John Holloway, project leader said, “By looking beyond restoring the organ for the existing congregation and engaging the wider community, the project transformed the church into a cultural centre.”

The project aimed to restore the 160-year-old Nicholson organ to its 1918 state by replacing worn out components, removing later additions and carefully removed accumulated dirt. The public could follow the restoration step by step through a Facebook page and a variety of community tours.

Children from primary and secondary schools visited the church and with the help of church volunteers, conservators and local museum staff learnt about the history of the organ and the Victorian technology of its time. The pupils then worked with a professional composer and the choir to create a brand new piece for a public concert.

To ensure the organ’s future the church established a regular programme of organ recitals and other fundraising for an on-going maintenance fund. A permanent exhibition in the church also ensured future generations would appreciate the organ’s significance.