94 years with chapel

Keen organist Marjorie Crowe still enjoys tinkling the ivories in chapel every Sunday - at the age of 94, writes Sue Austin.

And Mrs Crowe, from Whittington, near Oswestry, has been an official member of the Welsh Frankton United Reformed Chapel - previously the congregational chapel - for 79 years.

She has been attending the chapel ever since she was taken there for her christening when she was just three weeks old.

Members of the congregation at Welsh Frankton say they think Mrs Crowe's loyalty could be a record in Shropshire. And they ensure she is in chapel to play the organ each Sunday by making sure someone picks her up from her home before every service.

Mrs Crowe said the chapel meant a great deal to her.

"I was christened there when I was three weeks old and went to Sunday School as a child," she said. "I became a member of the chapel in January 1928, when I was 15."

She said she moved away from the area for a time, but still kept up her membership at Welsh Frankton and returned to live in Whittington 36 years ago.

"I played the organ at chapel before I left and since I have returned to the area," said Mrs Crowe. "My family - mother, uncle, brother, sisters - have played the organ for 113 years."

"I love all the hymns; it is wonderful music."

Can anyone beat Mrs Crowe's record of chapel membership for 79 years or playing the organ at 94? Write to Newsroom, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford TF1 5HU or e-mail newsroom@shropshirestar.co.uk