What a splendid organ recital we had at the parish church on Saturday 3rd October, with organist Simon Mercer and wife Kate, who until recently was the musical director of the Hathersage Choir. Simon was very entertaining and informative in his introduction of the pieces, which varied from Bach to Widor. The concert started with a Toccato by Mushel, which sounded like a fairground organ as Simon said, then a gentle piece featuring Radio Normandy’s call sign by Whitlock. The famous Toccata and Fugue by Bach followed, then a lovely Duet for Organ by the less famous Wesley brother Samuel played by both, with no pedals. We learned that pedals for the organ were not greatly developed until the 19th century, and Simon invited everyone to come up and watch his feet at work on the pedals, and some did. We then had the magnificent Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we all our God) by S Karg-Elert, then a pedal only exercise by Bach. The concert ended with the Toccato by Widor, well known from weddings. Delicious refreshments were laid on by the church bellringers, as the concert was held to raise funds for the refurbishment of the church bells – Simon kindly waived his fee for the concert. Thanks go to Glen Musgrave and Anne Mainwaring for the organisation of the concert, and many thanks to everyone who came and filled the church.