FAMILY, friends and fellow worshippers will say farewell this Saturday (August 11) to a church organist who played at services, weddings and funerals for more than 70 years.

Bob Aston, who died on Monday, July 23, at Gloucester Royal Hospital aged 85, was organist at Christchurch Parish Church for more than 65 years and also provided music at services in Staunton, Newland, English Bicknor and Drybrook.

Christchurch and English Bicknor rector Rev Capt Tony Williams described him as a “Forest hero” and a “wonderful man.”

The father-of-two’s funeral will be at the Church of Holy Jesus in Lydbrook where he first learnt to play the organ in 1944, aged 11.

He and his wife Olwen were also stalwarts of the annual Lydbrook flower festival at the church.

Last year, Bob was honoured by the Bishop of Gloucester when he was admitted to the Company of St Kyne­burga – a unique award only given to those who have given special and “outstanding” service in the diocese.

Rev Capt Williams said: “He was one of the great men of our Forest community. Bob will be remembered not just as an organist, as he was always looking out for other people, helping out with the flowers in the church or the elderly people’s lunches.

“He was a wonderful man, who always gave his time freely for others. He would often put his organist’s fees into the donations box.

“Whenever there was a special service, people always asked for Bob because they knew him as a family friend. He will be sorely missed.”

Bob became organist at Christchurch in 1952 at the age of 19, and was still playing there three times on Sundays until recently. Only last year, he also took on the responsibility for playing the organ at Yew Tree Brake Crematorium in Cinderford.

At the time of his St Kyne­burga award last year, Rev Williams said his ability and willingness to play everything from sung evensong, to modern day praise and worship songs was “a real boon to the worshipping life” of Christchurch and neighbouring churches.

“Bob has also been a significant figure in hundreds of weddings and funerals both here and in most other churches on the Wye side of the Forest, always willing to support the on-going pastoral work of the church,” he added.

“He is a man with a deep concern and great insight into the Forest community. He is always willing to offer advice and support and, almost weekly, draws attention and seeks prayer for the many people he visits regularly, always offering practical and spiritual support.

“Often found helping the flower team, or supporting the many charity events we hold, Bob also offers himself to support the worship of neighbouring parishes. Bob is a selfless Christian who never seeks the limelight, but has, for the past 65 years, offered faithful and committed Christian service and care.”

Mr Aston’s funeral takes place at 11.30am on Saturday, followed by interment at English Bicknor churchyard.