About this Event
Born in London in 1940, Martin became a chorister of the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace at the age of 8, and was proud of the fact that he sang at both the baptism service of King Charles III in 1948 and at the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Martin was educated at the City of London School and read theology and music as Organ Scholar of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He initially considered going into the church, but music became a greater calling and it led to him becoming assistant Organist at St Margaret's Westminster before he took on leading roles as Organist and Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. He was Director of Music for the funeral of HRH Princess Diana of Wales in 1997.
Martin was President of the Royal College of Organists (twice) and of the Organists Charitable Trust. He was the first conductor of the Millennium Youth Choir of the Royal School of Church Music and also served for 32 years as Chairman of the Herbert Howells Society. In 2012 he became Organist of St Michael and All Angels Church in Barnes, before challenges with Parkinson's led to his retirement in 2022.
The service for Martin will be an occasion to share the memories and the legacies he left to those who knew him and loved him, and to celebrate his life and work and his devotion to his family and friends and to music.
To attend the service, click on 'reserve a spot' top right and register for the tickets you would like, which will then be sent to the email address you leave with us. The Abbey does not share the data that you leave with any third parties.
There is likely to be a bag search before entering. We ask please that you leave any sizeable luggage at a station left-luggage facility ahead of the service. There is one at Victoria Station for instance.
The nearest toilet facilities are located in Abbey Cloisters or at Westminster Central Hall.
The West door of the church will be open for attendance from 11.20 am and members of the congregation are requested to be seated ideally by 11.45 am.
FAQs
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Nearest underground stations : St James's Park and Westminster and buses 11, 24 , 26 and 148 stop nearby.
Do I need to bring my printed ticket(s) to the event? Yes please, either bring the printed ticket or have an image to show security on entry, on the phone. Please also bring a form of photo ID with you just in case you need to produce it with your ticket on entry to the church.
What time do the doors open? 11.20 am.
What time is the service likely to end ? 1 pm approximately
Can you accommodate those with special needs? Yes we can, there is easy sloped access into St Margaret's, with spaces for those in wheelchairs. There are disabled toilet facilities inside the Abbey. We can offer parking facilities for those with special needs who could use a parking space. Do contact [email protected] if you have particular concerns beforehand that you would like assistance with.
Is there guidance on what one should wear to the service ? There is no specific dress code for the service. There isn’t a requirement to wear dark colours as this will be a celebration of Martin’s life.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St Margaret's Church, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yd, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
