Music & Bells
A remarkable gift that marked a new chapter in our musical history.
A Remarkable Gift
Our rich and dynamic musical culture has been revived thanks to a truly remarkable story.
Just as our search for a new instrument began, Trinity United Reformed Church in Plymouth generously offered theirs. In an extraordinary stroke of luck, the organ was disassembled and delivered to Devizes the very next day after its final concert.
The organ was disassembled and delivered to Devizes the very next day after its final concert in Plymouth.
A new chapter
After a fire in 2006, St John’s Church in Devizes - a Grade I listed building and an important cultural landmark - was left with only a temporary electronic organ. That instrument served us for many years, but it lacked the quality and presence needed for our musical ambitions. Now, thanks to very generous donations and the commitment of skilled organ builders, we have restored a magnificent pipe organ that will serve the community for generations to come.
Over a century of history
This instrument carries with it over a century of musical history. Originally built in 1884 by Hele in Plymouth as a 2-manual & pedal tracker-action organ, it was rebuilt in 1989 by Deane Organ Builders of Taunton into a 3-manual instrument. In 2009, Midland Organ (Hele & Company) of Burton Lazars added slider solenoids and a solid-state action to the Great and Swell divisions. Its journey, craftsmanship and legacy now continue in Devizes.
Looking forward
With the new organ now in place, we are reigniting our educational mission - re-establishing an organ scholarship and creating partnerships with schools across the region to offer talented young musicians a rare and inspiring opportunity to grow. From school visits to recitals by international artists, the instrument is already playing a vital role in bringing people together through music.