Appeal launched by Newark Parish Church to carry out urgent repairs to famous pipe organ

An appeal has been launched by Newark Parish Church to carry out urgent repairs to its famous pipe organ.

The organ has thousands of pipes and a complex mechanism to ensure that the right pipes sound at the right time.

The instrument is not just used for church services, but also for concerts, teaching and for major civic events.

Dr Stephen Bullamore, the church’s director of music, said: “When a car is a little bit older and has done many thousands of miles, it often needs some repair work.

“We urgently need to carry out repair work to keep this organ sounding in good voice.

“The instrument is remarkably versatile. It supports the 500 year-old choral tradition, it fills the building with sound for the great events of the town, such as the mayor’s service and Remembrance and it is used as a solo instrument for events such as the much-loved Music for Market series, due to restart in June.

“However, at the moment it is prone to making strange noises unexpectedly or having some parts fall silent.”

The organ owes much to two famous 19th Century organ builders, Henry Willis (1866) and William Hill (1909).

The last major work was done on the instrument in the late Seventies.

Stephen said: “The organ has done remarkably well to keep going so well for so long. In a few years it will be time for a major overhaul.

“In the meantime, we need to pull out all the stops to keep it working as well as possible.”

The church has set up a website for people find out more and how to donate at www.stmnewark.org/music/organ-appeal/

For more information on the project, contact Stephen by emailing choir@stmnew ark.org or calling 07503 633784.