A PARISH church in Finchley held a history day as part of an ongoing appeal to raise thousands of pounds to restore its 133-year-old organ.

More than 300 people attended the event at St Mary-at-Finchley in Hendon Lane which received in excess of £500 in donations.

The church has helped raise over £122,000 towards its organ appeal, closing in on its £135,000 target.

Guests were invited to take a guided tour of the historic churchyard and bell tower and had the chance to ring the church bell.

Historic documents and heritage items were on display, including an 18th Century sundial.

Alison Fisher, director of the adult choir, said: “My favourite displays were those of wedding photographs through the decades since the 1920s and those relating to the bomb damage sustained during the Second World War.

“We are glad to be able to share with the people of Finchley the treasure that is in our midst in the parish church.”

People also got the chance to be interviewed about their memories of the church as part of its oral history project.

One resident who took part was 92-year-old Monica Francis who spoke about going to St Mary-at-Finchley as a child in 1924.

Highlights of the interviews will be available to listen to through a listening post, which will be installed next summer to educate the public on the church’s history.

The Oral History Project is continuing to recruit 12 volunteers to learn how to conduct an interview and record people’s personal memories.

There will be a final training day on Saturday, March 19, from 10am to 4.45pm in the church hall.

There is no charge for the training, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

To get involved contact Alison Fisher on 02083 490 824 or via email: alison.smart@ntlworld.com