Hey, I realise this is an old thread but thought I'd add a few bits I know about these two organs.
The organ at St. Michael's is indeed unplayable, according to NPOR it's been unplayable for at least 10 years, probably a lot longer. Your description of "Happy-Clappy on stilts" is very accurate - just be grateful you didn't see the monstrosity of a projector screen they have! Quite how they got it approved without bribing the DAC I will never know.
As for the organ itself, restoration will cost >£500k, possibly into the millions, however it's considered by someone (Not sure who) as historically significant so it is not in danger of being scrapped. I'm told that St. Lawrence's in York are after it for their church as they have been making do with an electric. They are currently trying to raise funds for it, and St. Michael's have said if they can raise the amount needed to rebuild it, then it's theirs.
The organ at St. Helens is regularly played as far as I know, and there is a regular series of recitals held there, at the Minster and at St. Martin's round the corner. I met a guy before Christmas who was an assistant organist there so rest assured it is being well used!
The organ at St. Michael's is indeed unplayable, according to NPOR it's been unplayable for at least 10 years, probably a lot longer. Your description of "Happy-Clappy on stilts" is very accurate - just be grateful you didn't see the monstrosity of a projector screen they have! Quite how they got it approved without bribing the DAC I will never know.
As for the organ itself, restoration will cost >£500k, possibly into the millions, however it's considered by someone (Not sure who) as historically significant so it is not in danger of being scrapped. I'm told that St. Lawrence's in York are after it for their church as they have been making do with an electric. They are currently trying to raise funds for it, and St. Michael's have said if they can raise the amount needed to rebuild it, then it's theirs.
The organ at St. Helens is regularly played as far as I know, and there is a regular series of recitals held there, at the Minster and at St. Martin's round the corner. I met a guy before Christmas who was an assistant organist there so rest assured it is being well used!