Thursday 8th July 2021: The visit to St. Paul’s Church, Honiton, originally scheduled for last September, is planned for Thursday, 8th July at 2.30 pm (Covid restrictions permitting).
Update at Thur17June2021 This is now postponed owing to the latest restriction announcements: we are now looking at alternative dates, possibly Thursday 7th October 2021 – tbc – further details asap.
The organ was a completely new instrument in 1999, made by the distinguished firm of Kenneth Tickell. Andrew Carter, who plays the organ regularly, will give a talk and demonstration of the instrument, after which members will be free to play. Tea will be provided.
In line with the committee’s latest thinking, this will be the only visit of the day, to allow more time for members to try the instrument, and to give time to explore Honiton, with its lace museum, antique shops and tea rooms. The invitation is open to anyone interested in the trip, regardless of their interest in organs. Come and enjoy this mid-Summer celebration of life returning to “normal”. If you would like to come please email our Secretary to inform him for catering and registration purposes. jbodiley@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday, 7th August 2021 at 2.30 pm: A talk on “Mendelssohn and the Organ” by John Bodiley, at Holy Trinity Church, Taunton.
The talk will be illustrated on the fine Hill organ by SOCA members Andrew Carter, Stephen Bell and Ian Heavisides. Mendelssohn was a hugely talented musician, who did a lot for the development of the organ, and other aspects of music performance, in Britain. The talk will not be overly academic, and we hope that it might appeal more widely to others who are not players. Tea will follow. If you would like to come please email our Secretary to inform him for catering and registration purposes. jbodiley@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday 6th November 2021: SOCA A.G.M at St Mary Magdalene Church, Taunton (with lunch at nearby restaurant): Paul Hale will be the guest speaker and he will also give a recital on the Father Willis organ.
Mid-Autumn 2021: At a date and venue to be arranged, and in conjunction with the RSCM, it is hoped to hold an event featuring young musicians. Any young organists will be encouraged to play, and other young singers and instrumentalists will be asked to perform. SOCA members who know of likely youthful performers will be encouraged to invite them.
Nothing else is planned definitely, but such events as the talk on Mendelssohn, a quiz, and an organ crawl around the Chard area have not been forgotten. We look forward to a brighter year than the one which has just passed.John Bodiley SOCA Secretary
3 Jan 2021, updated 7th June 2021
