Project.

The current organ at St Helen’s Church has suffered recent damage and also has generally deteriorated over years. A survey of the organ was carried out by professional organ builders who reported that:

“Major work is required to restore the sections of the organ damaged by water at an estimated cost of £85,000.

Whereas this would rectify issues with the Swell and Choir it would not address the other historic problems which would require considerable further investment in the region of £75,000.00 . With such amount of expenditure it raises the question whether the present organ is worthy of such investment?”

Consultations, including with the Chester Diocese Organ advisor, have led St Helen’s Parochial Church Council to decide that repairing and refurbishing the current organ is not realistic.

In a perfect world the solution would be to build a new organ of a similar size but as the cost would be prohibitive the only sensible option would be to locate an organ of good pedigree with a complete specification and transplant it behind the present case.”

Our investigations have resulted in us discovering a golden opportunity for a replacement high quality instrument and, at the same time, preserve a historic organ for future generations.

The Organ we have identified.

The identified organ is currently at St Dunstan’s Parkstone, Poole. The organ is no longer required in its current setting and is of considerable renown as well as being of high quality. This organ has not been used for a number of years and is listed as “at risk”.

This organ was built by the John Compton Organ Co Ltd of London NW10 in 1931 alongside the building of John Compton's Magnum Opus the 142 stop Downside Abbey Instrument. The organ we are installing is known as Downside's 'Little Brother'.

This is an organ with a national reputation partially due to its close connection with the noted organist Percy Whitlock (1903 - 1946). Percy Whitlock had studied at The Royal College of Music with Charles Villiers Stanford and Ralph Vaughan Williams. During his lifetime he held a number of prestigious appointments.

Whitlock was 'there' right from the very beginning of this organ's life. In 1931 he writes of how he "Met with John Compton and Leslie Spurling and was able to hear and try the new organ which is magnificent. Rolling Pedal and Diapasons - thrilling Full Swell."

This Compton organ was a favourite broadcast instrument for Percy Whitlock and he made 8 live broadcasts from the Compton Console between July 1944 and January 1945. These were preserved on RCA Glass disc by the BBC at Percy Whitlock's request and are available on Amphion Disc PHI 147.

Percy Whitlock gave his last ever Organ Recital from the console of the Parkstone Compton just six weeks before his death.

Our project will ensure that this important instrument, which is in original untouched condition, will now be ‘saved’ for future generations.

It will be conservatively restored by Cartwright & Cartwright Organ Builders and installed in the medieval Grade 1 Parish Church of St Helen (Witton), Northwich Parish Church. Here, in addition, to being used for christenings, weddings, funerals and regular services of worship it will also be used for recitals, concerts and other community engagement events.

As we have developed this project we have found support from a wide variety of people in the “organ” world.

Amongst then, Geoffrey Morgan, MA, FRCO (CHM), FTCL, Hon. FGCM who is Organist Emeritus - Christchurch Priory and formerly Assistant Organist at Westminster Abbey.

He writes, “I am very pleased to offer my support to this project and wish you well in raising the necessary funds and in seeing this through to a triumphant conclusion”.

Funding

The total cost of this project is estimated at £118,500. St Helen’s Church currently has £87,000 set aside for this project and is seeking support from anyone who has an interest in saving this historic instrument or in bringing high quality organ music to Church goers and the wider community.

Our ambition is to raise £7,000 from generous donors via this JustGiving appeal.