A mystery benefactor has answered the prayers of churchgoers who have been losing a race against time to raise funds for a new organ.

The present organ at St Mary's in Shenfield was installed in 1870 and is deteriorating rapidly despite careful maintenance and refurbishment over the years.

An appeal to provide a replacement was launched a year ago with a target of £185,000 for a three-keyboard instrument which would enable the historic church to be filled with majestic music once more.

Hopes were high as appeal organisers quickly secured £37,500 in bequests and gifts. But faced with rapidly rising costs and the current organ getting more and more clapped out, hearts began to sink as appeal organisers realised that they might have have to settle for a cheaper and inferior two-keyboard model.

Spokesman Bill Meredith said: "It's a very difficult situation. The longer we wait, the more we have to raise. We are constantly chasing our shadow."

The cost of the cheaper version has risen to £168,500 and appeal organisers were considering placing an order to avoid even greater price increases.

Mr Meredith said: "Then suddenly, there was some wonderful news. An anonymous donor offered to pay the approximate £22,000 extra cost of the three-manual instrument provided we could raise the cost of the two-manual.

"The parochial church council took up the challenge and ordered the three-manual organ immediately."

Installation of the new organ is planned early next year and should be completed in time for Easter.

Mr Meredith said: "Installation work will probably take five or six weeks and during that time, we will have to have a piano or other instrument."

The church is now faced with the challenge of raising around £28,000 to meet the final bill without having to take out a loan.

Fundraising chairman Campbell Pulley says: "With £100,000 raised in less than a year, surely a further £28,000 is possible before Easter."

A series of events is planned beginning with a quiz night at the parish hall on Saturday. Teams of eight are invited to enter by calling John Murphy on 01277 218729.

Published Friday October 11, 2002

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