PENSIONER Brenda Staples, from Winsford, is undertaking an eight-hour marathon organ recital to raise funds for St Mary’s Church tomorrow (Saturday).

In today’s Free Press, the date is given as September 14, as stated on the Bath and Wells Diocese website. However, 77-year-old Brenda’s feat is on August 14.

She will play a verse from each hymn in the hymn book – all 829 of them – adding in an extra verse of some to make the number a round 850.

She says she wanted to do something to help boost the coffers at St Mary’s because the church, like many others, has lost a lot of income due to Covid-19 restrictions. St Mary’s would usually host major fundraising events such as a summer fete and flower show but for two years in a row it has been forced to cancel these well attended occasions.

Brenda said: “I get lots of practice, as I am the organist for four churches, and often practice for up to three hours twice a week.”

She has been playing the organ in church for more than 20 years, starting in 1998 when a new church organist was needed. Brenda enjoys most hymns but is particularly partial to some of the Christmas carols.

The fundraiser is on on Saturday, September 14, and Brenda will not be alone in the church – a team of volunteers will provide tea and cake to visitors invited to drop in to enjoy the music and the bellringers are on hand to play when Brenda takes a break after four hours.

In the late afternoon she plans to play a few familiar tunes so people can join in and sing. The challenge will end with a verse from the hymn, The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended.

Donations can be made at St Mary’s Church, The Oak Shop, Bridge Cottage Tea Room or via Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brenda-staples