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Melksham
United Church Organ |
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The original specification, prior to 1871, was as follows;
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Information
about the age of the organ and its origins are disappearing in the mists
of time. It was built originally some 200 years ago for St. Michael's
Church, Melksham, and was probably moved to the Methodist Church,
Melksham (now Melksham United Church) when the present building was
opened in 1871.
We don't know who built the organ in its original form, nor who moved it in 1871, but it was probably Clarke of Bath. The specification was considerably changed at the time it was moved as follows;
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The refurbishment which was undertaken in 1990 was not entirely successful and although the instrument is sound and made of good materials a great deal of work is still required. The Pedal Organ action has been replaced entirely. Further work is required to improve the tuning stability and the condition of the sound board. Faults where the pipes rest causes wind leakage and severe tuning problems. New slider seals made from modern materials will be fitted to the hundreds of pipe holes and upperboards. There will be some significant expenditure to correct these problems which will be a strain on the Church's Organ Fund. A number of musical events are planned for the coming months to raise the necessary money. Note. This work was completed in April 2007, see press report below; |
ORGANIST'S AT MELKSHAM Records begin at the turn of the 20th century when Harry Knee took over temporarily, upon the sudden death of his predecessor, to play for the next 50 years. Then came Brian Chivers, to play until 1989. He was assisted from 1979 by Patrick Winston, until his death and by his wife Margaret Winston. Margaret Winston retired from the post on 1st January 2006 at the great age of 91. Barbara Hughes helped with evening services from 1980, until recent times when her organ skill became a greater priority for Bromham and Lacock churches. Muriel Sealy played for a few years from 1981, as did Peter Fry and Neil Henderson. Katherine Mann joined the team for a few years during which time she took formal lessons as sponsored by the Methodist Church Music Society. Sadly we said goodbye to her on 0ctober 15th 2006 when she moved away from Melksham. As Katherine left we were blessed to welocme Claire Garvin.Today the organists are Grace Mortimer, Margaret Henry and Clare Garvin. |
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