Patrons
Mrs. Mary Fagan JP
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire
"I am honoured to be a Patron for this Appeal. Please do all you can to preserve this magnificent instrument for future
generations. I know that whatever you can give will be appreciated."
The Rt Revd Dr Kenneth Stevenson
Former Bishop of Portsmouth
"The year 2009 will see major celebrations, locally, nationally and internationally, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of
Handel's death. We are very privileged to have such a treasure as the historic 'Handel' organ in one of our Gosport churches.
All who have worshipped or attended a concert in Holy Trinity will know what a glorious sound this Georgian-Victorian
masterpiece produces in the rich acoustic of the beautiful 17th century church. We clearly have a responsibility to preserve
such a fine instrument for future generations to enjoy, and that means raising substantial sums. I wholeheartedly support the Appeal,
and urge all who love music and worship to respond generously."
The Countess of Mar
"My husband, John Jenkin, is Director of Music at Great Witley in Worcestershire. The Witley organ was purchased at the same
sale at
Cannons, the Duke of Chandos's estate, in 1747 and is also reputed to have been played by Handel. I can think of no more fitting
objective than the restoration of its companion, the famous Gosport organ, to its former glory, for there is nothing like the music
of a fine organ skillfully played for lifting the spirits."
Derek Kimber
Former Mayor of Gosport
"Just as the steeple of The Holy Trinity Church Gosport has served as a landmark for sailors for over 100 years so this
wonderful organ, bought in 1747, when the estate of the Duke of Chandos was sold after his death, and installed within the
church, has become a special place of interest to the followers of Handel. For it was Handel who was appointed by the Duke
as his musician in residence in 1717 and therefore he who would have influenced the organs design and indeed played it at
its installation at Canons and for the remaining time he was on the estate. Holy Trinity Church has a huge responsibility
to maintain this unique organ for the people of Gosport and music lovers the world over."
Pam Rhodes
"The organ in Holy Trinity is quite simply a national treasure. That master
of the organ, Handel, most certainly had a hand in its design, tone and
building, and we'd like future generations to enjoy playing it as much as he
did! In this day and age of electronic music, how wonderful that beautiful
Holy Trinity Church might once again be filled with its magnificent sound,
bringing atmosphere to worship and pleasure to all music lovers!"
County Counsellor Margaret Snaith
Gosport Lee
"I am delighted to lend my support to this bold fund-raising initiative. Beautiful music played on such significant and historic
instruments is an enriching experience for all who hear it. Please lend your support to this appeal."
Dr Alan Thurlow
Former Organist of Chichester Cathedral
"The organ at Holy Trinity has an interesting pedigree, not just because of the rebuilding by the famous organ builder William
Hill in 1897 but because the heart of the instrument preserves pipework and the organ case from the historic instrument built in 1720
by Jordan for the Duke of Chandos. Not every church can boast organ casework that was seen by Handel, pipework on which he played and
sounds which, even today, are the same as those which Handel himself heard! Pipe organs contain working mechanisms and, like every
similar instrument, the organ at Holy Trinity is now long overdue for cleaning and overhauling so that it can continue to speak out
in the building and give pleasure to future generations of listeners and worshippers.
I encourage you to lend your support to this worthwhile appeal to secure the future of this important historic instrument."
Rear Admiral Tony Whetstone CB
President, Gosport and Fareham Music Society
"Holy Trinity Church in Gosport is a fine example of a Georgian town church. Now restored, the interior is a beautiful place of
worship. Two years ago, when I spent a few minutes in the church one weekday, I was told the history of the organ. The thought that
the Victorian organ incorporates pipes from the organ from that built by Jordan for the Duke of Chandos's mansion in 1720, and that
Handel was involved in its design, and probably played some of his great music on it, excited my imagination then. So when asked this
year if I was willing to support the restoration of the organ, I hastened to agree."
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