Organ matters - Organs matter!

Sorry for not checking in here earlier.......

The work won't start until we've raised some more money.  We've had quotes from some suitable contractors in the area, but not committed ourselves to anyone yet.

Interesting to hear about other Hill organs, thanks for the leads.  We're curious to know how it is that William Hill & Son built so many organs in North Wales when there were other builders (eg Henry Willis) closer to hand.

CHRIS

Fundraising is progressing - we've passed the £10,000 mark, though there's still a long way to go!

People here might be interested to see a gallery of photos we put up recently of the inside of the instrument.  We took them earlier this month when an organ builder came to give it a look over: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1439816299592205.1073741831.1381337445440091&type=1

The link should work even if you don't do Facebook...... hopefully.

Best wishes,

CHRIS

Thanks for those suggestions - some useful leads there.

CHRIS

Greetings,

We've recently started fundraising to do a full strip down and rebuild on the 1910 William Hill & Son organ at St Paul's Church, in Craig-y-Don (part of Llandudno in North Wales).  Ours is one of only two organs in Llandudno listed Grade II by BIOS, but has developed some worrying creaks and wheezes, and packed in completely on Easter Sunday this year.  Temporary repairs mean we have use of the organ again, but the full restoration will cost us £150,000.

The fundraising page is here: http://www.churchorganfund.co.uk/ and there are some pictures of the church here http://www.flickr.com/photos/105243976@N07/

A few reasons for posting it here......
1)  Donations gratefully received, of course
2)  I'd like to speak to anyone who's a William Hill & Son expert, to find out more about the company and its work.  The information would be useful in preparing displays and grant applications.
3)  We're also trying to find out more information about the 19th century hymn writer and music shop owner James Walch.  Our organ is dedicated to his memory, but we know very little about him - anyone able to help?

Best wishes,

CHRIS