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Cumbrian Society of Organists |
The next event in our calendar is "No Organist? No Problem!", a joint event with Cumbria RSCM at St. Patrick's Patterdale, Saturday 14th September at 10am.
Organists Vacancy 1
Organist required for Whitehaven United Reformed Church, James Street, Whitehaven.
Due to our organist working away from Cumbria on a regular basis we are seeking someone to job-share in this role to support our congregation at Sunday morning worship. job-sharing arrangements are to be discussed with the candidate.
The church possesses a much admired 2 manual Harrison & Harrison organ, built in 1906, the result of a collaboration between the celebrated blind organist Alfred Hollins and Colonel Dixon of St Bees.
In 2019 the Instrument received a Grade II* rating from the British Institute of Organ Studies. Further, the Instrument was the feature of several broadcasts on Radio Cumbria. Recordings of the organ being played by various organists are available on the church’s music website www.urcwhitehavenmusic.co.uk
The organ is well-maintained, and virtually in the same state as it was when Alfred Hollins gave the opening recital; having undergone major refurbishment in 1998, replacement of the main reservoir in 2007 and finally in 2017, repair of the 16’ open wood pedal rank; all part of a planned ongoing programme to preserve this splendid instrument.
Organist(s) duties are to play for morning services each week at 11am and on Good Friday and Christmas Day and for an evening Carol Service on a Sunday in December. Additional Sundays off can be negotiated with the Assistant Organist Nigel Donaldson who also supports the busy musical life of the church and deputises approximately once per four to six weeks.
The Church uses mainly our denominational hymnbook, "Rejoice and Sing" and "Complete Mission Praise", but other sources are sometimes used for the music. The congregation definitely enjoys "a good sing" and accompanying the hymns is a real pleasure as the organist is able to feel part of the service.
An annual honorarium of £1,000 will be split according to the ratio of services played and will be paid in instalments. The allocation of (a shared) remuneration would be subject to agreement with the prospective candidate, dependent on the arrangements agreed?
If you play for any weddings or funerals an additional fee will be payable although it is normal practice for the church not to take fees where the couple at a wedding or the deceased have strong connections. A deputy may be available to play for some of these.
Over the last two years the church, with the aid of our organist has held a series of FREE lunchtime concerts one Friday a month from about April-September with several visiting organists. We plan to continue these and would hope that any new organist would be involved in their planning.
Please contact the Church Secretary, Linda Manger on 01946 67354 for further details.
Organist Vacancy 2
Ann Bond has decided to retire from her post as organist at Carnforth Parish Church this Advent so there will be a vacancy. The church, described by Ann as on the high side of centre using Roman liturgy with an excellent musical tradition, has a fine Walker organ rebuilt by Wells in 2000. The salary would be negotiable. For further information please contact Fr. Stephen on 01524 732948 or stephenjones17@hotmail.com