basdav

I cannot see anyone at my church paying the fees mentioned in the above, I get 55 a funeral and 55 a wedding doubling if theres a video. When I cover the local crem the going rate is 12.50 per service regardless of whats involved, I am sure many crem organists are getting far less, would any of them like to post the rates on here, I know the organist of a Birmingham Crem contributes to this board. I have not had a salary increase in over 8 years, the excuse being they cant meet the quota, I have now been asked to reduce tunings from 4 to 3 a year and can the organ blower and humidifier be serviced every 2 years, I have said no as a well known member of this board gives recitals at the church once a month and the collection goes towards looking after the organ. When I questioned the treasurer I was told Oh well it goes into central funds!!!!! How many others have finance problems with their respective churches?

Welcome also to Mike Perrier organist of St Marys Moseley, Birmingham.

Count me in as well Adrian, it sounds like a good day. Barrie

I think we should all offer you a vote of thanks for paying for the bandwidth for this forum, a lot of valuable topics are covered here, but it is often far too easy to stray away from the subject being discussed. I have to admit I did find the post about Iceland a little amusing!!!! Barrie

I hope the organ is safe as well, if the church fittings are preserved surely this includes the organ, but what use will it get?

Me too I read it from in the garden!!!!!!!!

I think the alterations suggested on NPOR originated from a leaflet about the organ written by J Eric Hunt a former organist of the church, this was published in the late 40's early 50's in an attempt to raise money for the work to be carried out by Harrison and Harrison. I know the late Sam Baker longed for the organ to be lowered to allow the sound to fill the church, but even during his tenure the cost was prohibitive. The organ is well worth a visit and if you can play it, the soft stops, barely audible in the church are exquisite at the console. The other glory of the church is the east window which is breath taking. Barrie

The sloping jambs make me think of Brindley and Foster, but Im sure you can get details as suggested by AJJ, Lance Foy should ceratinly know.

Yes it is the same firm, I have come across a 2 manual in a Catholic Church in Handsworth and a 1 manual in a church in West Bromwich, both were satisfactory and the keytouch seemed fine, but arent they all. Neither left any lasting memories of wanting to go back and play them.

Ive just looked it up in the booklet about the organ, yes it is empty, the east end organ is all on the north side.

Ron, Has it got the Binns Patent adjustable pistons? Due to the distance and Weddings I am unable to come, but wish you well. Barrie

The porcine I fear

Many thanks Tony I looked and drew a blank. I will email you about this. Every blessing Barrie

I am trying to discover how much of the organ I play is by Bevington, it was built in C1842 by that firm in the west gallery of the church, when the chancel was added it was moved to its present position. Over the years many builders have altered the instrument according to the tastes and whims of that particular time, perhaps the worst offender being Nelson of Durham. This work was rectified in the 1980s by Sheffields of Olton. This work included lowering the wind pressures and removing the leathered open from the Great. I am trying to discover what is left of the original organ, did Bevington leave any identifiable markings on his pipework?

Im pleased to say its not Gloucester, although people do seem to like the organ there, I think a 32 Flue sound can be achieved by using the mutations in the Pedal division. I hope the transpet section at Worcester will be added fairly quickly but as Adrian has stated many times its down to funding, Father Rogers can always supply the 32 flues as a temporary measure via the midi link.

I use to play many years ago at a church in Handsworth, which had a large Afro-Caribbean congregation, the Vicar there told me to arrive at least 30 minutes after the stipulated time of the wedding as they would not be on time. On several occasions she arrived over an hour later than this, many times have I played the last hymn and had to leave, but they did have a cd player in case of such happenings. All this for £50 no thanks.

Yes please Adrian count me in as well

I was wondering about that as well, I did read somewhere that a restoration project was in hand does anyone know? In this economic climate I'm afraid the organ is the least of any Councils priorities.

Thank you

Thank you for those Adrian, I am so glad you don't suffer from vertigo!!! Have you managed to find the spec of the Transept yet, but I imagine you are too busy with 3 Choirs at the moment. Is there a timescale on the big case taking a little walk to the other side, it looks an esay operation.. ahem!!!! Barrie

The setter system Paul is the same as St Marys Shrewsbury, there are Drawstops over the department they control you set what you want and pull the appropriate drawstop out and its set. No4 piston on the Great and Swell at Shrewsbury was not adjustable.

Theres a Binns in Wednesfield Town Hall thats rarely heard, I understand its condition is not good, it looks as if its one the the neglected instruments. It would be interesting to try and compile a complete list of such organs. Barrie

There is an excellent example of a Mander extension organ in Shrewsbury Cathedral, its far preferable to any toaster, how do they compate price wise? Barrie Davis

A few months ago I read a post on here and added a reply, I got a message from a gentleman who had suceeded me at the church in question. Small world!!!

Do we know if there are any photographs of the Willis console in its original position?