Organ matters - Organs matter!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ainscough-Pipe-Organ-/252400300066

Quote
PIPE ORGAN

Made by Ainscough in preston prior to 1950.
a truly magnificent pipe organ
Measurements aprox 5 metrs long x aprox 6 meters wide
aprox 7 meters high  seat & pedal board.
the organ dose work but  would need a overhaul. Currently in a Church
in lytham .  Please contact me i would perfer you looked  and before purchasing.07768314151
cash if possible

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-chamber-organ,-london,-circa-1790-,-the-case-ve-38-c-6674dc4942

A chamber organ, London, circa 1790 , the case veneered with mahogany with holly stringing, the upper section with a central oval panel with gilded display pipes flanked by two columns with further display pipes (3.19.3), the four and a half octave keyboard, GG/BB to f3 omitting BB flat, with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals, four stops with enamel caps controlling
stopped diapason 8ft. (bass),
stopped diapason 8ft. (treble formed of chimney flutes),
fifteenth 2ft. and
principal 4ft.,
with pedal-operated bellows, a further pedal to the left cancelling all stops except the stopped diapason,

height 224cm., width 115cm., depth 54cm.

Literature Dow, p. 8 Discography 1998 Bellows, Jacks & Tangents, Steven Devine, Finchcocks Press, track 5 Restoration history 2010 Dominic Gwynn

Current pitch A=435Hz.

£9000 + 28.8%

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http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-chamber-organ,-english,-circa-1680-and-later-41-c-2e34800867


A chamber organ, English, circa 1680 and later , the case of oak with five panels of gilded display pipes above the keyboard (3.7.3.7.3), the keyboard, compass four octaves, C to c3 with a short octave in the bass, with partridge wood naturals and ivory accidentals, 8ft. stopped diapason and 4ft. principal, with pedal-operated bellows,

height 167cm., width 98cm., depth 63cm.

Provenance Purchased from South Saxon Masonic Lodge, 1998 Literature Dow, p. 8 Burnett, p. 32 Restoration history 1998 Robin Jennings 2010 Dominic Gwynn (minor work)

Current pitch A=464Hz.

£9000 + 28.8%

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http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-chamber-organ-by-john-avery,-london,-1792-43-c-31947e6a3e

A chamber organ by John Avery, London, 1792 , the case veneered with mahogany with ebony stringing, the upper and central sections with panels of later pleated light red silk, the upper panel flanked by plain columns with engine-turned brass collars, a door on the right flank opening to reveal music shelves, the folding keyboard, compass four octaves and four notes, C to f3 omitting C sharp, with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals, three stops with ivory caps controlling diapason 8ft., principal 4ft. and fifteenth 2ft., one pedal operating the bellows, internally signed and dated John Avery 1792 ,

height 239cm., width 104cm., depth 55cm.

Provenance Sold to the previous (un-named) owner by the organ-builder J. P. Hall of Kendal.

Literature Wilson, p. 172 Dow, p. 10 Burnett, pp. 30, NPOR, ref. A00756 Discography 2001 From Two to Six, track 5, FPCD003 2004 Company of Pianos, track 8 Restoration history 2010 Dominic Gwynn

Current pitch A=425Hz.

£6000 + 28.8%

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http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-chamber-organ-by-john-byfield-junior,-london,-1-44-c-cb2444ba9d


A chamber organ by John Byfield junior, London, 1766 , the case of mahogany, the upper section with glazed doors enclosing four panels of display pipes (3.7.7.3), the corners of each panel with applied carved limewood floral decoration, the keyboard, compass four octaves and eight notes, GG to e3 omitting GG sharp, with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals, the eight stops comprising
twelfth (bass),
fifteenth,
stopped diapason 8ft. (bass),
twelfth (treble),
stopped diapason 8ft. (treble),
principal 4ft.,
open diapason 8ft. and
flute 4ft.,
pedal to cancel all stops except diapason and flute, with hand pump and electric blower, inscribed John Byfield in ink on a holly plaque above the keyboard, height 365.5cm., width 212cm., depth 116cm. Provenance This organ was built for Sir James Grant of Castle Grant (Morayshire). At the time its cost was said to be £250. The case was said to be designed by Mr. Adam . The organ was eventually moved to Cullen House, Banffshire. Richard Burnett acquired the organ during the sale of the contents of Cullen House by Christie s on 23rd September 1974.

Literature Christie s, 23rd Sept 1974 Wilson, pp. 127 & 128 Dow, p. 15 Grove, p. 440 NPOR, ref. N14781 Plumley, journal 3 Discography 1998 Bellows, Jacks & Tangents, Steven Devine, tracks 1, 2, & 3, Fincocks Press, FPCD002 N/d Five historic Organs, Calvert Johnson, Calcante CD035 2004 Company of Pianos, track 9 2006 Gibbon: Hymnes and songs of the church, Tonus Peregrinus and Anthony Pitts, Naxos 8.577681 2007 Handel Complete Organ Concertos, Deutsche Grammophon, Simon Preston with Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert, 3 discs

Restoration history 1864 Joseph Wishart, Aberdeen 1958 P. E. Chalmers, Aberdeen, for Rushworth & Dreaper 1976 Christopher Clarke, Christopher Nobbs and Martin Renshaw 2010 Dominic Gwynn (minor work)

Current pitch A=425Hz.

£20000 + 28.8%

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http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-harmonium-by-alexandre-pere-et-fils,-paris,-cir-39-c-f134a119d5


A harmonium by Alexandre Père et Fils, Paris, circa 1860 , the case of rosewood, with decorative brass handles, decorative mouldings, with two turned and gadrooned baluster legs to the front, the five octave keyboard, C to c4 , with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals, thirteen rosewood hand stops with white enamel caps inscribed F sourdine, 0 forté 3 et 4, 4 basson, 3 clairon, 2 bourdon, 1 percussion ou cor anglais, G grand jeu, E expression, 1 percussion ou flûte, 2 clarinette, 3 fifre, 4 obois, 0 forté 3 et 4, two bellows pedals, with sloping mahogany organ stool, inscribed on a rectangular plaque above the keyboard Alexandre Père et Fils, 39, Rue Meslay, 39 Paris , further inscribed on a brass plaque on the underside of the key-cover Exposition Universelle de 1855 Paris Médale d Honneur Alexandre et Fils, bearing the serial number 16732 on a paper label behind the stop batten,

height 96cm., width 122cm., depth 65cm.

Literature Dow, p. 7 Burnett, pp. 33, 34 & 221 Discography 2004 Company of Pianos, track 10

Current pitch A=445Hz.

£3200 + 28.8%

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http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-miniature-free-reed-organ,-french,-circa-1860-40-c-6e84cdd808

A miniature free-reed organ, French, circa 1860 , the case of rosewood with beaded mouldings, the four octave keyboard, F to f3, with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals, with two pedals operating the bellows, four ivory-knobbed hand stops controlling expression, tremulant , voix céleste and wind cut-off, on stand with four legs and stretchers simulating bamboo,

width 61cm., depth 62.5cm., case depth 22cm.

Literature Burnett, p. 34 Current pitch

A=440Hz.

£1100 + 28.8%

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http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-barrel-organ-by-william-ayton,-london,-circa-18-49-c-1544fae903

A barrel organ by William Ayton, London, circa 1800 , the case veneered with mahogany, with a central oval panel of fifteen gold-painted display pipes, with floral carving above and spandrels below, compass seventeen notes d to b2 omitting f1 sharp, c2 sharp and f2 sharp, the bass octave with only d, g and a, six handstops controlling the diapason, principal, twelfth, fifteenth, drum and triangle, three barrels each with ten tunes, two of them in a cupboard below, one barrel including God Save the King , on four square legs, reeded to the front, with curved handle, on later trolley, signed William Ayton internally,

height 146cm., width 66cm., depth 44.5cm.

£2400 + 28.8%

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http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-barrel-organ-by-longman-and-broderip,-london,-c-52-c-cd147c996a

A barrel organ by Longman and Broderip, London, circa 1790 , the case veneered with mahogany with stained fruitwood and holly stringing, with a central oval panel of eleven display pipes, the compass of fifteen notes d to c3, diatonic except for f1 sharp, c2 sharp and f2 sharp, two ranks of pipes comprising diapason and principal, one barrel with ten tunes, with curved brass handle with ebony knob, on cabinet for a further barrel now absent, with four square legs, labelled inside the lid Directions for the Management of Longman and Broderip s Barrel Organs Manufactured and Sold wholesale and retail at No 26 Cheapside, and No 13 Hay Market ,

height 112.5cm., width 51cm., depth 32cm.

£1200 + 28.8%

I had the good fortune a few weeks ago to meet up with Dr Laurence of Broadwood Pianos, the firm still making pianos by hand in England, and with archives extant going back to the beginnings of the firm.

We talked pitch and other things. If I remember correctly he told me that a Victorian tuner's bag that he had had three tuning forks  . . . for . . .
450
440 and
430

This makes rather a mess of the rather neat theories that people have, that A was once 432 "tuned to the vibrations of the earth" and that it went up and up.

He mentioned 444 as being an orchestral pitch in the 19th century - so people now having their instruments tuned at 444 are not being avant garde at all . . .

Certainly a set of pitch pipes that I have are much sharper than 440 . . .

Best wishes

David P

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b079m3xq

Organist Jan Bokszczanin at the Martisor Music Festival in Chisinau

Jan Bokszczanin performs an organ recital in Chisinau, as part of the Martisor International Music Festival. John Shea presents.

Dieterich Buxtehude
Praeludium in F sharp minor BuxWV.146 for organ
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.
Add "Dieterich Buxtehude - Praeludium in F sharp minor BuxWV.146 for organ" to My TracksAdd to My Tracks

00:09
Dieterich Buxtehude
Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder - chorale-prelude BuxWV.178 for organ
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.
Add "Dieterich Buxtehude - Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder - chorale-prelude BuxWV.178 for organ" to My TracksAdd to My Tracks

00:12
Johann Sebastian Bach
Herzlich tut mich verlangen - chorale-prelude BWV.727 for organ
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.
Add "Johann Sebastian Bach - Herzlich tut mich verlangen - chorale-prelude BWV.727 for organ" to My TracksAdd to My Tracks

00:15
Louis-Nicolas Clérambault
Suite du deuxieme ton for organ
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.
Add "Louis-Nicolas Clérambault - Suite du deuxieme ton for organ" to My TracksAdd to My Tracks

00:32
Johannes Brahms
2 chorale-preludes on 'Herzlich tut mich verlangen', Op.122 nos. 9 and 10
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.
Add "Johannes Brahms - 2 chorale-preludes on Herzlich tut mich verlangen, Op.122 nos. 9 and 10" to My TracksAdd to My Tracks

00:39
Joel Martinson
Aria on a Chaconne for organ
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.
Add "Joel Martinson - Aria on a Chaconne for organ" to My TracksAdd to My Tracks

00:43
Marian Sawa
Dance Pictures
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.
Add "Marian Sawa - Dance Pictures" to My TracksAdd to My Tracks

00:50
Felix Borowski
Organ Sonata no.1
Performer: Jan Bokszczanin.

Saturday May 7th

9am - 6pm

St.Mary's ChUrch, thE Causeway, HorshaM
Drop in to the church at anytime and listen to Stephen as he sets himself the

Popular favourites will include Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor & works by

Stanley, Purcell , Stainer, Buxtehude , Howells, Franck , Brahms & Sweelinck

mammoth musical challenge of a nine hour organ recital.

Tea /coffee and cakes are available in the Leslie Room.

Cream tea (£6 ) booked in advance on 07770 392067

IN SUPPORT OF ST. RAPHAEL'S HOSPICE, CHEAM

Cash/cheque (gift-aided – if possible)) donations on the day or PLEASE DONATE SECURELY ONLINE AT

www.justgiving.com/stephenhope-conductor

Percy was a founder member of EOCS and entrusted his instrument to me rather than it going in the skip when he died. I'm ashamed to say that I have not found anyone wanting to play cinema organ repertoire and as a result have not paid attention to it. It needs circuit board interconnecting contacts cleaning. It has double touch on the lower keyboard and the upper manual is switchable between two sets of stops.

When running, it's extraordinarily effective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WlwMCW8f-w and you'll find other YouTube recordings that Percy made.

Percy was a radar engineer during the war and he played one of the Christie instruments at Edmonton http://stories-of-london.org/the-christie-theatre-organ-2-7/  http://www.atos-london.co.uk/other-theatre-organs/the-christie
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/22837 as well as an instrument at Waltham Cross. It's listed as 3 manual http://www.girdwood.co.uk/orglist5.html but at some stage it was 2 manual and Percy was frustrated by it. Accordingly with his electronics knowledge based on valves, he built an electronic 3rd manual. This instrument was derived from the principles that Percy developed for that instrument, executed in transistors and IC circuitry. It uses a top octave generator and octave dividers, and is as effective as you'll hear on those recordings on YouTube. It's an interesting and historic instrument in its way.

Best wishes

David P

St Bede Anglican Church
Railway Street, Nelson Lancs BB9 0JE

2 manuals and pedals
15 speaking stops

NPOR  N10700

The organ is sturdily built with adequate strength and variety  of stops. Gothic drawstop  heads with red and black lettering.

The case is stunningly shaped and decorated.

The instrument is playable with some minor ciphers.

The church has closed. The organ is redundant and immediately available. It is offered in whole.

An appropriate donation would be considered.

All enquiries to the Contact below, please.

Department and Stop list

Pedal
Key action TP  Stop action Me  Compass-low C  Compass-high f1  Keys 58

             1 Violoncello 16 Not present. No drawstop (2016)
             2 Bourdon 16
             3 Flute Bass 8

Great
Key action Tr  Stop action Me  Compass-low C  Compass-high a3  Keys 58

             4 Open Diapason 8
             5 Clarabella 8
             6 Dulciana 8
             7 Gamba 8
             8 Harmonic Flute 4
             9 Piccolo 2
             10 Tremulant

Swell
Key action Tr  Stop action Me  Compass-low C  Compass-high a3  Keys 58  Enclosed

             11 Open Diapason 8
             12 Lieblich Gedact 8
             13 Salicional 8
             14 Vox Celeste (sic) 8
             15 Principal 4
             16 Cornopean 8
             17 Oboe 8

Console

Console type  En fenêtre   Stop type  Drawstop   Label type  Ivory inserts   Label font  Gothic   Pedalboard  Radiating concave  

Couplers
Swell to Pedal
Swell to Great
Swell octave
Great to Pedal

Details
Blowing Electric  

Accessories
4 composition pedals;

Central balanced swell pedal;

Further information

Label Hardy & Son

Hanover Organ Works Stockport

Contact:
Elaine Hargreaves
Tel. 01254 503 072

Email: elaine.hargreaves@blackburn.anglican.org

The Meeting House - University of Sussex
Wednesday 27 April 2016 # 12 noon

DT at the organ # 45 minutes of music
Free entrance


FRESCOBALDI          Aria detto Balletto
BUXTEHUDE            Prelude & Fugue in G minor, BuxWV149
MENDELSSOHN      Allegro, Chorale & Fugue in D minor
FRANCAIX                Suite Carmelite
J. S. BACH                 Passacaglia & Fugue, BWV582

The Suite Carmelite of Jean Françaix (1912-1997) was written in 1938 and was inspired by the novella The Last on the Scaffold by Getrud von Le Fort which was later adapted into a screenplay by Georges Bernanaos which in turn inspired Poulenc's dramatic 1956 opera Dialogue des Carmelites. Françaix presents us with simple and charming musical character sketches of the various nuns... 
Next month (May 25) I will include the UK premier of the Canadian Denis Bédard (b. 1950) Trois Esquisses for pedals solo. 


The Meeting House
University of Sussex
Falmer
Brighton
BN1 9QF

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/chaplaincy/

Brindley & Foster 1874
Hy. Ainscough c.1890
R G Phillips 1912

Emmanuel Church of England
Brook St / Plungington Rd Preston Lancs PR1 7NB

NPOR N01183

3mp/28
TP action

Dimensions
Width c.14ft
Depth c.15ft
Height c.15ft

Built new in 1874 as a 2mp/13 for Emmanuel church, the organ has undergone substantial enlargement since then, expanding to 3mp/28, principally the work of two Preston builders Ainscough and Phillips. See NPOR N01183.

The instrument is in a poor mechanical state, but it projected a rich and comfortable tone into the building, the hooded Trumpet and Tromba stops particularly striking.

Unfortunately the building has dry rot and must now be vacated. The organ, which has served the church splendidly for nearly 150 years, has to be removed and relocated to avoid its destruction.

It is redundant. It is offered desirably in whole, and is immediately available.

Buyer makes all arrangements for dismantling, packing and transport.

Immediate enquiries to the Diocesan Contact please.

Department and Stop list
Pedal
Key action TP  Stop action Me  Compass-low C  Compass-high f1  Keys 30
           
1 Violone 16
2 Bourdon 16
3 Open Diapason 16
4 Trombone 16 Planned but not fitted
5 Bass Flute 8 ext

Choir
Key action TP  Stop action TP  Compass-low C  Compass-high g3  Keys 56
6 Violin Diapason 8 from Choir         
7 Gedact 8
8 Dulciana 8 Gedact bass         
9 Octave 4
10 Harmonic Piccolo 2
11 Vox Humana 8 added         
12 Clarionet 8 replaced
13 Tromba 8 added

Great
Key action TP  Stop action TP  Compass-low C  Compass-high g3  Keys 56 Enclosed
14 Open Diapason 8
15 Clarabel Flute 8
16 Principal 4
17 Fifteenth 2
18 Mixture II     
19 Trumpet 8
Swell
Key action TP  Stop action TP  Compass-low C  Compass-high g3  Keys 56
           
20 Bourdon 16
21 Open Diapason 8
22 Violonecello 8
23 Vox Angelica 8     
24 Principal 4
25 Super Oct 2
26 Fagot 16 Extension of Oboe     
27Cornopean 8     
28 Clarion 4     
29 Tremulant

Console
Console type  Attached   Stop type  Drawstop   Label font  Sans serif   Pedalboard  Straight concave 
Couplers
Swell to Pedal
Swell to Great
Swell to Choir
Choir to Great
Choir to Pedal
Great to Pedal

Details
Blowing electric 

Accessories
3 comp pedals to Great and Pedal
3 comp pedals to Swell.

Diocesan Contact:
Elaine Hargreaves
Tel. 01254 503 072
Email: elaine.hargreaves@blackburn.anglican.org

St Saviour's Church in Colgate are looking for an organist for their 11 am service on both 24th April & 22nd May.  If you are able to help with either or both of these please contact the Crawley and Horsham District Organists' Association  http://www.chdoa.org.uk/how-to-join/contact-us

Specification of organ is on
http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=D01602

Best wishes

David P

(Corrected link)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Conn-580-Type-2-Theatre-Organ-three-manual-Ex-Palace-Cinema-Broadstairs-Kent-/182085308184

With illuminated surrounds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=v-H1Ug8eMhk

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bevington-Pipe-Organ/262375602592
Currently in St Nicholas Church, Winterborne Clenston, Dorset.

Faculty obtained for not breaking up and subject to Diocese approving the purchaser.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b076b049

Isabelle Demers Celebrates Max Reger
Radio 3 in Concert

From the Royal Festival Hall

Isabelle Demers celebrates the organ music music of Max Reger.

Bach: Chromatic fantasia and fugue in D minor, BWV.903 transc. Reger
2-Part Invention No.1 in C, BWV.772 transc. Reger
2-Part Invention No.5 in E flat, BWV.776 transc. Reger
2-Part Invention No.6 in E, BWV.777 transc. Reger
2-Part Invention No.8 in F, BWV.779 transc. Reger
Reger: Chorale fantasia, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, Op.52 No.2

8.10: Interval: BBC Young Musician 2016
Clemency Burton-Hill introduces the second of the finalists in this year's woodwind category.
Saxophonist Jess Gillam plays music by Itturalde. Andy Scott and Phil Woods.

Reger: Introduction, passacaglia & fugue in E minor, Op.127

Isabelle Demers, organ

2016 is the centenary of the death of Max Reger, who contributed some of the most impressive and monumental works to the organ repertoire. Isabelle Demers, who took the organ world by storm at the Royal Festival Hall organ's gala concert in 2014, returns to champion Reger's music in a selection of works by this giant of the organ repertoire.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8a9594ac-f76a-11e5-96db-fc683b5e52db.html#axzz44fnprziK

Today Justin Welby writes in the Financial Times concluding:

Quote
This requires honest and robust relationships between religious leaders, not platitudes, however well-intentioned. Such relationships involve encouraging each other actively to protect minorities and to challenge those who seek to exploit differences.

To go back to my friend in Pakistan, we must go beyond condemnation, and going beyond condemnation means that religious violence must be combated by those who lead religious traditions. For it is only in that way that Christians — and indeed those of all religions — will be safe to practise their faith.

There are two components to the solution:
1. Find the common denominators about the nature of The Creator that bring peoples together in understanding
2. Open the paths for peoples of different faiths to share worship together even in original faiths.

With regard to (1) I have written elsewhere on the forum, particularly to the dismay of Member Paul Duffy in this thread upon a unification of the concepts of the Creator and Evolution in parallel in Religion and Science and in a manner that Atheists can understand, and concluding that the only difference between the Deists and Atheists is whether the intelligence that creates is external or internal to the Cosmos - an idea capable of exploration to unite all religions and all who find nothing in separatist religion and
(2) the idea to change subtly in our Christian services to focus on what Jesus taught about God in one lesson and to draw on people of other faiths from their texts saying in spirit exactly what Jesus said. When we as Christians can do this and find that it even strengthens our faith, and helps us all the more to love one another, then other religions too will be encouraged to invite us in to help them in the same way.

Best wishes

David P

The Ecclesiological Society reports the following statement from HM Government:

QuoteEnglish Churches and Cathedrals Sustainability Review
The Church of England, responsible for over a third of England's grade I listed buildings, has recently conducted a major review of the stewardship of its cathedrals and 16,000 church buildings (75% of which are listed). Cathedrals and church buildings are the jewel in the crown of our national heritage and repositories of the history of local communities. The vast majority remain active community hubs providing all sorts of services to the wider community. It is encouraging to note that church buildings are probably in better physical shape than they have ever been. However the challenges are great. Over 2000 of these churches have congregations of fewer than 10 and 2/3rds of church buildings and 75% of grade I listed churches are in rural areas where only 20% of the population lives.

Churches and cathedrals define many of our cities, towns and villages. We want to open up these buildings for wider community, cultural and heritage use. There are many examples of good practice up and down the land. The challenge is to share good practice and enable it to be spread whilst at the same time ensuring sustainable maintenance and funding of these exceptional buildings.

For this reason the Government has decided to set up a church buildings task force to work with the Church of England (which already does a great deal to encourage community use). The task force will be charged with:

•  Exploring new models of financing repairs and maintenance of churches and cathedrals, including reviewing existing maintenance costs and repairs funding from lottery and central government grants. The review would also identify and develop a series of tools/resources/models, draw on successful case studies, and existing management within the Church of England, Churches Conservation Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund.
  
•  Consulting with stakeholders including: Church of England, church-goers, charities, local residents and business on ideas for uses of listed buildings for purposes beyond worship and current barriers that prevent these and how to generate revenue from these.

The Taskforce will be chaired by Bernard Taylor, supported by experts in the field. and a working group comprising of officials from the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Church of England, Historic England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and DCMS.

It will report to the Secretary of State for Culture and the Chancellor in April 2017

Much of the Society Newsletter will be of interest:

FROM THE ECCLESIOLOGICAL SOCIETY
This ocasional and somewhat intermittent e-newsletter is for members of the Ecclesiological Society, and others interested in churches. Our website is www.ecclsoc.org/


4. REVIEW OF SUSTAINABILITY OF CHURCH OF ENGLAND CHURCH BUILDINGS
The Chancellor announced a review of the future of Church of England Church Buildings in his Budget. Details are now available at www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/509933/ChurchTaskForce.pdf. The Task Force will report in one year's time.

Background: Some form of review was proposed by Historic England earlier this year in response to the Church of England's own report on church buildings. https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2383717/church_buildings_review_report_2015.pdf On behalf of the Council of the Ecclesiological Society I wrote to The Times supporting the idea of a review (for the letter, see our website), and we were not alone in supporting this idea.

My personal view is that this is a historic opportunity to tackle the problem of the future of historic church buildings, taking into account the views of everyone who has a stake in these buildings. For rural parish churches with small congregations, the review could hardly be more timely.

5. ADDITIONAL GOVERNMENT MONEY FOR CATHEDRALS
In his budget the Chancellor announced a further £20m for cathedrals, as an extension to the First World War Centenary Repair Fund.

6. FESTIVAL CHURCHES
The Church of England has set up an Association of Festival Churches. A Festival Church is one which no longer has the requirement to hold regular services.

More, if you are interested: The above link says: A Festival Church is a rural church building which is not used for weekly worship, but is still or potentially a local icon and community asset. It is valued and required by the community and for the Festivals of the Church . . . and for Rites of Passage . . . . A Festival Church can also accommodate appropriate complementary uses (community, cultural and commercial).

Even more: There is discussion of potential arrangements for Festival Churches here, here and (for the Norwich model) here.

7. FUTURE OF HISTORIC RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS
If you are interested in the future of historic religious buildings, then you should sign up for the newsletter of the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance. http://www.hrballiance.org.uk/ [Disclosure: I am associated with this group.]

8. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PARISH CHURCH STUDIES
The Postgraduate Open Day at the University of York https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/postgraduate-diploma-open-day-with-the-centre-for-lifelong-learning-tickets-21032194861 provides an opportunity to find out about the Postgraduate Diploma in Parish Church Studies: History, Heritage and Fabric. http://www.york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning/pg-parish-church/ The Open Day is on 23 April. Alternatively, join in the online chat session on 17 May (details will be posted on the website).

11. PUBLISHER SEEKS BOOKS
We have been contacted by Alexander Stilwell of Amberley Publishing in Stroud, seeking potential works on churches and church architecture for the general reader. Contact A.Stilwell@amberley-books.com

11. OXFORDSHIRE CHURCHES
A new website of Oxfordshire churches has been launched www.oxfordshirechurches.com. 

12. HISTORIC ENGLAND REVIEWING LISTING SELECTION GUIDES
Historic England (HE) is currently reviewing its Listing Selection Guides, including the guide to places of worship. https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/dlsg-places-worship/places_of_worship_final.pdf/ These guides are excellent introductions to their topic. The listing team at HE would be interested in hearing of new publications and of any specific comments for revision, as soon as posible. Please contact Dr Paul Stamper at: paul.stamper@HistoricEngland.org.uk

13. CHAMPING
The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) offers unique Champing™ breaks, which offer the chance to sleep the night in a Grade I and II* listed church. A website offers an online booking facility: http://www.champing.co.uk

14. CCT TRUSTEE
Rather belatedly, we note that Sir Simon Jenkins, FSA has been appointed a Trustee of the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT). http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/latestnews/2016-01-06/Renowned-journalist-Simon-Jenkins-becomes-Trustee-of-The-Churches-Conservation-Trust/

15. MEDIEVAL CHURCHES OF NORWICH
The Medieval Churches of Norwich research project continues with various activities. Its website, http://norwichmedievalchurches.org, includes drafts of the project's case studies and other information.

15. ARSON and FLOODS
Ecclesiastical Insurance have launched a video http://www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/churchguidance/fireguidance/arson/index.aspx on avoiding arson in churches. The HRBA have collected various sources of information on avoiding and dealing with flooding in churches. http://www.hrballiance.org.uk/resources/flooding/

16. PUBLIC BACKS FUNDING FOR HISTORIC CHURCHES AND CHAPELS
An opinion poll commissioned by the National Churches Trust http://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/news/our-new-opinion-poll-public-attitudes-church-buildings shows 60% of British adults back the Government providing financial support for churches, chapels and meeting houses to protect their heritage for the future.

17. VOLUNTEERS FOR CHURCH HERITAGE RECORD
The Church of England is looking for volunteers to help with the Church Heritage Record. This work can be carried out from home. See http://www.churchcare.co.uk/about-us/campaigns/news/948-recruiting-for-church-heritage-record-volunteers

18. BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL CLOISTERS AND PUBLIC SQUARE
A major development of cloisters and a new public square at Blackburn Cathedral is nearly complete. http://www.blackburncathedral.com/levels.asp?level_id=316

19. BOOK
Dr Valerie Hitchman, Membership Secretary of the Society, has recently seen published the book she co-edited with Andrew Foster, Views from the Parish: Churchwardens' Accounts c.1500 - c.1800. http://www.cambridgescholars.com/views-from-the-parish

That's all. Do let us know of anything to do with churches or chapels of general interest which you think we could usefully be publicising.

With best wishes

Trevor Cooper, Chairman of Council
cooper@ecclsoc.org

________________________
The Ecclesiological Society
www.ecclsoc.org
The Society is a Registered Charity: no. 210501

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Three-Rank-Two-Manual-Church-Pipe-Organ-or-Home-Practise-Instrument-/152014484223

£1950 buys, only modest dismantling required (I moved it with the help of one person in a day!) and removal by end of April...! So don't just look- BUY!- when it's gone, it's gone! :-)

For Sale.

A rare two-manual, three-rank extension church pipe organ.

Would make a great parish or home practise instrument.

Made by S.E. Gilkes of Peterborough.

Oak console with reverse keys.

Complete with bench.

Two drawer stops, Gedact & Diapason.

Twin thumb pistons for each drawer stop.

Specification:

Gedact & Diapson to manuals.

Bourdon to pedals.

Choir manual- 8' & 4'

Positiv manual 8', 4', 2 2/3',  2', 1 1/3'  &  1'.

Pedal 16', 8', 4', & 2'.

Discus & voltmeter.

All in working order- the Gedact is a particularly well-voiced rank.

Organ has been tuned three times in the last two years by Cousins Organs of Leicester (previously Rushworth & Dreaper)

Some pipes not sounding- probably clogged up with dust.

Pedalboard C-F.

Please see photos.

Electro-magnetic action.

Great little practise instrument.

Bright sound throughout- from Widor to Bach, Walton to Reubke.. lovely hymnal instrument..

A delight for the purist organist. Viewing/playing welcome but serious buyers only..

If in doubt- press Buy It Now! Once it's gone- it's gone...

Dimensions: 271cm high, 156cm wide, 130cm deep.

Situated In Towcester, Northants. 10 mins from J 15A M1.

Buyer collects (fairly easy to dismantle- easily transportable in a medium size van.

10% Paypal deposit within 48 hours of end of auction, full payment within 7 days. Cash on collection or Paypal.

Organ must be removed prior to end of April 2016.

Any questions 07851 048827

A request received from Robert Woolley of Stoke D'Abernon

Organist needed to play for 6pm Evensong on Sunday 20 March at St Mary's Church, Stoke Road, Stoke D'Abernon, Surrey KT11 3PX Fee £63.00, Ferial Responses, Psalm & canticles to chant, hymns, organ voluntary. Saxon church - oldest in Surrey, Frobenius organ.

Contact Robert Woolley: email: robert@woolleys.org.uk           tel: 07939261887               

Having been playing with electronics and hifi of one sort or another for years I've found intense dissatisfaction with most speakers installed with electronic organs and as a hobby I repair and refurbish some of the most interesting units ever produced by a British hifi firm.

In the course of this, I've found some gems.

For one friend asking me about speakers for a very domestic environment I recommended a pair of Tannoy DC2000s and he's been very pleased. These work quite well for trumpet stops and have quite a bright top end . . .

But there's another solution that gives much more presence - the feeling that the instrument being reproduced is actually there at the mouth of the loudspeaker. This is to buy a pair of either
Celestion Ditton 15
Celestion Ditton 200 or
Wharfedale Laser 120 units. These all have 8 inch woofers and a tweeter and are quite low efficiency. The Ditton 15 has woofer, tweeter and auxiliary bass radiator whilst the other two have two 8 inch units, one serving bass and the other midrange. I take out the ABR of the Ditton 15, and move the bass unit to the bottom slot, or with the other two, take out the middle unit serving midrange - and then insert in its place a modified full range unit wired in parallel with the remaining speaker from the amplifier fed by a 100uF or 47uF capacitor. The modification I carry out enlarges the secondary whizzer cone of the full range unit giving an amazing presence to instruments - and letting the low efficiency woofer and tweeter augment the ends of the spectrum. The result is good. But there's better.

A friend who's been playing with speakers from before I was born has designed a speaker that really does give ultimate sound.

The top horns are based upon a variation of the 60 year old Lowther TP1 design in the form of the Prophecy Audio horns by John Richardson http://www.tnt-audio.com/casse/prophecy_horns_e.html . He only made four pairs and by chance I happen to have bought his prototype many years ago from my friend Michael Wallis. These horns bring the sound alive. They are performance speakers and the instruments are aurally in front of you rather than any awareness of mere reproduction. The problem with these horns is what to use below around 150Hz . . .

Michael has now solved the problem: . . .


and particularly without bass resonances.

Best wishes

David P

Dear Friends

Looking at http://www.clustrmaps.com/map/Organmatters.co.uk regularly, particularly in the evenings, it's apparent that this forum has a really important part to play in the spreading of enthusiasm for organs, and all that goes with them.

THANKS to the half dozen members who hold the banner of organs aloft in posting here and looking at the subjects viewed http://www.organmatters.com/index.php?action=who it's apparent that posts on this forum spread enthusiasm far and wide on a diverse range of organ related subjects.

Can we persuade more friends lost in the instant of facebook to start again posting interesting things about organs?

Best wishes

David P

I was today looking for a recording I'd put on YouTube and got distracted by some videos of a computer engineer . . . and looking at her channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ContourCorsets discovered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKWIX7LcV5Y which is a tour of the inside of the Wanamaker organ.

Isn't it great that music can attract an engineer?

Best wishes

David P