Musician Norman Wattam recognised for 60 years playing the organ at St Peter’s Church
"IT'S a way of life playing the organ for 60 years – and I hope to be playing for another 60!"
These are the words of talented musician Norman Wattam, who has been recognised for playing the organ at St Peter's Church in Humberston since 1952 – and he's still going!
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STILL GOING STRONG: Norman Wattam, 85, has been playing the organ at St Peter's Church, Humberston, for 60 years. He celebrated the milestone on the same day as the church's Harvest Festival Service. Picture: Chris Vaughan
The 85-year-old from Humberston said there have been "ups and downs" and he has created a great "social life" from being part of the church.
"I want to be playing the organ for as long as I can get up these stairs to play it," he said.
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"I have achieved a great fellowship and a sense of community here because people come from all walks of life.
"I have enjoyed many services and it's difficult to decide but I think my favourite has to be playing with brass instruments introducing a new reverend."
Norman said he was playing at Humberston Methodist Chapel before he got offered the job and it was a "difficult decision" to make.
He explained: "I got a letter from the reverend asking if I wanted the job and I wasn't sure at first – but here I am 60 years later and still enjoying it. The reason why I love the church so much is because there is a great community spirit here and everyone is very friendly.
"Everyone gets together and helps each other out."
Norman is also a very popular piano tuner and his good friend of 60 years, who wishes not to be named, remembers when he came to tune his piano.
He said: "We are very close friends and when he came to my house for a meal I asked him to tune my piano for a party.
"He took all the sides off and took the piano apart to tune it – but the problem was he didn't know how to put it back together again!"
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