A much-loved electric organ is in need of a new home

Josie Lewis is looking to rehome her late mother's electric organ, free of charge.

This retro Hohner D98 organ is much bulkier than modern-day keyboards, however since its purchase from John Holmes Music Centre, Farringdon Road, in 1981 it has remained in quality condition.

Monica Lewis of Tiverton Road, Gorse Hill, enjoyed playing the accordion piano and organ as a child.

At just age 10, when Monica lived in Ferndale Road, she achieved a London College of Music First Class certificate in 1933 and music continued to play a significant role in her life and her children’s.

Josie said: “Music featured greatly on my mother’s side as her mum Winifred played the organ as a young woman in the village church at Tarrant Rushton near Wimborne.

“Mum’s aunts are believed to have played in the Methodist Church band in Wimborne, Dorset; a photo of which is lodged with the Priest's House Museum in Wimborne, Dorset.”

Monica worked as a Post Woman in Swindon, starting during the very harsh winter of 1962, until 1984.

It was during this period that, over time, she was able to upgrade her old piano and lowry organ to purchase the Hohner D98 that Josie has today.

Josie said: “Mum would regularly sit down and play in her own company, or when friends and relatives came over on social occasions. It was her pride and joy.

“Mum continued to play until the summer of 2008 when she passed peacefully away in her sleep.”

Unfortunately Josie does not play the organ herself, which has seen the Hohner relegated to her garage.

Josie added: “The bodywork of the organ is solid and in good order. It would be lovely if someone could restore it back to playing condition for a community group, or go to a museum to be enjoyed.

"It could also make a useful piece of furniture if someone were a furniture maker or carpenter.”

For further enquires, please contact Josie Lewis on 07951133497 or at [email protected].

Model: Symphonia D95

Serial number: 863132