OrganFax Directory

Withernsea Organ Society

Telephone Number :  01964 614267

Email address :  megread@talktalk.net

Contact name :  Margaret Read

Venue address : The Northfield, Waxholme Road, Withernsea, HU19 2BT

About Withernsea Organ Society

The Society was formed in 1974 by a group of enthusiasts of organ (and accordian) music and music in general.  Monthly Meetings were held in the local church hall or in each other's homes, but they then moved into the Royal British Legion Club, which is a large converted house, and they held meetings every two weeks, just informal get-togethers.  There was no organ at the club, they hired one from a local organ dealer, then they set about fund-raising to buy one.  Garden Parties, coffee mornings, strawberry teas, cheese and wine parties (very popular) it was all good fun actually, mind you we were all much younger then.  The first professional concert was held in 1981 and the artist was John Mann, this was basically a demonstration evening, these were very popular in those days and it gave people a chance to see many top artists, another top artist - Brian Sharp was invited in 1982.  These concerts were held at Teddy's Club, at that time a thriving nightclub, at first only two or three concerts a year, and members continued to meet at the R.B.L Club.  In 1988 they changed concert venue to the Northfield, and the membership increased.  The Legion was unable to accommodate the increased number of members so these meeting were discontinued. Now, with the exception of January a concert is held each month. The original founder members unfortunately, are no longer with us, but the present Secretary and Chairman both joined the society in 1977 and 1978 respectively.and have served on the committee since that time.

Most of the U.K.'s top players have played at Withernsea over the years, and also overseas artists, Tony Fenelon and Dirkjan Ranzijn, It is to be hoped that they will continue to come and that we shall continue to have good audiences for them to play to.   We have a video and screen set up which allows the keyboard (and feet) to be seen wherever you are seated.   The Northfield is licenced, a superb venue and many members (and artists) take advantage of the early evening meals which are available from 5.30 p.m. or there are sandwiches, tea/coffee etc. available during the interval.  Concerts are on Tuesdays we try for 1st or 2nd of the month.  Admission is £3.50 members and £5.00 guests.  For certain events, when tickets are sold in advance there may be an increase in admission price.   A warm Withernsea welcome awaits artists, visitors and members.

We have a special concert on April 23rd when the 'Ballerina of the Organ', Claudia Hirschfeld is coming to play in concert.  Tickets to see Claudia will be on sale at our concert on 19th March, they are  priced at £5.00 for members and £7.00 for visitors, if you are not able to get in March, contact Secretary, Margaret at 01964 614267 for details.

The Society celebrates their 40th Anniversary in 2014.

 

Our Venue

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