Friends of St Peter's
St Peter's church is a much loved and significant landmark in the village of Langford Budville. Whilst they may not necessarily be members of the congregation, the Friends of St Peter's support the upkeep of this special place from the restoration of the clock and organ, two important historical artifacts, to the maintenance of the building itself.
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There are records of a church in Langford Budville at the beginning of the 13th century but the present structure dates from the early 1500s. A detailed history of the church, written by M.B.McDermott, can be downloaded below. It includes references to architectural changes, the mysterious Langford Needle, the original "St Peter's Ale" and the annual tradition of "Clipping The Tower", as well as the perennial issue of keeping a rector in residence!
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Whilst asset rich, the Church of England has to maintain some 16,000 churches across the country, including 43 cathedrals. The majority of these are listed buildings and their upkeep is maintained mostly by donations from the congregation (approximately 45% of Grade One listed buildings in England are churches)! As congregations decline across the nation it is becoming harder to keep these historic structures in good repair. Many of us, although not churchgoers, enjoy and value having such a special building at the heart of our community for weddings, baptisms and funerals, or perhaps simply as a place of peace and reflection to rest in whilst out on a long walk.
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The Friends of St. Peter's was formed for just this reason - to keep this landmark building at the heart of Langford Budville, open and welcoming to all. Currently we are working to build funds for the restoration of the historic church organ, and the Victorian clock. The organ is still functioning and has enhanced decades of ceremonies and celebrations in the parish, but it is desperate need of refurbishment. The tower's clock, built in 1881 at Gillet & Brand's Steam Clock Factory in Croydon, London, ticked last around 7 years ago after years of care by a few parishioners. Its quarter hourly dongs are a greatly missed aspect of village life and something that many locals used to set their tea breaks by!
If you would like to support the maintenance of St Peter's, including the restoration of the organ and clock, then please email Friends.of.St.Peter1509@gmail.com
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The Friends of St. Peter's are especially keen on mini personal statements regarding the impact of the church, the organ, the clock, and the bells in the lives of locals. These could be as short as a sentence and would be useful in any applications for restoration funds that we apply for. Send these messages of support to Friends.of.St.Peter1509@gmail.com
UPDATES ON THE ORGAN & CLOCK APPEAL
Our church organ needs more than TLC! It needs a once in a century restoration to avoid collapse...
The organ was built in 1875 by Forster & Andrews in Hull (which firm closed in 1956). Their organs of this period are highly regarded as to the quality of the instruments - to be still in use in 2024 reflects this. It has needed very little work over the years (an asbestos blower was replaced around ten years ago) and it is deemed to be a lovely little organ to play.
We have just had a minor but very necessary repair. However that work by Michael Farley, Organbuilders Ltd, who has looked after the organ for years and is recommended by John Young, has revealed that much more needs attention.
The whole sound board needs complete restoration.
This would involve;
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dismantling the organ from the swell box down;
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removing the soundboard to the workshop for full restoration;
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flooding the bars with hot glue;
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repairing the pallets where corrosion has caused the wood to split;
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fitting new non-ferrous eyes and pull downs;
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all the stop action and pipework to be removed, cleaned and overhauled at the same time.
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Then the whole to be carefully reassembled, tuned and regulated.
The sum of £6,000 plus VAT should be allowed and we are informed by members of the Organ Club, whom we have consulted, that this is exceedingly good value for so much work. VAT is reclaimable under a scheme which only runs until March next year. In addition an electrician should check all the electrics. We all appreciate a pipe organ and certainly those who hire our Church for weddings and funerals (a major source of income) appreciate it too.
So, whilst the restoration of the church clock and chimes remains a dear desire, we must prioritise this appeal for the organ! Any further funds after the organ repair will go towards the clock.​
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Thank you for your contribution!
St. Peter's PCC & Friends of St Peters
Langford Budville PCC Friends Account
Sort Code: 30-98-45
Acc: 41033068
Ref: Appeal
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Or by cheque labelled Appeal on the back, made out to Langford Budville PCC
and sent to Sarah Nutt , The Old Chapel, Langford Budville, TA21 0RE
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Questions or comments to the Friends of St Peters: Friends.of.St.Peter1509@gmail.com
or the Parochial Church Council: Croxhall@gmail.com
