The Cost

The question of cost must be addressed. The Anglican diocese of Oxford is willing to give the instrument to a good home at no charge. However, there is a considerable outlay in the moving and restoring the instrument. At present the action (the process of making the movement of the keys and stop knobs affect the flow of air though the pipes) is pneumatic. This would be changed to electric to allow the console (keyboards) the be placed more appropriately for St Gregory’s — still in the gallery. All the working parts would be repaired as necessary.

We have had an estimate for this work; it is £33,500 to move and restore the instrument. An additional £4,900 would pay for the addition of a reed stop which would greatly enhance it.

This seems to be a great deal of money, it represents 1,000 hours of work and £17,000 of materials — the electrics for the new action, new leather and all perishables throughout.

By contrast, we have also had a quote for a high quality electronic instrument; that would cost us £34,000. Given the similarity in price, the historic pipe organ seems to better offer.

We would have arguably the most prestigious instrument in Northampton. Not the largest, but the only genuine French romantic organ, not just in the town, but in the county and for many miles around. We would have an instrument suitable for recitals, and one which would truly measure up to the building. More importantly, we would have an instrument which would lead the music of our liturgy in a dignified and appropriate manner. We would have an instrument which would gladden the heart of the founder and builder of our parish and church and tie together its present and future with its past.

Money

At the end of this financial year (April 2008) we expect to have £26,000 available to us, £2,600 in the Organ Fund and the rest in the general fund. This leaves us with a shortfall of £12,400. By fund-raising efforts, such as further raffles, we hope to bring in £4,000 during the coming year, leaving £8,400 to find.
Three years ago we were able to raise £6,000 for the new boilers by each family giving £1 a week extra over 6 months. By the same principle, we can raise what is needed for the organ over 8 ½ months.
However, some people may wish to make a specific donation to the organ fund, perhaps as a memorial or thank-offering. £50 would buy a pipe and make it work; £3,000 would buy a complete rank of pipes. A gift-aided donation is worth even more.

Donations may be made by cheque made payable to St Gregory's Church, and sent to the Priest in Chrage, 22 Park Avenue North, Northampton, NN3 2HS. Please indicate whether you would be able to gift-aid your donation; if you can we will send you a Gift Aid form to fill in and sign.

Many thanks for your support.