Mander Organ Builders

We haven't posted anything for a while, but we're rectifying that now! We've been beavering away, building our latest mechanical action organ. It's in the wonderful countryside location of St. Mary's, Reed, near Royston, Hertfordshire.

The breif was to have the console below the rest of the organ and reversed, so the organist has a good view from the west end of the church.

We've been really well looked after here. There was an urn with unlimited hot water throughout the day. Also, we were provided with copious amounts of biscuits, chocolates and even given the healthy option of fruit!

MANDER ORGAN BUILDERS – VACANCIES FOR Organ Builder/ Organ Tuner.

Mander Organ Builders are offering full time employment based throughout the south of England and from our workshop in the
Canterbury area.

The successful applicants should be trained in organ building/ organ tuning or able to demonstrate an interest in developing a trade as an organ builder and the ability to work as part of a dynamic team.

Some travel and overnight stays, with transport and accommodation costs for site working covered.

Driving licence preferred.

Salary on application.

Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter outlining their interest
in and suitability for the position by email to:
Stephen Bayley (Managing Director) – [email protected]

Our project at Wimborne Minster has come to a conclusion. Below are some photos, both of the new cases and the inside.

Mander Organ Builders - Well Established Organ Builders of Distinction Mander Organ Builders traces its history back over 150 years, to the combined expertise of two well-established organ builders, F H Browne & Sons and Mander Organs.

The new case and 32ft Bourdon has now been installed at Wimborne Minster. Great effort from the chaps this week. Bottom C weighs in at a quarter of a ton!

We are delighted to be writing with news that the first ever UK National Apprenticeship in organ building will start to be taught from this September!

In the past, we had jumped through several hoops but we had not managed to appoint a training provider (i.e., college) to actually work with us in delivering the course; this is an essential part of an apprenticeship. The news we have received recently from the Institute of Apprenticeships has confirmed that the Apprentice Standard review and a revised End Point Assessment have both been passed AND in addition we have been awarded the highest funding band (£27,000), of which an employer needs to fund just 5% (£1350) over the three years, which is great news too.

The difference this time round is that we DO have a training provider who is solidly behind us, in the Building Crafts College, Stratford, London. Here is the link to the Organ Building section of their site: https://www.thebcc.ac.uk/category/all-courses/musical-instrument-making/; do visit other pages which show all that is covered at BCC..

The College is holding an Open Day for us on Friday 22nd April to launch the course so that anyone can come along and take a look at the teaching in practice and to hear about how our course will be delivered. We strongly encourage you to join us, even if you have no immediate plans involving the course, as it is a fascinating facility. Anyone connected to the organ – builder, adviser, organist, – is invited so do spread the word beyond the IBO! We would simply ask for people to register with the Administrator beforehand if possible, for catering purposes.

The day commences at 11am and the address is
Building Crafts College
Kennard Road, Stratford,
London, E15 1AH

If in the meantime you have any questions about the course do contact us.

We look forward to seeing you on 22nd April.

MANDER ORGAN BUILDERS – VACANCIES FOR Organ Builder/ Trainee Organ Builder.

Mander Organ Builders are offering full time employment based throughout the south of England and from our workshop in the
Canterbury area.

The successful applicants should be trained in organ building or able to demonstrate an interest in developing a trade as an organ builder and the ability to work as part of a dynamic team.

Some travel and overnight stays, with transport and accommodation costs for site working covered.

Help with relocation offered.

Driving licence preferred.

Salary on application.

Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter outlining their interest
in and suitability for the position by email to:
Stephen Bayley (Managing Director) – [email protected]

It is with great pleasure we announce that we have been awarded the contract to completely rebuild the five manual Chapel organ at Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham.
The project includes all new soundboards, re-leathering of the bellows, complete
re-electrification and tonal improvements. The project will start in 2022.

Mander Organ Builders - Well Established Organ Builders of Distinction Mander Organ Builders traces its history back over 150 years, to the combined expertise of two well-established organ builders, F H Browne & Sons and Mander Organs.

Latest progress on our rebuild of the organ in Wimborne Minster.

On this Saturday...

The Positive division, added to the organ in 1972 by J.W. Walker, has been largely unplayable in recent years. Now re-installed with a new soundboard, electric stop actions, and revoiced to match the speech of the Hill flues more sympathetically, the outstanding quality of this pipework has been revealed. The 8’4’2’ flute chorus sings effortlessly into the building, and is topped with a Nazard, Tierce, and a sweet-toned new Larigot. The Positive is playable now from the Great as well as Choir keys, giving the option of accompanying a cornet registration with the soft Choir stops, or using the two divisions in a trio texture. Mander Organ Builders

Great progress being made at St James's Church, Sussex Gardens

Fantastic week dismantling the organ at Wimborne Minster, great job chaps!

We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to completely rebuild the organ at Wimborne Minster. The project will see the instrument reorganised, with two new cases, a revised winding system and a new 32' pedal Sub Bass.

Some of the components returned to St James's Church, Sussex Gardens today. Bring on the next phase!

We've returned some of the St James's Church, Sussex Gardens pipework to site, ready for reinstallation.

A small gallery of current progress on our project for St James's Church, Sussex Gardens. More pictures to follow soon.

Some excellent playing by David Briggs, at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

https://vimeo.com/479376162/8f7c452b0c?fbclid=IwAR2HRiQgPA0X3wR2IBPNsetS2WSOe-jAgYKyX4Ys7NmoRtFiF07vDUOqCRY

The Wondrous Machine Silent Movie Night with David Briggs at the Great Organ This virtual concert will include a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s "The Immigrant" accompanied by the organ. One of the world’s foremost improvisers…

The gigantic bellows for our project at St James's Church, Sussex Gardens has been releathered. A small gallery of pictures to mark the occasion.