Norwich man fulfils lifelong dream of playing rare organ

Barry Holdstock, 80, from Lingwood, had just one bucket list wish when he was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, to play a five-manual church organ, after spending 73 years tinkling the ivories at churches across the country.

Mr Holdstock developed Aphasia following a stroke in 2017, which affects communication, but despite this he continues to play regularly. 

He began playing the piano aged seven before being introduced to the organ by his virtuoso father at 16.

Ever since, Mr Holdstock has played in churches in Southampton, London and Norfolk, playing three and four-manual organs but he had never played a five.

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The manuals on an organ relate to the number of tiers of keys each instrument has, with five being the most difficult to play.

Mr Holdstock's wife Marlene wanted to make his dream come true and got in contact with Wakefield Cathedral in Yorkshire, which has one of the rare organs.

Mr Holdstock on the Wakefield organ (Image: Marlene Holdstock)

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He said: "I've always wanted to do it, but they are so hard to find there are quite a few in cinemas and places like that but only four in churches.

"The man in Wakefield was more than happy to oblige, we've always liked Yorkshire so had a holiday and then went in the cathedral where he had everything switched on and ready to go.

"They let me play it for ages, it was a real pleasure.

"I loved it, we were made to feel so welcome, I'm over the moon."

Mr Holdstock is currently deputy organist at Reedham Church, where he regularly plays a three-manual instrument.