Berwick PARISH CHURCH

 ORGAN

RESTORATION PROJECT

 2007-2010

Chairman: W.J.Rogers-Coltman OBE

Please reply to:

Wyndham Rogers-Coltman OBE

Berryburn, Ancroft,

Berwick upon Tweed ,

TD15 2TF .                                               

The Berwick Parish Church Trust (Registration Number – 517699) is supporting the Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity and St Mary, Berwick upon Tweed, in its plan to expand the role in the community of the Parish Church by creating an enhanced venue for the arts, particularly music, and by attracting more local organisations to take advantage of the excellent meeting and function facilities in the Parish Centre. 

        The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is determined to restore the magnificent Harrison pipe organ which was originally installed in 1869 and moved to its present position in the specially built organ chamber in 1905. This organ was third in the line of fine organs installed since 1773 and the PCC consider it their duty to continue this musical tradition for future generations.

        Berwick Parish Church has particularly good acoustics and has been the venue for many excellent concerts and recitals over the years. Local choirs and travelling chamber music groups regularly perform in the church with soloists of international standing.   Audiences are drawn widely from North Northumberland , the Scottish Borders and further afield. The lack of a fine pipe organ on these occasions restricts the range of musical options.

        In the past the pipe organ has enabled some promising  young organists to develop their skills and, in later years, return to play in concerts and recitals. This provides a valuable link for the community of Berwick upon Tweed with the world of music which, in turn, adds to the breadth of cultural experience available throughout the Scottish Borders.

        The cost of the restoration is £160,000 at 2007 values. The contractor, Principal Pipe Organs of York , has programmed the work for the summer of 2010. The Parish Church Trust has underwritten the contract, in order to enable it to be signed, on condition that every effort is made to raise the total contract sum so that the £200,000 project to restore the church roof, a known future commitment, can be met in 2020 or thereabouts.

        Our appeal has three stages. First, an appeal to the local community has been made. This has raised almost £65,000 to date and demonstrates the strong commitment of the community to this project. Second, we will appeal to private donors from further afield but within our natural musical catchment. Third, we will appeal to Trusts and other Grant Aiding Organisations on a national and international basis. This letter appeals to the latter two groups for financial assistance.  Church records show that the appeal to install the first organ in 1773 raised £127 which fully covered the cost of the new organ. Even allowing for inflation our task seems considerably greater. Please give as generously as you can to this important community project.