Almost £140,000 has been raised in six months to save a significant pipe organ in West Cumbria.
A £200,000 appeal was launched in October to restore the Grade II* listed organ at Our Lady Star of the Sea & St Michael’s Church in Workington, which is in need of urgent repair.
Thanks to generous anonymous donations and a grant from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust, plus fundraising activities and people being able to dedicate a pipe in memory of a loved one, the target is now in sight for the fundraising team.
Funding of £139,845 has been secure so far.
The organ 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. 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.
Father Philip Conner, parish priest, said: “It is very heartening to see the gathering momentum behind the restoration of the pipe organ and we are particularly grateful to the Benny Walker Trust and a number of other very significant donations to the project.
“Their generosity is making this a truly community-wide project, engaging local businesses and local schools, and attracting interest from across West Cumbria in the various fundraising activities, reminding us that music and culture has a way of building up and drawing together the whole community.”
Keith Beattie, chair of the organ restoration project, added: “The restoration team continue to work hard to achieve our target, and we hope that you are happy with progress so far.
“We would like to thank you for your support which we hope we can continue to rely on because without it our work will be the more difficult. It is clear that by working together we can make this happen, so thank you so much.”
The fundraising team held a workshop earlier this year for 31 youngsters from St Patrick’s Primary School so they could learn about the instrument’s history and get a chance to see it up close.
A further workshop for 14 to 17-year-olds with keyboard skills will be held soon so they can play the organ and learn how it works.
Fundraising activities coming up include a sponsored walk and wine tasting.
To donate to the fund, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/ann-diamond-1722261861051
