We had an interesting meeting at half term with Dr William McVicker, Curator of Organs from the Royal Festival Hall.  We were able to remove a panel from the front of our incredibly rare Loret organ, to discover all these original components of its tracker system - which connects the keyboard to the pipes.

When a key is pressed, it pulls a series of wooden rods, called trackers, which open a valve. This valve allows air from a windchest to flow into the corresponding pipe, producing a sound. The size and material of the pipes determine the pitch and timbre of the sound. This type of mechanical action provides the organist with a direct and sensitive connection to the instrument. 

We also lifted out and later replaced one of the decorative pipes on the front of the organ. This was made of wood with a thin metal covering pinned to its surface, which may originally have been painted with gold leaf - later gold paint.

Some of the pipes to the side would originally have been at the back but the limited depth of our organ loft may have contributed to the decision to place these on the side. Some of the pipes inside have engraved labels identifying their purpose and size.

We have been working further to identify some suitable trust funds to apply to once the restoration project costs are fully resolved. We are making initial contact with some now, ahead of submitting formal applications.