The Neil Stocker Memorial Fund

The fund is to give special educational and training opportunities for apprentices or recently qualified young organ builders working full-time in New Zealand.

 

NZOPT Neil Stocker Memorial Fund

In the devastating earthquake of  22 February 2011 South Island Organ Company lost their 3 men - Paul Dunlop (Christchurch optician and organ enthusiast/volunteer), Scott Lucy  (3 years with the company after an earlier carrier as a marine surveyor with NZ Navy) and Neil Stocker who has devoted 42 years of his life to organ building. Trying to cope with the tragedy, Neil's wife Margret Stocker has come up with the idea of setting up the fund dedicated to Neil's loyal service to the company and his passion for his work. Neil being the modest man would be very humbled by this, yet in no doubt he would be extremely proud of young organ builders being given opportunities to reach their full potential.

The fund is administered by NZ Organ Preservation Trust, an established organisation that is a registered charity.

Donations to the NZOPT Neil Stocker Memorial Fund for providing special training opportunities for young Organ builders are welcome.

NZ Organ Preservation Trust (NZOPT) is a registered charity (CC40007) and NZ tax credit can be claimed for donations.

Westpac Bank, Sydenham Branch, 443 Colombo Street, Christchurch 8023

NZOPT Neil Stocker Memorial Fund – Account 03-0866-0171409-001 - SWIFT Code for International Transactions: WPACNZ2W

Please ensure your name is included in the direct payment procedure and for a receipt send your name and address to the NZOPT Treasurer Dr Richard Sedcole - richard.sedcole@scorch.co.nz or 52 Bayley Road, RD1, Fernside, Rangiora, New Zealand.

If you post a cheque (made out to NZOPT a/c Neil Stocker Memorial Fund) to the NZOPT Treasurer and require a receipt, please provide your address clearly.

Our Book is Available for Purchase

More than a Pipe Dream

This book pays homage to the highly skilled individuals in the South Island Organ Company who have dedicated so much of their lives to designing, building and restoring pipe organs, highly complex musical instruments as they are. It unveils an impressive amount of detail about this unique company's development, achievements and adventures, including secrets of the instruments construction and the art of restoration, all of which is presented in a highly readable manner so that you will never feel overwhelmed by technical jargon.

This book is the work of multi-award-winning writer Jill Worrall.

$99.99 plus postage & handling fee.

Here are some comments:

  • "Thrilled to have the book arrive today. What a gorgeous production it is and how poignant the earthquake stories and images. Thank you and I will enjoy it in greater detail as the days go by". - Tim McWhannell
  • "The book has arrived....amidst the busy day, I just had to have a quick flip through. I am absolutely gobsmacked!  What a magnificent publication -accolades all round!
    You have exceeded!  I am wordless, and speechless!
    Bravo!" - Roy Tankersley
  •  "The book arrived today! Excellent publication" - Alan Edwards
  • To John: "I enjoyed the book...indeed more than a pipe dream, that's for sure. From it I can see you've had a  remarkable and interesting career amongst some great talented craftsmen and artisans and have formed a great company in SIOC which you must be proud of. The tragedy of the losses SIOC suffered with the deaths of your men following the earthquakes is so sad and I am sure is a deep loss to you and Val personally. But what an outstanding first 50 years" - Craig Maclean & family
  •  "My copy has arrived. It is superb!! Many thanks to Val and John, and to all those who had input into its publication" - Robert Cleaver