OrganFax Directory

Ashford (Kent) Keyboard and Organ Club

Telephone Number :  01233 631196   or   01233 630717

Email address :  ronald.sharp@ntlworld.com

Contact name :  Ron Sharp

Venue address : BRSA, Rolling Green, Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7RR

About Ashford (Kent) Keyboard and Organ Club

The Club was formed in 1983 by Frank Miller and has grown from strength to strength. He and his committees over the years created a friendly club giving a warm welcome to artistes, new members and visitors.

Until the end of October 2003 Frank and his wife, Olive, worked tirelessly for the club. Both were committee members and Frank held various offices on the committee including Membership Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman. He also produced the Club Newsletter until August of 2003. It was early in the 2003 season that they decided to retire. Frank had not been too well for some time and unfortunately he passed away in December 2004.

At the A.G.M. in 2003 Frank handed over the reins to Bill Wilkins the new chairman. Later in the evening he and Olive were presented with Silver Photo Frames containing photographs of their two young grandchildren. They were also given Life-Membership and Frank was made a Joint President with Vic Day, another founder member.

Ashford was the Market Town of Kent set in the Garden of England and within easy reach of the White Cliffs of Dover and The Leas, Folkestone's rather elegant cliff top gardens. Since the development of the International Station and the Eurostar Trains, there is a strong Continental flavour to the town, with regular French Markets in the town centre. Ashford has the one of the largest UK Designer Retail Shopping Outlet which comprises of around 80 shops.

Within a short drive there are some of Kent's biggest tourist attractions - Leeds, Dover, Deal, Walmer, Bodiam, Scotney and Sissinghurst Castles; Howletts and Port Lympne Zoo Parks and the historic City of Canterbury with its beautiful Cathedral.

2008 saw the club's 25th Anniversary. 

Looking back over the concert performances we had in 2007 and 2008, we had no disappointments and some very memorable evenings. New to our club in 2007 we had Richard Monks from Somerset, his first Club Concert he told us later. He gave us an excellent evening’s entertainment on his Roland Atelier. Also new to us in 2008 were Ian House from Bristol, a talented young player, Elizabeth Harrison and Claire Greig. All were well received by the members. Amongst old favourites we had delightful evenings with Tim Flint, Nicholas Martin and Chris Powell to mention just three. We are looking forward this year to many old favourites.

At our Christmas Party we had an hour’s entertainment by a local guitarist, who does a musical quiz with a difference. Then four of us (pictured) did duets - our own Two Ronnies and Husband & Wife team – Terry and Eileen. We used a Korg PA1X, a Tyros 1 and the club Lowrey Organ, which was donated to us recently.  The highlight was the Two Ronnies dressing up and with Ron Kenny playing and singing and Ron Sharp singing they performed the classic ‘Sisters’ using the Tyros voice harmony to get high pitched sounds – at times they sounded like ‘Pinky and Perky’! It was hilarious. It is all on video and the 'Sisters' item has been made into a short movie which can be put on DVD etc.

The club have regular activites and events outside of our monthly concerts.  In 2008, on one of the sunniest days this summer, we took a party of about 25 people to Finchcocks Musical Museum at Goudhurst, Kent. We all went by car rather than hiring a coach. It proved very popular, with many wanting to do it again.  It was for many of us an almost magical place, where you step back in time to learn about, listen to and (as we were a music society) play some of the early keyboards. There are Harpsichords,  Grand Pianos, Upright Pianos, Spinets and Organs, to remember a few of them, dating from the 18th Century and some of a kind once played by people such as Mozart.  It was fascinating experience . Unfortunately Eileen's digital camera threw a wobbly and she only managed a few photos before it refused to work. (It's been OK ever since!)  A couple of them are in the photo gallery now.

Every year we hold an Annual Christmas Dinner with music afterwards to round off the evening.  Last year this took place on Wednesday 26th November at The Folkestone Bowls Club.  There are some pictures of this in our photo gallery below.

The club usually meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm, doors open at 6.45pm with preamble at 7.00pm.

Subscription: £5.00

Members admission: £5.00

Visitors admission: £7.00 (Visitors from other organ Clubs at members’ price with proof of membership)

Our Venue

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