Organ Roof Appeal at All Saints' Parish Church, Leamington Spa
Please help us raise £80,000 to re-roof the Organ Loft and Lady Chapel.
Our magnificent organ, one of the Victorian treasures of the town, is at risk of water damage if we don't re-slate the roof above it before winter sets in.
You may have enjoyed listening to the organ at a wedding or a funeral, a recital or a Sunday service. Thousands of other people have, too - it's widely used and appreciated. It's also the instrument where we give our Organ Scholars their tuition, rehearsal time, and experience, doing our bit to ensure there is a new generation of church organists.
Please respond according to your means to our appeal for funds to carry out this essential work - not for our sake, but for the sake of the many people whose spirits are lifted as they hear this grand instrument being played. Details of how to support the appeal are below.
Thank you very much. We are most grateful.
Christopher Wilson (Vicar)
You may have enjoyed listening to the organ at a wedding or a funeral, a recital or a Sunday service. Thousands of other people have, too - it's widely used and appreciated. It's also the instrument where we give our Organ Scholars their tuition, rehearsal time, and experience, doing our bit to ensure there is a new generation of church organists.
Please respond according to your means to our appeal for funds to carry out this essential work - not for our sake, but for the sake of the many people whose spirits are lifted as they hear this grand instrument being played. Details of how to support the appeal are below.
Thank you very much. We are most grateful.
Christopher Wilson (Vicar)
The story...
Last year, rainwater started dripping into the organ. Roped climbers found a hole in a part of the roof not visible from the ground, and covered it with temporary plastic sheeting. Slates and stonework are insecure elsewhere too. Simon Tayton, a local organist who knows the instrument inside-out, says: 'There is a rank of pedal pipes (Salicional 16') whose bottom octave sits directly under one of the worst roof leaks. The wind-chest has completely failed due to water damage, and one or two of the pipes have old hymn books placed in their mouths to stop them sounding all the time.' Beneath the organ is the Lady Chapel, a special place for private prayer and small services. It contains some beautiful murals painted by Blanche Marguerite Falcon in 1901.They show events in the life of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Some of our recent Christmas cards featured them. Their future, too, is threatened as the roof deteriorates. |
A Fund-Raising
Organ Recital Come and enjoy a recital by our Organist, Chris Beaumont, on Sunday 6 September at 12 noon. Free entry, retiring collection. Places are limited to 60; first come, first served. Doors open at 11.50am. Please observe social distancing, sanitise hands on entry, wear a facemask, and follow the directions of the stewards. The recital will last roughly 45 minutes. For those who would prefer not to mingle in public, we plan to livestream the recital on our Facebook page and would ask those listening online also to donate online if possible. Thank you. All proceeds will be put towards the Organ Roof Appeal. |
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The history...
There is extensive information about the history of the organ on the Organ pages of this website. How to donate... Donations can be made using Paypal below, or via our JustGiving page. If you are a UK taxpayer, donations can be Gift Aided. Please complete this form and return it to us, electronically or by post to: All Saints' Parish Church Organ Roof Appeal, PO Box 163, Leamington Spa, CV31 1GF. (There is no need to do this if giving through JustGiving.) 
And here is the PayPal Donate button: |
Some testimonies...
Sacha, a recent Organ Scholar, writes: “Being an organ scholar at All Saints' was a fantastic opportunity to develop my organ playing skills within a choral setting. In particular, it was very useful to be given various responsibilities for playing during services, this helped broaden and enhance all the skills required by an organist. I really appreciated having very generous practice sessions as well as tuition - allowing me to really explore the instrument. Everyone at All Saints' has been very supportive and welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the music there." Noel, a regular concert-goer, writes: “In these challenging times places of peace, reflection and sanctuary are much needed, but it is when the organ is being played, either on its own or as part of a service or concert, that this magnificent church becomes truly alive, providing an enriching and more complete experience to any visitor. | ||