St Mary’s Church High Street Boston Spa  LS23 6DR

www.stmarysbostonspa.org.uk

PRESS  RELEASE : release date 00.01 am MONDAY 22nd December 2008

 

Heritage Lottery Fund brings Christmas Cheer to Organ Appeal

 

Fundraisers at St Mary’s Church Boston Spa had great news this week.  The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded them £50, 000 towards the restoration of their historic Forster and Andrews Pipe Organ which has given the church sterling service since 1873.  It is well overdue a major refurbishment and this is now secured, thanks to the award announced today.

 

The appeal had raised almost £70,000 from fundraising events and local donations prior to the addition of this generous award, and now the full programme of restoration can go ahead in August 2009 as originally planned.

 

John Townend, the Organist at St Mary’s was overjoyed when he heard the news – and felt it was almost too good to be true. “Santa has come a week early” he said!

Liz Etherington, chair of the Appeal was for once almost lost for words, but said ‘we are so grateful to the local people, businesses and schools for their fantastic support and to the Heritage Lottery Fund for this major award’.

 

As a result of the Award, the Organ Appeal Team will build upon the “Educate and Inform” sessions for all interested parties, but particularly for local school children, who come to see, hear and play the organ.  Details of the organ and the current project will be included in a revised edition of the ‘Church History’, and interactive informative displays will be placed in church so the organ mechanism and history can be easily understood by visitors.

 

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “HLF is committed to funding projects that every community can take pride in and learn about their local heritage. The restoration of St Mary’s pipe organ will ensure that future generations can appreciate, learn about and enjoy it as part of their local history.”

 

Now that the finance is secured work is forging ahead finalising the technical details and obtaining tenders for the work.  

 

Thanks to the Heritage Lottery 2009 is certainly going to be a year to remember for St Mary’s!

ENDS

 

Further information for editors :

John Townend: 01937 845711   

07940 14 19 20

Email:  j.townend1@ntlworld.com

1 Grove Road Boston Spa WETHERBY West Yorkshire LS23 6AP

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK.  Website: www.hlf.org.uk.