£100k appeal to preserve Darlaston organ

The Binns instrument was built 111 years ago by the renowned organ maker James J Binns of Leeds at its Bramley Organ Works.

It is believed to be the only working instrument of its type remaining.

Now town hall organist Mervin Jones and Darlaston South's councillor Doug James have joined forces to launch a fundraising drive to improve it for future generations.

Mr Jones, who play it for monthly concerts at the red brick town hall, says the organ was an important feature of the area's heritage.

"We are trying to make sure the organ carries on working and being played well after I'm gone because it's the heritage of this town. Many buildings and features of the borough have been stripped away over the decades and we don't want that to happen here.

"For example, the old Gaumont Theatre in Walsall had the first Wurlitzer organ in this country installed there. Eventually it was sold for a ridiculous sum of money and I think it ended up in a church in Cornwall. It never should have left the area in the first place.

"It would be really sad if anything like that happens to this organ, so we are setting up an organ fund to ensure that doesn't happen.

"We can't expect the council to pay for the work as the funds just isn't there," Mr Jones said.

He said representatives from the Binns charitable trust and from the former Rubery Owen car parts works were due to visit the town hall, in Victoria Road, Darlaston, this week to inspect the organ to see what work is needed to be carried out on it.

Mr Jones said the pedal board and the pneumatic action that makes the sound both need major overhauls, the pipe workings need cleaning. He added that all but one of the console stops were in working order.

The organ was given to the town in 1903 by the town's prominent Slater family who were in business and were well known in the area at the time. Slater Street situated near the town hall was named after them.

It was commissioned by Mrs S.M Slater and family in memory of her late husband James.

"The magnificent Binns Organ at Darlaston Town Hall is now the only working Binns Organ of its type in Britain.

"The appeal aims to raise 100,000 and musical enthusiasts, choirs, musicians and entertainers are requested to support it by offering their services

for a programme of events to raise the funds and the profile of the appeal," Councillor James said.

For details about the appeal and how to make a donation towards the effort contact 07983 456213.

The Victorian town hall, which dates back to 1888, closed in 2006 for two years amid health and safety concerns.

It was reopened after a £420,000 makeover and councillors in the area have been working with a variety of community groups to drum up more bookings.

Today (8) there was a lunchtime concert with guest singer Debbie Miles from1.30pm. Admission is £2.50 on the door.

Other activities include tea dances, coffee mornings, community days and there are plans to launch a regular whist event.