INGLEWOOD football beanies, scarves and jackets dotted the pews of St Augustine’s Anglican Church on Saturday when the historic Fincham organ was hear in its full glory for the first time.
Organist Thomas Heywood and soprano Merlyn Quaife entertained an estimated 200 people in the inaugural Bendigo Fine Music’s Keys of Gold Festival appearance in the church.
Heywood had been instrumental in finding and having installed the missing pipe of the heritage-listed Fincham organ.
The morning recital brought carloads of music enthusiasts from Bendigo and other parts of Victoria, mingling with locals who came dressed ready to head to the home ground football match.
Among the crowd was retired Anglican bishop Andrew Curnow who had been among the champions to have the organ completed more than 100 years after its installation.
Heywood told the audience that Keys of Gold would return to Inglewood, Loddon Shire Council having confirmed Saturday’s performance was the first of a three-year partnership with the festival.
Inglewood cafes have praised council for the initiative that had boosted the day’s trade.