St. Michael & All Angels
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Father Willis Organ

Organ Restoration Appeal

​​The 'Father' Willis Organ in Great Torrington Parish Church.
Restoration Appeal

The Organ
Our historic organ, acknowledged as such, and generally regarded as one of the finest in the south-west, has been installed in the church now for over 30 years. The reason it is an historic instrument is that tonally, it has been unchanged since Henry Willis installed it in Sherwell Church, Plymouth back in 1864.  This is unusual, as, more often than not, organs are changed or 'modernised' in some way as the years go by. In our case, the playing console was modernised most effectively, but the pipes that make the actual sound were not. So, we have a 'vintage' Willis.

The decision to move the organ to Torrington back in 1989 was a bold one, and since then it has done sterling service and been enjoyed by thousands in services, solo recitals, broadcasts, recordings and as an accompanying instrument: choirs enjoy singing here because we have such a special organ.

It still sounds superb,  but the time has come to clean and overhaul the organ. Rather like a car, it may look the same on the outside, but there are a huge number of mechanical, electrical and perishable parts which are subject to wear and deterioration. This is the mechanism  which connects the keyboards to the inside of the organ and makes the pipes speak, and which of course most people never see!
In addition, dust and dirt from occasional leaks, dampness in the walls and various building works over the years also mean the pipes need a good clean.

A recent recitalist described the sound of the organ as 'absolutely magnificent' but the 'action' (how the player makes the pipes speak) as 'absolutely dreadful'  !!

Lance Foy, who moved and installed the organ and has looked after it ever since, considers the cost would be £30,000 – 40,000. A formidable amount, but as the organ becomes increasingly unreliable, one we cannot avoid for much longer.

So we have  embarked on fund-raising for the work, and if you have enjoyed the organ at any time and wish to make a donation, the church has an established organ fund which you should stipulate your gift goes towards. We would be most grateful.

David Read, Organist.
Giving Page

St. Michaels, Great Torrington

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Postal Address

​Benefice in Interregnum (Vacancy) Please contact Churchwardens.


Location of Church

​​St. Michael & All Angels
Church Walk
Centre of town
Great Torrington
​Devon
EX38 8BN

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  • Home
  • The 4 Churches
    • Great Torrington Church >
      • Clergy and Staff
      • Great Torrington Church Guide
      • More info
      • GT Restoration
      • Bellringers
      • Fairtrade
      • Torrington Town
    • New to Church?
    • Little Torrington Church - Welcome >
      • News including LT Restoration Project
      • LT Church Guide
      • Friends of St. Giles
      • St. Giles Church history >
        • “Lost slate epitaph"
        • The Lost Epitaph story, Part 2
        • LT Parish Church History, Part 3
        • LT Parish Church History, Part 4
      • Family Histories at St. Giles >
        • Introduction
        • Graves at St. Giles
        • Monuments inside St. Giles
    • Frithelstock Church - Welcome >
      • Frithelstock Church Guide
    • Taddiport Church - Welcome >
      • Taddiport Church Guide
    • Local Good Causes. Volunteering. Foodbank
    • Facebook pages
    • Met Office Weather Forecast >
      • South West England - Regional
      • UK Weather
  • All Service Times
    • Great Torrington
    • Little Torrington
    • Frithelstock
    • Taddiport
  • Giving
  • Safeguarding
  • Online Services
    • Live Stream
  • Newsletters
  • Dates, Events and Notices
  • Organ Restoration Appeal
  • Music
    • All Concerts
    • St. Michael's Choir
    • Father Willis Organ
    • Audio Clips
    • An Organ Tour
  • Photos
    • St. Michael's Building
    • Mayfair Flower Festivals >
      • May 2022
      • May 2019
      • May 2018
      • May 2017
      • May 2016
      • May 2015
      • May 2014
      • May 2013
      • Prior to 2013
    • Taddiport Flower Festivals
    • Baptism & Confirmation >
      • Trinity Sunday 16th June, 2019
      • Feast of Christ the King 24th Nov, 2013
      • Pentecost Sunday 27th May, 2012
  • Items of interest
  • Baptism, Weddings, Funerals, Reconciliation, Anointing
  • Links
    • Documents
  • Contact Us
    • Wedding Requests
    • Submit Events and Notices for the Newsletter