A century-old choir is appealing for help in their search for a new organist.
St Mary’s Male Voice Choir in Oswaldtwistle has been left without a permanent organist since October and members have likened the situation to a ‘pub without beer’.
The 22-strong choir, which turned 100 last year, has only ever had three organists in its proud history.
Choir secretary Les Rushton, who has been a member for more than 60 years, said they are ‘desperate’ to find another.
He said: “Unfortunately the choir lost its regular organist because of illness in the family and since then we have not been able to find a replacement.
“At present the choir are singing the Sunday mass ‘a cappello’, or unaccompanied, and we are desperate. The playing of church music is essential to inspire and create a joyful atmosphere.
“The present predicament feels like the analogy a pub with no beer.”
The pipe organ was installed in 1910 and is believed to be one of the last of its kind in the country.
The last organist was Angela Haworth, who had performed with the group since 1985. Before that, Billy Donohoe was the organist for more than 60 years after first joining the choir as a boy soprano.
Les, 72, from Baxenden, said the church has no records about the identity of the first organist.
He said: “The trouble is it’s very rare you come across organists who are free on Sundays. I think we will be quite lucky if we can get someone.
“There may be somebody between churches or who has stood down from one for whatever reason.
“Sometimes we can parachute an organist in from Haslingden but she’s already committed to other things.”
Les said the potential organist would need to be free for several hours on Sundays for mass and practice and also would be remunerated.
If anyone is interested call either Father John Daly on 01254 232433 or choirmaster Anthony Flanagan on 01254 386681.
