‘Gaffer tape is securing gaffer tape in the case of the bellows,” reported organ restorers Peter Collins when they first inspected the organ of St Frideswide’s Church. They added: “However, the fine tone and solid construction are obvious”. The organ, built by the London firm of Alfred Hunter in 1876, was plainly well worth renovating. Work has now been completed, courtesy of devoted fundraising, and a grant of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

To celebrate, a series of recitals is being given on the restored organ: the next one is tonight at 7.30pm. It’s being given by Dorothea Harris, organ scholar of Corpus Christi College, who will play a programme ranging from Buxtehude to Kenneth Leighton. When we met, she was seated in St Frideswide’s minute organ loft (pictured), getting to know the instrument.

“I always like to have a good test of every stop, and every combination. I also look on the national pipe organ website. But, of course, that doesn’t actually let you hear the organ, so I try to get a good practice beforehand, rather than trying to do it all on the day. If there are any problems, you have to find ways round them — you certainly don’t tell the audience!”

That’s a tip Dorothea may well have learnt from her parents, both organists — her father, Michael Harris, organist of St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, will wind up this year’s series of recitals at St Frideswide’s on November 25.

“I decided I wanted to have a go as well when I was about 12,” Dorothea explained. “One thing led to another, and I applied for an organ scholarship that came up at school.”

After tonight, there are further recitals at St Frideswide’s on July 1, September 23, October 28, and November 25. Admission on the door.