A VETERAN musician who has been a mainstay at a Witham church over the last four decades will perform for the last time this Easter.
David Martin, of Bridge Street, Witham, has been the director of music at St Nicholas' Church, in Chipping Hill, for the last 40 years, but will step down from the role on March 31.
The organist first took over the role from David Lane in 1984, and at that point, the church held a very “male-dominated” choir.
However, David worked hard for women to be allowed into choir, and the musician finally won the battle ten years later in 1994.
The church now has a choir which is open to all, and David has led services at cathedrals across the country.
He will be succeeded by Ashley Thompson.
David said: “God willing, my final service as director of music will be a festal evensong at 6pm on Easter Sunday, and all are warmly invited to attend.
“We hope to sing lots of great music, including the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, and pieces by CV Stanford, who died almost exactly 100 years ago.
“It will be a lovely service.”
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