Irton's St Paul’s Church edges closer to £80,000 fundraising goal

St Paul’s Church, in Irton, plays host to a unique Nicholson organ and after over a century of service it needs vital restoration. 

The campaign to raise funds for its restoration currently sits at around £30,000 to which around £80,000 is total amount required. 

The organ at St Paul’s in Irton was built in 1876 under the leadership of John Nicholson who was one of the finest and most highly respected provincial organ builders of the Victorian era. The organ is thought to be the only Nicholson organ North of Manchester.

The fundraising effort to restore a 'wonderful example of John Nicholson’s craftmanship' is being led by John Corran. 

John Corran ahead of his cycle tour (Image: Carlos Reina)

"I want the organ to be played, that's what churches are there for, not to be locked up but to be enjoyed by the public. Organs for some people are precious things, not being played is a bit like a car that sits on your drive for ages," John says. 

"It's about raising people's awareness otherwise, these things disappear. It's when they are gone, that's when people wonder what happened."

The organ, which is approaching 150 years, requires a 'a full and sympathetic restoration' to ensure the future of the organ for many generations to come. 

Nicholson organ at St Paul's C of E (Image: Just Giving)

"It's not far off 150 years old and it's very much still in its original state. 

"Back in 1874, the organ cost £600 and it was probably public subscription that paid for it. That probably translates to today's amount as £86,000 - which is like for like of what we want to raise," he said. 

Last year, John embarked on a fundraising challenge which saw him ride to all the St Paul’s C of E Churches passing through cities such as London, Bristol, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Nottingham.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-corran-irton-organ

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