An organist at a North Tyneside church has completed the first stage of a unique bike ride to raise vital funds for an ambitious fundraising project.
Nigel Brown, who plays the historic Postill organ at St John’s Church, Killingworth, will cycle 1,000 miles across the UK in various stages this year, visiting nine other churches where Postill organs are present.
It’s part of a huge fundraising campaign to raise £600,000 which would re-model the North side of the church - and also help to restore the organ, constructed by the prolific organ builder Robert Postill in the 19th century, back to its former glory.
Here Nigel, who has named himself the 'Pedal Powered Pilgrim', talks about the first stage of his journey, which started at his home in Morpeth on Thursday 25th April, and concluded in Aberdeen on Sunday 28th April.
By Nigel Brown
I set off into a headwind which carried on for most of the day. To add to the discomfort, it rained and hailed at various times, but once over the border things cleared up with some wonderful views of the Cheviots and the Firth of Forth. The headwind and hail storm as I pedalled from Scremerston into Berwick had me dreaming of a cup of tea and a Steak Bake. The route took me through Shilbottle, Alnwick, Chatton before crossing the A1 just before Scremerston. After Berwick I ran parallel to the A1 until Cocksburnpath then the route was either side of the A1 to Dunbar.
I stayed in Dunbar overnight and enjoyed a gentle tailwind until I got into Edinburgh using quiet backroads. A missing signpost (or my inability to spot them) meant I ended up cycling down Princess Street (obviously staying well clear of the tram lines). The route (I was now on the National Cycle Network route 1), used a disused railway line and back roads to South Queensferry, where a missed turning thankfully led me to a café with a very welcome lavatory!
Crossing the Forth on the old road bridge was slightly disconcerting with the vibrations each time a bus passed. After that there was a steep climb to run approximately parallel to the M90 (you certainly don’t notice the hills when driving) after I wonderful swoop down to the Tay (I had to remind myself I wasn’t a professional cyclist on the Tour de France, and therefore use my brakes) it was a hard slog along the south of the Tay to the road bridge. The final bit from the centre of Dundee to the hotel to the East of Dundee was hard with a bitterly cold headwind coming off the north sea.
The following morning was clear and cold with just 15 miles to cycle to Arbroath to see the Postill organ in St Thomas’ of Canterbury (Catholic) church. I was joined by my daughter and her boyfriend and gladly accepted the offer of a lift up to Aberdeen as I was exhausted by that point. The church was very welcoming with a wonderful ‘prayed in’ atmosphere. Whilst the service was not something I was familiar with it was clear God was at work.
I slept in the car up to Aberdeen, waking to be fed an early lunch at a very good café on the A90!
On the Sunday I was joined by my wife and we attended St Machar’s Cathedral (Church of Scotland) and was name checked – both our children are in the choir. The day finished off with a wonderful performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor. Coming home in the car was easier than cycling!
This is the first of the trips (there are another eight Postill organs to visit, with a further possible one in Germany) so some initial thoughts. My brain thinks I am still 30, but my body is all too aware I’m the distinguished side of 60, therefore when I do the next big run I will limit myself to 50 to 60 miles a day, unless it is only one day cycling in which case I’ll risk doing more. Secondly if I plan to cycle all day it means I am too focussed on doing the miles, rather than enjoying creation and listening for the prompting of the Spirit to pray for people and places as I pass them.
Finally, a word on the organ. It was in good condition and is played regularly, whilst it only has one manual (in a swell box) the range of sounds is impressive. It also has very light action which gives me hope for Killingworth once it is restored.
The next run is in the planning stage, details to follow.
Thanks to Fr Andrew and the congregation of St Thomas of Canterbury Arbroath, to Molly Brown for the photographs in Arbroath and to Jamie Campbell for comments on the organ and for giving me a lift up to Aberdeen.
To support Nigel’s mission in aid of the church and organ refurbishments, click here
There is also a separate fund for the organ restoration fund here
Captions (top to bottom)
Nigel arrives at St Thomas of Canterbury, Arbroath. 
A view of the Cheviots.
Nigel's bike in Dunbar.
Nigel with Fr Andrew at St Thomas of Canterbury, Arbroath.
A chance for Nigel to play the postill organ at St Thomas.
The Forth Bridge.