from The Right Reverend Monsignor Anthony Rogers VG
Parish Priest of Our Lady & The English Martyrs, Cambridge

Our church possesses a very fine Abbott and Smith instrument, which was in need of renovation after a century of service. Our parish finance committee was most anxious that we should appoint a consultant to give us the benefit of his wisdom and an independent view. The name of Paul Hale was mentioned to us.

Paul’s first visit involved a most thorough inspection of the instrument, and he was able to advise us not only on what work needed to be done, but also what was not needed. He was able to advise us on which organ builders we should approach, and then comment on the tenders which they submitted. The committee was most impressed with his professionalism, his objectivity, his wisdom, and his supreme courtesy. The committee felt from our first meeting that we had appointed the right man. For a group of people with no technical knowledge, he spoke to us with sensitivity and clarity. It was thanks to his advice that we felt sure that the right steps had been taken.

I cannot recommend Paul highly enough. If we were to need any work in the near future, we would most certainly use him again, and if ever I hear of anyone thinking of embarking on a similar project, I would most certainly advise them to contact him and make use of his excellent skills.
Tony Rogers

from John Jordan
Music Director, R.C. National Shrine of Our Lady, Walsingham

In 1996, faced with the increasing deterioration of the condition of the historic organ in the Priory and Parish Church of St Margaret, King’s Lynn, the incumbent and Parochial Church Council accepted my advice to approach Paul Hale, Rector Chori at Southwell Minster, to act as consultant and adviser in the major enterprise of restoring our famous instrument to a state of sound reliability.

We were indeed fortunate that Paul accepted the challenge; for, throughout what turned out to be protracted negotiations over a number of years, he not only gave us skilled and careful advice, but was also a constant source of encouragement and support.

I have no doubt that Holmes & Swift, who undertook the work, would agree with me in finding it an exhilarating and deeply worthwhile experience to be working with Paul. Nothing ever seemed to be too much trouble for him, and I unreservedly commend him to any who consider employing his considerable skills in this work. Please do not hesitate to contact me should further information be required.
J W Jordan MA, MusB, FRCO

from Richard Young
Organ builder : Restorer of The De Montfort Hall Concert Organ, Leicester

During 1996/97 I restored the three-manual concert Organ in De Montfort Hall, Leicester for which Mr Hale was the consultant. Mr Hale liaised with Leicester City Council and myself prior to and during the restora­tion and proved to be very helpful to both parties.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Hale as a consultant for a similar projects. Mr Hale has experience with pneumatic actions and has a wide range of knowledge concerning organ restoration.
Richard Young