St Mary's Church, Dymock

Welcome

In almost every church you'll find an organ, yet pipe organs only became normal in our churches and chapels (outside of cathedrals) in the later 19th century. The almost infinite variety of church buildings are matched by a similar diversity in design and sound of organs, once described by Mozart as 'The King of Instruments.'

John Nicholson

Here in Dymock, we are fortunate to be custodians of an important and historical instrument originally built by the respected Worcester-based organ builder, John Nicholson. He established a workshop in the Palace yard of Worcester Cathedral in 1841. During the following forty five years, he built many fine instruments including the Shire Hall in Gloucester (1849), Great Witley, Worcestershire (1857), All Saints, Shrewsbury (1880) as well as a vast organ for Manchester Cathedral (1861).

The Blower

Our two-manual Nicholson dates from 1884; two years prior to John Nicholson's retirement. This instrument provided reliable service for well over a hundred years without any significant alternations to the pipe work and design. Of course, one labour saving modification (relinquishing the burden for one unfortunate member of the congregation) came with the installation of an electric blower, although the original hand bellows lever is still in evidence at the rear of the organ.

The Playing Consoles

In 2001, the organ was facing serious problems of woodworm, leaks and non-functioning pipes and the PCC agreed to commission a report for a major overhaul of the instrument. The schedule drawn up by Mr Trevor Tipple, a current organ builder in Worcester, was extensive and provoked understandable debate about the 'way forward'. Some suggested that purchasing an electronic organ at half the price was prudent. The impressive speed and progress of technology and the lower initial costs were factors supporting their argument. Yet there are many examples where this very speed has led to the rapid obsolescence of electronic instruments after just 15 years, and few remain in substantial use after 25 years.

2001 Renovation

An enthusiastic fund raising campaign was launched to raise around £14,000 and work began on restoring the instrument incorporating a number of sensitive and approved modifications to the registration and action, including a 'Balanced Swell' pedal (used to vary the volume).

The campaign attracted a number of useful grants, although it was the generosity of the local community that secured the future of this most valuable and worthy asset. Trevor Tipple continues to periodically visit to tune and maintain one of John Nicholson's last instruments, now approaching its 125th birthday!

Registration