Organ matters - Organs matter!

I think its a lot to do with the people in charge. Its a shame as JP built a westend organ for them as well, this was the H&H from Clent.

Barrie

I agree with you Neil that this little organ is a joy to play and hear when its in tune, I have accompanied large congregations (its a large building) with this organ with no problems at all. The pedal chests were releathered a few years ago, but it looks as if the heating system is still causing problems.

Barrie

This 3 manual Nicholson organ is now unplayable, there are no plans to restore it due to lack of funds. The stairs to the console are extremely dangerous, the Swell was electrified at some point but the pipework is typical of Nicholsons work and worth preserving. Rev Tony Newnham is one of the former organists of the church.

Barrie

John Pryor the former organist of the Oratory is now at St Augustines Edgbaston, I did not realise the organ was now not used so much.

Hi Neil,

This organ has not been used properly for years, there are some posts on the forum already regarding this instrument.

Barrie

Hi

Look at the website of Anthony Bogdan, its worth giving him a ring as well as he often knows of available "cheap" instruments.

Barrie

I like Davids suggestion!!!!

Have you got the specification of the organ you saved, it would be interesting to see, was the church one of the ones badly damaged in the earthquakes?

Best wishes

Barrie

Ps Have you any idea what the current situation is regarding the Christchurch Town Hall organ?

Welcome to the board Peter, its a long time since I last spoke with you!!!! Whats happening over the proposed rebuild at St Peters, I had heard Principal were going to do the work but nothing has been heard about it for ages.

Best wishes

Barrie

Hi Tony,

From memory Tom Sheffield rebuilt this, he was very fond of Sifflottes and the choir organ follows his normal re-modelling. I dont know who has his records now so I cannot verify this.

Best wishes

Barrie

I agree with you Eric, this organ is worthy of preservation, it has to be gigantic to fill the auditorium.
Do you know where I can find the picture of the helicopter flying inside the building?

Barrie

Hi
I have read that the choir organ at Canterbury is to be rebuilt and returned to being a 4 manual, the post mentioned that Harrisons were going to carry out the work, but there is no mention of this on their website, Does any member have any more information about this scheme?

Best wishes

Barrie

It does look very extended but it would be a good replacement for a toaster in a suitable church.

Hi

I do hope a home can be found for this instrument. David I would like to see some photographs of it, could you try and message me with them please?

Best wishes

Barrie

Hi
Yes Paul has the Tewkesbury monster, it was a nightmare to play with so many "prepared for" stops.

Best wishes

Barrie

I really wish the Rotunda could be printed in some form to make it available for people to see how Willis were developing at this time. I borrowed some copies some 40 years ago and they were most enlightening. One issue ,emtions St Judes Thornton Heath, I did message Carlo Curley to find out what was happening to this instrument, but due to his death never got a reply. Does David Wylde know the fate of this instrument?

Best wishes

Barrie

There was one at St Oswalds Preston, the organ has now moved on and if you look it up on NPOR it will show you where it went to.

What about the Chadderton instrument mmentioned elsewhere on this forum?

I have just read on Yahoo that the Pope has resigned, first one to do this for 600 years, I always thought they held the position until death but obviously this is not the case.

Barrie

Hi

Congratulations to Trevor Tipple for being awarded the MBE in the New Years Honours. Trevor is a well respected organ builder in Worcester, apart from this he is organist of St Martins church, a position he has held for many years. Many students at the RNIB have been taught the organ by him.;

This is really good news for the organ and church music world.

Best wishes

Barrie

It is with deep regret I have heard on the news that the organist of St Saviours Sheffield was murdered on his way to play for the evening worship at his church. Please pray for his soul and that he will receive peace and also for his wife and family at this time. I hope the people who did this will be caught and brought to justice as soon as possible.

Barrie