AN ANGUS organist has called time on her music career after a remarkable 90 years behind the keys.
Catherine Strachan (96) has decided to play her last note for the congregation at Guthrie Church after giving more than 30 years of service to the parish as the church’s main organist.
Catherine, who started playing piano at six years old, was presented with flowers and gifts from the congregation at yesterday’s carol service and members thanked her for her long service to the church.
“I have been playing at the church for about nearly 30 years,” said Catherine.
“A friend of mine was playing the organ at first and I filled in for her once. Another woman and I shared it for a bit then there were three of us.
“At one point another two ladies and I had a concert party called the Guthrie Girls and we played all over the county. It seemed to be popular at the time and we were always being asked to play at ladies’ clubs and other events.
“Playing piano is just something I always did. I was sent to music lessons when I was little and my mother was a very good singer, as was my father.
“I’ve done it for so long it is second nature.”
Catherine moved to Angus from Aberdeenshire around 50 years ago, after studying teaching at university.
She began teaching in country schools throughout the county, such as Guthrie and Kinnell and enjoyed being out in the countryside and working with children.
She kept up the organ and piano on the side and started playing in the church over 30 years ago, and hasn’t stopped until yesterday.
“I was about six when I started but I’m no great shakes,” Catherine, humbly.
“Some people are very good our last organist was very good but she couldn’t play without a book.
“I can play by ear and I can also read music. I’ve done it so long now and I just like music.”
After such a long time playing in the church Catherine said she is quite looking forward to relaxing and simply listening to the music at future services.
She added: “I will miss the organ in a way but I’ll still go to the church. We have a very nice minister and maybe I will enjoy just listening it will be fun.
“I’m looking forward to it in a way. I’ll fill in for the church if they’re stuck for anybody though.
“It has been a long time but the time just goes past and you don’t think much about where it is.”
Guthrie Church minister the Rev Brian Ramsay said it was a great help to have someone as consistent as Catherine to rely on and thanked her for all the work she has done.
Mr Ramsay said: “I have been here 29 years and Catherine has been helping out since before that.
“She first started helping out our previous organist when they had gone on holiday and has been a marvellous help to me. Catherine is very much part of our congregation.”
mdalziel@dcthomson.co.uk