2023 saw the completion of a 5-year project for St Joseph’s Parish as their 120 year old Harrison and Harrison Organ was restored to its original state. The project was made possible following several years of fundraising by the parish community and through the support of grant funding bodies. The restoration itself was carried out by the original organ builders – Harrison and Harrison of Durham – with one of the restorers, Geoff Pollard, being the great-grandson of one of the original builders, Thomas Henry Finch Pollard.

We are now able to once again hear the organ in its’ original splendour and run a regular series of organ recitals throughout the year featuring guest organists from around the world. The recitals are free of charge, although you may wish to contribute to the retiral collection, and last approximately one hour, starting at 12.00 pm. In addition, the organ continues to fulfil its’ original purpose: accompanying the liturgy in the Church, and is played at weekend Masses.

You can read more about the history and restoration of this historic instrument here.

For more information about our recital series, see the posts below: