The College enjoyed the opportunity to mark two years’ of achievements by its members, and recognise recipients of the RCO Medal, with not one, but two Conferment ceremonies at Southwark Cathedral this year.

Organists come in all shapes and sizes, and a recent survey has highlighted the problems many face in playing their instrument comfortably. A new campaign aims to address this, with practical solutions to ensure equal access and confidence for all.

Woman Composer Sunday is on March 6 this year, and the American Guild of Organists have teamed up with the Society of Women Organists to create an inspirational repertoire list to help organists take up the challenge.

The College’s bi-annual magazine for members contains features, details of forthcoming events and courses, and general news and views from the RCO.

Samuel Kimuli, an organist, composer and educator now based in the UK, decided to start an Organ Academy in his home country of Uganda to help young musicians who did not have the same opportunities as he had. He tells StopPress how he came to play the organ, and his ambitions for The Organ Academy.

A major investment in school singing by the Hamish Ogston Foundation is allowing Catholic Dioceses around the country to revive singing in schools and foster the next generation of church choristers: we look at how the Diocese of Middlesbrough has become part of this project.

Pieter Shaw discovered a wonderful Schnitger organ in a local church in Bellingwolde, close to the Dutch/German border, and then was delighted to be offered the post of organist there. He tells StopPress about the instrument and the role of the organist in the Netherlands.

Retiring in 2009 to his home county of Yorkshire, David Baker became involved in the local organ scene, but found both organ playing and teaching in a sorry state. Determined to do something about this he founded the Halifax Organ Academy, which has big plans for the future as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Before her death last year, Jennifer Bate made specific requests for a memorial concert in her name. This event has just been announced, and it will also include the posthumous presentation of the RCO Medal to Jennifer, in recognition of her contributions to organ performance and teaching.