CHRISTINE Tipper has been playing the organ in various churches in Mid Devon for some 60 years and has decided that it is now time to retire.

All in all, Christine has played in about 15 churches, some of which are Sandford, where she remembers how strange it was playing the organ from the balcony, Puddington, Washford Pyne, Stockleigh Pomeroy, Down St Mary, Bow, Colebrooke, Woolfardisworthy, Knowle, Kennerleigh and The Beacon Church at New Buildings.

Many church organs have their own special challenge which Christine has learned to cope with over the years.

For about 19 years, she has helped Morchard Bishop organist, Susan Gales, by playing the organ at Morchard for the third Sunday service in each month.

As a way of saying “thank you”, Susan and Morchard Bishop choir members arranged an afternoon tea party in St Mary’s Church which was much enjoyed by everyone.

Team Rector of the North Creedy Team of Parishes, the Rev Lindsey Starrs, gave Christine a card signed by all and a lovely lavender plant, giving her the gratitude of everyone and thanks for her long service.

Christine lived at Knightstone House, Morchard Bishop until she moved to Crediton in 1985. She went to Morchard Bishop Primary School, Chulmleigh and Edgerton Park School in Exeter.

When she was 18 her uncle, Vernon Tipper, who was Head Master at Morchard Bishop School, asked her if she would like to play the organ in Morchard Bishop Church which she did on and off for many years.

When the Rev Brian Shillingford came to Morchard Bishop he asked Christine if she would play in other churches in his Team Ministry which she has been doing ever since.

Playing the organ in a church is not without its moments of humour. On one occasion Christine thought that she heard someone gently snoring in the church, only to discover that it was an owl!

Karin Moffett