OrganFax Directory

Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club

Telephone Number :  01234 344423   or   01933 420130 M Bason

Email address :  wgbn123@sky.com

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

Contact name :  Barbara Noble

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.

Today...

We are known as Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club, dropping the word Society but introducing the word keyboard in order to keep it more up to date. 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. We also hold a Fish and Chip Supper and this year after the AGM in November a Harvest Lunch and dancing.  We finish our season with a Christmas Dinner & Dance for members and guests.

The second concert of the year we donate all proceeds to The Addison Centre funds, as the management are not helped in anyway to run the hall by the local council.  

The club produces 4 newsletters a year which gives the facility for advertising and keeps members enlightened of general information concerned with the club.

The Club is now in its 36th year.

Annual Subscription     Joint £10     Single £6

Members admission: £5

Visitors admission: £6

Our starting time at present is 7.30 pm - 10.00 pm

Note afternoon concerts will be 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm unless otherwise stated.

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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