AN OXFORD church is hoping to raise funds to make sure that it never has to pipe down.

St Peter’s Church in Wolvercote has launched a fundraising appeal to buy a new £200,000 organ, and attract more churchgoers to its congregations.

It will replace the previous pipe organ which was 110 years old and had reached the end of its natural life before being removed as part of the First Turn church’s redevelopment project.

Val Tate, a Wolvercote resident and chairwoman of the St Peter’s organ appeal committee, said: “The sound of a proper pipe organ as opposed to an electric keyboard is far superior and it really enhances the services.

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“It will also help attract people to the church. If we hold concerts then we can raise money for the projects we help overseas.”

St Peter’s Church has recently completed a four-year redevelopment project which has seen the construction of new community rooms, parish office, a refurbishment of the interior church and a glass corridor to link them.

The new organ will have nearly 1,000 pipes and will sit next to the historic Walter Tomb at the east end of the church’s north aisle.

It has been approved by the Diocese of Oxford and its body will be made from European oak with walnut decorations.

Dorset-based organ maker Robin Jennings, who has also made organs for La Scala in Milan, the Sultan of Oman and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, will be making the new instrument.

The campaign is supported by conductor Daniel Harding, who was born in Oxford and is music director for the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and principal guest conductor for the London Symphony Orchestra.

He said: “I have many wonderful childhood memories of St Peter's.

To make a donation visit stpeterswolvercote.org or contact Ms Tate on valtate@btinternet.com

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