1) Too easily do many forget the pressure from the pews which demanded liturgical change in the first place, nor perhaps do those a little older realise that today's children find the BCP bewildering in the extreme.The principle of the Anglican reformers was that worship should be in the vernacular; perhaps regrettably our vernacular is not very polished, but that is how it is.
2) The organ of Praetorius and Bedos was a church instrument designed to accom-pany voices. The 8ft. foundation consisted of voces humanae, - in other words, the congregation. The organ pipes supplied the surrounding framework. Mixtures were not intended to add body or foundation, but a crowning upper register to the ensemble. (1937)
3) If there is to be a tonal renaissance in our organ building, I venture to suggest that it will be at the hands of the 'small man', the artist craftsman,- if he still exists. (1943)

I have received an enquiry from the Archives Department of York Minster Library which I am unable to answer. In his article in The Organ (vol.IV no.20) on York Minster, Andrew Freeman quotes a list of organists from West's Cathedral Organists, which book he, like most of us, accepted as definitive. However, the list gives one J. Charles as organist 1662-1691? However, not only do the Minster records show that Thomas Mudd was organist c.1663-1666, followed by Thomas Preston 1666-1691, but nowhere in the archives is there any reference to J. Charles. The Archives Department is intrigued to know what source West used for his list. I have been unable to locate any material which gives any information about West's work. Can anyone come to the rescue, please?

Probably the mention of Lundy Island would not bring organs to mind. Yet there is one, and Edmund Stanbrook of Harrow sends information from a report he has compiled about the centenary of the Church of St Helenathere, Harracott, a chapel-of-ease to Tawstock near Barnstaple.The organ was acquired from Bishop & Son in 1925 for £230 17s 6d 'job 1793', Great of 2 stops, Swell of 3, a pedal stop, and 3 couplers, containing some second-hand parts; with the help of Osmond, this was removed to Lundy in 1974, Harracott Chapel being now redundant.

From the Minutes of the Royal Female Orphan Asylum, August 1813: 'It was decided ... at the Evening Chapel to perform Psalmody in two parts, and to engage two young women proficient in music at a salary of 15s. each per week and their tea. ...'. They were not to be exposed to view but to sing behind the curtain in the organ loft.

At Cosfield near Braintree, Hill & Son installed in 1878 an organ which, apart from re-wiring of the action with phosphor bronze (not renewal of the action) and re-covering of the keys in 1969, remains as original: Pedal Bourdon; manual 8.8.4.3.2, all but the Open Diapason being enclosed. There are several stories about the job. Apparently the pipes are marked 'Peterborough' and it is said that the church got the organ cheaper because 'they were on the horse and cart destined for Peterborough Cathedral'. This is a forbear of a familiar ploy of salesmen of electronic organs 'The village hall has hired one for a concert. As it's here, we can offer ...'. The date does not link with any organ happenings at Peterborough. 'The men that worked on the job were given 6d per day to stay in the local hostelry, but pocketed the money and stayed in the church'. (Peter de Vile of Thaxted, formerly with H.N.& B).

Newbury Weekly News, 1st September 1887, reports an appeal at Lambourn to overhaul the organ erected about 30 years ago when Bp. Milman was Vicar. A fairy story circulated 40 years later - 'It is hardly correct to say that Willis built this organ for us. It was brought here by a curate named Walker. The tale runs that he won it in a raffle. He asked permission to have it erected in our church so that he might practise on it. When he left Lambourn he wished to remove it, but the authorities were not agreeable. Eventually the matter was settled amicably, the organ becoming the property of St. Michael's'. (Musical Opinion, letter from Charles Maberley of Lambourn, November 1922.)
'The Parkinson Patent Orchestral Pipe Organs. Built with One and Two manuals .... constructed with a universal air chest, alternative and interchangeable combination stop control ... no metal pipes are used, the whole of the pipes "throughout" being made of special woods - thus producing a full rich tone and characteristic to each stop unattainable from metal pipes ... also fitted with an automatic playing attachment. Tynemouth Road, South Tottenham. (Musical Opinion, February 1903). Is anything known about these?

'The Revd. W.B. Marsden, Chester. 16th July 1838
Revd. Sir, We are sorry it was not in our power to reply to your letter of the 6th inst. earlier. The organ we erected in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation contained part of your organ & in consequence of its being erected in the nave the Dean and Chapter laid claim to it - the question is now settled and we are again in possession of the instrument. The organ is in a very forward state, but we could not promise it being at Chester until the first week in September when you may most certainly expect it. It will take a fortnight to erect. We have received a letter from Mr. Rudge which shall be answered tomorrow.
We are Revd. Sir your obedient servant D.'

The above, as it stands in Hill's Letter Book 1, is a copy of the letter from the firm to St John's, Chester which defines the tenuous relationship of that organ to the Coronation organ of 1838. 'D' was Davison, briefly partner with William Hill, as 'Hill & Davison'.You will find more about this in BIOSR Notes & Queries Vol. X, nos.2 & 3(1986) and Vol. XXII, no. 3(1988) and several references to sources for further research about the Coronation organ itself. A copy of the above letter and the Reporter extracts together with the St. John's specification from Hamilton's Catechism, were sent to the Team Vicar of Chester, Canon Alan J. Poulter. In thanking, he writes that he had not been aware of any doubt about the authenticity of the organ having been used at the Coronation, and that the papers will be kept securely in the safe together with 'many other interesting documents such as a church of our age and significance possesses. If any more come to light I would be delighted to receive them'. The incumbent prior to its introduction preferred more traditional musical instruments, being proficient on the bassoon. When approached about installing an organ he is said to have retorted 'Over my dead body!' In his will he left money to purchase this very organ, so that 'over his dead body' was it bought and installed.

I have for sale a complete set of The Organ, of which 37 volumes are bound, a few bindings 'cosmetically disadvantaged'. Indexes included (were not published after volume 57).

Answers to Who said this?
1. The Sign.
2. Noel Bonavia Hunt.
3. Ralph Downes.

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