TRIMNELL, THOMAS TALLIS (1827-97) was born at Bristol, his father being vicar-choral of Bristol Cathedral. He also was educated at the cathedral school and was a chorister, being boy soloist on the occasion of a visit by Spohr. He received his first appointment as private organist to a county magnate, and he understudied Corfe, then organist at Bristol Cathedral. Trimnell was organist at Chesterfield parish church for 24 years. During this time he was a member of the Bristol Madrigal Society, and he organised a brass band at Chesterfield which won first prize at a national competition at the Crystal Palace. He left Chesterfield for Clifton and became organist at Sheffield, where he conducted the Derby Choral Union. Before coming to New Zealand (1886) Trimnell acted with Daniel Godfrey as judge in band competitions. He was four years organist at St Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, and in 1890 was appointed to St Peter's, Wellington. He conducted for the Amateur Operatic Society and the Wellington Orchestral Society.

Trimnell's own compositions included Evening Service in C (which he composed for the festival of the London Church Choir Union) and the anthem Thou'lt keep him in perfect peace. He died on 5 Sep 1897.

Evening Post, 6 Sep 1897.

Reference: Volume 2, page 201

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