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.
The Organ Appeal has now closed as our target was reached. Many thanks to all who contributed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dedham Parish Magazine - March 2024
01/05/2024 - Organ Project progress update by NICHOLSON & CO. LTD, MALVERN
You can read a copy of the project update by clicking on the icon below.
01/05/2024 Organ project progress update.