Chester Cathedral Centre of Community

MUSIC lovers and worshippers are being urged to help the city’s cathedral raise £1 million to restore its grand organ.

The historic place of worship are calling on people to ‘sponsor a pipe’ from as little as £25 – and they believe the accompanying certificate could make the perfect Christmas present.he new appeal is due to run until completed.

Without the money, it is feared the traditional sound of organ music will never be heard by future generations of visitors and worshippers.

Philip Rushforth, director of music, said: “Organ music often provides the soundtrack to the most momentous days of our lives and the prospect of a silent cathedral is almost unthinkable.

“The Grand Organ desperately needs expert attention and after so many requests to do so, the Sponsor a Pipe Appeal has finally been launched.”

The organ contains almost 5,000 pipes and 71 stops, each making a different sound and having its own name.

All the pipes of the organ need cleaning and all the internal mechanisms – worn out with more than 40 years of playing – need renewing.

People can sponsor varying lengths of pipe, either with a one-off donation or by setting up a standing order.

“Single pipe sponsorship ranges from £50 for a small pipe to £1,000 for the very largest,” added Mr Rushforth. “You can choose the name of the stop you wish to sponsor, for example Trumpet Eight or Fifteenth Two.”

“Your donation, large or small, will help maintain the future of an historic and unique instrument at the heart of music making in Chester Cathedral.”

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