Historic Organ Lecture – St Peter’s Church, Staple Fitzpaine
4.00pm on Sunday 30th August
All organists and enthusiasts are cordially invited to a gathering at St Peter’s Church, Staple Fitzpaine. The pipe organ here is approaching its 200th birthday and will be removed for restoration on 14th October. This is a unique opportunity to learn about its history and the restoration process. The agenda is as follows.
- 4.00 – tea or coffee and biscuits with music from the organist, David Bidgood
- 4.15 – Tom Mayberry, former director of the Somerset Heritage Centre, to speak on the history of the organ (15-20 minutes)
- 4.35 – Michael Farley, organ builder, to speak on the restoration process (15-20 minutes)
- 5.00 – Q&A and discussion opportunities
- 5.45 – Wine and non-alcoholic drinks with crisps and music from the organist
- 6.00 – Formal end time, but patrons are welcome to stay for longer
Please also note that the organ pipes will be laid out on October 14 from 4.00 to 7.00pm. All are welcome to visit, bringing friends, to see the nearly 600 pipes as they prepare to leave for the restoration.
The community of Staple Fitzpaine will shortly be launching a “Pick a Pipe” appeal. Details TBC. Everyone who sponsors a pipe will be able to see their names on a plaque in the church.
We look forward to welcoming everyone on 30th August.
All organists in Somerset are warmly invited to publicise their upcoming events on this webpage. Please feel free to get in touch via “Contact and Join” if you would like SOCA to spread the word.
Somerset Organists' & Choirs' Association (SOCA) 