History of the Organ Society by the Chairman, Mr Peter Ashworth
Cyril Diplock, Organist at St Lawrence Parish Church, ALTON (1961-2006)established the Society soon after the organ was rebuilt in 1966. Cyril retired as organist in July 2006 after 45 years as organist at St Lawrence Church - a remarkable achievement. The Society is reputed to be one of the longest running Organ Societies in existence and the 2007/2008 Season will be the 41st year.
Francis Jackson, who at the time was Organist of York Minster, gave the first concert in December 1966, has played since on a number of occasions including in 1996 the start of the 30th year of the Society. He performed again on the 9th November 1999 and 7th January 2003. The distinguished international concert organist and teacher David Sanger who lives in Cumbria has given an annual concert at St Lawrence for close on 35 years and he returns on the 11 March 2008. In 2000 he most kindly agreed to be the first Patron of the Society.
I wish you a warm welcome to St Lawrence Parish Church Organ Society and to the 2007/2008 Season of Organ Concerts. Please peruse the Website www.altonorgansociety.co.uk to discover the detailed programmes and pocket biographies of the Organists. |
