAPEL ORGAN This is for sale, following the closure of the hospital. Details from Dennis Moor.
Other coming events etc.
LULLINGSTONE VISIT This idea has been kicking around for ages—but we’re still trying to sort.
A message from Geoff., our treasurer: BDOCA is into a new year and subscriptions are due; thank you to half our membership who have paid already, and to the remainder a confirmation that rates remain at £20 per annum with concessions of £15 for unwaged and £5 for students. This gives you our regular association newsletters and privilege rates for IAO Organists' Review plus concessionary rates for entry fees at selected events such as concerts. Payment is due October to 15 December after which our constitution declares anyone unpaid ceases to be a member but can then offer a subscription for acceptance by committee, so it is a Very Good Idea to pay in the autumn. Payment can be: cash to the treasurer at an autumn event, especially at AGM which launches our new year cheque payable to BDOCA (or the full title if you can write small), again by hand to treasurer at an event or by post to Geoff Hempstead, 4 Windsor Place, East Grinstead RH19 4RP Standing order/ faster payments direct credit to our account 090154 56371087 (the first six numbers direct it to Santander so if you used the Alliance & Leicester 720004 number last year you need to update it, and you must show your name in the reference box or I will not know whose £15/20 it is). Some may consider it easier to use cash or cheque, which it is if you come to meetings. The new technology is even easier once you have tried and succeeded, but if you use 'faster payments' annually would you please choose an October date not too late as I receive a quarterly statement from Santander end October so it helps me and auditor greatly not to keep delving until late January for the last subscriptions - obviously this year October is but a receding memory so a payment in the next three weeks will be welcome. We have a range of interesting events planned so do come and enjoy the benefits of your membership; also the committee is glad to consider bursary for committed organ students.
I was trying to keep running a series of articles on the organs in our members’ churches, one by one—but this has rather stalled. Would you care to volunteer an article? Please!
If you have any ideas on other events we might get involved in, please do say.