Sponsor a Pipe
An appeal for the renovation of the historic Hill Organ
North Walsham Parish Church is fortunate in possessing one of the finest pipe organs in the county. It was originally constructed as a two manual instrument in the north chapel by William Hill 1873 at a cost of £520. Further ranks of pipes were added in 1881, but it was soon felt that the instrument was in the wrong position. It was therefore incorporated into an enlarged three manual instrument and placed in its present position in 1913 by the Norwich firm of Norman & Beard. The dedication service took place on Wednesday August 20th 1913, with the organ played by a Mr R T Morgan of St Mary Redcliffe Parish Church in Bristol.
Further alterations and additions were made in 1964 by Hill, Norman & Beard, when electro-pneumatic action was installed with a new console sited on the south side of the chancel. There are currently thirty-four speaking stops. The pipework has never had its carved oak case installed, giving it an almost 'modern' appearance.
The organ is now urgently in need of renovation. The leather of the motors has not been touched since installation in 1913 and desperately need restoration. The electrical work installed in 1964 is starting to fail and does not conform to modern safety requirements. The pipes are now covered in forty years worth of dust and grit and need to be professionally cleaned. It is also hoped to take this rare opportunity to realise the completion of the organ with the addition of the stops prepared for in 1964, but never inserted. This addition of 350 pipes will take the total number of pipes to 2242.
The organ has been in use since 1873 for accompanying Sunday services, weddings, funerals, civic occasions and in recent years for a growing number of recitals and concerts as well as providing teaching and practice facilities for young organists.
Would you support the restoration of this historic instrument? The idea is that you can dedicate a pipe or pipes to a person or persons special to you, both past and present. It is highly likely that we can all think of people who have had a positive influence on our lives, whom we may wish to remember in this unique way. The cost of sponsoring a pipe is £25. You may of course sponsor as many pipes as you wish and perhaps use this as an opportunity not only to remember loved ones, but to commemorate a special family event, such as an anniversary or birth. Every sponsor will receive a Commemorative Certificate acknowledging their contribution and a permanent record will be kept of all those for whom pipes have been dedicated.
If you would like to participate, please complete and return the form on the back page of the downloadable leaflet (below):
Download The Sponsor A Pipe Leaflet & Form
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