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, The 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, The 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!"
Cllr 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."
Sir Peter Viggers, MP for Gosport
"Holy Trinity Church is an important part of Gosport's history and the organ is its crowning glory. The restoration of the organ will help the church to maintain its central place in the community. Please help. The Appeal deserves your support."
