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Music at St Mary's

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Groups & Organisations

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	Dorcas Sewing Group
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Behind the Scenes

	District Church Council
	Being Involved
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News and Views

Parish of Hitchin

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ORGAN APPEAL

Revd Oliver Learmont

My interest in the fine and decorative arts led me to studying for a degree in history of art after I left school. I have drawn on this interest in various ways since then: studying Italian art and architecture while living in Italy for four years in my mid twenties; working in museum administration in England for two years on my return from Italy; thereafter devising, publicising and running courses and study tours (largely) for foreigners interested in British architecture, architectural conservation, garden history.

Italy has been a very important part of my life since I first went there in 1982 as part of my history of art degree course, spending a term based in Venice. I lived in north-western Italy from 1984 to 1988 teaching English, and working as a freelance interpreter and translator; and since returning to live in England in 1988, I have maintained a close link with Italy through my friendships over there and business activities.

Foreign languages came alive for me for the first time while I was in Italy, and, as well as Italian, I have enjoyed learning Spanish and improving my French. 

I derive great pleasure from listening to a wide variety of music: baroque, classical, romantic, jazz, rock. I have recently taken up playing again the cello and would like to become involved again in choral singing. 

I enjoy walking, tennis, swimming and skiing - when opportunities allow!

I greatly enjoyed my experience as a pastoral assistant working in a parish in London and while in training as a theology student, and I'm excited now to be continuing my training now as a deacon and assistant curate at St Mary's finding opportunities to become thoroughly involved in the life of the church family and parish of St Mary's, and to make lots of new friends.