My name


My name

I’m told this is a time for reflection and thought, so I’ve been thinking about names

As you know, dear friends, my real name is 2412, because that is the name stamped on my timbers and pipes by Mr William all those years ago.  You can even see that number in the actual page in the actual order book, written by Mr William himself.  But I prefer you to call me “Hillie” which is much more friendly and less stuffy

But “William” and “Hill” do resonate here in this wonderful Abbey building.  “William” is of course the name of the Norman conqueror of Britain, and it was his right-hand man Roger who built this beautiful Abbey.  I’m also told that Shrewsbury is quite near the wonderful hills of Shropshire, although as you’d imagine I’ve never actually seen them

And just down the road there is the immense column and statue commemorating Shrewsbury’s distinguished soldier Lord Hill

(Did you realise I’m tuned in to history as well as music?!)

 With those connections it’s no surprise that the Abbey folk decided to ask Mr William to create an organ here.  That was such a good decision, though I say it myself

There are other French names that could have been used, and some could also resonate.  I could be named after M.Olivier who was almost a contemporary of me  -  he’d have been 111 now!;  or after M.Louis as his music is much played by my musical friends here.  But neither of those would really be appropriate for, as you know, I much prefer the harmonies and tunes of wonderful English composers.

Your friend

Hillie

PS There’s no need to change my name next year either.  I’ve been 2412 for all the 108 years I’ve been unfinished and I see no reason to change now, even though those missing pipes are coming!!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Summer madness

Image
Summer madness Well I thought I'd heard it all, but obviously I haven't One of my lovely organists today is going to start a two week cycle ride, the length of the whole country, to raise money for my renovation and new pipes.  Wow! I'm told he's going from South to North  -  not sure why, but then I've never been on a bike  -  and will play 4 organs on the way.  He's playing my keys here in the Abbey next Thursday evening All my followers can easily check on his progress.  He's obviously seen how modern I can be and is going to keep a Blog  -  just like I do  -  and put photographs on something called Instagram How good is that!  And I do hope he will be able to raise lots of money for the work that I need to be done Now, Dear Follower, what are you going to do to raise £££s for me?
Read more

Wind (not a repeat!)

Image
Wind (not a repeat!)   I have already told you about wind, the sort that is used by my lovely pipes to make music   And I have told you about the massive reservoirs used to store wind before it flows through to my pipes.   These huge heavy chests, with hinged sides and floating tops, were carefully built by Mr William in 1911 and have survived all these years, just getting dirtier every year that’s past, and with their leather hinges increasingly having to be patched up   Three of the reservoirs are huge, and the fourth more of a baby size.   They have all been lifted down, and all four have gone for restoration.   This took a lot of heaving, and Mr Gary was fortunate to have such strong henchpeople on hand   Two of the reservoirs went with Mr Edward to his workshop, and the other two have gone to Mr Dave in East London.   Great progress is being made and soon these reservoirs will come back to my Abbey, to be hoisted high up into new positions, and the trunks from the
Read more

A book about me!

Image
A book about me! Yes, I’m going to be even more famous than I already am, because there is soon going to be a book about me! Because of all the work that there’s going to be next year, Mr Nigel has looked into dusty files and envelopes to see what he can find out about Mr William’s plans and the changes that have been made since I was installed in 1911 He’s even found out a little more about the old organ that was in this lovely building for the 105 years before me.   Now here’s a secret, and I’m not telling (yet!).   As you know, Mr William called me 2412.   That’s my official Job Number, and I know that because it’s stamped on to my timbers in various places.   Mr William said that he would re-use some pipes from the older organ when he made me.   I’m the only one that knows whether or not he was able to do that, but next year, my secret will be revealed But other secrets are no longer quite so secret.   In a vault in the nearby Cadbury library (I thought Cadbury ju
Read more