Paul Joslin writes:
IN AN otherwise excellent and comprehensive tribute to the Revd John Collins by the Revd Dr Andrew Atherstone (Gazette, 13 January), there is a significant omission, namely John Collins the musician.
From his days at Haileybury, throughout his life, John was a keen and gifted organist. He was still practising Bach trio sonatas on his recently acquired three-manual house organ when I visited early last year. Although he narrowly missed a Cambridge organ scholarship, he went to King’s for lessons with Dr Harold Darke, playing there for evensong on one occasion.
Years later, at Canford Magna, he oversaw the installation of a new Bishop & Son’s organ in the west gallery. It was from there that John and his wife, Diana, led a parish mission at Holy Trinity, Brompton (HTB), “Step Forward”, which built on the excellent team and work of the incumbent Raymond Turvey.
On the retirement of Raymond, it was no surprise that John was appointed Vicar. The church continued to flourish, likewise the breadth of the music. The choir with more than 30 singers each Sunday, an acoustic worship group, “Cloud”, which had been founded some years earlier, an arts group, “Mind the Gap”, and the engaging worship dance group all flourished during John’s ministry. TV, audio, and BBC studio recordings were made. All were genuinely encouraged by John.
His pastoral advice and oversight was exceptional. John tactfully dismissed poor material, no matter from what era, even if it was still newly off the press. His insight into what was worth while was intuitive.
Relaxation included regularly playing Bach’s “Great” B-minor Prelude and Fugue on the large Romantic organ at HTB, watercolour painting, and ice-skating at Queensway ice rink.
He was a wonderfully gifted pastor, and it was a privilege to work with him. He will be greatly missed.
