I'm reminded by this week's Methodist Recorder that Dr Francis Jackson, composer and one-time chief organist at York Minster, recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

I've been interested in Dr Jackson's life and work ever since I discovered many years ago that he and I had a mutual acquaintance.

An album Fanfare for Francis has just been released to mark the occasion.

FJ has composed many hymn tunes, most notably East Acklam, widely used for God Who Madest Earth and Heaven and more recently For the Fruits of His Creation.

One of my favourite organ 'lollipops' is his recording of Norman Cocker's Tuba Tune.

I can't find how to do a weblink to the Methodist Recorder but an interview with FJ can be read on http://www.simonlindley.org.uk/frankly_speaking.html

Ian.