Dorset parish seeks £5,000 to restore century-old church organ
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 03:01 · Archive
A Dorset parish has launched an appeal to raise £5,000 to restore a 1910 church organ at St Thomas à Becket Church in Lydlinch.
Lydlinch parish in Dorset has launched a £5,000 appeal to restore its 1910 Rushworth and Dreaper Apollo reed organ, which has been central to worship at St Thomas à Becket Church for over 70 years. The instrument was bought second-hand and installed by the church in 1924, replacing a hand-pumped harmonium that predated electricity in the building.
Keith Watts, who began playing the organ in 1953 at age 15, has maintained the instrument himself for decades. Now approaching 89, he says the organ 'does need repairing' and that 'it would be great to have it done properly' through professional restoration.
The parish of 200 residents recently demonstrated its fundraising capacity by raising more than £120,000 to rehang the church's historic bells, though VAT relief withdrawal forced the community to find an additional £20,000. Sally-Anne Barrett, who led that bell campaign, is now championing the organ restoration appeal. Ms Barrett said the organ 'is now in such a state that it requires urgent repair' and that the parish needs 'a little extra push' to complete the restoration work.
How it is being reported
- Dorset parish launches £5,000 appeal to restore century-old church organDorset’s Lydlinch parish launches a £5,000 appeal to restore its 1910 Rushworth and Dreaper Apollo organ, played at St Thomas à Becket Church for 73 years.Dorset Echo · 15 Nov, 02:02
- Dorset parish launches £5,000 appeal to restore century-old church organDorset’s Lydlinch parish launches a £5,000 appeal to restore its 1910 Rushworth and Dreaper Apollo organ, played at St Thomas à Becket Church for 73 years.Bournemouth Echo · 14 Nov, 05:00
In this story: Keith Watts · Sally-Anne Barrett · St Thomas à Becket Church · Lydlinch · Dorset · Rushworth and Dreaper
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