Memorial Fund for earthquake victim will help train young organbuilders

Memorial Fund for earthquake victim will help train young organbuilders

A special fund has been established in memory of Neil Stocker, long serving workshop foreman of the South Island Organ Company, who died in the 22 February Christchurch earthquake while working on the Durham Street Methodist Church organ.

The idea originated with Neil Stocker’s wife Margaret. Knowing how passionate Neil was about his work, she suggested a fund that would provide special educational opportunities for apprenticed or recently qualified young organbuilders working full time in the craft in New Zealand. These might involve exchanges with overseas organbuilders or special courses of instruction in any of the many skills they need.

Although the rules of the fund have not yet been formalised, and there has been virtually no publicity, the fund has already attracted several thousand dollars.

The fund is being administered by the New Zealand Organ Preservation Trust (NZOPT). Donations may be sent to the NZOPT Treasurer (see below) or to the NZOPT's Stocker Memorial Fund account 030866  0171409 - 01 (Westpac bank, Sydenham  Branch, 443 - 445 Colombo Street, Christchurch; SWIFT Code for International Transactions: WPACNZ2W). NZOPT is registered charity CC40007 and tax credit can be claimed for donations. To obtain a receipt for donations made directly to this account, please ensure your name is included in the direct payment procedure and then send your name and address separately to the NZOPT Treasurer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or D K Thorby, 65 King Street Rangiora 7400). If you post a cheque to Mr Thorby and want a receipt, please write your address clearly.