A warm welcome to our Association
Whether you love listening to this fabulous instrument or enjoy playing it, we welcome you to join us, the Suffolk Organists' Association. Each year we publish a Journal. We offer opportunities to visit churches throughout the county and further afield, recitals and lectures.
We offer bursaries and advice to those of any age who would like to advance their abilities with the instrument. Please note that the deadline has been extended for this year from 30 April so we will welcome applications from you for funds that would aid you in advancing your expertise.
Our Association reached its 90th Anniversary on February 10 this year.
This is a milestone of which all members past and present can be most proud.
Dates for your diary:
Our visit to Drinkstone and Thurston was a resounding success. Read more about it in Recent Events!
23 November 2024 Stowmarket Parish Church Christmas Fair Organ Music by SOA members 9am to 3pm
This is becoming a tradition for the Association where we play for the start of their festivities. The church was as spectactular as ever with a huge number of meticulously decorated christmas trees to delight the flock of people who came into the church. The cafe was in full swing for eating of fine cakes and drinking and we were immediately welcomed by the parishioners. The visitors and members of the parish were not to be disappointed as the six hours was filled with entertaining music on an organ in reasonable repair though it is understood they are raising funds to bring it into full working order.
The day as has happened before for the past few years was expertly organised by Nicholas Jardine through the lady who welcomed us from the parish, Maggie Moore. Very kindly she gave each of the participants a parting gift. Nicholas Jardine played the first hour, followed by Stephen Hogger, then Barry Palmer. At midday, Andrew Garfath-Cox played, ably aided by Nicholas who turned his pages, then Hugh Singleton and in the final hour was Tony Dunn. Each offered to play for one hour so there was an abundance of music of different styles and eras to listen to. Next year put it in your diary as you will welcomed by the many people who flow through the warm church and the cafe inside the building.MASTERCLASS Peter Crompton at Royal Hospital School 14.30 19 October 2024
Come along and join us! Click here for details
A report about the afternoon will follow.
Saturday 16 November 2024 Annual Lunch at The Fox Inn Newbourne at 12.30 and a talk by Roger Pulham
A very enjoyable lunch, organised by the President, Robert Waller, was held at The Fox Inn, Newbourne. Fifteen members were present: Stephen Hogger, Ann Little, Rosemary Caudell, Barry Palmer, Alan Loader, Dave, Tony Dunn, Nicholas Jardine, Andrew Garfath-Cox, Miriam Ellis, Roger Pulham, Robert Waller, Brian Crawford, Gordon and Juliette Adams.
After lunch served by the staff of The Fox with characteristic hospitality and good service, we repared to the Village Hall where we listened intently to the illuminating talk by our Treasurer, Roger Pulham about the period through which Charles-Marie Widor was working and the events happening around him at that time. If you were unable to come you can read Roger's notes and see a few of many photographs he used to illustrate his theme. We are grateful to the Village Hall Committee for allowing us to use the building for this presentation in a warm environment on a cold autumnal but dry day.
Click hereAndrew Garfath-Cox Hon. Web Administrator and a Past President