I’ve been getting several letters from concerned constituents, after the Times, the Yorkshire Post and other leading papers reported that the EU has outlawed church organs. Hopefully you won’t be too surprised when I tell you that these reports should be filed along with the other baffling Euromyths; straight bananas and whatnot.

The reports come from the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive which will come into force in July. After July 1st, any new church organ will have to contain a reduced level of lead (below 0.1%) to meet safety standards. Existing organs in need of repair, resotoration and maintenance will be unaffected and will, I’m pleased to say, keep congregations raising the roof for many years to come.