AN appeal to raise £9,000 to restore a pipe organ at a Bewdley church is forging ahead.

The latest supporters to add their cash to Bewdley Methodist Church’s appeal are the Beau Castle Lodge 7607 of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, who recently donated £100 to the appeal.

Secretary of the lodge, which is based at the Bewdley Institute in Load Street, Brother Ivan Perris said he and his colleagues were pleased to support the appeal.

He said: “The Methodist Church in High Street has been a key part of Bewdley peoples’ lives for more than two hundred years.

“The organ there represents part of the musical heritage of our area of Worcestershire and we were delighted to be able to support the scheme.

“The organ is a relatively small and simple instrument that is perfect to introduce pianists and keyboard players to the challenges presented in playing a traditional pipe organ and we hope to see local people making the most of this opportunity once the restoration is completed.”

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was founded in 1822 and today is one of the largest fraternal organisations in the UK, carrying out a wide range of philanthropic work across the country.

To donate to Bewdley Methodist Church’s appeal or for more information, all 07780650491 or visit www.bewdleymethodists.org.uk.

All donors will be recorded on a special plaque to be attached to the organ’s casing.