A VARIETY of fundraising events have been organised to spread the word to help restore the historic organ at St Nicholas' Church, Great Yarmouth.Featured events include a lecture by Gen Sir Richard Dannett, former head of the British Army, and a special Take Three Cooks cookery demonstration.

A VARIETY of fundraising events have been organised to spread the word to help restore the historic organ at St Nicholas' Church, Great Yarmouth.

Featured events include a lecture by Gen Sir Richard Dannett, former head of the British Army, and a special Take Three Cooks cookery demonstration.

St Nicholas' Church Preservation Trust aims to raise the �750,000 needed to restore the organ which the church purchased in 1959 for �4,500, and it is hoped the project will be eligible for grants to cover part of

the cost.

The organ was purchased from St Mary the Bolton's Church in Kensington, London - which like St Nicholas' was badly damaged during the second world war.

As the London parish could not afford the extensive repairs, the organ was sold to Yarmouth and �8,000 was spent on refurbishing it.

Built in 1876, it has been rated by the British Institute of Organ Studies as being of historical interest. It is one of the largest in east Norfolk with three manuals and more than 3,100 pipes.

One of the fundraising projects is sponsorship of the magnificent organ pipes for between �25 and �1,000 - maybe in memory of someone dear, to mark a special anniversary or birthday, or a christening or wedding.

Those making gifts of �1,000 or more will have their names inscribed on a stone in the church.

To make a donation, cheques should be made payable to St Nicholas' Church Preservation Trust and sent to Paul Davies, 67 North Denes Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 4LU.

Fundraising events: Spring Festival, Wednesday, May 12: Demonstration of flower arranging and gardeners' question time in conjunction with Great Yarmouth College and Priory Centre students and staff. Tickets �10 (�5 for college and Priory students) including buffet. Bar available. St Nicholas' Church, 6pm-9.30pm.

Friday, May 14: Lecture by Gen Sir Richard Donnatt: A look back, a look forward. Reflections on 40 years a soldier. Tickets �10. Bar available. Masonic Royal Assembly Rooms, Great Yarmouth, 7.30pm.

Saturday, May 15: Exhibition of prints and maps of Yarmouth and recent registers. Display of church silverware. Tower open 10am to 2pm. Stonemason at work noon-4pm. organ recital by John Stephens 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Admission free, donations welcome. St Nicholas' Church. Sunday, May 16: Full Choral Evensong, glass of wine afterwards. Donations welcome. St Nicholas' Church, 6.30pm.

Monday, May 17: Take Three Cooks with Lunch (cookery demonstration). Tickets �25 from Imperial Hotel (limited to 80), Great Yarmouth.

Friday, April 23: A History of Yarmouth through the Potteries by Ernie Childs, Kensington Hotel, north Drive, fish or chicken and chips, 7.30pm. Tickets �10.

Sunday, June 27: Summer music and afternoon tea with Felicity Devonshire (contralto) and Susan Boon (soprano) and Friends, 3pm-5pm, St Nicholas' Church. Tickets �10.

Saturday, July 3: Trad Jazz in the South Aisle with Redbeans and Rice and guest trumpeter Norman Thatcher. Bar available. St Nicholas' Church. Tickets �10.

Monday, July 5: The Masquers: Romeo and Juliet in the evening in the Priory Hall.

Friday, August 6: Shakespearean Summer Ball. Medieval dress and dancing, jesters, music, games, hog roast. Tickets �4.

Saturday, August 4: The Sixties meet Swing. Live bands, bar, food, 7.30pm to 10pm. Tickets �5.

September 8: Antiques Gala Evening and Organ Recital, 6.30pm top 9.30pm, St Nicholas' Church. Tickets �10.

Sunday, October 3: Blessing of the Nets and Herring Supper. St Nicholas' Church. Tickets �5.

Tickets for events, except where otherwise stated, from the Priory Centre, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, or Paul Davies on 01493 843647 two months prior to the event.