Hi - I am joint assistant at SMR along with my husband, Graham. The DoM, Andrew Kirk has asked me to post the following about the organ - he is still waiting to be registered on this forum!
Claire Alsop
From Andrew Kirk Director of Music at St Mary
Redcliffe Church Bristol:
I am pleased to see that the plans to restore the
organ are being aired and that many of the
comments are positive. The organ is still in a
good condition considering its age, a testament
to H&H craftsmansip and regular maintenance.
The Appeal cost is £800,000
It will be a restoration, hopefully completed in
time for the centenary in 2012 - there are no
changes to the pipework. No decisions have yet
been made about adding more memory.
Work is expected to take up to 18 months. H&H
will carry out the work. There were three tenders
for the work from UK firms and I can confirm H&H
quote was competitive. A contract will be signed
shortly.
There will soon be a link from the church website
to the appeal brochure.
There will be brand new blowers which could
involve some possible work on the fabric for
which the budget allows. There has been some
asbestos removal.
Add to that accommodation, scaffold, other
associated work, admin of appeal, consultancy,
displays, underwriting launch of organ with
celebrity recitals, contingencies and VAT
(which we hope to reclaim), I hope it is easy to
see how an appeal figure of £800,000 is reached.
We welcome any donations for the restoration of
this magnificent instrument.