THE congregation of a Basingstoke church honoured their resident organ player celebrating 40 years of playing the instrument.

St Mary’s Church, in Old Basing celebrated the 40-year milestone of Paul Wright playing the church’s organ with a special singing service. 

Mr Wright, 62, said he never expected to still be at the church after all these years and was overwhelmed by the reception he was given. 

He told The Gazette: “It was quite an overwhelming experience as there were a lot of people there, some of which I know had travelled quite a long way.”

Mr Wright’s love affair with the organ started when he was a youngster growing up in Nottinghamshire, where he learnt to play the piano and had always had a keen interest in playing the organ. 

Having learnt and played the musical instrument throughout his school years, it was matter of right place at the right time to become a regular fixture at St Mary’s. 

“My wife Marilyn was working at South View Junior School, and a few members of staff there attended St Mary’s,” added the 62 year-old. 

“They asked her if she knew an organ player – which funnily enough she did – who could help out during their Christmas service. 

“Their then vicar Peter Robbins who has since become a dear friend, contacted me and persuaded me to come and play the Christmas service in 1975 and have been there ever since.” 

The former primary school teacher, from Steventon, said everyone at the church had been so friendly and welcoming – something which he says still stands today. 

During the celebrations Mr Wright was presented with gifts from the church by the Reverend Alexander Battey as well as receiving a standing ovation after he played Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. 

Having reached 40 years playing the pipes at St Mary’s, Mr Wright is realistic about how much longer he will be playing after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

He added: “I am just playing as much as I can now until I no longer can. 

“If I can still do a good enough job I will continue to play, I even had people say to me after the service, ‘We look forward to the 40th’, but we will have to wait and see.”