Fund Raising

 

 

                                               THE ORGAN RESTORATION FUND

 

'The organ in Pakefield Church was installed in 1950, using second hand materials. The previous organ had been severely damaged when the roof of the church was destroyed during the Second World War, but the case and front pipes were saved and incorporated in the 'new' instrument

After sixty years of use, parts of the organ, some of which are over one hundred years old, are failing, but the main components (namely the pipes which produce the sound), are in excellent condition.

The main problems are concerning the 'action' - the link between the keyboards and the mechanism up in the organ loft. This is a system known as 'tubular pneumatic', in which every note has a small tube running from the key, under the floor and up to the inside of the organ. When the player presses the keys, air is blown up these tubes to inflate small bellows, called 'motors'. This delicate mechanism is now breaking down and some have had to be repaired in recent years. However, some  of the tubes are themselves collapsing and restricting  the air flow.

The most practical solution, which has been used on most organs where a 'detached' (or remote) console is now fitted, is to replace these tubes with an electrical control system. This  'electro-pneumatic' action results in a much faster response to the organists’ touch.

Most modern 'electro-pneumatic' actions use a digital link system, where computer technology is incorporated. This has two great advantages:

1.                    The console can be set on a mobile platform, enabling it to be moved as desired,  

2.             A digital recording device and MIDI interconnection (Musical
Instrument Digital Interface) can be incorporated, enabling the organ to be played from a disc or hard drive, when no organist is available (the music can be recorded in advance and stored).

The total cost of this work will be in the region of £ 15,000 and will be carried out by Terry Hepworth, our church organist for many years, who has restored several organs in the past.

 

                                              PLEASE HELP US RESTORE THE ORGAN

'Donations, large or small, can he left in the designated box at the back of the church (please use Gift Aid if possible). Cheques should be made payable to ‘Pakefield Church PCC’ and write 'Organ fund on the Back.

                      TOTAL RAISED SO FAR: £ 5,025.00

                                                                             THANK YOU