News from the Organ Scholarship Board
At the June meeting of the Organ Scholarship Board of Management, we took the opportunity to thank the outgoing office bearers Revd Canon John Auchmuty (St Columba’s, Knock), who has served as a member for 14 years and as Chairman for 5 years, and Mr Gerald Hill, who has served for 8 years, one of which was as Honorary Secretary.
We also expressed gratitude for the faithful service of Revd Canon David Humphries, who has served the committee in various roles for almost two decades. We also welcomed the election of new office bearers Revd Canon Stephen Fielding (Chair, St John’s, Malone) and Mrs Beth Aiken (Honorary Secretary, St Mark’s, Dundela).
In his concluding remarks as Chairman, Canon Auchmuty said that “it had been a great joy for him to serve as Chair of the Board. It was now a new triennium. Board meetings run smoothly; administrative work is up to date and there are no impending issues.” He said that he will continue to support the work of the Board as rector of St. Columba’s, where lessons will continue to be provided.
Canon Fielding responded: “I’m very pleased to have the support of the board as chairperson going forward and to assisting in all the valuable work it does both in Connor and Down and Dromore in training up organists in this wonderful scheme. The refreshed and renewed board includes Beth Aiken, Ian Bell and Richard Campbell who bring a wealth of experience and insight. We are very privileged as board members along with their tutors to play a part in the formation of the scholars in a way that respects and reflects the rich heritage of the Anglican tradition of music–making for the liturgy within a Church of Ireland context.”
The board received reports of auditions and assessments and was delighted to offer invitations to four incoming organ scholars to commence their three–year term of lessons beginning in September 2023.
More information about the Organ Scholarship Scheme will be provided to potential and experienced organists at our annual Awards Service of Choral Evensong at 3.30pm on Sunday, 17 September 2023 at St Columba’s, Knock, when we will thank our benefactor, tutors, assessors and will formally recognise two outgoing scholars of excellence. All are warmly welcome to attend.
With thanks to Mrs Beth Aiken, Honorary Secretary
Pictured above L–R: Mrs Beth Aiken, Dr Judith Harper, Canon John Auchmuty, Canon Stephen Fielding, Lady Brenda Sheil, Mr Ian Bell, Mr Gerald Hill