15^th Apr 1986.

“……..various problems with the organ …..repairs and cleaning will still be needed in the near future.”

 

1^st Sept 1986.

“Clerks Land Charity agreed to fund the work to be done to the organ, including the installation of a humidifier and moving the radiator from in front of the organ. Agreed to install humidifier, rectify windchest faults, adjust the pitch and replace the radiator at a total cost of £3500.”

 

8^th Jan 1992.

“Deterioration of the organ has been reported during maintenance. This has slowed since re-ordering but repairs estimated at around £10000 are still required.”

 

21^st Mar 1994.

“Following a recent inspection, it is estimated that the organ requires repairs costing approx £10000 to put it in proper working order. This could be phased in 3 stages if necessary, corresponding to the 3 manuals which are served by pipes in each of 3 sections of the body of the organ. We need to know what level of finance is available before we are able to make recommendations.”

 

15^th Jan 1996.

“Andrew Shepherd, reported on the state of the organ. He said that the problem was that 19 pipes in the grand manual and 48 pipes in the swell manual did not work, most of them being in the octave and a half where the hymn tune melody is played, resulting in a 26% chance of hitting a duff pipe with the consequence of poor hymn leading and embarrassing voluntaries. The cause of the problem was over heating which had dried out the leathers in the pneumatic motors and also dried out and split the wood which had resulted in wind leaking into the pipes causing cyphers to occur. To repair the organ would need stripping it down, taking away the wind chests and replacing the leather and springs in the pneumatic motors. This could be done in phases costing £4500 for the swell manual (urgent), £4500 for the great manual (less urgent) and £3500 for the pedal board (which could wait). An alternative would be to replace the pipe organ with a computer organ at an approximate cost of £12500. After discussion, it was agreed that a small committee be set up consisting of Pauline Parsons, Geoff Beeson and Steve Harrison, to give further consideration to the matter.”

 

15th. Sept 1997.

“John reported that he had agreed to take on the raising of the necessary finance to carry out the repair to the organ.”

 

24th. Nov 1997.

“The response towards financing the organ repairs had been very small. Barbara Leech asked if other means of funding could be considered.”

 

12th. Mar 2000

“Correspondence from Richard Mason about the state of the organ had been forwarded by Jan Yarnall. It was agreed to accept Jan’s offer to investigate possible sources of funding fro the repair of the organ, but that further discussion was required before any decision was taken about the organ’s future

 

17th. Jan 2000

“The state and future of the organ was discussed. Further consideration would be required.”

 

17th. Sept 2007

“The building group was pursuing investigations concerning the future of the organ.” (Mark Trimmer has been seeing whether he can find anyone who would wish to purchase the organ. This has been without any result.)

 

November 19th. 2007

“The current problem with the organ has been diagnosed. The blower requires attention and  could cost £600 to repair. The consensus of the committee was not to proceed with the repair at the present time given the ongoing discussion about the removal of the organ.”

 

January 14th  2008

“Unanimous decision taken by PCM to apply for faculty (permission from the Diocese) to remove and replace with good quality digital organ and to create a raised area for music group. Trevor Francis to be asked for help in selecting most suitable digital organ.”

 

• Recent discussion and results of Trevor’s presentation.
• Visit of Mr Steve Tovey, Wolverhampton City Organist. (Steve estimated that total cost of repair work could now amount to £80000!)
• Recommendations of all firms quoting that organ has no historic significance and has only scrap value of £100 to £200.
• About £900 in organ fund.

Present Position

·         We are asking for permission to remove all the existing organ, retain oak fascia in storage and dispose of majority of pipes. We would then make good all the stonework behind the organ.

·         We intend to replace the organ with a Makin, in accordance with the recommendations of Mr T Francis. We are investigating where best to site the 12 small loudspeakers and the large bass speaker, and hope to be able to re-use the 4 corner sections of the old organ so each hides 3 new loudspeakers. (SHOW picture and measurements and possible sites!)

·         The removal of the old organ will remove a major safety hazard, the entrance to the existing kitchen.

·         The removal of the old organ will give some much needed extra space inside the Church. (Approximately 2m by 7m.)

·         The removal of the old organ will give a far better view of the splendid nativity stained glass window in North Aisle.

·         The removal of the old organ will reveal a fine oak studded door into the existing kitchen.

·         The removal of the old organ will enable us to experiment with the best arrangement for our music groups.

·         The purchase of a new digital organ will mean much less maintenance and repair costs.

·         When we are able to remove the old organ, we will turn the existing kitchen into a newly fitted drinks area.