THE long-serving organist at All Saints Okehampton, Ian Cann, pulled out all the stops for a free organ recital on Saturday as part of the church?s flower festival. The programme included several well known pieces, such as ?The Londonderry Air? and Bach?s Toccata and Fugue. Mr Cann, who has been organist at All Saints for 56 years, said ?I selected some pieces to appeal to a wide variety of tastes, including those who had not heard much organ music before. All were famous and had a recognisable tune.? Ian started playing the organ while still at school under the tutelage of renowned organist Gordon Brewer at St Mary Abbotsbury. He went on to gain a diploma in organ playing from the London College of Music and in 2001 was awarded a certificate of special service for many years devoted to church music. Vicar of Okehampton the Rev Stephen Cook said ?We are very fortunate at All Saints to have such a gifted and dedicated musician, as well as a wonderful instrument for him to play on.? The flower festival began with a short dedication on Thursday evening and ran through the weekend, finishing with a service of celebration on Sunday. Ian is pictured left.
