Moves Afoot To Restore Town Hall Organ

Moves are afoot to restore the magnificent organ that once entertained thousands in Dover Town Hall.

Music lover George Nicholas Harby, chairman of the Seary Charitable Trust, says the cost of complete restoration and refurbishment is unlikely to be less than £250,000.

"As far as the Seary Trust is concerned, it is prepared to contribute towards this cost if the owners of the instrument (Dover District Council) is prepared to do so as well," says Mr Harby.

Approaches are about to be made to Dover Town Council and to Dover District Council to consider an appeal for funds.

Two estimates have been obtained, one from Ash in Kent and the other from Germany, but because of the cost it has been decided to seek two further estimates.

Mr Harby believes that if the organ was put back in full working order, future maintenance costs would be in the region of £2,000 annually.

He accepts the move is likely to be controversial and has already received the dissenting views of Michael Foad, involved in a number of musical events, who fears the organ would hardly ever be played.

"But if my initial moves are successful, a meeting will be called of all interested parties to award the contract for the organ restoration," says Mr Harby.