Well, after our a capella session at St Nicholas, Joe and I had a look at St Mary de Lode, which is just round the corner. When St Nicholas became redundant, the two congregations merged at St Mary's.

There, in the right hand front corner stood a lovely little organ. Of course, we couldn't resist a close look at it! And of course Joe had to add it to his little book of Organs he'd played! (That book may not exist.)

This organ was originally in St Nicholas and was moved here together with the congregation. It has obviously been restored since then. Notice the crown and the two urn finials on top.

Joe is obviously enjoying exploring the full range of this fine instrument! 'Just watch your specs!'

While he's playing, I'll just meander round the back. The workings of the organ are unusually open to view. (Please keep it like that. There are many of us who revel in complex but neat mechanical design.)

This next photo shows the interesting arrangement of actuating rods. I must find out more about this organ so that I can explain it using more precise terms than 'doo-hickey'! There's probably a technical name for those square wooden pipes at the back.

The photo is a bit fuzzy because the light level was low round the back and maybe I created the cardinal sin of not using the camera tripod.

I must conclude by thanking the staff at St Mary's for their kindness and enthusiasm. They even lifted a hatch at the back of the church giving access to Roman remains at a much lower level. Should have taken a picture - sorry!

Due to demand we walk back round the corner to St Nicholas Church because I've added a page on the Outside of the Church

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