The acquisition of a good pipe organ has been an ambition of ours for several years. It replaces the electronic organ which was 25 years old and has gone to Little Milton church. John Gibbons, who lives in the village and was for many years organist and director of music at Clifton Cathedral in Bristol, identified a suitable instrument that was being disposed of by a church on the south coast. It is a free-standing two-manual organ built in about 1950 by F H Browne of Canterbury, and the case and console and seat are beautifully made of oak. It has a lovely tone. It has been thoroughly inspected and assessed by Peter Hammond of Taylor-Hammond Associates Ltd, who is currently rebuilding it in St Peter’s. The new organ will add greatly to our musical resources and will be an integral part of our regular services, and also of special extra services and concerts.

The stack holding the pipes measures 2.5 m x 2 m x 3.59 m high, and fits perfectly in the north aisle, with the console beside it. The front pew on that side has been removed (with permission from the Diocese, of course) to make room for the stack, and also to create a wheelchair space at the front of the church. The warm yellow colour of the organ brightens up what was a rather dark corner. You can still see glimpses of the two stained-glass windows (one in the north wall, and the Millennium window in the east wall), but in order to see them properly it will be necessary to move behind the organ into what is in effect a small chapel, which can be used for private prayer.

The cost of the project is £25,000 (nothing for purchase, which is great, but there is all the dismantling, transport, flooring, and rebuilding to pay for). Some of that comes from a legacy, but we are applying for grants from various trusts, and would be grateful for any donations towards this quite considerable cost.