Interesting, Barry! Thank you for that.
As an eventual Grade VIII pianist, I was first drawn to playing the organ through our family Parish Priest, who appealed for an organist from the pulpit; my parents put me forward, and informed me afterwards! It was a very modest two manual instrument, but it stirred my interest. I was 13 at the time, 1968. Two years later I was playing a single manual, no pedals, instrument, accompanying a newly-formed parish choir, and was entrusted in 1970 to contribute to a new instrument designed to meet the requirements of a growing parish. Our hosts have done us proud over the years! At about the same time, I was in the sixth form at school, and had unfettered lunchtime access to the wonderful instrument at Sacred Heart, Wimbledon at the bottom of the school's playing fields (it's no doubt known to many of you, and then still in its 1935 state, which showed!). It was an marvellous, and hugely instructive experience! I went into teaching, and spent my three years' training at What is now St. Mary's University, Twickenham, as College Organist for two of those years, with a fine student choir.
I currently reside, as Director of Music, in the same parish I have been in since 1970. I'm proud to have been associated with, and to lead, a completely amateur Catholic parish choir for all those years, with an encouragement to all and any to join us, without audition, to sing at the Sunday liturgies. It has led me to play a large number of other instruments over the many years, some of which other amateur organists might well be envious of!!
Tony