An organist at a North Tyneside church has completed the second 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 second stage of his journey.
He previously cycled from home in Morpeth to Aberdeen between 25 April and 28 April.
By Nigel Brown
This will be the nearest church to Killingworth, so (in theory at least) should be the easiest!
Apart from the bit between Morpeth and Seaton Burn, the run was mainly through urban areas as far as Chester-le-Street until I got onto the Hart-Haswell path at Shotton Colliery. The final bit of the journey via Castle Eden was ‘interesting’ on the pavement beside the A19 then onto a back road that turned into a mud track. But it must be said the mud track was preferable to the A19 pavement!
There was a D Day event at St Mary Magdalene, Hart (pictured left) and I was welcomed into the church with a hot drink and afternoon tea. There was a very interesting exhibition detailing the fate of all those killed in the two world wars. I thoroughly enjoyed myself having a little play, which seemed to be appreciated by the folk there. A fascinating place and well worth another visit to properly look at the Saxon stonework.
The journey back was OK, though having followed a very torturous route through Sunderland which landed me in Silksworth, I chickened out (having done 80 miles) and headed for Sunderla
nd station to get the train back to Morpeth.
The thoughts on this run where reflecting on the number of boarded up shops going through the former mining areas of Durham.
Thanks to the Revd Janet Burbury and most of all to the Church Warden and the lovely lady who gave me a large mug of tea at St Mary Magdalene, Hart.
The next installment will take Nigel over to Teesdale on 6 July.
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