Organ matters - Organs matter!

Thanks for the heads up.  I'm crossing everything for the Compton sale which finishes on Monday.

N

Thanks - I'll keep the forum posted.

N

Good news about the Bevington, but terribly depressing about the others.  Locally, can I give a heads up for a one-manual 20-note pedal by Speechley in Over Stowey Parish Church, Somerset.  Quite a useful little instrument, but the organist wants a two-manual toaster.  It's on the IBO redundant list.  I rang the church for more information, but they've not got back to me (I did try to talk them out of removing it, so maybe they've reconsidered).
N

Thanks.  It's relatively complete, but the wiring looks very messy and lots of pipes don't speak.  It will need a full overhaul, replacement of the connections between the console and the soundboard as well as a new case.  The blower is also very noisy, but, hopefully it will be ok with a service.  I've spoken again to the vendor and am going to put in a decent bid nearer the end of the sale.  I'll keep the forum posted if I get it.
N

I've been to see it today.  It needs A LOT of work, but has the potential to be a lovely instrument again.  I'm bidding for it - pray for me!
N

I'm going to see this later today.

N

"To me, it means resurrection," Bixby said. "It's bringing new life into the church. I think music is the language of the soul and the new organ will enhance that."

Just before I came onto the forum this morning, I was reading an article in an old copy of 'Organist's Review' about church acoustics and the writer quoted a vicar who had laid carpets in the church and replaced the pews with upholstered chairs as saying' the dry acoustic is better for the band'.  That article left me feeling very despairing about the state of church music, where the amplified dance band is seen to be the norm.  Your report, and particularly the quote from the Minister, gives me some hope for the future.

N

The situation is one with which we are only too familiar with in England.  Our parish churches are struggling financially just to pay the diocesan quota, and the free churches, which are usually the buildings with school and meeting rooms in as an integral part of the church are really struggling with membership and many are closing ever year, with the organs being lost forever.  What is different in your report, Eric, is the sense of vision and a determination to keep going and raise money.  I only wish that we could see that vision more often this side of the pond.  Good luck to the congregation of Parsells Avenue - I hope and pray that they succeed.

N

I wonder whether readers of this forum might be interested in this site:
http://www.organistsonline.org/PermanentOrganists.aspx

Some of the vacancies look interesting and the attitude of some of the clergy is reassuring.

I hope the mods will permit me to give a heads up to two organs I'm selling to raise funds and make space for a digital Wyvern:

Firstly, a Johannus Opus 230 analogue, 2-manual/pedal
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Johannus-Opus-230-Church-Organ-/180758372554?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item2a1609e0ca

Secondly, a digital Viscount Cantorum lll
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Viscount-Cantorum-lll-Church-Keyboard-/180758382718?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item2a160a087e

Both in West Somerset.

Thanks for reading,
Nigel

Good news.  It looks a lovely instrument.

This has just come up on Ebay today:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350507030819#description

Looks nice.  Doesn't seem to be on NPOR, but I've got a vague memory of seeing it recently on Ebay.  Pity I haven't got the height for it  :(

I like the look of this.  Hope the price doesn't go ballastic.

I am researching the history of the Holdich/Bishop organ from St Clement's which was moved in 1982 to Selworthy in Somerset where I play.  I wonder whether there are any forum members from the Ipswich area who remember the organ in St Clement's and have any photographs or memories of it.  I have already spoken to Bishop's who have been very helpful and obviouslt have the NPOR entries and a copy of the Faculty to move the organ to Somerset.

Often find the remains of birds in the display pipes/

Now on £775 with 1/2 hour to go.

I spotted that earlier today and have bookmarked it.  I expect it'll go for more than I can afford  :-[

I've always liked the Norwich consoles.  They are very well built and comfortable to play.  The sound is less good - very early electroncs.  It might make the basis of a good digital rebuild.

Likewise, I wish I had the space.  It looks and sounds like a very useful instrument.  A great shame that the church sees no further use for it.