The Binns organ which dates from 1904 , is to be repaired and brought back to a perfect working order. It will also allow a programme to involve the whole community in learning and participating in more live music. Work will start later this year and run for three months and the building will remain open throughout the works.

[quote= Rev Sue Clarke and Brian Pearson, Project Manager]We are excited that HLF is making a continued commitment to this fine building and the local community by supporting this project.[/quote]

Thornhill Parish Church is a Grade I Listed building in the Thornhill Conservation Area which has been renovated, conserved and made fully accessible and user friendly over the last few years to make it fit to serve the local community for this millennium. The opportunity to do this work is the final exciting piece in the jigsaw which completes the work.  Apart from the usual Sunday services it has about 20 weddings per year as well as 50 baptisms and many funerals. The organ plays a central part in most of these activities.

Children and adults will be able to see and hear work in progress, and the finished product will be recorded and reinstated in the Church's concert series.

Notes to editors

Thornhill Parish Church

After a period when the church members were unable to maintain the building a major development scheme was put in place to fully refurbish it and install modern facilities. The superb Grade 1 Listed Building at the heart of the Thornhill Conservation is now fit for purpose for use by the community, schools and other organisations. The use of the building has developed and it now hosts an independent charity café, meetings of uniformed organisations , meetings and concerts as well as a bazaar and summer fair.  The building is now in an excellent condition to support use for the next 100 years. Find out more at the Thornhill Parish Church website.

Contact

Brian Pearson on tel: 01924 520 861 or via email: brianb.pearson@ntlworld.com