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February 17th 2015
Issue no 249
Alan’s 75 years of dedication
CHURCH Organist Alan Banks, of Victoria Crescent in Standish, celebrated 75 years of service to his Parish Church of St Wilfrid’s on Sunday February 1st.
The popular member of the church congregation was joined at the Sunday Morning Communion service by family, friends and one or two suprise guests as the Rector, the Rev Canon Andrew Holliday, led tributes.
After the service, a special lunchtime gettogether was organised in the Parish Hall to mark Alan’s big anniversary.
Alana first joined the choir at St Wilfrid’s in the dark early days of the Second World War in 1940, under the direction of Choirmaster Richard Farrimond. It was the start of a lifetime career involved with both his parish church and particularly with church music. He became a proficient organist as well as singer, and has played at services and family services in the church for more than 60 years. Over the years, Alan has served under no less than six Rectors of the parish: former Rector the Rev Paul Warren was present on February 1st to take part in the celebration and tributes.
Alan told the Courier: “ If you had told me way back then that I would still be here at St Wifrid’s playing the organ and singing church music, I wouldn’t have believed you!” Always the gentleman, and ready to acknowledge how other people have helped along the way, Alan thanked family, friends, fellow choir members, clergy and especially his dear wife Marian for their support. OUR PICTURE above shows Alan, Centre surrouded by members of the St Wilfrid’s Choir, the Rector, Canon Paul Warren and family and friends in the Church on February 1st after the end of the morning Communion service.
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