Diana's 66 years on organ at Norfolk church

2010: A Norfolk Methodist church organist has been playing at services for no fewer than 66 years and last weekend celebrated her 80th birthday with yet another performance.

 

When organist Diana Webdale (pictured right, courtesy of EDP24) made her debut performances, the church windows were still being blacked out at night for fear of attracting Nazi bombers.

Miss Webdale's audience at Little Walsingham Methodist Church in North Norfolk was twice its usual size on Sunday (April 18) as the chapel swelled with birthday well-wishers.

In a surprise addition to the regular service, she was given a long-service certificate from the Methodist Church Music Society, a birthday cake and a brooch in the shape of a treble clef.

Miss Webdale began her career as 14-year-old Sunday school pianist along the coast at Wells Methodist Church and she still plays regularly at both Wells and Walsingham - and has no plans to retire just yet.

“I was told about an organist on the Methodist circuit somewhere, who was 100 years old and still playing,” she said. “It is certainly something I am aiming for. I just want to keep on playing.

The Rev Elizabeth Bellamy, the minister at Walsingham Methodist Church, said: “I think everyone can tell she is one of the faithful salt of the earth. Her contribution over the years has been unique. The congregation are so grateful for her turning up every single week to play and playing in a way that adds to the atmosphere and the quality of the worship.”