THE organ in St Mary's Church in Belstone celebrates its 150th birthday this year, and the instrument has a fascinating history leading it to this anniversary.

In 1862, J W Walker and Sons, of Brandon in Suffolk, built an organ, number 688, for the Hon Mrs Fanny Sackville-West, the first wife of Mortimer Sackville-West.

Mortimer was a British peer and court official, and the fourth son of George Sackville-West, the fifth Earl De La Warr. Mortimer's father was a British courtier and Tory politician, serving as Lord Chamberlain of the Household under Sir Robert Peel between 1841 and 1846, and under Lord Derby between 1858 and 1859.

The makers eventually lost touch with the organ.

In 1932, an organ costing £210 was installed in St Mary's, believed to have been purchased by the parish council. A director of Walker and Sons inspected the organ earlier this year, and confirmed that it was organ 688 — this year is the 150th anniversary of the organ being made.

To celebrate the anniversary and the first anniversary of the Friends of St Mary's Church, organist Jonathan Watts will perform a recital on Friday, September 28 from 7.30pm. There is no admission charge but donations will be welcomed to assist with the cost of refreshments and expenses.