Beginning on 1st June, the late 19th Century Bevington Organ in Great Paxton Church has been cleaned and refurbished.  The organ builders were able to commence work taking the necessary precautions and the Vicar stood at a distance to take pictures!

It is a pipe organ with a tracker action.  Originally there would have been a real organ blower - often a young person - but now the organ blower is an electronically charged turbine.  It supplies a steady stream of air to the organ.  We are very grateful to the donor who is making this project possible.  The work is being undertaken by Norman Hall and Sons based in Cambridge and in order to clean the organ they removed parts of organ including the pipes, key board and pedals.  A label was found inside the organ stating it was built in 1880 - earlier than we thought.  Could it have been given by the Towgood family from Paxton Hill House?  Another delivery label states it came from Rose Street in London (consistent with Bevington's premises) but unfortunately part of the label is missing which states who had ordered it.  We cane make out the word Hall on the far right corner - but if it was given by the Towgoods they lived at Paxton Hill House.  It would probably have come by train to St Neots, and then by cart/carriage to the Church.  The label reads Midland carriage.  It has been fascinating to see the various innards of this instrument and it has helped that the church is not currently being used at the moment as the workers can use the pews to lay the various parts out safely.

Hopefully in the near future we shall have a recital and hope lots of people will come to hear this charming antique instrument sing sweetly.

Below are two videos.  One of an interview with Charles Hall, who with his brother has been working on the organ, and the other of the Vicar's musings:

Here is our 10th Keeping in Touch Edition for Pentecost Sunday, 31st May 2020.  This includes some lovely reflections from a wonderful member of our ministry team, Nick Gellatly.

Enjoy!

Hello all!

Here is the link to Sunday's YouTube service for 31st May 2020, Pentecost Sunday, based in and around Diddington Church.

Watch out for the lambs!

One of the volunteers from Paxton Pits, Ann, has contacted us to publicise the fact that bird seed is currently available for sale.  Paxton Pits Centre is obviously closed at the moment, but bird seed is available to purchase in the village.  All proceeds will go towards the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.  Initial contact should be via email direct to:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

or phone 01480 387749

Seed can be collected (with prior arrangement) from Lakefield Avenue or if people are isolating then a delivery could be arranged.  Payment is by cash, cheque, or BACs.  Prices are as follows: