From a 14th century church, nestled in the beautiful village of Willian near Hitchin, float the unmistakable tones of an historic organ.

The sound is a familiar one, but not for too much longer.

The reason the distinctive timbre and volume from their serviceable Walker organ will be disappearing from the area is because the church is hoping to find a new home for such a tremendous feat of Victorian engineering.

The imposing tubular instrument stands proud in front of the nave at Willian's All Saints Church, having played to hundreds if not thousands of weddings, funerals, christenings and sermons across almost 200 years of service.

However, the church needs to free up vital space to add much-needed facilities inside the handsome building, and is looking for another place of worship, a museum or a private collector to take the historic apparatus off their hands.

Amanda Ferris, Willian's associate vicar, tells Nub News during our visit to the stunning church: "It's been well loved but it's time to go. It's certainly got a lot of character but it takes up a lot of room.

"We would love someone to have our organ free of charge. We don't want it to be scrapped, we would like someone to love it and enjoy it as much as we have. We'd love it to bless someone.

"It takes a lot of upkeep. It's sad but it's modern life really. Once its gone it will allow for other things."

Pandemic hits hard

The pandemic has hit Willian Church hard. Prior to Covid the place of worship had a regular congregation of around 40 to 45. For a village church it is well supported.

But fundraising plans for a revamp in a bid to ensure the long-term future of the building have had to be halted for the most part over the last 15 months.

There had been a well-received Christmas calendar featuring the picturesque church, but coronavirus has now prevented two summer Willian fairs from being held, events that were vital in terms of raising awareness and cash.

Associate vicar Amanda continues: "I'd only done three services in the post when the pandemic started.

"The congregation is lovely here. They've been really welcoming. When people come they want to come again. It's a lovely church in a lovely setting. We are in the community for the community.

"Both our local pubs have supported us. The Fox has recently lit up our tower for us. The village has always been supportive of us. We're rooted in our community.

"Prior to the pandemic, children on visits from local schools have enjoyed looking at the organ and its pipes. It's been amazing looking at their faces light up when the children have heard music from the organ – but perhaps it is now the time to move it on to another loving home."

Willian's serviceable Walker organ

The instrument dates back to 1864, having been refurbished in 1986. A plaque marks the restoration.

The beguiling mixture of pipes and mechanics has a long history, in keeping with a church that can trace its antecedents back many centuries.

A former owner of the land the church stands upon, Geoffrey of Bec, was mentioned in the Doomsday book of 1086, even if the church was not. The tower is built in the style of around 1430, with the oldest of the six bells dating back to 1662.

The church has a fascinating history, forensically recounted in the excellent book 'All Saints and sinners: The story of a village church', by Peter Harkness, which Nub News heartily recommends.

However, All Saints does not have a toilet nor running water. Plans are well-advanced to install such amenities, including a kitchenette for the congregation and visitors.

They also aim to make the setting easier to navigate for those with disabilities when attending services in a post-Covid world.

Respected Willian churchwarden Royston Jones takes up the story

"The only space we've got is the base of the tower, where, unfortunately, the organ sits," Mr Jones says, explaining: "So we have to remove the organ to facilitate the changes.

"We'd like for someone to take the organ on. We've tried many community groups and organisations, but unfortunately, while it's a nice organ, no-one really wants it.

"Our church is growing, and will continue to grow, and this facility will allow us ultimately to offer the church to a wider audience within the community.

"I suppose it shows the progress of our church in that we can't really have such an old instrument holding us back."

Mr Jones adds that organs, once so prevalent, are falling in number and the fact there are now fewer and fewer churches open these days makes it harder to find a new home for the iconic instrument.

He also notes that there are fewer trained organists, and a general lack of space in churches, that could prevent similar places of worship claiming ownership of Willian's musical centrepiece.

"But it has got history," suggests Mr Jones, perceptively adding: "It's like having an antique or an old car. Some like restoration and enjoying their work forever and perhaps it could attract such a person or group. Or it could interest a museum somewhere.

"It's a lovely organ but, perhaps, its time here with us has gone now."

For anyone interested in taking it on the organ from Willian Church, it measures 7ft, by 7ft and is around 4ft deep with pipes stretching to around 6ft or 7ft on top. It does dismantle relatively easily and all the pipes come off.

For more information visit All Saints Facebook page here