The current organ in Christ Church was installed over 40 years ago. It was a very good model at the time and has given the church good service over the years. Unfortunately, the technology had become so dated, it could not repaired. It had also started to distort on occasions and there was a real fear that it would shortly stop altogether which would be a disaster for services and other events. There was no point in having it repaired; we needed a replacement. So, we contacted Tony Packer who deals in new and second-hand organs. We contacted him at just the right time, as a relatively new one had just become available. As organs like this seldom come on the market, we needed to buy it immediately. Fortunately, the Ministry Area Council approved the purchase of this (second-hand) replacement. The organ is only a few years old but is the latest technology and is full of capabilities. We would like to think it will last for over forty years, like the old one.
Initially, was connected to two existing speakers which, although also nearly 50 years old, were still working well. A new sub-woofer was installed to enhance the experience. The old organ came out easily after the removal of a choir pew and thanks to members of the congregation who came along to lend some muscle. The disabled ramps kept in the hall were also useful in getting the old organ out and new one in. Click on the photos to see the removals!
There is certainly a difference in sound despite using the existing 50-year-old speakers. The sound was a little unbalanced on installation, as the organ was in a “raw” state, but Dai Thomas (who regularly plays the organ in Christ Church – and happens also to be President of the South East Wales Organists’ Association) kindly came and ‘voiced’ the sound to the church. The first use for a service was on Sunday, 8th September and it was also shown off by Dai Thomas at the Ministry Area Licensing service on 12th September. What a difference!
Organs are not cheap and this one was just under £18K, a significant reduction on a brand new one. But the need for a new instrument was obvious, so the appeal for funds was well based and amazingly well supported. The money was found within a few weeks without dipping into Ministry Area funds. If you would like to hear the new organ, do come to one of our regular services – and we plan to arrange a few concerts to demonstrate its powers and raise a bit more money to enhance it further.
