10:30am Friday 27th November 2009
A CHURCH is fighting to save an historic 130-year-old Victorian organ.
Bank Street Chapel needs £10,000 to restore the impressive instrument, which was donated to the church in 1877.
The congregation has already raised £5,000 and the restoration work has now begun.
But more money is needed to save it. Church council member Gordon Walker said: “It needs a major overhaul of worn internal parts.
“We have already completed the first stage, which has at least enabled the organ to be played — albeit nowhere near its full potential.”
Minister Stephen Lingwood added: “It’s an impressive organ and it will sound great when it is fully restored.”
The Unitarian church’s previous organ, which was sold to Walmsley Chapel for £140 in the 19th century, is still used to this day and is believed to be the oldest organ in the town.
The original Chapel Street building was demolished in 1854 and the new church was opened in August , 1856.
* An Advent concert will be held at Bank Street Chapel tomorrow at 7.30pm to raise funds to save the organ.
Local folk group One Accord will perform and there will be mulled wine and mince pies at the interval.
Tickets are £6 and are available on the door.
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