AN unusual place to play bagpipes is the top of a church tower but that is what happened at Cheriton Bishop on Saturday, July 20, when there was an Open Tower afternoon at the parish church.

This was to raise funds towards refurbishment and upgrading of the church organ.

As well as people being able to climb the church tower on a day when the air was clear, there was a concert given by the Occasional Choir.

This is a gathering which never has the same line-up and sings at the church for High Days and Feast Days.

An excellent tea was available and the bagpipe player at the top of the church tower was the organist, Ian Hipkin.

Bill Jeffery, leader of the Occasional Choir, retiring at the end of that concert, was given a card and gift of book tokens while his wife, Janet, was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Visitors were able to have-a-go at playing the church organ under supervision.

During the past 60 years the lead pipes that serve the organ have stretched and sagged so some are closed flat, some have splits, some are just no longer a tight fit at the joints.

Something had to be done to keep the organ playable with the favoured proposal being to replace all the lead pipes with electric switches. It will be expensive but ensure another 60 years of life.

An appeal is to be launched with an Organ Recital by Andrew Millington with tenor Gordon Pike on Saturday, September 14 in the church.DSCN

The afternoon was a free gift to the parish but £82 was received in donations.