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Bedford Electronic Organ Society

In the Beginning...

Bedford Electronic Organ Society was formed by Les Franklin in 1972 but not under the name as we know it today. It started as The Hammond Organ Society and met once a month at The Mr Music shop in Bromham Road, Bedford. It wasn't long before the Social Club of the C.E.G. Board in Barkers Lane, Bedford became their second venue and was run similar to the format of today but that wasn't the last move. In 1976 the club moved across town to Kempston Transfiguration Church Hall for monthly meetings and by combining the use of the Addison Centre, also in Kempston, a large community centre with a seating capacity of 298 with stage, it was now possible to promote professional organists for six months of the year for members and the general public.

Membership increased steadily at the monthly meetings and the need was still to find a larger venue. In January 1998 the club moved once more to where it is today, Kempston Town Councils New Centenary Hall on the Bedford Road, behind the Council Offices in Kempston and has a seating capacity of 160 .

Today we find there is still a good following of people who like to listen to electronic organ music but not so many taking up playing. So our format has changed slightly to accommodate this need. The monthly members meetings are very informal and comprise of a varied programme for 11 months of the year, which include members playing nights, quiz and dance nights, harvest and fish and chip supper nights and also professional entertainment. We have an Annual Coach trip to a first class venue either organ orientated, or a musical which includes a dinner in a restaurant afterwards and hold an extremely popular Dinner and Dance at Christmas for members and guests.

We also produce 12 Newsletters a year where members can advertise, seek or give information.

CONCERTS