Katherinehutt

Thank you so much for all of your input - we are desperate to save the church and its interior fittings. The lead was stolen in November last year, which is when the services had to be halted as the lead theft happened immediately prior to some torrential rain which soaked the plaster in the ceiling and meant we had to close the building as the plaster was falling off. Prior to that we did have a church organist who played every sunday for us. Ecclesiastical contribute up to a maximum of £12,500 towards lead theft - we are currently putting in a Heritage Lottery Bid for £185,000 to START repairs - we estimate the whole thing will be almost £0.5m - we want to refurbish the building into a multi use community centre opening it up on more than just a sunday morning and we would like to include music concerts (organ recitals??!) as part of our vision. The organ is currently covered with plastic sheeting to protect it from any immediate and direct water ingress - fortunately it doesn't seem to have been in the direct path of water (so far!) but I am concerned about the impact the damp atmosphere will have on the organ. The only information I have is the information which is included on our NPOR entry which states it has been serviced and minor changes but to be honest I don't really understand it!!!! (I am but a lowly piano player of youth!!) http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=E00108 Our church will be open for Heritage Open Day if any of you would like to come and see it???? (Bit of a long shot but all help gratefully appreciated!!) Katherine xx

Dear All, This is my first post so please be gentle. I am a member of the PCC at St John's Oulton near Leeds. Recently our lead was stolen from the roof of our church causing catastrophic damage. We have a 1900 Abbott and Smith Organ in the church. (according to the NPOR!) In order to support our applications for Heritage Funding to repair to roof we are trying to explain how the heritage of the building is at risk. I'd be really interested in any information people can give me about our organ. I understand its not rare - but it is beautiful and up to last November was played at least once a week at services. We will be opening the church for Heritage Open Day and any information will help with our displays as well. Any help is massively appreciated. Katherine xx