VISITORS from as far away as Norway turned up for the President's Evening at St Paul's, Armitage Bridge, in February.

It was hard to say whether it was the excellent performers, the programme or the pie and pea supper that drew former president William Kay. But it was good to see him looking in sterling form after his first six months as a professional organist and choirmaster in Stranda.

His attendance underlined the links the association enjoys with Huddersfield University music department.

As the president confessed in his introduction, a favourite word was delegation and he had managed to delegate himself out of playing.

Instead, an audience of 50 enjoyed music from members and student members of the association. It was particularly encouraging to hear the organ in combination with voice and other instruments: violin, flute and clarinet.

Student performers were Jonathan Leigh, Shaun Ward, Chris McElroy, Tom Moore Clair Harvey, Michaela Balsdon and Carole Watt.

Geoffrey Lockwood was joined by soprano Louise Hinchliffe and the musical aspect of the evening concluded with the fugue from Wesley's duet played with panache by Malcolm Cruise and Graham Cummings.

As association members gathered in the hall for pie and peas and wine, Simon Smith recorded some of the students playing the two-manual, by Wood of Huddersfield, for the HOA organ archive.

It was pleasing to welcome several new members: Dr Adrian Clarkson from Wakefield, and, from nearer home John Bailey and his wife Rowen Morton-Gledhill.

Mrs Cruise, Mrs Cockroft and the president's daughter, Emma, served supper with splendid aplomb and a vote of thanks was delivered in similar manner by Douglas Bell.