We are pleased to announce that Marc Murray, Director of Music at Bury Parish Church, has agreed to be President of the Association for the 2018-2019 Season.

Derek Sharples, Organist at Albion URC, Ashton-under-Lyne, is President-Elect.

There is a slight change of roles for the Seretary, Membership Secretary and Treasurer this year.  Ken Fayle remains Secretary, but also takes on the role of Data Protection Officer, while George Housley becomes Treasurer and remains as Membership Secretary.

The syllabus for 2018-19 is given below, but there are two events still to be finalised.

Confirmation of these will be updated on this website and (for members) be clarified in the regular newsletters.

Saturday, 3rd November 2018 at 3.00 p.m. 

St Bartholomew, Wilmslow   (SK9 3AA)

Some sixteen or more members attended the demonstration of the new 3-manual organ by York Pipe Organs (formerly Principal) by Philip Underwood, and several took the opportunity to play the instrument themselves after Philip's short recital.  The much imroved clarity and projection of sound from the instrument in a rather unhelpful acoustic was remarked upon by many of those who attended

Saturday, 26th January 2019 at 10.00 a.m. 

St James, Didsbury  (M20 2RQ)

Master Class conducted by Christopher Stokes (Manchester Cathedral). 

Two first-rate "guinea pigs" from the RNCM Junior School, both of them pupils of Simon Mercer of our Association.  A suitably well-balance organ for the candidates chosen pieces (if a little over-assertive in its present location).  Thanks also to Chris Stokes for his insightful advice and comments.  There was time at the end for other members present to try the organ for themselves.   

Saturday, 23rd February 2019 at 3.00 p.m. (note the time)

Albion United Reformed Church, Ashton-under-Lyne   (OL6 6QQ)

Lecture-Recital led by the President on "Organ Music influenced by the First World War"

Marc would like to hear from any member who can offer any these pieces:

Parry:  Eventide;  Martyrdom;  Elegy in A flat

Elgar:  a transcription of "For the Fallen"

Bridge:  Allegretto Grazioso;  Allegro marziale  (from Six Pieces)   

Please contact Marc on marcm1969@gmail

Saturday, 23rd March 2019  7.30 p.m.

St Paul's Church, Sale  (M33 7YA)

The Chester St Cecilia Singers will sing a concert of Great Cathedral Music by Edward Bairstow, Lennox Berkeley, William Boyce, Malcolm Boyle, Maurice Greene, Basil Harwood, William Mathias and John Rutter, with the President (Marc Murray) conductor and solo organ.   This concert will be open to the general public @ £8 (concessions £7).  Members are asked to help publicise this concert.   

Saturday in April:  (date & time to be confirmed)

Afternoon visit to Halifax Minster  (HX1 1QL)

Four-manual Harrison and two-manual 18th-century organ   

Saturday, May 18th 2019 at 12.30 p.m.

Alma Lodge hotel, Buxton Road, Stockport   (SK2 6FL)

Annual General Meeting;

Followed by the Annual Lunch at 1.30  

Further information about meetings, and details of any changes to the Syllabus will be published here as soon as they are available, and are also included in our regular Newsletters.