The Hill Organ.
Restoration Campaign 2008
The Hill Organ is a very significant heritage organ.
We are seeking a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a complete restoration. The restoration will be to bring the organ back into full working order with as few alterations as possible.
Basic Plans
The facility to pump the organ by hand will be restored by moving the electric blower which obstructs the handles. The case will be cleaned and restored.Cameras, Concerts & School Visits
We plan to set small cameras into the works so that pictures of what is happening inside the organ can be put up onto a screen for children on school visits, concert go-ers and others to see.The programme of concerts we already have up and running will be extended and it is expected that many organists will come to give recitals. This will help to enhance the cultural life of the parish.
At present one person makes use of the electronic organ in the church for practice and it is intended to offer the Hill for practice and tuition to students and teachers as well as established organists.
The church has an extended programme of school visits (for more details see here) covering not just the RE but also other areas of the curriculum including History (World War 2; Victorians; Romans), Geography and Art. This will be extended to include Music, Science and D&T using the cameras in the organ to show how the wind is manipulated to create the sounds.
A display for exhibition in the church which could also be taken to schools and other institutions will also be created. These various activities will allow the church to be open more which will itself allow the organ to be more available to people to see.
The church wishes to share this huge cultural and heritage asset with the community - a community that is poor in material things but rich in heart and spirit.
