David Hatton
Restoring Kingswood Church's Sweetland Organ
Fundraising for Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust
Story
UPDATE. How did it go on the day?
Very well indeed. We managed to visit a total of 24 churches and covered 32 miles. In addition to the £860 shown on this JustGiving page the two friends who cycled with me have raised over £300 so we are heading for a total of £1200. Half of this will go to GHCT who have been so generous to us with their grant. The other half goes to the organ project itself and is a massive help in finding those last few thousand pounds that we need to reach our target.
A huge thank you to everyone who has been so generous in their support.
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Kingswood Church's pipe organ, built by William Sweetland is, at this moment, undergoing the first-ever complete overhaul and restoration in its 153 year life. The project is costing £40,000 and we have now raised all but a few thousand pounds of this sum. GHCT has donated £11,000 towards that target which has been a tremendous boost to the project.
The photo gallery of this page shows the restoration underway: the organ builders beginning the dismantling; some of the smaller wood pipes from the pedal stop; some of the 700-800 metal pipes; one of the complicated pipes from a "reed" stop; the refurbished pedal board; the "tracker" mechanical action - untouched for 153 years; the re-leathered bellows and the beginning of the rebuilding of the organ
The Ride+Stride is a nationwide event supported by the National Churches Trust but organised by local historic churches trusts. All around the country on the second Saturday in September each year, thousands of people are sponsored to travel from church to church by walking, cycling or other methods.
The funds I raise will be split between GHCT and our organ restoration project. I have cycled to raise money in this way for many years but, last year, was unable to participate as I was recovering from open heart surgery. This year I am back in the saddle and intend to visit at least 20 churches and travel at least 30 miles. My grateful thanks if you are able to support me.
