Ulster Society of Organists and Choirmasters

U.S.O.C. Newsletter - September 1997

A DINNER DATE

This year's Annual Dinner will be enjoyed at the Country House Hotel, County Antrim, at 7 30 for 8 pm on Friday 19 September. This excellent hostelry (it was the venue for a similar event seven years ago) is situated on the main Doagh to Ballymena Road. From Belfast, Doagh can be approached by taking the M2 to Junction 5 and then turning on to the Ballyclare Road; about two miles along it turn left for Doagh and from there follow the B59 towards Ballymena; the hotel is about eight miles from Doagh.

Since this is the one event in the Society's calendar at which neither diapasons nor descants have to be endured (though I cannot guarantee they will not be mentioned), wives, husbands, friends, relations, cousins and concubines will be welcome; if you have any, please feel free to invite them. The charge per person will be £18.00 and the attached slip with appropriate remittance should be returned to me not later than Friday 12 September.

THE SATURDAY SESSION

At the Annual Dinner this year's distinguished guest will be Malcolm Archer, recently appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers at Wells Cathedral. At 3 pm the following day - Saturday 20 September - at Ravenhill Presbyterian Church, Belfast, he will present a programme entitled 'Malcolm Archer And His Music' featuring both organ and choral music by this prolific composer. I am not (yet) familiar with his choral music, but his very attractive organ music (three volumes are available from Kevin Mayhew) is written for service use and demands no more that moderate ability to play.

MALCOLM AT THE MULHOLLAND

At 7 45 pm the following Monday evening - 22 September - Malcolm Archer will give a recital at the Ulster Hall where his attractive and well varied programme will include Cesar Franck's A minor Choral, Saint-Saens' Fantasie in Eb, two Carillons by Louis Vierne and three pieces of his own. All too often attendance at these Ulster Hall celebrity recitals is dismal: please do your best to be present on this occasion and tell others about it.

THREE GAINS AND A LOSS

I am sure you would wish to join me in offering congratulations to three of our young members who graduated, all from Queen's University, this summer:

Alistair McCartney, BSc (in Chemistry and Computer Science);
Geoffrey McConnell, BMus;
Adrian McLaughlin, BTh.

Our best wishes to all of them for whatever career or further studies they now plan to pursue.

On a sadder note I have to inform you of the death in May of Kenneth Sheppard. For many years Ken was organist of Ramoan Parish Church, Ballycastle, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Society. He was 79 and died in England.

BALLYWALTER BECKONS

At Ballywalter Parish Church they have a good two manual pipe organ and keen, four-part choir but require someone to cope with both. Details from the Vicar, Revd John Bowley, tel: 01247 758 416.

CALL TO THE COMMITTEE

Reminder: Meeting Saturday 13 September, 7 30 pm at the Honorary Secretary's shack in Bangor; please let him knew - preferably BEFORE the meeting - if you cannot be present.

MEMBERSHIP MEMO

Three changes of address to note in your Membership List:

Alan Elliott ...
Ian Hunter ...
Michael McCracken ...

We are also delighted to welcome back to the Society former member Christopher Boodle, MA, ARCM, FRCO, Organist of Stroud Parish Church in Gloucestershire. His address is: 57 Beaumont Road, Gloucester, GL2 OEJ 01452 385 716.

PARTING PLEA

Prompt processing please of your dinner date data it should be with me not later than 12 September!

Sincerely

RODNEY BAMBRICK
Honorary Secretary

RSB/IAFH
1/09/97


USOC DINNER : 19 SEPTEMBER 1997

Member's Name: _____________________________________

Tel No: _____________________________________________

Please reserve ______ place/s for me and for * ___________________________________

A cheque payable to USOC (£18 per person) for £ ______ is enclosed.

*To facilitate seating arrangements please indicate the names of others accompanying you.


THE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

LOCATION

DISTANCE IN MILES
Belfast: 21 :: Ballymena: 5 :: Larne: 16 :: Belfast International Airport: 16

FROM BELFAST
Exit off M2 at junction 5 then proceed along A57 to Larne turning left to Doagh and take the B59 to Ballymena.
Country House Hotel 6 miles on right hand side.

FROM BALLYMENA
Take A36 to Larne turning right along B59 to Country House Hotel 1.5 miles on left hand side.

FROM KELLS
Proceed through Connor and take the first road on the left after speed limit sign (Craigstown Road.)

FROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Take A57 to Larne tunring left to Doagh and take B59 to Ballymena.
Country House Hotel 6 miles on right hand side.

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