Alwyn Surplice

Reginald Alwyn Surplice. In 1927 at a young age he was appointed Assistant Organist at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England becoming Sub-organist there in 1932 until 1945 (including service in the Royal Air Force during World War II). In 1945 he was appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers at Bristol Cathedral, and in 1949 he moved to Winchester Cathedral holding the same office, later changed to 'Master of the Music'. He studied at Reading University under Gustav Holst, held the degree of Bachelor of Music (Durham), was a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and taught organ at the Royal Academy of Music. On his retirement from Winchester in 1971 the Archbishop of Canterbury conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Music (Canterbury). In addition to the hymn tune "Wessex" he composed psalm chants and anthems for the Church.

Rowland Wateridge (by email)