An ‘historic’ church organ which is over 200 years old is planned for the scrap heap, in the midst of opposition which hopes to keep the instrument in play.

A public notice in the Chronicle on October 5 announced the removal of a ‘redundant organ’ along with five pews, at Llanelly Parish Church, in Abergavenny, by the incoming church warden, Martin Hayward.

But a ‘high number of people’ within the church are determined to reverse a decision they feel strongly opposed to. ??One churchgoer, who asked not to be named, said they were ‘saddened’ to read of plans to ‘dispose’ of their ‘beloved organ at our beautiful church’.

“In the current day and age of our ‘throw away society’ it puzzles me why someone would want to get rid of a functioning, traditional and valued part of our parish.

 “There is no good reason to be rid of it. It will not save much money, generate so-called ‘much needed’ space (not the case in the opinion of the masses!), or allow for any other necessary or desirable improvements. We have ample space, and money available to make it grand again,” they continued.

 “As a very active church with a fantastic curate, Jeremy Bevan, at the helm, many families, couples and individuals have fond memories and feelings for our church with the organ providing the soundtrack. 

“Many people in the church and community surrounding feel strongly opposed to the removal and destruction of such an historical musical instrument and Mr Hayward is going to have a battle on his hands before we see our organ shamelessly destroyed.”

The historic instrument has been in the church for a century. And churchgoers say it is a good condition, and requires little effort to restore.