Visit to Clapham and Tooting September 2014

Two churches were visited on Saturday 6 September 2014.

Clapham

At the Church of the Holy Spirit, Narbonne Avenue, London SW4 9LQ, Clapham, Robert Bowles welcomed members of the Society and Harry Bramma demonstrated the organ.

Robert explained how the 3 manual and pedal organ was planned, begun and financed just before the First World War. Hunter, a well-known local organ builder later taken over by Willis, won the contract but the war prevented its completion. When built in 1920, there were insufficient funds to complete the job. It was decided to build to the original specification without some swell and great ranks. Space exists in the chamber for them.

It has now been restored with the aid of Heritage Lottery Funding except for two 16ft reeds. SSLSO member Vincent Coggin restored missing parts, which Robert acquired from redundant Hunter organs in Leigh-on-Sea and Catherington.

The organ gallery is generously proportioned so the instrument is not cramped and access for maintaining the pneumatic action is straightforward.

Holy Spirit75The British Organ Register reference is: http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=N00427. 

Robert is keen that members should have access to the organ for practice.

The church is accessible by public transport – 8 minutes’ walk from Clapham Common or from Clapham South (Northern Line Zone 2/3). There are lots of bus routes passing nearby, and there was kerbside parking, subject to local CPZ restrictions.

Click the photo to see slide show.  http://slickpic.us/543872UU1m?play 

Tooting

Woolf van Silver hosted the second meeting at All Saints, Tooting, Brudenell Road, London SW17 8DF. Harry Bramma described and demonstrated the organ.

A 3 manual and pedal Harrison and Harrison dating from 1905, the organ is in original condition, apart from conversion of pneumatic action to electro pneumatic action. An application for lottery funding to restore this flagship Harrison organ is being prepared. Harry’s demonstration showed off its remarkable reeds and overall tonal qualities.

All Saints’ near perfect acoustics are well known to the recording industry; top companies use the church regularly. The building is spacious and the chancel contains early Italian furniture. Parish history is displayed at the back of the nave. Woolf is keen for members to practise on this magnificent organ. The church is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Tooting Bec Station (Northern Line). There is residents’ parking, but the church car park can be used on request.

The British organ register reference is: http://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=N17304

AllSaints75Small numbers in the visiting group meant players could enjoy a substantial play on both organs. Grateful thanks are due Robert and Woolf for their warm welcome, for organising refreshments and for a considerable amount of preparation of interesting documents to view and take home. Anyone interested in practising on either of these organs should contact Robert and Woolf via the Society or through the church concerned.

Click the photo to see slide show. http://slickpic.us/544501ZwYZ?play

Marilyn Harper