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Organ dismantled into thousands of pieces for clean

Clara Bullock
BBC News, Somerset
Lance Foy Organs A large metal pipe, several metres long with open sections cut out, is lying on a table while someone works on it with a tool. The person's head is cropped out. Various other wooden handled tools are on the table.Lance Foy Organs
Repairs are made to one of the organ's front pipes

A church organ has been treated to its first deep clean since 1973.

The organ in St Peter & St Paul's Church, North Curry, Somerset, is completely analogue and comprises thousands of parts – pipes, levers and pulleys – that had to be dismantled for the task.

The work, including repairs, took two months. The organ was more complicated to restore than other such models, said staff from family company Lance Foy Organs, due to its considerable height.

"It was three times as complicated and twice as awkward as other organs but it's a good organ and a worthwhile project and we're pleased with the results," said Julie Foy.

Lance Foy Organs The housing of an organ, with carved wood and patterned sections, is seen behind a scaffolding tower. A man is stood at the top of the tower peering into the organ. A large stained glass church window can be seen to the left. Lance Foy Organs
A scaffolding tower had to be built to access the top of the organ

Ms Foy said due to the way the organ was built, they had to use scaffolding to carry out the work which is "quite unusual".

"On other organs you might need a ladder but that would be it," she added. "This organ is built very narrow and high."

Lance Foy Organs Two rows of metal pipes are laid on a table. They resemble large pan pipes, with slits cut out a third of the way up.Lance Foy Organs
Just a few of the hundreds of pipes taken off for cleaning and repairs

"If you take something that complicated apart it takes time," Ms Foy added.

"It's nice to know it's done now and it was preserved for future generations."

The Church of St Peter & St Paul dates from the 14th century and is a Grade I listed building.

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