Birthday treats for the chapel organ

Each Old Breconian will have their own memories of the Chapel organ – the steps up to it and the view from the top, the first notes heard on their first day and the last notes heard in their last chapel service. A selected few, the school organists - many of whom left their 'mark' (!), will have their own unique memories. And one can’t help but wonder what stories the organ itself could tell. 

Installed by W G Vowles in 1873 for an initial cost of £241 11s 0d, the organ reached a century and a half at the end of last year. To celebrate the hundred and fiftieth birthday of this important member of the Christ College Community, the Chapel and Heritage Fund and the Estates Team have come together to give it some well-earned treats. 

We are delighted to report that one of the projects identified for Giving Day 2023, an adjustable organ bench crafted for us by Renatus Ltd, is now in situ. Not only is the bench adjustable, but it is also more stable. "No more slipping off the wooden steps on which it was balanced!" says Director of Music, Jonathan Ling. He goes on to explain its importance:

The new adjustable bench allows for the organist to play at the proper height, thereby making playing tunes with the feet all the more possible! It also means that pupils and adults of all shapes and sizes might benefit from learning this mighty king of instruments.

Photo credits: Renatus Ltd (reproduced with their kind permission), and Christ College Archive. 

With the support of a group of generous donors who gave specifically for the project to be achieved, the bench is already making a difference to young learners as well as offering ergonomic comfort to those whose expertise allows this king of instruments to fill the chapel and our hearts with its mighty sound.

But that’s not all. Over the summer, the Estates Team achieved the installation of specialist humidity control that will prolong the life of the organ. "The parts that are susceptible to damage and wear are the blowers and the bellows," says Estates Manager, Sarah Williams. “The blower back box was replaced in recent years. Now with the humidifier keeping the bellows supple, the organ should be OK - at least for a while."

As the organ nears its second century, we are confident that the care given by our knowledgeable Estates Team means it will be more than OK for quite a while yet. 

The adjustable organ bench is just one of several projects enabled by the Chapel and Heritage Fund, a fund that actively helps to preserve the school's heritage. We couldn't be more grateful for the willing support of all those who have donated. 

More projects will be announced soon. Until then, you can read more about other successfully completed projects in recent news posts. 

J J Jones portrait

Phillips Gates

Bishop Lucy Flagon