Medals recognise long service of three choir members at Inverness Cathedral
Three Inverness Cathedral musicians who have given over a century of loyal service between them received long service medals last weekend in a special presentation.
Gordon Tocher is the cathedral organist, but started as a chorister in the back row before becoming assistant organist from 1985-2005. He has been the organist there ever since.
Gordon said: "I have had a long involvement there.As the organist, I enjoy playing the fine instrument there. Organists always like a fine instrument to play – and it has given me a lot of satisfaction!
"The long service medal comes from the Royal School Of Church Music and the cathedral's presentation was a complete surprise! I'm very honoured to have been given it and touched by the appreciation it shows."
Andrew Green started singing as a young boy of seven in Openwoodgate in Derbyshire and has been in the choir for 40 years, as well as singing in various other churches.
Nicholas Nicol started as a boy chorister at Inverness, where he became head chorister – and he has served faithfully for 40 years.
Following a special Choral Evensong last Sunday, the three were presented with long service medals and certificates from the Royal School of Church Music.
Director of Music, Adrian Marple said: “We’re all really fortunate to make music in this fabulous building.
"I’m also amazed by the loyalty and professionalism shown by our choir members who sing every Sunday as well as for other special services. There’s a fair amount of travelling involved by some of our members, and the Highland weather can have a dramatic effect on attendance!
"I’m so pleased that the three have received recognition for their excellent service over the years.”
Many people have found the benefits of singing in the choir, particularly in the stunning setting of the cathedral with its excellent acoustics and superb organ.
Three of the cathedral’s younger musicians have also enjoyed singing with the choir, but are now heading off to music colleges or universities.
Ellen Shering was choral scholar and now shall be attending the Royal Conservatoire of Music in Glasgow studying violin. Anna Higgins has been singing at the cathedral during her gap year and returns to finish her degree at Falmouth University.
Finn Hewick has been studying the organ will be taking up a place at Glasgow University studying computing.
If anyone is interested in joining the choir, music director Adrian Marple invites you to email him at: music@invernesscathedral.org
