An incredible journey of music and faith: Liverpool Philharmonic Resident Film Organist and URC member Dave Nicholas

Highfield URC, Rockferry member Dave Nicholas soon celebrates his 90th birthday and 36 years as the Liverpool Philharmonic Resident Film Organist.

Dave was previously an adherent at Tranmere URC and had played occasionally at the church.

He played the organ for Carol Wyburn’s wedding in 2000 at Tranmere URC and the following week was asked to play at the Boys Brigade Service when the regular organist wasn’t available. He offered to help Higher Bebington Road URC when their organist could no longer play, saying he “would help out for a few weeks” and has been playing there ever since. When Tranmere URC closed, Dave came into URC membership when he joined Highfield URC, Rockferry. He has led a few concerts at the three churches over the years too. 

Revd Ruth Wilson commented: “Dave’s music is a gift from God and a blessing to all who hear it.  If one stops to watch while he is playing, it is clear to see the enthusiasm and passion he puts into his music and the joy he has sharing his gift with others.  

Dave has also, on a number of occasions, hosted concerts at Highfield and Higher Bebington to raise funds for the churches. Dave’s enthusiasm has not dampened with age, he has been a faithful and willing servant for over 25yrs.  He is a gift that keeps giving and we thank him for this.”

Dave’s journey in his own words:  “I was baptised at St Catherine’s Tranmere 1935 and went to St Paul’s Rock Ferry then to St Lukes Tranmere. I was confirmed at St Paul’s 1949. It was only a short period at Wilmer Rd I knew some friends who went I used play the organ not for the services. It was during this meeting that John and Carol Wyburn at the Royal Philharmonic asked me to play for their wedding which I did at Tranmere URC.

“I was then asked to play for the Boys Brigade Service after that I used to go the Saturday Coffee Morning. Following this, I was asked if I could help out for short period it ended up full time, I became a member at Highfield and of course between the church and Liverpool Philharmonic has turned out very well. I did the Church Service at Butlins for eleven years and community singing too.”

Dave will celebrate his 90th birthday on 29th June 2025.

You might also be interested in the following articles that gives lots of information about Dave:

https://www.livpost.co.uk/the-philharmonics-88-year-old-organist/

'World's oldest organist' went from Butlins to the Liverpool Philharmonic - Liverpool Echo