Dr Ray, Colchester's organist of 37 years, will step down as the role evolves

The change, linked to upcoming local authority reorganisation, will involve the new postholder receiving £300 per month to cover personal expenses and costs.

The role of the Town Organist is to be axed as part of upcoming local authority reorganisation, it has emerged.

The change, linked to the new postholder receiving £300 per month to cover personal expenses and costs.

In a message to supporters and colleagues, Dr Ray said the news came unexpectedly.

He said: “This information was only communicated to me very recently and, not having been party to any of the discussions leading up to the decision, it came as something of a surprise.

“I understand it’s all down to the pressures of the local government being reorganised – they need to make arrangements to make the organ more profitable, so that will be a post that involves more than music-making.

“I am a musician and I won’t be interested or suited for promotions of the kind they are looking for.”

Dr Ray, who joined the council in 1988, said the occasion was marked with a kind gesture.

He added: “There was a very nice presentation they organised at the mayor’s annual presentation last Thursday and they presented me with a certificate as a token of thanks.”

Dr Ray has held the honorary title since 1988, playing at countless civic events, including numerous mayor makings and oyster feasts.

He continued: “It has been an interesting experience to have been privileged to serve Colchester – I am the last of a line.”

Dr Ray paid tribute to predecessors W. Christian Everett, E.H Turner and Leonard Simpson and also looked back fondly on the 2015 restoration of the Moot Hall organ and the popular recital series he helped establish.

“We brought to the town a number of distinguished organists and drew substantial audiences.”

The new series is expected to begin in September, with Moot Hall due to reopen in June.

Among those to thank Dr Ray for his contribution was Nigel Chapman, chair of the Friends of Moot Hall Organ.

Mr Chapman, who is also a keen supporter of the organ recitals, said of Dr Ray’s contribution: “Ian has been with us for 37 years – he is just tremendous.

“The work he has done for the organ is incredible.”

While acknowledging how difficult the decision to cut the role will be for the council, Mr Chapman said his group supported what the council was planning to do.

He continued: “Our concern is to make sure the organ is used and properly looked after, so we support what the council is planning to do.”