FRIENDS of Beer Wurlitzer is hosting a Wurlitzer Week to raise money to help refurbish England’s oldest Wurlitzer cinema organ.

The instrument was originally installed at The Picture House in Walsall in 1925, but has been at Beer Congregational Church, in Fore Street, since 1958.

The week, from Saturday, August 21 to Friday, August 27, begins at 2pm on the Saturday with a show entitled Wurlitzer Magic featuring former Young Theatre Organist of the Year David Redfern. Tickets �6 on the door, to include interval refreshments.

During the day on the Tuesday, the church will be open so the Wurlitzer can be seen and heard.

At 7pm a video presentation What’s a Wurlitzer? will be given by Friends’ president Trevor Bolshaw in the church hall. This will be followed by a demonstration of the Wurlitzer’s capabilities. On Wednesday, Robin Roper, resident organist of Dingles Fairground Heritage Museum, Lifton, will be performing at 1pm.

On the Thursday there will be an open morning from 10.30am-12.30pm, and a sing-along at 2pm. This will include many music hall and wartime songs.

Everybody is welcome to pop in to the church at any time during the week.

The events on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are free, but donations would be appreciated.

The proceeds will be split between the Beer Wurlitzer Refurbishment Fund and the church’s Raise the Roof appeal. For further information visit www.beerwurlitzer.co.cc.