We all met at the Destiny Temple (Formerly St Mark’s Church) Worcester St, Gloucester and enjoyed the three manual and pedal organ built in 1907 by Hill. This organ is rarely played or tuned and apart from a few notes on the Stopped Diapason, sounded well. Only the nave of the church is now used and the chancel, where the organ stands, is curtained off and is full of surplus furniture etc. Thanks to Tim Ingold for organising this visit.
During our lunch break, Howard Williams kindly arranged for those who were around to play the Compton Organ in St Peters Roman Catholic Church. This instrument was renovated by Nicholson in 2008. This is an extension organ with two manuals and pedals. It has an extremely robust tone and is very loud when played full.
Our afternoon visit was meant to be to St Mary de Crypt (Now Discover De Crypt) in Southgate Street. This is a three manual and pedal organ rebuilt in 1898 by Sweetland of Bath. The church has been renovated with a new gallery and toilets and is a most impressive visitor centre. Unfortunately we could only inspect the console as it was discovered during the week that the electricity for the blower had been disconnected. A future visit is therefore planned. The day was saved by a hastily arranged visit to Christ Church, Brunswick Road which is just around the corner. The is an original two manual John Nicholson Organ and gave great pleasure to those who played it. We thank the vicar Juliet Jensen for making us so welcome.