AT the age of 92, Iris Griffiths is to play her final service as a church organist — a role she has held for more than 65 years ‘come rain or shine’.

Born and raised in Chillaton, and where she has lived ever since, Iris began to play the organ when she was just 11 years old — and moved up to church organist just one year later.

‘I began to take an interest in music at the age of eight,’ said Iris.

Iris and her sister were taught by Meda Gimblett, followed by Olive Parkhouse in Launceston who was a former organist at Marystowe Church.

‘When I was 11 and moved into the senior classroom at school [the former Chillaton School] I began to play the organ for morning assembly and then at the age of 12 I became the organist at Chillaton Methodist Church, sharing with my sister on alternate Sundays.‘

Then, when she was 27, in 1952, Iris became the organist for St Mary’s Church in Marystowe after the retirement of Ena Geake.

‘I transferred from the Methodist church to St Mary’s in 1952 and retired when I was 65 but returned after four years.

‘I have played organ at different churches, including Milton Abbot, Dunterton and Coryton, for 80 years — I don’t really want to give up playing the organ but with winter coming I don’t want to be on the icy roads so I thought it was best to retire.

The Rev Andy Atkins praised Iris for all her hard work over the many years. He said: ‘Iris has been a dedicated organist for over 65 years. Come rain or shine she has played the organ for Sunday services, weddings, baptisms and funerals. Her talents will be sorely missed, although we will still see her every Sunday at church.  I hope she can now sit back and enjoy the service from the pews. Congratulations and a happy retirement.’

Iris’ final service will be the Christmas communion service on Sunday, December 24 at 6.30pm.

An afternoon tea party to mark the Iris’ retirement was held on Friday, December 15 in the schoolroom at Marystowe Church.

Pictures by James Bird