A Very English Organ – REBORN!

‘A lovely instrument in a beautiful part of the world’
Daniel Moult, concert organist

Help us ensure the future of Fletching’s 150-year-old Pipe Organ.

A message from the Diocesan Organ Adviser

What people say about the organ

The Vicar, the Organist and the Headteacher

The 1880 Pipe Organ

Fletching’s pipe organ by Forster & Andrews has stood in the choir of the parish church of St Andrew and St Mary the Virgin for nearly 150 years. It was a gift of the Earl of Sheffield and installed as part of the reordering of the chancel by the architect John Oldrid Scott.

It has stood the test of time well, but it now needs a thorough overhaul to ensure it can continue to support regular Sunday worship, weddings, christenings and funerals, as well as choral concerts and charity organ recitals.

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The Parish of Fletching

Situated in the beautiful rural Sussex countryside, Fletching is a vibrant and forward-looking parish, serving the communities of Fletching, Piltdown and Sheffield Park. It lies in the Weald between the South Downs, a designated National Park, and the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which includes the Ashdown Forest.

The parish church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin sits at the heart of Fletching village. It is a fine Grade I listed building and is one of the largest in the area, with a seating capacity of around 240 people. It dates back to 1230 and continues to play a central role in the community.

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The Organ Project

The project has its origins in the visit by the Diocesan Organ Adviser in 2022. His report identified various problems and, in the light of its history, recommended a full workshop restoration of the organ on an ‘as-is’ basis. Some of the main components have probably never been removed since their installation in 1880.

After constant use over nearly 150 years the time has come when parts have reached the end of their working lives. Slowly but surely time is taking away the musicality of this fine instrument. It now needs specialist attention to ensure Fletching’s organ can continue to give voice for the next 100 years.

Discover more

How to get involved

This is a project for the whole community, and you can get involved by:

• Discovering more about Fletching’s organ and how it works;

• Attending one of the concerts or other events

• Helping fund the work by sponsoring a pipe or another part of the organ;

• Displaying a poster or just spreading the word.

Find out how

News & Events

You can keep up to date by following the latest project news and find out about all the events that will be taking place in the church over the coming year.