“The church is now in possession of an antique instrument which has escaped the kind of alteration which so many organs of this kind underwent during the 1950s and 1960s.....The instrument is so lovely as it stands that I do not feel that I would want to see any further alterations made to it.” – Diocesan Organ Adviser
Why is the project needed?
The work to be done at Fletching
As early as 2015 it was recognised that attention to the organ would be due before long, to ensure that it remained in good condition and pre-empt any major problems developing. In 2022 the Diocesan Organ Adviser (DOA) was invited to make an inspection and recommended a full refurbishment, including workshop restoration of the soundboards.
After constant use for nearly 150 years, the time has come where parts have reached the end of their working lives and now need specialist attention to ensure they can continue to operate for another 100 years. Of most immediate concern is the weakness of the lower range of the pedal division, which is not easily accessible until the organ is dismantled. Some of the organ’s inner components have probably not been moved since its installation and inevitably after this time need repair or renewal: leather and wooden items are particularly subject to wear and tear over the years.
Following the advice of the Diocesan Organ Adviser (DOA) we asked a number of organ builders to tender for the work. Andrew Cooper & Co Ltd of Ryde, accredited for this type of work by the Institute of British Organ Building, was selected as the preferred contractor. The work is designed on an ‘as is’ basis, so that there are no alterations to the tonal character of the organ.
As such, it is believed to be able to give authentic voice to the English repertoire of the 19th century and in recent years has been used for a series of concerts including English composers lesser-known today, alongside their more famous contemporaries.
The key elements of the work to be carried out are:
Clean and overhaul all pipes individually
Strip down and refurbish slider soundboards
Re-cover pallets in in best felt and leather
Clean and check pedal chests and pedal jacks
Renew electro-magnets on the pedals
Re-leather the bellows
Supply and fit new transformer rectifier
Re-felt and refit the swell box
Dismantle, clean and repair the tracker action
Overhaul and repair wind trunking
Clean and adjust all keys; new felts and baizes
Replace console lighting and wiring
Clean and re-polish the draw-stops
Check for woodworm and treat where needed
The work will take about six months (May-October 2025) to complete.
Funding and engagement
The total project is expected to cost £80,000. This covers the organ builder’s contract, expenses when the builders are working on site, allowance for inflation and a contingency to cover any unexpected issues once the organ is dismantled.
We expect to raise most of the target amount locally, from the Friends of Fletching Church and a sponsorship scheme. We already have £18,000 received from charitable trusts and £20,000 pledged in gifts. There is a further £20,000 offered in matched funding for the sponsorship scheme and we are approaching local businesses to fund specific support activities and events.
Just as important as raising the funds is raising awareness and interest - giving everybody a chance to get to know the organ better and to play a part in its refurbishment. It is not just of historical interest but a community asset for everyone to enjoy. For more details go to How you can get involved.
Keep up to date on the organ project and the programme of events by visiting the News area.