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The Bevington Organ

On the last Saturday of the Festival Hay-on-Wye was delighted to have the chance to hear a Presentation by organ builder Trevor Tipple, who is responsible for the rebuilding of the acclaimed Bevington pipe organ. Trevor was assisted by his son Martin who, although not on the payroll of TG Organs, was able to support his father in the preparation for the evening and to operate the video camera.  All 'thanks' to Martin for this valued contribution. Trevor and Martin were accompanied at Hay by their wives who enjoyed an hour or so exploring Hay in the sun and getting the feel of the Festival atmosphere.

Guests at the presentation included two descendants  of our original organ builder Henry  Bevington through his son Martin. Kate and Mary were on their first visit to Hay and enjoyed it all very much including a lovely supper at the Radnor Arms in Llowes. Three weeks before this we were visited by another descendent also down from London with her family and it is moving to meet these family members who bring  wonderful stories and sometimes old photographs which will help us make good displays at some point.

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At last the amazing Bevington organ case
can be seen in all its glory as the organ loft
in St Mary's allows us to see the full height
exposed with no balustrade to spoil our view

Fr Richard our popular priest plays the first
music before an appreciative audience in
what was an official Festival event in
June 2010

Organ builder Trevor Tipple stands by
the screen which links to the video
camera inside the organ itself. He talks
us through the technicalities

Those present were treated to a fascinating
talk about the ins and outs of rebuilding a
Victorian pipe organ. See the Zimbelstern
by his side

Photographs by Jack Tait