A RETIRED taxman has completed his quest of playing every cathedral organ in Britain — despite never having had a proper lesson.

    John Richards, 75, set a record when he played the 94th instrument following an incredible musical journey that has taken him 20 years.

    He played “Auld Lang Syne” at Inverness Cathedral after having already performed on every organ across England and Wales.

    The amateur organist learnt to play the piano as a child but has never had a formal organ lesson in his life. He was encouraged to take his piano skills to church by his father and would earn his pocket money by performing for worshippers.

    His passion came to a brief end after his wife Barbara unexpectedly died following a brain bleed in 1992. Devastated by the sudden loss, John lost his motivation and was unable to play for years.

    But after remarrying, his new wife Lyn encouraged him to keep playing and together they have toured the country and visited every single cathedral.

    After completing the mammoth task at Inverness Cathedral on Thursday, John said, “It’s been a commitment to a day but we’ve managed to do it.

    “Here I am, 75 years of age and I’ve played all cathedral organs in Britain. I’m not aware of anyone else who has attempted to do this.

    “I can’t believe it in a way that something which did not start as a quest has ended as one.

    “So many people have been concerned with this.

    “The directors of music, the congregations, the people walking through the cathedrals and so many more people have encouraged me along the way.

    “But without Lyn none of this would have been possible.”

    (SD-Agencies)