AN ORGAN from a church in Pilning, believed to be over 200 years old, has returned home after over a year of refurbishment work.

The William Allen chamber organ which was donated to Pilning Church 100 years ago, was in severe need of repair, and has been returned to an ‘as built’ state, thanks to a fundraising campaign by villagers of Pilning and Severn Beach raising over £4,000.

Further funding for the restoration has also come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Leche Trust, Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust and the ON organ fund.

Roy Edwardes, who was the church organ player for almost 60 years, spoke of his joy at having his old friend back:

“Being able to play it again for the first time was very moving for all of us, especially as I have played it for the best part of 60 years.

“To see it restored to its former glory, with magnificent gold leaf along the pipes, is fantastic. It is quite the picture when you enter the church to see it there.

“It has been severely missed it ever since it went off in 2014, we are all so pleased to have it back.

“The organ has spent the past year under the care of Messrs Goetze and Gwynn Ltd of Worksop, a unique organ building business, who make reparations using traditional methods and tools.

“We even organised a coach trip for villagers to head up to see how the restoration was going.

“It was a great day out, everyone was fascinated by the skills of old fashioned builders.”

Roy’s son Jonathan Edwardes began researching the history of the organ five years ago when it was decided that reparations were needed, discovering interesting facts and original features which have since been included in the restoration.

Roy said: “Jonathan has always been around the organ, he likes to say that he owes his existence to it, as my wife and I met in the church.”

While researching the history of the organ, Jonathan spotted an organ similar to this one at Kenwood House in London whilst watching an episode of BBC show “The Apprentice”, and shortly after discovered a recording by world renowned organ player Jennifer Bate.

After visiting the church to try out the organ, Ms Bate offered to support the lottery bid and has even agreed to perform at a special concert to celebrate its return.

The concert on Saturday, April 30 starts at 7.30pm and is open to anyone wishing to attend.

Tickets cost £20 and are available by calling Roy on 01454 632670.