A SHOBDON organist was honoured at a special event at the church he has played in for 55 years.
Andrew Gilliat, 76, has played the organ at Shobdon Church for more than half a century.
Parishioners gathered for a 'Songs of Praise' service to thank him for his years of musical service to the church last week.
He has played for routine Sunday services, weddings, baptisms and funerals for up to four generations in some families in the village.
As well as having serenaded regular visitors – including royalty – he has served the church day in, day out, for decades.
That has included unlocking and locking the church every day, unblocking drains, and leading on the £1million restoration of Shobdon Church in 2013 which resulted in a visit by Prince Charles.
Mr Gilliat played the organ at the thanksgiving service in a packed church as local people came to thank him for his organ playing and to wish him well as he leaves Shobdon to live in Breinton this summer.
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