Monthly Archives: March 2020

The Royal College of Organists is appealing to every building in the UK that houses an organ to open its doors on that day, allowing people to hear and explore the wealth of organs, large and small, to be found throughout the country.  For many members, this may involve negotiations with their own church or other building where they play.  The activity does not have to involve a formal recital, although that is certainly one possibility.  More details and resources are available via https://www.rco.org.uk/NationalOrganDay.php

One of the funds administered by the IAO was set up in memory of organist and composer Dr Stanley Vann, for many years associated with Peterborough Cathedral.  The Fund Committee is currently chaired by Dr James Lancelot and the deadline for this year’s applications is 31^st March.  The object of the fund is to enhance Anglican choral music by making an annual grant, primarily intended for a young musician who shows promise and wishes to improve their skills in the field of Anglican choir training and direction.  If you know of a worthy candidate, please encourage them to apply.  More details and application forms are available via https://iao.org.uk/grants/stanley-vann/

HMP Leeds is a category B Men’s Prison close to Leeds City Centre. The Chaplaincy team caters for men of all faiths.

The weekly Sunday sung Church of England Eucharist (09:15) and the Roman Catholic Mass (10.30) require an organist for the hours of 09:00 -12 noon.

These services currently attract an attendance of between fifty and sixty five prisoners for both services.

There will be occasional additional services to be covered such as the Ash Wednesday, Holy week, Harvest Festival and Carol Service .

This is a paid role, 3hrs a week @ £12.77 per hr and travel expenses at 0.26 per mile. This is to commence at the  beginning of May 2020.  The post will require Prison vetting and a DBS check.

Applications are especially welcome from enthusiastic persons who, in addition, would be keen to form a choir.

Organ made by J W Walker and sons (pipe).