A Wilmslow church has launched a campaign to raise £250,000 for the restoration of its pipe organ.
St Bartholomew's Church is appealing for support to help them refurbish "Oscar the Organ" which celebrates its 149th birthday this year.
Organist Philip Underwood explained "Originally the work on the organ was to have been included in the re-ordering scheme central to which was the nave floor. As the costs of work to the floor escalated it became clear that funds would not be available to refurbish the organ to the highest standards demanded by a grade 1 listed medieval church.
"Now the dust has literally and metaphorically settled it is right and proper to look to completing the re-ordering process by providing the church with a pipe organ that will look (and sound) as spectacular as the church interior and will give reliable service for many generations to come."
The church is proposing to refurbish the organ incorporating as many of the existing pipes as possible, as these are not subject to deterioration at the same rate as other components.
Works will include cleaning and re-waxing the casework, replacing the wooden slats and providing new zinc front pipes. Plans also include mounting the playing console, which would contain the latest technology, on a new moveable platform so that during organ recitals the audience will be able to see the performer at work.
Philip said "The main cause of concern is not primarily the sound of the organ, but the very complex internal workings amongst which are electrical components that are already being pushed to their limits. It's what you can't see and hear that is giving way.
"There are already several very high and low notes that simply don't play when you press them. And others, particularly quiet sounds, which are notoriously unreliable."
St Bartholomew's is looking for individuals and businesses to help with fundraising activities, as well as approaching charitable trusts and government funding agencies for financial support.
As part of their campaign, the church is organising a music festival for the weekend of April 24th to 26th with headline concerts from the Kinder Youth Choir and the Scott Brothers Duo.
If you would like to help with the fundraising campaign or want further information email Philip Underwood or contact him on 0161 456 9037 or 07816050163.
Photo: Young organ scholar George Herbert at the organ in St Barts.
