Dr Allan Wicks

A kind, generous man who allowed The Organ Club to play the newly rebuilt organ in Canterbury Cathedral in May 1981.

I came to know Allan during the Manchester days when, as a very shy, nervous teenager, I was privileged to be a 'fly-on-the-wall' at the Saturday afternoon choir practice, and then to sit by the organ console during Evensong.
'Highlights' were being allowed to play chords for unaccompanied items, when Allan donned his surplice and hood before going off to conduct, and turning the pages as he played.
He did mellow considerably with the passage of time, but in those...

Having been a chorister under Dr Wicks I have many fond memories from my time in the choir. Talking to other exchoristers, the phrase "a great man" comes up every time. He cared for all the choristers and it was always with great joy we headed off to 'Chateux Wicks' for a sunday lunch before evensong. His love of music was infectious and this is just one of the things I have carried with me from my time singing in the choir. A great man indeed,and much loved by all who came into contact with...

Blessed Allan--A light has gone out of my life, I know. And I feel so very sorry that Elizabeth must endure his absence. My father-in-law was OBE. Allan being CBE was a far cut above that. He deserved it! I have a mental picture of him telling stories and, even more clear, making giant music in the Cathedral. God help Elizabeth to heal. Anne Thompson, California

My father Raymond Clarke died a month after Allan. They were great friends and served in the Indian Army together in the 1940s. Raymond was also an organist. I have a very special photograph of the two of them in 1945, with handwritten comments by Raymond. If you contact me Elizabeth, I could let you have a copy.

I knew him very briefly, during the first time the Berkshire Choral Festival (Sheffield, MA, USA) went to Canterbury, & he was our host at the school. He told some great stories, and we had some good chats. A brief encounter, but I still recall him fondly.

As a Lay Clerk at Canterbury from 1981 until 1997, I found him the most inspiring musician and genuine human being to work for. He was a true friend to Lay Clerks and Choristers alike, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

07 March 2010
During the 1950's as a teenager I was a pupil of Allan's while he was at Manchester Cathedral.
He was always so patient, kind and full of fun.
One time during a lesson he stopped me and I naturally thought I had made a mistake. He looked straight at me and said, "do you fancy a ham sandwich?"
Minutes later we were both sat on the organ stool munching away!! He often took me after lessons to evening events where he was either giving a recital or lecture.

As the (non-musical) assistant director of the Berkshire Boy Choir (USA), I worked closely with Allan on his first visit to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in 1969. It was a wonderful experience, and I will never forget Allan's kindness, his gentle wit, and his consummate musicianship. His ability to mold a varied group of 32 boys and 18 young men from all over the USA into a very good performing choir in just 3 weeks was truly remarkable. Heartfelt condolences to Elizabeth and the girls.