Donate

Preserve the Musical Tradition

Wimborne Minster dates from an 8th Century Saxon monastic foundation, which by the 11th Century had developed into a Norman minster church. It became the home of a musical tradition that predates that of many English cathedrals and ranks high on the scale of national historical importance.

At the start of 2020 an appeal was launched to overhaul the organ and establish a Music Foundation with very successful events at the Minster and at Deans Court by kind permission of Sir William Hanham. Progress was, however, seriously affected by Covid-19, but the £560,000 required for the restoration of the organ was achieved despite this set-back.

Minster Organ

The Minster organ required a major overhaul and repairs to enable it to continue to support and enhance the Anglican choral and musical traditions. This was a particularly exciting development for the Minster in its 900th year.

The organ was out of commission from February 2021 when dismantling and repair started. It was completed in the autumn of 2022 in time for the many Christmas services, thanks to generous donations from parishioners and the following trusts:

Wimborne Minster Governors
Friends of Wimborne Minster
Michael James Music Trust
Talbot Trust
Erskine Muton Trust
Wimborne Minster Church Estate
Pitt-Rivers Trust
The Phillimore Trust
The All Churches Trust
The Sabina Sutherland Trust
The Minster Bellringers

Music Foundation

A Music Foundation is now to be established to support and safeguard the future of music in the Minster and to communicate its musical heritage to the congregation, the community, and to develop links with local schools.

Photo Peter Cook

We are now starting to plan the development and management of the music foundation, for which we are budgeting up to £500,000.

Music Has Filled The Minster Since 1408

The Minster organ was originally built in 1664 by Robert Hayward of Bath. There are a number of functioning pipes which date from this time. Originally, the organ stood on a screen which separated the nave from the choir. However, in 1856, the organist, Mr F Blount, removed the instrument and placed it in the south choir aisle.

Find Out More

Help Us Strike A Chord

The Wimborne Minster Music Appeal aim is to keep the sound of music firmly in Wimborne Minster and at the heart of its vibrant community. The Minster is a highly recognised and respected venue for concerts and school events, and draws large congregations for Remembrance, Carol Services and other special services. Most importantly, it is still a centre of spiritual life for many as it has been for over 1300 years. Help us to maintain this historical feature and preserve it for generations to come.

Key Links

Home About Donate Now Contacts