Over £24,000 has been raised in a month to help save a significant pipe organ in Workington.
Last month, an ambitious £200,000 appeal was launched to restore the integral – and hidden – piece of Workington’s heritage.
The pipe organ at Our Lady Star of the Sea & St Michael’s Church, on Bank Road, is in urgent need of repair and a small band of volunteers are determined to save it.
It has accompanied thousands of brides down the aisle and helped families say goodbye to loved ones at the church, known as Banklands, since it was installed in 1906.
The instrument is one of the finest in Cumbria – but is in urgent need of some TLC to be restored to its former glory otherwise it will be lost forever.
The instrument is of national historic significance – Grade II* listed, it was built by William Hill and Son, a renowned London organ builder. At the time, it cost £784 and £300 of that was donated by American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
The band of volunteers behind the campaign said: “We are delighted to announce that we have now reached over £24,000 and thank all concerned for their support.
“The restoration work can only be undertaken all in one go once we have reached our target. In the meantime, we are planning a programme of events, throughout 2025.
“These not only include a variety of fundraising activities, but will also include opportunities for individuals, young people/schools, organists, budding organists, and community members to learn more and get involved in its history, mechanics and actual playing this incredible instrument.”
Father Philip Conner, parish priest, said: “What a wonderful start in just over a month, to have already received 10% of our target. We are inspired by people’s generosity and great community support.”
The next event is a weekend of music at the church and singers are invited to join in the Advent celebration.
Adamus Voces choir, with students from the Royal Northern College of Music, will return to Our Lady & St Michael’s.
Singers from across West Cumbria are invited to join them for rehearsals prior to the performance of a sung Night Prayer on Saturday November 30 at 7.30pm, mass at 10.30am and an Advent procession of music and readings on Sunday December 1 at 3.30pm.
If you are a singer and would like to join any or all of these services in a community-wide event, contact Vaughn Richardson on 0748 410 0884 or email vaughnrichardson192@live.co.uk
The organ features 1,092 pipes and there is also the opportunity for people to sponsor a pipe in memory of a loved one or for a special occasion.
Their contribution will be inscribed in a special book which will be created for the organ and will form part of church records for the years to come.
For more information about the sponsorship, contact Ann Diamond on 07759 341295.
An online donation page has been set up and is at https://www.justgiving.com/page/ann-diamond-1722261861051
