BELPER
began in the 13th century as a small settlement called
Beaurepaire (beautiful retreat) in a Royal Forest. Today it is
a large town recently awarded World Heritage Status for it’s
East Mill Visitors Centre. It is also home to the small but
thriving Belper & District Organ &
Keyboard Club
The Club was formed in 1987 by three
people sharing a common interest in organ music.In the early
days the Club held it's meetings in various local public
houses. The founder of the Club, a local businessman David
Parkin, would take along his own Elka portable for members to
play. The Club became more popular locally, and members using
their own instruments began to give charity concerts, raising
vast sums of money for local and national charities. It was
during one such concert we came across our meeting venue and
Belper's oldest building, St. John's Chapel (1250 AD).
 Compared
to many clubs we only have a small membership.Over the years various
fund raising events have enabled us to purchase a Yamaha EL70 for
members' use.Other members also bring their own keyboards Each month
we present professional concerts, with the top names of the organ
world,which are very well supported, at our other larger venue in
town The Congregational Church on Green Lane.
Thanks to a dedicated team the
church is transformed into a mini theatre each month with
curtains, lighting and seating for 120. Unlike club nights, we
hold our concerts on Saturday evenings at 7.30 pm. The charge
for concerts is £4.00 for members and £5.00 for non-members,
including refreshments. Accompanied children are admitted free.
 The
support we receive enables us to present the very best in
organ and keyboard entertainment.
In
the past we joined our Parish Church of St Peters to
celebrate 150 years of their Holt pipe organ. Our vice
president David Redfern played the church organ along Elaine
Dawes, and as a contrast other members played the Yamaha
EL900. We have also supported the Town's Well Dressing
Festival at Belper River Gardens. The members and supporters
of our club delight in coach outings to other organ venues
of interest and Festival Holidays.
 A warm welcome always awaits you at
Belper & District
Organ & Keyboard Club where our main objective is to promote the
world of organ music,
be it electronic, theatre, or pipe
and encourage the younger generation into the world of organ music.
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