OrganFax Directory

Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club

Telephone Number :  01536 517744   or   07743 134301

Email address :  matthew@matthewbason.co.uk

Website :  organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedfordmembers/

Contact name :  Matthew Bason

Venue address : Addison Centre, Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road , Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN

About Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club

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 Kempston Town Councils Centenary Hall on the Bedford Road with a seating capacity of 160.  In time the Club changed its name to Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club bringing it more up-to-date by including the word keyboard and dropping the name Society.

We find there is still a good following of people who like to listen to electronic organ and keyboard music but not so many taking up playing. So our format has had to change with the times.  All our events are now at The Addison Centre which include Concerts and Social Evenings with Dancing. 

The Club has now had another change.  The Committee retired this year and the running of the Club has been taken over by Matthew Bason, a well known entertainer.  The Committee would like to thank members for their support in the past and do hope they will keep on supporting Matthew in the future to keep this Club going.

The Club is now in its 37th year.

Our starting time at present is 7.30 pm - 10.00 pm

Bar open in the interval and there is also provision for tea and coffee.

There is also an excellent raffle which is held in the interval.

These events are advertised locally and in the press.

Our Venue

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