Kilkhampton Church Organ The nucleus of this instrument is reputed to have come from the Schrider organ used in Westminster Abbey from 1730 - 1848. It is probable that many of the pipes are the work of the famous 'Father' Smith. The organ was given to this church in 1859 by the Squire and Patron of Kilkhampton Lord John Thynne, sub dean of Westminster Abbey, who had the Organ placed in the Church at a cost of £567, the 32ft Sub Bass was added by T. C. Lewis in 1892. The original organ keyboard had Black Naturals and White Sharps and was positioned so that the organist had his back to the Congregation. During it's life the Organ has had many alterations before it was re-built in 1958 by the late Roger Yates of Michaelstow Bodmin, a great craftsman and renowned organ builder. In 1962 Roger added the Pedal Bombarde.

Memories of the organ from Ray Shaddick... After the organ was rebuilt, the late Rector Rev. Ronald Watts patiently took up organ playing, and in less than three years was giving remarkable performances such a Bach "great G Minor" and Passacaglia & Fugue & the Dupre variations. During the rebuilding of the organ I played an American Organ placed by the chancel Gates, and was one of the last Organists to play the orginal Organ with black naturals and white sharps. The Organ Blower was encased with an air slot behind the organ in the outer vestry. The Patronal Festival of St. James the Greater was the highlight of Kilkhampton Church, when visiting Clergy from the area would attend the service. A Choir Boy (usually me) would make conversation with a visiting Vicar, and I would gently edge him back towards the Organ blower, when his surplus would be "sucked" into the Blower, thus stopping the organ completely. It was then that the Lady Organist would become very flustered, telling the Rector that the Organ had broken down, what was she to do?! It was only then it was realised that the visiting Clergyman's surplus was sucked into the organ blower, much to the relief of everyone! While Ron Watts was playing the organ one day, a lady Visitor congratulated him on his playing and asked him if there was any additional stops that could be included in the Organ. Ron said he would like to add a stop with particular depth. She said I asked the same question at Tavistock Church this morning, and they were very off-putting and said definitely not. So she immediately made out a cheque for £500, which paid for the Pedal Bombarde added by Roger Yates in 1962. Ray Shaddick, May 2008

Front View	Side View
Original Keyboard now just for display in its original position	Michael Richardson, Organist and Choirmaster