OrganFax Directory

Bideford Keyboard and Organ Club

Telephone Number :  01237 475914

Email address :  michael.avis@virgin.net

Contact name :  Mike Avis

Venue address : Bideford Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Bideford, EX39 2AN

About Bideford Keyboard and Organ Club

Our Club History

We started back in 1968 and, in common with many other Organ Clubs, began life as Bideford 'Hammond' Organ Society. Our present venue is Bideford Methodist Church Hall, High Street Bideford EX39 2AN, with entrance from Honestone Street Car Park. For some special events the venue does change so please contact us for details Following an excellent 40th Birthday Summer Spectacular in 2008 at the now closed, Grenville College Hall, membership has escalated and concert attendance by visitors has grown more than ever before. Great news is that we are continuing this event for 2012, with Andrew Nix & Tony Stace, confirmed as being at the new Bideford College,Devon Hall.

Summer Spectacular 2012 - Sunday 29th July – Andrew Nix & Tony Stace at The Devon Hall, Bideford College, Abbotsham Road, Bideford EX39 3AR - the new Bideford College has provided us with a superb theatre facility in the Devon Hall and adjacent catering facilities in the Stuckley Restaurant. As always it will be an afternoon performance by both artists at 2.00 p.m. and evening performance at 7.00 p.m. with the added bonus of them playing duets.  Between the concerts we provide the now legendary Home Made Tea provided entirely by our own club members. Tickets will be available from early May 2012 so please contact Mike Avis for prices and details of the venue. Admission charges are not yet confirmed but unlikely to change significantly.

We have attracted organ enthusiasts from near and far to these events and really appreciate the visitors from throughout the South West and further affield who attended last years event. This year it is so much easier to find, with a direct road access right off the A39 Link Road at Abbotsham.

Club Nights

One of the club's main features has always been the enthusiasm for promoting participation in live music. The club has a Yamaha EL90 for members to play and we have members who bring along Keyboards and Accordian as well. Our club meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month for the club nights and the 3rd Tuesday for concerts by top class artists. The club season is from September to April in this format and each other month we hold concerts and other events. If you like to entertain or be entertained in a friendly informal atmosphere come along and join in. 

Club President

For the celebrations marking the actual 40th birthday of the Club we held a great evening featuring firm favourites of our Club, Byron Jones the Welsh Wizard was installed as our Club President a position we have never offered before. The evening was a great success with another favourite from the clubs past, Rosalie Birchmore joining with Byron to provide a wonderful evenings entertainment on organ and piano. Thanks must also be attributed to our club helpers who as always with these spectaular events laid on a super spread and everyone enjoyed a piece of our birthday cake baked and iced by two members.  Our latest photo additions show our celebrations.   

Our Town and North Devon Area

Bideford is a small market town, situated on the banks of the River Torridge. The town has a wonderful history, based mainly around its port and seafaring traditions dating back to before the Spanish Armada. You can find out more about the area by accessing this link.

Why not pay our club a visit whilst in the neighbourhood. You are assured of a warm welcome and if you are planning a break, take a look at our concert and event programme. You’ll find we have a super line-up of artists for the forthcoming year.

The club usually meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm

Subscription: £14.00

Members admission:  Free on Club nights and concerts marked * £2.50 for all other concerts throughout the year, other than the special events which are separately priced.  Normal admission rates apply to members for Summer concerts and events (£4.00). Concerts where food is included are required to be booked in advance - costs are advised.

Visitors admission: £4.00

Our Venue

Click on the map and drag around to get a better idea of where our venue is. You can also zoom in. Click on the marker to see address details.