SOUTH PETHERWIN chapel organists Gordon Maunder and Mrs Mary Stoneman have been presented with certificates recognising their outstanding service to the chapel during its 145-year anniversary celebrations on Sunday, May 8.

Mr Maunder, 83, has just reached 60-years of plying his trade at South Petherwin but has no intention of quitting anytime soon.

Mr Maunder performs at both South Petherwin’s Methodist and Anglican Church while he also lends his expertise at Altarnun and Trewin during a 67-year career.

He said: “I’m very pleased to bring up 60-years at South Petherwin Chapel. “Thankfully I’m still able to do it and support the church while I can still drive, which enables me to get around and allow me to do what I want.

“On average I do two services a week, usually both on Sunday mornings while I sometimes do one in the afternoon too.

“I still really enjoy it and unless I can’t do it anymore or I get sacked then I’m going to continue for a while yet.”

Mrs Stoneman has also clocked up hundreds of performances since starting out in 1966 and is immensely satisfied of her longevity as a one church organist.

She said: “I’m very proud and very surprised of what the church have done for us today. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to enrich the music within the chapel.

“I think my love of music and in particular of the organ means that I’m always happy to help out although we now have a number of organists within the congregation so we have to share it around. But whenever I get the chance I still love it, and like Gordon said, health permitting I want to carry on.”

Following the presentations made by the Rev Jo Smart, they all made their way to the schoolroom for a cream tea to reflect on the day.

Earlier on, Rev Smart showcased the work of the local school children to the members before talking about the history of the church and some of the occasions that had gone before them.

Matthew Parsons then played a number of old and new hymns on the keyboard before Mrs Valerie Hosking read a lesson.

The final passages of the service included prayers by Phil Parsons and further speeches by Rev Smart before they made their way to the schoolroom for their final part of a day that will live long in the memories of those who attended.