OrganFax Directory

Clacton & District Organ Society

Telephone Number :  01255 428628   or   07774802935

Email address :  vicwiggins@yahoo.co.uk

Contact name :  Vic and Carol Wiggins

Venue address : Community Hall, Valley Road, Great Clacton, Essex, CO15 4AR

About Clacton & District Organ Society

The Society was formed in 1976 by Clacton organists, Allen Warrender and Peter Brock, enrolling the grand total of thirty three members at the Argyle Hotel. After serveral changes of venue in the town centre, and membership growing quite rapidly, the society secured a more permanent venue at the Waverley Hotel that was to be their "home" until 1981. By this time, the founder members had moved on to devote more time to their careers.

In 1981 another new venue was found at the Community Centre in Valley Road, Great Clacton, and the club has gone from strength to strength with a present day membership of around 150 being entertained each month by the country's top artistes.

2010

Don and Joan Norris announced that 2009 would be their last year on the committee after serving an incredible 37 years. But we are delighted to say they have had a change of heart and are carrying on as long as they are able.. June and Norman Brown have settled into  their new posts on the committee, and are going to be a valuable asset.

Julie Wiggins, our club organist is playing for us again in August. Julie first became involved in the club at the age of 8 when her late grandfather took her along to a concert and she was smitten. She took up lessons with David Stubbs, a local teacher and accomplished classical organist. She took to it like a duck to water and quickly passed all her grades. She gave her first concert for the club at twelve years old, and  has appeared almost every year since, with some invaluable help from June Brown her mentor.She has also played concerts for other clubs and a season at the West Cliff Theatre. Although she no longer takes bookings to concentrate on her secretarial career, Julie still gives concerts for us.

Although we have a very small committee we have a number of members who help voluntarily each month. Ann Glenaway helps in the kitchen, Peter Bareham helps preparing the hall along with Cindy Atkin who also sells the Raffle tickets, and Brenda Street helps Carol with membership renewals. There are also other willing members who help to clear up the hall after the concerts. 

The main aim of the society is to promote organ music in a friendly and social atmosphere, with the emphasis on 'enjoyment'. You don't need to be a player, just come along and enjoy the music performed by the country's leading musicians!

We also have an annual "Showcase" at our local theatre The West Cliff every October, when two leading organists put on an afternoon show which is always very successful. Not only on the day but it does result in a number of enquiries about the society and normally a few new members.

Unfortunately Joan and Don Norris are suffering from ill health at the moment, and are unable to be involved in the club at the moment. But there positions are being held on the committee until such time as they feel well enough to return.

The club meets on the second Wednesday of the month, doors open 7.30pm concert starts at 8pm.

Subcription: £10 double, £6 single

Members admission: £3.50

Visitor admission: £4.50   

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.