Upper Branton's organ finds its voice

After three months of silence, scaffolding and the occasional unexplained honk, the organ at Upper Branton is back in full voice.

The restorers finished their work last week, having cleaned all 611 pipes, re-leathered the bellows and rehomed a family of mice who had been living in the swell box rent-free since at least Harvest. Our organist, Cecil Hobday, reports that the action is lighter than it has been in forty years, and that the instrument now has, in his words, considerably more puff than he does.

The organ was rededicated at Sunday morning's service, where it behaved impeccably through four hymns and then, sensing the occasion, made an unscheduled solo contribution during the notices. The congregation agreed it was the most interesting thing said all morning.

Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the restoration fund, from the coffee-morning regulars to the forty three households who each sponsored a pipe; certificates are pinned up in the porch. Cecil has promised a short recital of requests after this Sunday's service, and would like it known that he has already turned down two requests for the theme from Match of the Day.