Organ Appeal

Parishes of Brewood and Bishops Wood

Brewood Pipe Organ Repaired

Patrons: The Lord Cormack - FSA Thomas Trotter - Birmingham City Organist

John Giffard - Chillington Hall nr Brewood Jean Martyn ATCL, LGSM, International Concert Artist

Completion of Organ Restoration

Some 4 years after the formation of the Appeal Committee to commence fundraising, it is extremely pleasing to be able to report the completion of the project. An initial order was placed with Alan Goulding, Pipe Organ Services Ltd, of Melton Mowbray for the most urgent work such as bringing all electrical systems up to modern day standards, complete renovation of the console, removal and cleaning of all pipework and repairs to accessible action components and to wind trunking. However as substantial further funds were raised during 2011, it has been possible to undertake highly recommended additional works to windchests and drawstop mechanisms. This will avoid duplication of effort and cost in say 10 to 15 years time when the organ would need to be stripped down for a second time.

The Pipe Organ

The pipe organ is an original JJ Binns organ which was built in 1910, the console being added in 1911.

The electric actions were converted by W. J. Bird in 1951 although the original pipe work, which has been augmented with a new rank of pipes, remains.

The core of the Binns organ is still there. It has a Binns character and is musically a Binns although the mechanism has been changed.

In order to restore the pipe organ to its former glory, major restoration was required on almost all aspects of the organ, from new keys to re-cabling throughout.

Why repair the pipe organ?

Most pipe organs are complex and unique and involve a great deal of hand crafting. Consequently they are expensive but long lasting.

Effective worship, supported by beautiful atmospheric music is a good base from which to establish a vibrant worshipping community.

Keeping an original working pipe organ in such a beautiful church in this historic village will help to maintain the quality and character of the building thereby enriching the experiences for generations to come

The total cost of the project was just over £50,000, work commenced in September 2011 and was completed in February 2012. The final payment has been made to the organ builder from Appeal funds and there is now a surplus as a result of very generous individual donations in the late stages, together with 2 more grants and a highly successful fundraising occasion.

The Vicar is currently arranging an event to celebrate the completion of the restoration, and details will be published shortly.

Tribute should be paid to all those organisations and individuals who have expressed their support, made generous donations and bequests, or freely given their time and expertise. The scale of this support and generosity is such that it is impossible to acknowledge them all individually. However we would particularly like to thank some local organisations and charitable trusts who have made grants or donations, including:-

The Owen Family Trust

The Clarke Charitable Settlement

The Millichope Foundation

The Drapers’ Charitable Fund after recommendation by John Giffard, one of the Appeal’s patrons.

The Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust

The Staffordshire Local Community Fund after recommendation by Councillor Rex Roberts OBE.

The Bridgebuilders Trust of the Diocese of Lichfield.

The Midcounties Co-operative Membership Community Fund.

The South Staffordshire Community and Voluntary Action.

The Blakemore Foundation through its connection with Tate’s SPAR stores.

The Idsall Masonic Lodge

Brewood Surgery

The Brewood Singers

The Wombourne Choral Society

In fact over 50% of the money raised has come from grants, and it has been the consistent policy of the Appeal to ensure that fundraising was specific to the organ restoration and did not in any way affect normal Church income. Any surplus funds will be transferred to the PCC to be held in the account allocated solely to the maintenance and repair of the organ in the future. This is in accordance with the wishes of those who have donated in the late stages of the Appeal.

March 2012

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