This organ has one of the most interesting
histories for organs in Worcestershire and dates back to 1838 and maybe, is one
of the oldest in the county. It is also noted in the New Grove Dictionary of
Music and Musicians
Richard Nicholson, was commissioned to
build this organ by The Rev Frederick Gauntlett, Rector of Fladbury at that
time.
The cost (not known) was met by subscriptions and
the generosity of some of the parishioners, but what connection was there
between the Rector in Fladbury and an organ builder in the North?
It is no coincidence that Henry Gauntlett (the Rector’s
brother perhaps?) who designed organs may have designed this organ, as Henry
was also a composer of some standing and wrote a number of hymn tunes –
‘Once in Royal David’s City’ a well know hymn. Henry was also a
musicologist and editor of the Musical World.
It would be interesting to know how this organ, once built, was
transported to Fladbury. When you consider that the business premises of
Richard Nicholson in Stourport was close to a canal in the North and that
Fladbury is also close to the river Avon. One feels this surely must be the
only method at that period of transportation for this organ to be brought down
through the canal system. The organ was subsequently installed in the West
gallery of the Church.
The organ was originally a single manual of five stops. In 1904
the organ was enlarged by adding a second manual (swell) with four stops and
the original great soundboard was extended. A further stop was added at a later
date. Also a new pedal board with only 24 pedals – which is most unusual,
was added on a tubular pneumatic chest. Most organs have a standard 30/32 pedal
notes. What makes this organ interesting is that the bulk of the original
organ, pipework and soundboard of the great manual, still remains today and
plays very well for an organ of some 160 years of age.
The enlargement of this organ in 1904, was undertaken by John
Nicholson & Co of Worcester - the elder son of Richard Nicholson, the
original builder - during the time the organ was owned by Arthur Whinfield. It
just so happened that Arthur Whinfield was the brother of the Rev Herbert
Whinfield who was at one time a curate of Fladbury around that period. This
organ has not had any major overhaul since.
The longest serving organist was Mr. Charlie Clemens, who at
one time played at Pershore Abbey. His mode of travel to Fladbury from Pershore
where he lived, was a trusty motorcycle and side car. Charlie Clemens played
for 42 years at Fladbury Charlie Clemens was also an early pioneer in radio and
set up the business in Evesham of the Wireless Supplies shop which still exists
today with another outlet in Pershore.
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