A new music festival in the Harrogate district faces an uncertain future after the sudden departure of the man who made it happen.
German composer and pianist Thomas Flessenkaemper organised the first Amy Woodforde-Finden Music Festival in Hampsthwaite last month.
The ambitious two-day event, celebrating the work of composer Amy Woodforde-Finden, who is buried in Hampsthwaite’s village church, was a success.
This led to hopes the festival would become an annual event, promoting the work of Amy and other female composers, as well as engaging local artists and schools.
But Mr Flessenkaemper has resigned from his position as director of music for the benefice of Hampsthwaite, Killinghall and Birstwith.
The Stray Ferret understands he did so following a disagreement with Suzy McCarter, the vicar of Hampsthwaite with Felliscliffe, Killinghall and Birstwith.
Revd Suzy McCarter
The Venerable Jonathan Gough, Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven, did not respond to questions about a fallout when contacted by the Stray Ferret.
He said Mr Flessenkaemper had taken up a new post at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Gibraltar, adding:
“The success of the festival was largely due to Mr Flessenkaemper’s inspiration, leadership and commitment.
“Worshippers in the benefice are very grateful to Mr Flessenkaemper for his great contribution to the life of the churches and the villages since his appointment earlier this year.
“They are sad to see him go, but they recognise that a musician of his calibre will need to develop his musical career in a larger setting, and they wish him every success in his new post at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Gibraltar.
“The Parochial Church Councils will consider future plans for the Amy Woodforde-Finden Music Festival in the New Year.”
Mr Flessenkaemper declined to comment when contacted by the Stray Ferret.
Amy Woodforde-Finden’s tomb in St Thomas a’Becket church in Hampsthwaite.
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New vicar for Killinghall, Birstwith and Hampsthwaite
The Reverend Suzy McCarter has been appointed vicar of Hampsthwaite with Felliscliffe, Killinghall and Birstwith.
Revd McCarter, who lives in Birstwith vicarage, will be installed at an induction service with the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley, on July 28 at 7pm in Killinghall.
Born in Northampton, Revd McCarter was ordained in Blackburn Diocese.
She said:
“I then served a curacy in Standish, Wigan and my first appointment as a clergyperson was in the benefice of Harden, Wilsden, Cullingworth and Denholme in West Yorkshire where I stayed for nearly 11 years before moving here.
“We hope to settle and remain here for a nice long time.”
Birstwith and Hampsthwaite churches reopened for worship during Holy Week and are now back to the normal pattern of worship.
Killinghall, however, is having work done to repair the chancel after some water damage to the foundations resulted in the floor sinking.
It is expected to open for worship on May 30.
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