14th April 2023
Church of The Ascension, Lower Broughton
“I was appointed organist of The Ascension during the installation process of the organ; from the beginning of my appointment, and following an exploration of the pipework (of which I was truly impressed) Jonathan and his team were on hand to answer any questions I had about the instrument; he explained everything to me in great detail; After months of tuning and regulation, the organ was finally ready to be used for its first Mass. Both the congregation and I were blown away by the capabilities of the instrument – not only does it support congregational singing, it is also ideal with its mobile console to be used for recitals. The day after the organ was ‘signed off’ as being complete, the organist from Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Jonathan Scott, recorded 2 videos for his youtube channel; the organ and Church have received exceptionally positive reviews worldwide, and all this is down to the talent, knowledge and expertise of every craftsman involved in this project. Thank you, Jonathan for giving The Church of The Ascension a truly remarkable gift.”
Anthony Williams, Director of Music, Church of The Ascension, Lower Broughton, Manchester
5th March 2023
St Michael’s Church, Little Coates
From the first point of contacting and meeting with Jonathan and his team, we knew that we had found the right company to overhaul our aged instrument. Serious renovation work had not been undertaken for a number of years and the instrument was beginning to show major signs of needing to be overhauled.
Because of the original design of the instrument, a lot of the insides of the organ were not accessible for tuning or maintenance. Jonathan’s suggestion to totally re-design the inside of the instrument which would also allow for easy maintenance/tuning access and for new stops to be added to the instrument proved to be inspired.
The team’s commitment, professionalism and attention to detail was of the highest order and Jonathan and his team were always on hand to answer any questions or queries that we had about the project. The work was carried out to a very high standard indeed, on time and on budget as well.
We are so lucky now to have an instrument of exceptional quality which is a joy to play and sounds fantastic as has been commented on by so many that have heard it.
On behalf of myself, the DCC and the congregation, we would not hesitate to recommend Jonathan and his team for any works that may be required and I look forward to continuing our relationship with Henry Groves and Sons for many years to come.
Jon Fletcher BMus (Hons) Organist, St. Michael’s Church, Little Coates, Grimsby
7th October 2021
St Margaret’s Church, Olton
On behalf of the Vicar (Dom), myself and members of the congregation at St. Margaret’s we would like to congratulate you on the rebuild you have carried out on our church organ.
Every one who has heard it has commented on the improvement. It was such a good idea of yours to turn the instrument round which has resulted in a much clearer sound. I have been very impressed with your workmanship and attention to the smallest detail which has resulted in an instrument of which we can be truly proud.
I would be more than happy to show the instrument to any interested parties in the future.
Edwin Guard, Director of Music, St. Margaret’s Church, Olton, Solihull
18th January 2021
St Mary’s Church, Potters Bar
We were very fortunate to have the services of Henry Groves and Son for our recent organ works. Originally called in to enlarge our existing instrument, Jonathan suggested rehoming a redundant instrument instead. This proved to be fortuitous as we now have a superb three manual TC Lewis / JW Walker instrument which is far superior to anything which could have been achieved with our original organ. One thing of particular note was Jonathan’s sympathetic use of the church which still had to be used during the work: services and other church activities were carried out with the minimum of upset. The cost was very competitive. Jonathan and his team showed the highest level of professionalism and care and were a pleasure to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending Henry Groves and Son.
Dave Miller, Organist St Mary’s, Potters Bar
9th January 2021
St Peter’s Church, Cound
We have been very pleased with the restoration of our organ undertaken by Jonathan Wallace and his team from Henry Groves and Son. From the initial report through to the final tuning, they demonstrated not only their high level of skill but also their complete professionalism, keeping us fully informed, consulting us as appropriate, managing the physical space safely and tidily, and being on time and on budget! Restoration of the organ represents a major expense, and choosing a builder of quality is vital. In selecting Henry Groves and Son, we know from our experience that we made a very good decision and we are pleased to recommend the firm to others without reservation.
Professor Tim Wright, Organist and PCC Vice-Chair
1st January 2021
St Mary’s Church, Maidenhead
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jonathan Wallace and his team from Henry Groves & Son for the marvellous three-manual organ which graces our newly-reordered church building. Having had the opportunity during the project’s earliest stages of planning to see and play some other Groves instruments, I was confident that they were the right firm for the job, and I have not been disappointed. The highest level of professionalism, care and attention to detail was shown throughout the project, from its initial design, through the organ’s complex installation (which involved extensive collaboration with the architect and contractors responsible for a major redesign of the 1960s building, and working around unexpected delays in the building work) to its final voicing and completion. All this was undertaken at a very competitive cost and to an excellent standard of workmanship. Jonathan and his team were a pleasure to work with throughout, and we are now blessed with a fine instrument, built to last.
Matthew O’Donovan, Director of Music, St Mary’s, Maidenhead