St Andrew's, Dearnley

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

The new organ will be heard for the first time at Sunday's Harvest Festival, 9 October, and organist David Wright believes the congregation will be in for a real treat.

Built by Phoenix Organs of Darwin, it is a new pipeless electronic organ which has taken several months to build as a totally bespoke system.

There will be a three-manual console with 51 drawstops which, according to David, ‘look superb’.

The sound will be provided by 15 loudspeakers placed in two locations in church.

"Worship and the musical tradition at St Andrew's will definitely be enhanced, particularly when there is a large congregation. The sound is truly remarkable," said David, our organist for the past 30 years.

He started in 1986, shortly before the arrival of the two-manual pipe organ that has now been replaced.

Wear and tear had caused serious problems over the last four years and with replacement parts now obsolete and only limited space available for any expansion of pipe work it was decided, after careful consideration, to invest in a new one.

And what better time for the big debut than at the Harvest Festival on Sunday when we expect a large congregation armed with plenty of contributions for the Foodbank.

Harvest brunch will be available after the 9.30am Sung Eucharist service, which will also be followed by Holy Baptisms at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Parish rota: lay assistants, C Longhurst, J Halstead; readers, H Holland, A Fitton; Intercessions, D Owen; sidespersons, C Giles, R Fuller' refreshments, Elizabeth, A N Other, Joan.

Tickets for our musical concert in church on Saturday night, 15 October with a five-piece band from Wigan, are selling well, but there are still some available at £6 from Ada on (01706) 536143.

Cost of entry includes light supper and there will be a pay bar available to help the occasion to go with a swing. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start.