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Organ Restoration



Organ restoration seeks more funding

For many, the organ in Lancaster’s Ashton Hall is recognised as the finest example of its kind. It dates back to around 1900 and is a Norman and Beard concert pipe organ. Experts will tell you there is nothing like it anywhere else.

The Organ pipes But it needs a little love and attention. In fact it needs a lot of love and attention and roughly around £187,000 to continue the excellent work of the Ashton Hall Organ Restoration Project whose members have spent the last five years lovingly caring for the organ housed inside Lancaster Town Hall.

What makes the organ such a classic example of its kind is the fact that it is enclosed in a priceless Gillow oak case. It was originally a gift to Lancaster and given into the care of the corporation for the people of the area to enjoy. It has always been cared for but now it needs even more attention.

The restoration project charity aims to see that the attention is given and that the organ continues to be very much part of the impressive Ashton Hall.

On November 7th there is to be a special concert to celebrate the re-opening of the restored case-work surrounding the organ. John Scott Whiteley, the celebrated organist at York Minster will perform a recital of music and tickets for that are now available from the Lancaster Tourist Information Office on Castle Hill.