Hi all,
It's me!
I know that I live in the past, yet I look to the future. My interest in railways, music & food is much in the past. My faith looks to the future, but I will leave that one there.
However reliable a piece of high-tech equipment might be, age takes its toll just as it does on you & me. I cannot honestly get over how well I'm feeling in myself, confirmed at present by my medical exam recently. That's only today, who knows about the tomorrows!
Anyway, over eight years of me pounding our chapel organ, it's time for it to have a bit of tender love & care. So, that's arranged. The piano also is going to be looked at to see what's needed.
Our chapel organ, a Ringway RS 600, is so perfect in design, that we are going to maintain it. I like it so much, that if we didn't have that in our chapel, I would have no hesitation in having it at home. My organ at home, is designed as an orchestral instrument, whereas the chapel organ is a far better maid of all instrument.
I'm heartened when following a service, folk do tell me how pleased they are to hear an organ, being embellished with two guitarists, accompanying most of the hymns & singing. I say most, because some hymns are far better on piano. The two guitarists compliment each other by their differing styles. I'm so blessed hearing them.
My days of playing out here, there & everywhere are over, yet, time after time, I'm so thrilled to be part of the music team that helps lead the singing worship in my local chapel, where it all started for me in my early teens.
Am I living in the past! Possibly & practically yes, but not in my mind. So many of our Coventry previous cultures & such are no longer. Heritage groups are struggling in general. Organs like steam engines are for most a past memory, whether in a church, theatre or pub! Now & again I hear of a cultural revival, someone striking up the band, but the next time I look it's fizzled away.
I'm hoping that Coventry's one time Gaumont cinema organ being let loose in Bilston Town Hall ball room this year will have a good future, but like our chapel, it will only do so by the backing of dedicated volunteers, just like our heritage railways. Without them, nothing!
Love & best wishes to you all.