A FUND-raising drive is underway to meet the cost of essential upkeep and maintenance to keep the organ playing in St Andrew’s Church, in Wiveliscombe.

The organ last underwent a major renovation 24 years ago and its sound has since lost much of its volume and depth.

Now, parishioners want to raise £5,000 after recently spending about £8,000 on upgrading the organ’s ‘stop action’.

One of the fund-raising organisers, Abigail Follett, said: “Organs are large, complicated and expensive instruments, which need a lot of maintenance.

The organ in St Andrew's Church, Wiveliscombe, where a 'Day of Music' is being held to raise funds.
The organ in St Andrew's Church, Wiveliscombe, where a 'Day of Music' is being held to raise funds. ( )

“There are thousands of other components which will not last forever, mechanical, pneumatic, electric, electronic, acoustic, accessible, and inaccessible.

“We need to build up a contingency fund to keep everything working in the years to come.

“It is good fun to make music and St Andrew’s is a good place to hear it.

“This is a great opportunity for people from the whole community to get involved in an enjoyable project.

“The organ is not just for churchgoers, St Andrew’s is host to many concerts and events as well as weddings, Christenings, and funerals.

“It is open every day for anybody to come in, and you can often hear the organ being played.”

The St Andrew's organ dates to 1829 when the church in its current form was first built and the parish bought it for £229 from C. Collard, of Abbotsfield, Wiveliscombe.

The organ was reputed to be a Gray - renowned London-based organ builders - and was installed on the west gallery.

Public fund-raising later saw improvements to the organ and it was relocated to the south-east end of the south aisle.

Ms Follett said the renovation which took place in 2000 saw a digitally-controlled electric action and more stops installed thanks to the generosity of Dennis and Ann Scotter.

Pianist Jeremy Birchall is appearing in Wiveliscombe to help raise funds for the upkeep of St Andrew's Church organ.
Pianist Jeremy Birchall is appearing in Wiveliscombe to help raise funds for the upkeep of St Andrew's Church organ. ( )

She said: “The organ today is a complex combination of mechanisms and sounds, shaped by many avenues of support through its history.

“It forms an integral part of not only St Andrew’s, but Wiveliscombe and its ever-evolving community, and should be kept playing with a full and colourful sound for as long as possible.”

To raise awareness of the appeal a ‘Day of Music’ is being held on Saturday, June 29, when a variety of musicians, including Wiveliscombe Town Band, will be playing and/or singing from 9am to 9pm.

Ms Follett said: “The day will be an opportunity for everybody to come together and listen to, or take part in, a huge variety of musical genres and instruments.

“Just turn up whenever you like. There is no seating plan and no charge, though of course we welcome donations.”

Among those performing will be pianist and ‘national treasure’ Jeremy Birchall, between 11.30am and 12noon, making his third appearance in Wiveliscombe.

Jeremy has sung in concerts around the world, operas in the UK, and major recording studios in London, and has made more than 300 commercial recordings, including film soundtracks

Donations to the church organ appeal can be made online here.