Our beautiful Norfolk churches have such rich stories to tell of worship, friendship and music and there is one which illustrates this so well…at Happisburgh.
There will be a special event at St Mary’s Church in the coastal community on Saturday May 6 to celebrate the Coronation with a Royal Music Gala Organ Recital featuring the Master of Music at St John’s Cathedral Norwich, Daniel Justin.
Author and historian, David Berwick, an associate organist at St Mary’s for twenty years, has been telling me how music is making friends in this historic village.
“The very fine two-manual organ was completely refurbished from late 2018 to early 2019 by Richard Bower of Bower & Co. of Weston Longville. A substantial contribution towards the total cost of the work was borne by a legacy from the estate of Mr Jesse Hewitt-Gibson, a former organist at the church who died in 1993,” said David.
In addition, the tonal character of the organ was strengthened by the addition of a new rank of Trumpet pipes on the main keyboard and this was made possible by a generous gift from the estate of Miss Winifrede Deane, whose father was vicar at St Mary’s back in 1929.
The conclusion of this vital work has resulted in the organ being one of the finest in the north Norfolk region and one which is helping to bring a community closer.
It started life at St James’ Church in Emsworth, Hampshire in 1877 – the original organ builder is thought to have been Alfred Hunter of London.
The organ was bought by Happisburgh Church in 1900 for £160 and taken to St Mary’s by Messrs. Norman & Beard, the famous Norwich organ makers, who then removed the organ to its present site at the west end of the north aisle in 1926. Bower & Co carried out tonal adjustments in 1991.
In more recent times there have been organ festivals in the church which have proved very popular in the summer months with great support from local people and holiday-makers.
“The ethos of the church in these times of hardship is to provide these musical evenings without charge, whilst encouraging supporters to donate at the conclusion of events in line with what they can afford to give,” said David.
All profits will be divided between the Church general fund and the organ fund.
“Although the first concert each year has been eagerly awaited none will have been so full of anticipation as that falling on the May 6 this year, which as we all know by now is Coronation Day,” added David.
“The fact is that the church Organ Recitals Committee fixed this date as the lift-off concert over a year ago – long before the Coronation was announced,” he said.
Rather than postpone it the committee decided to turn the event into a very special one celebrating the Coronation by asking a very prestigious organist to present a musical programme containing some items of music associated with coronations and royalty down the ages.
“They are delighted that Daniel Justin, the Master of Music at St John’s Cathedral, Norwich, has accepted the invitation to not only show-case the organ but also his great playing skills for our enjoyment on this very auspicious occasion,” said David.
Daniel will be playing works by Elgar, Purcell, Vaughan Williams, William Walton and more – music to suit all tastes to enhance the Coronation Day celebrations.
The church bells led by Tower Captain Gilbert Larter will ring out to welcome those coming to the concert at 7.30pm on May 6 and all those attending are invited to wear something to reflect the nationals colours of red, white and blue – but only if they want to! Free refreshments will follow.
“However people decide to mark the early part of this special day, and whether you live in the Norfolk coastal area or further afield – we do hope you will choose to spend your evening with us at St Mary’s Church, and help us all celebrate and round off a great national day of rejoicing. A very warm welcome awaits you,” said David.
Three more Saturday evening organ recitals will be held at St Mary’s during the summer featuring organists Jonathan Stamp (June 3), David Dunnett (July 1) and Timothy Patient (August 5). More details at www.organrecitals.uk
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