James Walch

James Walch was a musician and composer, born near Bolton, Lancashire, England in 1837. He spent his early life in the town and was organist in several churches there, including the parish church of St George’s. From 1870-1877, he was conductor for the Bolton Philharmonic Society. He also composed at least four published hymn tunes, the best known of which is called “Tidings”. Written in 1875, it’s usually used as the tune to a hymn called “O Zion Haste”.

James Walch was a musical instrument dealer by trade, and moved to Barrow-in-Furness in 1877. He later moved to Llandudno Junction in North Wales, where he died in August 1901 and was buried locally. His wife later donated money to pay for the organs in two local churches, St Paul's Llandudno and All Saints Deganwy, in his memory.

Three decades later, an article in the London Gazette reported on a dispute arising from his will, and mentioned that he had a son, Harry West Walch, who was a pianist and lived in Hereford.

St Paul's Church, Llandudno newsletter; used by permission of Christ Dearden (Walch's wife paid for the organ at St. Paul's Church)