Enid calls time as organist after playing for 78 years

A COMMITTED church organist has called time on her musical career after 78 years.

Gainford’s Enid Burdon began playing in churches in 1939 and has provided musical accompaniment in St Mary’s Church for the past 40 years.

The 93-year-old tuned up for the final time on Sunday, July 24, before receiving a gift basket for all her years of service.

Mrs Burdon began by learning the piano and organ in childhood, playing on the American organ owned by her grandfather.

A former deputy headteacher at Gainford Primary School, she said her love for the instrument had been key to her long career.

Mrs Burdon said: “I love the organ and I’ve always come to church and chapel since I was a child.

“It’s quite physical but it’s something you get used to.”

Parishioners gave their organist a special send off with a gift hamper which left Ms Burton “speechless”.

“It was just lovely to see all the familiar faces,” she added.

Villager Bill Goyder spoke on behalf of the congregation and parish at a post service reception to thank Mrs Burdon for her years of service.

But Mrs Burdon said she was “by no means irreplaceable” with deputy organists Val Eccles and Brian Harrop waiting in the wings.

His wife, Revd Eileeen Harrop, paid tribute to Mrs Burton’s efforts adding it marked a new era in her worship.

She said: “We are thankful to Enid – this gives her a new phase within the congregation with her friends. It’s a new worship experience for her.”

The church is keen to attract a young organist to its roster in the coming months as part of a work experience scheme. Technical skills required on St Mary’s Brindley-built organ, made in 1865, make the instrument ideally suited for an organist finding their feet.

Revd Harrop explained: “Many organs have ‘stops’ – these stops can be suitable for a grand hymn or a quiet one.

“But our organ does not have that feature which makes it brilliant for someone learning as they will have to push and pull the stops themselves.”

Unlike other villages, where organ playing has declined, Gainford has a higher than average number of people adept with the instrument.

Revd Harrop said their expertise would serve the church well.

She added: “It would ideal to have a young person – it would allow them to explore their love for music and potential as a musician.”