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UFFCULME.- An ominous day! - On the 1st instant the good folks of the peacable and happy village of Uffculme expected the arrival of a new Organ, which had been ordered from Robson & Son, the celebrated organ-builders of St. Martin's-lane, London; and as Mr. Robson had reached the little village the day before, and announced the pleasing intelligence , there could be no doubt of their hopes being realised. - Our readers will perhaps recollect that the 1st day of this month was remarkably fine; and to celbrate so auspicious an event as the introduction of a "spic span new organ from London, the day was ushered in by the joyous chimes of the village church bells; and all the inhabitants, from the clergyman and his lady and the Squire, to the most humble villager, were completely on the qui vive, and it was determined that a grand procession should be formed to meet the instrument which was to add for the furure so much harmony to the parish. Accordingly the procession was formed in double quick time, as it had been announced that the organ was within"five miles and a bittock". Away sallied the entire population of the village to meet it, all dressed in their gayest attire, headed by a choice band of 16 instrumental performers. They moved gaily on "with beat of drum" some miles, when they approached - not th object of their hearts' desire, but - (laugh not, gentle reader) a waggon laden with a quantity of farmers goods, and on top of them a large cider press with the screw upwards; when one and all contended that this must be the organ, and various were the conjectures as to the different parts of the instrument. All came to the conclusion, howerever, that the large screw on top of the waggon was the double diapason! The band, all this time, played up in the most spirited manner; but as they came a little nearer to the village, the son of Mr. Robson (who had accompanied his father into Devonshire to assist in the erection of the organ) told the overjoyed villagers that the "Press never had been an organ", whereupon some were much disappointed, but all laughed at the fun, particularly the Squire, the Parson, and the Ladies. The band then struck up "Dear, dear, what can the matter be", and the villagers whirled about in a merry dance, not being at all abashed at their misfortune, as Mr. Robson had assured them that the organ would arrive in good time for it to be erected by Easter Sunday, the day fixed for its first trial, and, sure enough, it reached its destination in due time, and was as duly put up, to the great gratification of all parties. Easter Sunday was indeed a great day for Uffculme. The sermon in the afternoon was preached by the respected vicar, and the congregation was one of the most numerous and respectable ever seen in Uffculme church. The tones of the instrument were much admired, as were the abilities of Mr. Reed, of Tiverton, the organist, who was chosen to tha office , after a spirited opposition and trials of talent between him and other organists who competed for the situation. |