Day-long hymn marathon to raise funds for church organ

The Director of Music at All Saints Church in Westbury is performing a 12-hour hymn marathon to raise money to repair the church’s organ.

Ian McManus will play both the organ and piano from 9am until 9pm on Saturday 28th February, performing hymns, songs and organ pieces in two-hour slots with a 30-minute break in between each session.

People can sponsor Ian for the whole day or pay for a chosen song to be played between 2pm and 4pm. All proceeds will go towards repairs to the church’s three-manual Bevington organ.

“Refreshments will be on sale throughout the day, including tea, coffee, cakes and savoury snacks,” said a spokesperson from the church.

“There will also be children’s crafts and colouring from 10am to 4pm, so families are welcome to join in. Visitors can also explore our beautiful Grade I listed building while enjoying the music.”

The church needs to raise £10,000 for essential repairs to keep the organ, which is about 100 years old, in playing order.

“Because it’s mechanical, when it was restored, there were steel pins which were used in bits of the action, and bits of leather and various other materials, and over time these have deteriorated,” said Ian.

“So, what needs to happen now is all that stuff needs to come out of the organ and be completely redone, and it will all be regulated and put back in. Once that happens, it’ll be like a new instrument to play.

“The reason we need a good organ is so that we can help people praise the Lord in the space. Our hope is that it will help us praise God even better.”

To sponsor Ian for a song or the full day, email wcw2@whtministry.org.uk.