The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, recently attended the Sunday morning service at St Mark’s Church. During the service, he dedicated the recently acquired Blüthner grand piano for church and community use in memory of the late Venerable Ian Bentley, Archdeacon of Lynn, who was formerly Vicar of St Mark’s and St Luke’s, Oulton Broad.
Purchase of the piano was possible after a fund-raising appeal. Many donations, large and small, were made by church members either in memory of loved ones or who wished to preserve and enhance the musical tradition of the Church and local community.
In addition, to meet a shortfall in donations and to promote the piano for community use, local District Councillor Frank Mortimer was instrumental in obtaining a grant from the East Suffolk Council “enabling communities” budget. Community music activities are well established at St Mark’s, being the centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations and a venue for vocal master classes and concerts. The performers vary from local Big Bands or nationally acclaimed musicians and singers to those featuring school-children in school concerts or performing to their parents.
Councillor Frank Mortimer and his wife were unable to attend the service, but they were represented by Mrs Wendy Hunt, a friend and parishioner.