Herefordshire Organists' Society

Meetings

Meetings are held monthly (except December) usually on Saturdays and there are occasionally additional events at other times. Activities include recitals, master classes, lectures, visits to organs, social events etc. The dates of meetings are publicised in a programme card issued annually and in "Organists' Review" - (see below). A quarterly newsletter, HOSNEWS, giving details of meetings, and containing local news and views, is sent to all members.

Membership

Membership is open to all, principally to organists and lovers of organ music, and the basic subscription is £8 a year, payable on the 1st January. There are concessionary rates for senior citizens and students. These rates include capitation payable to the IAO. There is also a secondary subscription of £2.50 for 'social' members, i.e. spouse/partner of full member, 'country' members who live outside the area, and others already belonging to the IAO and subscribing elsewhere. Some meetings attract a meeting fee, principally to enable us to make group donations where appropriate. Members are recommended to subscribe to the "Organists' Review" at a discounted price either independently or through the Society. This quarterly journal is published by the IAO and is one of the leading world magazines for organists and their instruments. If you would like more details of HOS membership or the "Organists' Review" you are invited to get in touch with the Secretary, Ian Higton.

Officers

The Society is controlled by a committee, which includes:

• Chairman - Vic Seal
• Treasurer - Max Johnson
• Secretary - Ian Higton (01432) 273985 or email - desmondhigton@btinternet.com .

Deputy Register

The Society maintains a register of organists who are available to deputise at times of illness or holidays. Enquiries to Angus Smart 01432 268830 or email - angussmart@waitrose.com .

Organists' Training Scheme

Diocese of Hereford Organists' Training Scheme, opened in 2001, is a subsidiary of the Society and receives our active support. The Director is Hilary Norris and courses of 15 lessons a year ( or at a frequency to suit individual students) are arranged. A team of qualified tutors is available. Enquiries to the Scheme Secretary - Anne Jardine (01531 631445) or email - anne.jardine@btopenworld.com .

Programme 2008/9

(Some dates are provisional.)

Jan 19 2008 - St Mary's, Grandstand Road, Hereford - 'Edward Bairstow' - Illustrated talk - Richard Popple

Feb 23 2008 - 10 am (DHOTS) - Hereford Cath'l Sch - Zimmerman Bldg - Church St - Improvisation, continued - Peter Dyke & Hilary Norris

Mar 15 2008 - 2 pm All Saints - Evesham, Winchcombe & Stanley Pontlarge Churches

Apr 19 2008 - 11 am Lacock PC, Bowood House, and Chippenham PC

May 17 2008 - 2.15 pm Woolhope, Brockhampton and Fownhope PC

Jun 3 2008 - 7.30 pm (DHOTS) - Pembridge Church - Wedding & Funeral music - Hilary Norris

Jun 14 2008 - 7.30 pm Annual Coach Outing - Birmingham Town Hall & Coventry Cathedral

Jul 19 2008 - 10 am St Peter, Lugwardine - Dr Roy Massey - Masterclass

Aug 16 2008 - 11 am Knighton PC, John and Margaret Davis' residence organ, Church Rd, Knighton, Llanfair Waterdine, Clun & Clungunford PCs

Sep 18 2008 - 7.30 pm Society Annual Recital - Hereford Cathedral - Geraint Bowen

Oct 10 2008 - (Friday) tba Society Annual Dinner

Oct 18 2008 - 10 am (DHOTS) - Bosbury Church - Pipe-ology - Trevor Tipple

Nov 22 2008 - tba David Evans, Head of Music, Hereford CS, 31 Castle St

Jan 24 2009 - 7 pm Holy Trinity, Whitecross, Hereford, AGM

Feb 14 2009 - 2.15 pm Elgar Birthplace Museum, Broadheath - Dr Donald Hunt - 'In love with Elgar / Elgar in love ?'

For full details see quarterly HOSNEWS. The schedule includes DHOTS (Diocese of Hereford Organists' Training Scheme) events . Visitors are welcome. Enquiries to the Secretaries, Ian Higton (HOS)Anne Jardine (DHOTS)