OrganFax Directory

East London and Essex Organ Society

Telephone Number :  0208 5303717

Email address :  dgfarr@talk21.com

Contact name :  Derek and Jill Farr

Venue address : The Churchill Rooms, Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead, E11 2RQ

About East London and Essex Organ Society

East London and Essex Organ Society is in its twenty eighth year! Founded by budding organ players and encouraged by their organ teacher, Martyn Rice, and our Club President, David Thomas, the East London and Essex Organ Society was started in July 1982. The first venue, like so many other organ clubs, was in a public house called the Maypole in Barkingside. In those early days the members entertained themselves, playing organs brought along by our President from the local music shop. Members brought along 'eats' they had made themselves and a good time was had by all. ELEOS started with a membership of 53 and this number soon rose to 64 - not bad for a new club. The pub soon became unsatisfactory, so a search was made to find a new meeting place. Wanstead Library, having a hall called the Churchill Room, looked promising - that was back in 1983 and it has proved very successful, and we have remained there ever since.

Our first artistes were unknown players at that time. To name but a few - our now Club President David Thomas, Danny O'Sullivan and a young man called Mark Brown. As the membership grew, some professional organists were booked to entertain the members. Artiste fees were between £80 and £100 for a concert (a lot different now!). Some of the first real professionals were artistes you will all know - Steve Lowdell, Byron Jones, Robert Beadle and Harry Jackson. The Committee today still endeavours to engage the very best artistes, including some up-and-coming new faces. It is this Club's aim to encourage new talent, as well as supporting the more established organists. Today, because of our roots, we still hold two Members Nights a year, where members entertain us and these evenings have proved very popular over the years. The club's first and only cancellation of a concert was way back in January 1987, this was due to severe weather conditions. Some special events have been organised in previous years, namely, two trips to Blackpool to see the lights, with an afternoon visit to the famous Tower Ballroom - a must for organ enthusiasts. We celebrated the Millennium by having two great artistes, Tim Flint and Trevor Daniels.

A newsletter is produced every month by Derek, our Secretary, with a brief resume of the previous month's concert, followed by details of the artiste due to play on the night. It also includes information regarding concerts at other local clubs, plus other items relating to organ and keyboards which may be of interest to members.

The club usually meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.50pm

Subscription: £7.00 (under 16's £1.00)

Members admission: £4.00

Visitors admission: £6.00

Our Venue

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