'Organ donors' needed by Telford church
A £156,000 fundraising appeal to restore a 19th century organ at a Telford church will launch next month.
Major work is needed on the fading Bevington pipe organ at All Saints Parish Church, Wellington.
It will ensure the organ, which was built in 1879 by Bevington & Sons of London, is fit to be used for the next 100 years.
The church is launching its organ restoration project on June 3 and is inviting people along to All Saints Parish Centre to find out more about how the organ could be used to benefit both the congregation and community in the future.
One of the speakers will be Andrew Caskie, managing director of Nicholson's of Malvern, the church's proposed team of organ restorers.
Jonathan Lloyd, a church organist and member of the All Saints organ restoration project team, said: "It's used most Sundays for worship, for special services, funerals, weddings, civic services – but its condition has been deteriorating over the years because of its age.
"This will ensure the organ is usable for years to come. If we don't restore it, it will eventually become unplayable.
"We are keen that the organ should be used as a community asset.
Explaining
"It could be used for concerts, recitals, maybe as an instrument people can learn to play.
"On June 3 we will be explaining the different ways people in the congregation and the wider community can help.
"They will have the opportunity to pledge a contribution to the cost."
He said the church was also planning to bid for grants and the parish church council has agreed to kick-start the appeal with £50,000 thanks to a recent generous legacy.
The cost of the project will be £156,000 plus VAT, although Mr Lloyd says the church will be able to claim back the VAT.
The launch of the appeal will take place at All Saints Parish Centre, in Lychgate Walk, Wellington, on June 3 at 7.30pm.
Mr Lloyd added: "Perhaps the Wellington community have come to services at All Saints, or have been to the church at Christmas or Harvest, or for a wedding or other special service.
"Maybe they just live in Wellington or its locality and see the church building as they pass by.
"Whatever the reason for valuing Wellington's parish church, the project team encourages everyone to come and join them at this important event."
