Norfolk Organists' Assocation keen to expand
The President Elect of the Norfolk Organists’ Association is keen to expand their already very active membership and become even more of a resource to churches and clergy.
Mathew R Martin (pictured) is the
President Elect of Norfolk Organists’ Association (NOA) and until September 2013 had been
Director of Music at St Thomas's in
Norwich for 19 years.
He is eager to promote the benefits of the Association to all those who have an interest in organ and choral music in the county.
Mathew said: “As President Elect I am very keen to continue the good work of NOA and I want organists of any denomination and clergy to be part of this. Even non-organists are welcome to join. We are a Norfolk Association not just Norwich and would like many members to be able to join us at events all over the county and beyond too. The one thing NOA does is welcome people who have an interest in the organ, and choral music.”
Individual members of the NOA, of which there are over 100, enjoy monthly events including visits to churches to see new and historic instruments, Quiz and Chips evenings and at least one event per year dedicated to young people, encouraging them to perform and promote organ playing in churches. This year a group is also returning to Groningen in the Netherlands for a tour of organs there.
Mathew said: “Our events are very well organised and varied and have a hard working committee arranging them. We also produce a wonderful journal each quarter with contributions from members warmly received.
The NOA, which is part of the
Incorporated Association of Organists, is seeking to be even more of a resource to clergy and is currently considering whether to introduce a corporate membership for churches. Proposed benefits could include having access to a list of available deputy organists and advice in choosing music for weddings or services. Mathew would appreciate suggestions and feedback on the idea. You can email him at
mathewrmartin@hotmail.com.
For more information on the activities of Norfolk Organists’ Association and the benefits of membership please visit
www.norfolkorganists.org.uk.