After standing in as Organist at Christ Church, Great Ayton for the last 33 years, Chris Thompson has decided the time has come to retire!
It all started back in 1974 when the Reverend Ted Appleyard approached Mr Thompson with the request that he fill in for a couple of weeks as their organist was leaving, and they needed to find a new one.
The search didn't go on long, for it was very soon apparent that here was a person with great musical ability.
Although not having been trained as an organist, Chris has made the organ sing for Sunday Services over the years, as well as around 500 weddings and countless funerals. The Vicar, Canon Paul Peverell says, "His lively style of playing has enhanced numerous services. An old saying goes, 'A good organist is worth two curates.' If this is the case, Great Ayton has been well staffed over the years."
As well as being an accomplished Organist, Chris has also trained a very able choir that add greatly to all sorts of services at Great Ayton and are much called upon for weddings. He has also directed the North Yorkshire Chorus and the Angrove Singers during his time at Christ Church.
Mr Thompson, who retired from teaching several years ago, is retiring so he can see more of his Grandchildren, for regular Sunday commitments prevent him from visiting as often as he would like as they are spread over the country.
His last Sunday will be 7th October where suitable recognition of his faithful service will be expressed at the services. After that comes the hard task of getting a replacement. "We don't expect another 33 years" says the Vicar, "as that is exceptional service, but we would hope for more than just a few weeks."
If there are any organists looking for a new post, they are advised to contact the Vicar, Canon Paul Peverell, for more details.
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Good luck Chris!
Good luck Chris!! We'll be there for the last service, and look forward to seeing more of you..
All our love
Will & Beth