Will you help us please to carry out essential re-roofing work to save our very fine and well-used 4-manual organ? It's one of the treasures of our town, well used for concerts, recitals, tuition and rehearsals as well as services.

During 2018, rainwater started dripping into the organ. Roped climbers found a hole in a part of the roof not visible from the ground, and covered it with temporary plastic sheeting. Slates and stonework are insecure elsewhere too. Some of the gable stonework has rotted and must be replaced too. Simon Tayton, a local organist who knows the instrument inside-out, says: 'There is a rank of pedal pipes (Salicional 16') whose bottom octave sits directly under one of the worst roof leaks. The wind-chest has completely failed due to water damage, and one or two of the pipes have old hymn books placed in their mouths to stop them sounding all the time. '

Beneath the organ is the Lady Chapel, a special place for private prayer and small services. It contains some beautiful murals painted by Blanche Marguerite Falcon in 1901.They show events in the life of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Some of our recent Christmas cards featured them. Their future, too, is threatened as the roof deteriorates.

The Vicar, the Rev'd Christopher Wilson adds

The roof work will cost around £80,000 (plus reclaimable VAT). It has to be done, and done urgently. The main works start on January 4th 2021 and the project should be complete in time for Easter. Hundreds, probably thousands of you have heard and appreciated the organ being played; will you contribute so that another generation has that opportunity please?

Thank you very much.

http://www.allsaintschurchleamington.org.uk/