Project Advert

    Back in the summer of 2018 we started to urgently explore solutions to our ever-more fragile and unreliable Hill pipe organ. One of the most striking features that seems to draw the eye of the many visitors to our church is the striking organ, high up in the West End gallery. It is often the subject of interest. Even more magical for many is that today, the organist plays from a remote console at the East end of the nave. 
    When first installed in 1843 the organ and organist were housed in a gallery at the west end of the church. It was moved to floor level in 1866, and then enlarged and moved again in 1887 to the east end of the nave. In 1971, it was dismantled and reduced again, before being housed in its current position in 1975. At this point, digital electronics were installed to link the console to the pipe organ itself, these being upgraded in 1995. This configuration allows the organist to be close to the choir, though results in an time delay for the organist. 
    Whilst much of the 1843 Hill pipework was retained, most of the original Hill organ was discarded in favour of some reworked parts from other organs. As such, it is no longer classed as an historic organ. In 2004, we were cautioned by our organ technicians that we would soon be facing a major overhaul. The organ chamber is so overcrowded that it is impossible to allow for safe access much of the organ for maintenance and tuning. The digital link is also failing at an alarming rate. The organ has served us well for 180 years but is sadly well beyond repair.  
    Exhaustive research has been done by an Organ Group to identify a solution. All options were explored. Several organ builders suggested rehoming a fine redundant Pipe Organ of good pedigree. One such was identified, built by J. J. Binns of Leeds, dated 1902. Mr. Binns had a fine reputation of building good quality, robust organs that stand the test of time. They are affectionately known in the organ world as ‘battleship Binns’. This organ was built for Kinning Park Town Hall in Glasgow at the time of Binns ‘golden period’ of pipe organ building. It was moved to Mosspark Church in Glasgow where it now resides. The church is now owned by Harvest Church and the organ is no longer used. The proposal by the Organ Group to procure this organ was presented to a public meeting in Dedham Church in 2021, where it received overwhelming support by those who attended, following a robust debate. Our chosen organ builder is Nicholson & Co of Malvern, Worcestershire. 
    The challenging task of raising the funds required has begun to secure, refurbish, update and install the Binns organ in Dedham Church. At a recent concert given by the Kelvedon Singers to kick-start the fundraising, an anonymous donor generously pledged the incredible sum of £100,000, which has prompted further generous donations, most of which are eligible for Gift Aid relief. A fundraising committee is exploring events, grants and other sources of funding. It will be wonderful to bring this exciting project to fruition, so that the ‘new’ organ can fully serve the needs of our parish for generations to come, not only for Sunday services but also for festivals (Christmas, Remembrance, Easter, Harvest etc) weddings, Christenings, funerals, as well as for concerts, recitals and events. We also hope to be able to be able to support future organists in their study of this fine instrument. 
    We hope you will want to support this fundraising to ensure that our church can continue its fine musical traditions and maintain the integrity of the building which is Grade 1 listed. We are two  thirds of the way to reaching our target and with continuing support we hope to have the organ installed towards the end of 2024.

    Donations to the Organ Appeal can be made in two ways.

1.By Cheque, payable to Dedham PCC, and on the back of the cheque,
write “Organ Appeal”.

2.By Online Banking to Dedham PCC, Sort Code 20-22-67, Account No.00297879 and importantly,
using a Reference “Organ”

Cheques can be posted to, or left in the Parish Office letter box at the Dedham & Ardleigh Parish Office, The Assembly Rooms, High Street, Dedham CO7 6HJ, or personally handed to a Churchwarden.

    If you are a UK Taxpayer, Gift Aid will add 25% to your donation, but you must complete the Church Gift Aid form, available at the back of the Church, or request one online at stmarydafinance@gmail.com. Gift Aid forms should accompany your cheque, or if paying online, sent to the Parish Office as above. Any questions should be directed to Sara Marshall at
the above e mail address, or to the Treasurer, John Reed at johnreed10@yahoo.com

Antony Watson, organist at Dedham Church

You can read the article in the September 2022 edition of the Dedham Parish magazine by clicking on the icon below.
PDF InPixio     Dedham Parish Magazine - September 2022

Organ Project update.  The December 2022/January 2023 edition of the Dedham Parish magazine includes an update on the organ project by Margaret Kitson and details of the concert on January 2023 to raise funds for the Organ project You can read a copy of the article by clicking on the icon below.
PDF InPixio     Dedham Parish Magazine - December 2022

Organ Project update.  The July August 2023 edition of the Dedham Parish magazine includes an update on the organ project by David Druitt,  You can read a copy of the article by clicking on the icon below.
PDF InPixio  Dedham Parish Magazine - July/August 2023

01/10/2023 - Organ Project progress update by NICHOLSON & CO. LTD, MALVERN
You can read a copy of the project update by clicking on the icon below.

PDF InPixio 01/10/2023 Organ project progress update.

Organ Project update.  The July August 2023 edition of the Dedham Parish magazine includes an update on the organ project by David Druitt,  You can read a copy of the article by clicking on the icon below.
PDF InPixio  Dedham Parish Magazine - February 2024

01/02/2024 - Organ Project progress update by NICHOLSON & CO. LTD, MALVERN
You can read a copy of the project update by clicking on the icon below.
PDF InPixio   01/02/2024 Organ project progress update.

26/02/2024 - The removal of the organ by Nicholson & Co, you can read David Druitt's article by clicking the icon below.
PDF InPixio Dedham Parish Magazine - March 2024