BIOS DAY CONFERENCE - ST MARY, STAFFORD

SATURDAY 22 MAY 2010

PNEUMATICS OR NEW-MATICS: RESTORE OR REPLACE?

THE VEXED QUESTION OF HISTORIC PNEUMATIC ACTIONS.

The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Stafford, possesses 2 organs - at the west end, a Hill Norman & Beard (III/26, 1974), contained in a John Geib case. In the chancel a largely untouched, Harrison & Harrison, four-manual (IV/50/20) of 1909, the recipient of a Grade I Historic Organ Certificate and still with its original pneumatic action, though this is now in a parlous state. Restoring such an instrument can be controversial, balancing conservation issues against electrification and the advantages this may, or may not, offer.

Do the parish retain the pneumatic action (almost doubling an already large estimate) or should they electrify – might this prejudice grant-aid; can they “improve” or enlarge the specification (for instance, making some manual stops available on the Pedal division, or move the Swell to improve nave support); could they have a mobile console (at present the player is located in a poor position to hear the instrument in balance); what is the current heritage-funding situation if they electrify; do they retain a consultant, can they add architect-designed cases to replace the zinc, pipe-rack fronts; etc, etc.? To clarify these issues, the parish is sponsoring a Conference to discuss the restoration of this historically important organ and to discuss its unusual provenance.

Programme (subject to change)

1030-1100 Registration and coffee (South Transept)

1100-1115 Welcome and introductions (Lady Chapel). Outline of the liturgical and musical needs of the parish

Prebendary Graham Fowell, Rector of Stafford

1115-1130 A local organ history

Ian Miller

1130-1200 Pneumatic actions, how they work and why they may not work

John Norman

1200-1220 The Geib organ, a short history

John Norman

1230-1300 Recital on the Hill, Norman & Beard - John Geib organ by the Director of Music, Harry Hitchen (as part of the Stafford Festival)

1300-1400 Lunch

1400-1430 The commissioning and history of the Harrison instrument.

Mark Venning

1430-1500 Other experiences

Paul Hale

1500-1530 Conservation and heritage funding

Dr David Knight of the CBC

1530-1600 Panel discussion and questions, Difficult choices - appearance, actions and budgets. Summing up and Conclusion.

1600 Tea and Close

St Mary’s church is a modest walk from Stafford rail station, on the west-coast main line. (The 9:07 from Euston arrives at 10:22).

The Conference Fee is £25 (including light refreshments and lunch).

If you wish to attend please contact:

Melvin Hughes

Tel No: 01737 241355

e-mail: biosmeetings@hotmail.co.uk