The organ was originally purchased and installed in 1925 by the Priestly family in memory of William Priestly and his wife Elizabeth who had lived at the nearby Offord Darcy Manor House.

 

Recently, at the request of The Friends, the Churches Conservation Trust asked an organ surveyor to assess the instrument. It was that person's opinion that the organ was beyond economic repair and that it should be replaced by another being disposed of from another church. An estimate was at least £10,000 plus relocation and installation costs.

Fortunately Chris came along and with a knowledgeable friend, Tim Griffiths an organ tuner with detailed knowledge of organs such as Kings College Cambridge and Ely Cathedral, was able to coax the instrument into a good enough order sufficient for him to be able to play at the Christmas 2006 Carols by Candlelight Service held by All Saints Offord Cluny in St Peter’s. It must be said that Chris is a very competent organist and regularly plays at All Saints.  (The picture here is of a young student of music practising at the manuals).

During the coming year Chris hopes to make more reparations to the instrument and when he has achieved all he can we are hopeful that he will be able to give the first of many concerts.

Following a recent review with the Churches Conservation Trust and its advisors we are very pleased to  say that we have their full support in our aim of restoring the organ to a working state within the guidlines of the TCCT.