KEEPING an Ulverston church organ in good order called for an unusual way to raise money back in 1988.

The Mail, on Saturday, September 3, noted: "A retired Ulverston businessman has turned his hobby into a money-making venture to help raise funds for a church organ repair fund.

"Eric Simpson, former managing director of Hartley's Brewery, who is a sidesman at St Mary's Parish Church, Ulverston, spends much of his spare time making wooden items for sale."

He had raised £200 towards the £6,000 repair bill and his best seller was a scale model of Hoad Monument as a table lamp.

The article noted: "Eric makes the £10 lamps from two woods — oak and obeche, which is similar to mahogany, and treats the wood with beeswax.

"Other items include fruit bowls, kitchen roll holders and beer barrels on a stand.

"Eric's passion for making things in wood began about 20 years ago when he bought a lathe from his predecessor at Hartley's, John Slater, for £10.

"Eric recently took part in another fundraising effort when he and two church colleagues raised £500 in another fundraising effort when he and two church colleagues raised £500 on a sponsored hymn sing.

"They travelled 225 miles round the Carlisle diocese singing hymns in 24 churches in one day."