A NEW ORGAN FOR THE “CATHEDRAL OF THE MOOR”

A fund-raising initiative has been launched by St Pancras church, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, to replace the organ which was transferred there from Leusdon church in 1883.

The campaign kicked off at the end of July with a concert on piano and saxophone, music sponsored by the charity Music in Country Churches, attended by 160 concert goers.  The charity’s patron is the Prince of Wales, and this is the first concert they have been involved with in Devon. Sadly, HRH was unable to attend, but Lord Lieutenant David Fursdon and High Sherriff of Devon, Right Reverend Nick McKinnel were present.

Local resident Michael Brown organised the concert and initiated the organ replacement campaign.  “St Pancras is called The Cathedral of the Moor with good reason.  It is a surprisingly big building, with a 120’ high tower, a wonderful set of bells, lots of clear glass so you can see the moor from inside, and an excellent acoustic.  What it lacks is an organ which is appropriate to support all of the above. The current instrument is very limited in what can be played on it, it doesn’t all work, the sounds it makes are capable of improvement and it doesn’t have the oomph we need when we have a full house.  Widecombe deserves better, and I am confident that in a few years’ time, or maybe earlier if we are lucky, we will find a something which is up to the job.”

The church has commissioned Truro-based organ specialists Lance and Cristopher Foy to search out a suitable second-hand instrument. 

If you would like to support the campaign, please contact Michael Brown: mikebrown007@hotmail.com