Vital appeal for church organ launched, Teesdale Mercury

Vital appeal for church organ launched

Jul 2, 2002

A SUMMER Festival at St Mary`s Church in Barnard Castle on Saturday, highlighted an appeal to bring its much-troubled organ up to date.





No work has been undertaken on the organ since 1957, other than the occasional minor repairs during its twice-yearly tuning. Many of the working parts are now very worn, and the vicar, the Revd Alec Harding, says now is the time to take action before the poor instrument collapses, as it did on Christmas Day, 1895.

With the festival supporting the organ, it was fitting therefore that music played a major part in Saturday`s events which featured organ recitals by Joan Johnson, BA, ARCO, the church organist, who was more than able to

soar above the parlous state of her instrument. St Mary`s Parish Choir also gave a recital, as did young musicians and the junior choir. The acclaimed Fishburn Band, Northern Area Champions in 2001, gave a resounding concert in

the evening to raise the spirits, funds and the rafters!

Said Revd Harding: "Restoration will be costly, involving as it does, the organ`s removal to specialist workshops. The debate about the organ has, however, offered the church council a once in a generation opportunity to

review the total use of the space in the church in the light of its current needs. We are seeking in faith both to hold on to the musical inheritance of the past and also to sustain the mission of the church into the future."

Displays and information about the church and its community groups were held all day in the church.