Over £31,000 has been raised to help save a significant pipe organ in Cumbria.
The £200,000 appeal was launched in October 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.
It can only be restored once the £200,000 target is reached.
The volunteer committee behind the appeal said they were now working on a programme of events for 2025, including fundraising activities and musical workshops.
Year 9 pupils of St Joseph’s Catholic High School’s engineering class, led by teacher Emma Williams, created keyrings depicting pipe organs and sold them within the school for £2 each which raised £200 for the appeal.
The committee said: “We will pilot a First Encounter with the Pipe Organ workshop the spring, working with year 6 school children, to show how the organ works and stimulate an interest in a musical instrument they may have never encountered before. These workshops will then be rolled out to all the local primary schools.”
On March 1 from 2pm to 4pm, people can attend the church for a similar session.
In the spring, a workshop will be piloted, aimed at 14 to 17-year-old students who want to come and play the organ, to learn how it works.
The committee added: “We are expecting that they will at least have some knowledge and keyboard skills. These workshops will also be rolled out to all the local secondary schools.
“We hope to uncover some new talented organists now and for the future.”
To donate to the fund, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/ann-diamond-1722261861051
There is the chance to dedicate a pipe in memory of a loved one or to mark a special occasion. For amounts of £200 and over, your name and intention will be inscribed in a special book of dedication and will form part of church records for years to come.
For more information, contact Ann Diamond on 0775 934 1295.
