Organ appeal to finish on a high note

Music teacher David Kemp will roll up his sleeves and invite requests as he hopes to complete the appeal’s fund-raising target of £40,000 a full six-months early.

Mr Kemp, head of music at Queen Elizabeth Humanities College, began efforts to restore the organ back in December 2008 but has seen money fly in from a whole host of fund-raising events since then.

The musical endurance challenge will allow members of the public to sponsor hymns - which he will play single-handedly for the full 24-hours - at £1 a line.

He said: “People may wish to choose a wedding hymn, a hymn in memory of a loved one, or just a favourite hymn. Alternatively, they could donate and leave the choice to me, although you will hear And Can It Be as well as I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord quite often if this is the case.”

The 24-hour performance will take place from noon on Sunday, May 29 until noon on Monday, May 30 at St Peter’s and Mr Kemp is seeking volunteers to help out as stewards or to run fund-raising stalls. “Or maybe you would like to be sponsored yourself to sit through the whole event,” he added.

Several fund-raising events will be taking place before then, however, including the Desert Island Disks series continuing with Mr Kemp on Wednesday, December 1 at Number One, Broad Street. Tickets cost £10 and are available from him, the Honey Pot, or Number One, Broad Street.

Future guests for this event include the assistant organist of Worcester Cathedral, the conductor of Bromyard Choral Society and reverend Graham Sykes from St Peter’s.

Also, on Saturday, March 12 the Three Horseshoes in Little Cowarne will be hosting an afternoon tea, from 3.30pm, with ticket sales, priced at £5, going towards the organ fund.

An annual appeal dinner will then take place at the Falcon Hotel in May, with the exact date due to be confirmed.

To get in contact about any of these events email Mr Kemp on dkemp@queenelizabeth.hereford.sch.uk.