ST Mark’s Church, in Upper Hale will be hosting an evening of musical entertainment to raise money to restore ‘Emily’ the pipe organ.

The event which takes place on Saturday, November 14, from 7.30pm, includes an organ recital by Stephen Lacey resident organist and director of music at St Andrew’s Church, Farnham, a choral repertoire by the Sedici with musical director Valerie Hoppe MBE and a performance from the Sedici recorder consort.

There will also be a range of readings by a wide variety of authors from Noel Coward to Conan Doyle and JM Barrie to Kipling, all read by Rosemary Wisbey. Refreshments will be available during the interval.

Rev Lesley Crawley, a priest at St Mark’s, said: “Emily is a beautiful Edwardian pipe organ that is just over 100 years old. She is referred to as ‘Emily’ after her benefactor, Emily Mangles. Sadly, she has been used very rarely over the past three years because after a century of service she is in need of a complete overhaul. The action which links the keys to the pipes has become sluggish, the leatherwork is failing and the wind noise from the leaking wind trunks is detracting from her beautiful tone. The time has come for us to restore her.”

“There is no charge for this wonderful evening of entertainment but a retiring collection will be taken in aid of our pipe organ, Emily. Please put the date in your diary and come along with all your friends.”