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Organist rewarded for hitting the right notes

Eve Dugdale
9/ 1/2008

AFTER more than half a century of hitting the right notes Trevor Whitehead has been given the highest organist accolade.

The pensioner, who lives on Town Lane, Denton, has been given the ‘Organist Emeritus’ title in recognition of 55 years’ service to Wilton Street Chapel and New Chapel in Denton.

“My brother Anthony was the organist at church and when he went into the forces I took over from him. I was 14 and I hadn’t had lessons. I just practiced and practiced,” said Mr Whitehead, 77.

“I’ve been there ever since. I had some time off for work, but in the meantime I did other things, such as Sunday school.”

The former French teacher, who has lived in Denton all his life, has been a parishioner at the church since he was five years old.

He also plays the piano and says the most unusual song he’s been asked to play on the organ at church is the Sound of Music.

Although he’s taking a break from organ playing at the moment he hopes to return, and is maintaining his skills on the piano at home.

“My parents weren’t musical, but I did find out that I had an uncle who used to play the organ in Cornwall. I just discovered through relatives.”