A FUNDRAISING campaign to raise £200,000 for the restoration of a Workington church’s Grade-II listed hill pipe organ has got of to a 'wonderful start' - as the group behind the fundraising push on towards their target.

Following the highly successful launch of the major fundraising campaign in October, the group has announced that it has now reached over £24,000, and has thanked all who have helped in the fundraising for their support.

The restoration work on the Grade-II listed pipe organ at the Our Lady & St Michael’s in Workington can only be undertaken all in one go once the target has been reached.

The group are planning a programme of events throughout 2025 which will begin to be promoted early next year.

These not only include a variety of fundraising activities, but will also include opportunities for individuals, young people/schools, organists, budding organists, and community members to learn more and get involved in its history, mechanics and actual playing this incredible instrument.

Father Philip Conner, parish priest, said: "What a wonderful start in just over a month, to have already received 10 per cent of our target.

"We are inspired by people’s generosity and great community support."

There will be a Come-&-Sing Weekend of music, fearing the Adamus Voces choir, with Vaughn Richardson and students from the Royal Northern College of Musis.

The group will perform a sung Night Prayer on Saturday, November 30 at 7.30 pm, followed by a Mass at 10.30am and an Advent Procession of Music and Readings on Sunday, December 1 at 3.30pm.

If you are a singer and would like to join any or all of these services in a community-wide event, contact Vaughn Richardson on 0748 410 0884 or email vaughnrichardson192@live.co.uk

If you are interested in the dedicate a pipe programme, the organ features 1,092 pipes and the church is offering the opportunity for people to dedicate a pipe in memory of a loved one or to mark a special occasion.

For amounts of £200 and over, the giver's name and intention will be inscribed in a special book of dedication, which has been created for the Organ Restoration Project Appeal. This book will form part of church records for years to come.

If you are interested in helping this restoration project, you can click here, for more information or to enquire about dedications, please contact Ann Diamond on 0775 934 1295.