AN ORGANIST who has provided the music at Spreyton Methodist Church for more than 50 years has been presented with a special thank you on her retirement.

Geraldine Radmore was presented with a bouquet of flowers and brooch shaped like a treble clef by the congregation at her last performance just before Christmas.

She has played uplifting music for services over many years, including special anniversaries, harvest festivals, Easter and Christmas services and weddings, accompanying old and young alike.

Geraldine, who celebrated her 88th birthday on Monday (January 6), said: ‘It was lovely. I wasn’t expecting anything like that, it was a nice surprise. It does seem like quite a long time that I have been doing it. I originally took over from my mother-in-law and I have enjoyed doing it, although it is getting a bit too much for me now which is why I have decided to stop.’

Of the music she plays, she said: ‘I like it all but I like it best when I have got something easy to play. Everyone has always been pleased with what I play.’

A spokesperson for the church said: ‘Fifty years is a long time to sit and help lead congregations in her own gentle but joyful style. All those at Spreyton Methodist Church, both past and present members of the congregation, would like to thank Geraldine for all she has done to serve Spreyton in this way. Enjoy the rest Geraldine, you deserve it.’