St Paul’s Organ – Work Begins
Further to our report last month, we can confirm that the diocesan Chancellor has formally approved the faculty for the proposed organ refurbishment. We have had our first confirmatory meeting with Malcolm and Anthony Spink of J.M Spink Ltd., our contractor, and work has begun with the removal of the first parts which will be taken away to their premises in Leeds for examination, cleaning and any restorative work which is found necessary. We have also made the first payment – a 10% deposit plus VAT – of the contract sum.
Donations from congregation and friends have started and we now request that all promises of donations be now turned into cash (or cheques), preferably Gift Aided. Donation leaflets, which include a donation form and Gift Aid declaration, are available at the rear of both our churches and, with the promise of support from the Pilling Trust (also reported last month), we can now count on over £13,740, including more than £480 of Gift Aid tax recoverable. There is a long, long way to go but the first of the lunch-time concerts (five in all, each on the first Wednesday of the month) will be held in May and the net proceeds from these will go to the Organ Fund. We also look forward to a contribution from the Spring Fair, held at the end of April. However, we trust that our congregation will provide the majority of the support and we ask that you look carefully at what you can give. Don’t forget to sponsor a pipe (or two) and include one for a grandchild or relative and we shall include the names on the plaque of honour when the work is finished.
An improved Midi system has been introduced. This is the method of pre-recording music to play through the organ at a service or event if an organist is not available. Charles will be reviewing this with Malcolm Spink who has already installed the improved system at a church in Yorkshire. We wonder by how much the cost has increased?
A temporary electronic organ is being installed in St. Paul’s – the location is still to be confirmed at the time of writing – and this will take us through the remainder of the year until the work is finished. We are assured that “the brides at the weddings will not be able to spot the difference”. We’ll see. And how about our congregations?
