Widecombe’s new organ to be unveiled at inaugural concert

The Church of St Pancras in Widecombe is widely known as ‘the cathedral of the moor’. No wonder! Its soaring 120-foot tower with crenellated parapet and octagonal corner pinnacles is a famous local landmark. The church now boasts a fine, newly-installed Nelson organ as befits its Grade 1 listed status.

The tale of the Widecombe Organ (affectionately named Horatio) is celebratory stuff: a true labour of love, and a story of vision, determination, and the power of a rural community working together. The ‘upcycled’ 1918 instrument came from Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford; Widecombe’s former organ has been carefully removed to a nearby barn, where it will be rebuilt as a practice instrument and made available for members of the public to play.

Local musician Michael Brown - himself an organist - has worked tirelessly to orchestrate the heroic feat of re-installing the Nelson organ in its new Dartmoor home. He says: “We couldn't be more delighted with how the organ has fitted in at St Pancras. It almost looks as if it was custom built for the space. Someone who played it at Christ Church Cathedral says that it sounds better here, possibly because the space is more confined and the barrel roof throws the sound out. It’s a gloriously sweet toned yet powerful instrument and it’s wonderful to be able to play old favourites which just weren't possible before. The parishioners seem pleased too, even the one who told me he had to turn down his hearing aid!

Horatio's debut recital takes place on Saturday 16th November with a line-up of four organists including George Balfour, senior organ scholar at Christ Church Cathedral, Horatio's original home.

The programme includes famous fugues by Bach alongside works by lesser known English composers such as Percy Whitlock (1903 - 1946) and George Dyson (1883 – 1964) and music by the amiable Frenchman, Léon Boëllmann.

Michael concludes: “We understand it's a villager's 90th birthday the day after the concert, so we are going to perform his favourite Widor Toccata. He was a church warden here for many years and still serves in the church.” What better way to spend a November afternoon than in the company of Horatio Nelson!

Inaugural Concert of Widecombe’s newly-installed organ

Saturday 16th November, 4.00pm

St Pancras Church, Widecombe

Organists: George Balfour, Gary Sieling, Charles Maxtone-Smith, and Michael Brown

Tickets: Unreserved FREE | Allocated seats £10 from mikebrown007@hotmail.com