OrganFax News

Change of player for St. Edmundsbury in Tune at Horringer, near Bury St. Edmunds

Sunday 9th August

There has been a change of player for the St. Edmundsbury In Tune Concert at Horringer Community Centre, IP29 5RU, at 7.30pm on Friday 28th August when the player will now be the wonderful Andy Spencer playing his Yamaha Stagea.

Ben Scott-Hyde returns to the concert scene

Thursday 6th August

We are delighted that, after a decade of being unavailable due to to other commitments, Wersi player Ben Scott-Hyde is returning to the world of playing concerts for clubs and societies around the UK.

You may enjoy hearing a recent appearance he made for Fife Organ & Keyboard Club by visiting BenYouTube (opens in new window)

To book Ben for your club, give him a call on 07857 888 013 or drop him an email to benscotthyde@yahoo.com

Funeral and Live Stream Details for David (John) Elliott

Monday 3rd August

We are very sad to bring you the news from Louth Town Hall that David (John) Elliott has passed away after a protracted hospital stay.

David was a founder member of the North East Lincolnshire Theatre Organ Preservation Society and was an active member of the group that brought and installed the Compton Organ in Louth Town Hall.  From 1977 David was a fixture at NLTOPS concerts, working behind the scenes to ensure the organ was at it's best for the afternoon.   Many concert goers and performers knew that, at the interval, it would be David's smiling face that would greet you with tea and biscuits.

David was also known to organ lovers through his work with Les Allitt to restore and maintain organs up and down the country.

A Funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, Horncastle at 11.00am on Wednesday August 5th followed by service of cremation at Alford Crematorium. 

The committal ceremony at Alford Crematorium will be available to watch online using the following details:

Website

https://watch.obitus.com (opens in new window)

Username nuta7807

Password 216727

For any other information, contact Andy at ceo@louthtownhall.co.uk

Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition

Thursday 30th July

The Musical Museum has just played host to this year’s Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition, held on 26th July.  Founded by The Wurlitzer Heritage Trust (formerly known as ATOS London) in 1978, numbers of players varies but this year it was a strong field, with seven competing for the coveted title of UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year, and then three players in our YTOY Seniors.  All the players gave a good account of themselves, making for a packed afternoon of music, much appreciated by the good audience.

Compère Tom Horton, himself YTOY winner in 2000, played the mighty Wurlitzer up from the pit and then welcomed the team of judges, headed up by Chairman Mark Laflin, ably assisted by YTOY Senior Winner 2017 Aaron Hawthorne and the Welsh Wizard, Byron Jones BEM.

Once all the entrants had played, we were entertained in grand style by last year’s winner, Oscar Battle, who has really proved himself the most worthy holder of the title with many, many performances throughout the year. It was then on to the results and, following long deliberations, the judges awarded Runner-Up status to James Rickus for his selection from Bugsy, and the title UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year 2026 to Jack Morton for his superb medley from The Ziegfeld Follies, so he now has the honour of wearing the solid silver Chain of Office for the coming year.

The first place in the YTOY Seniors went to Rob Mosley, who played the lively march, Down the Mall, and a lovely rendition of modern ballad Somewhere Out There. As well as a cash prize and souvenir plaque, Rob holds the Nigel Ogden Trophy for this year.

Last but not least in the trophy department is our very special Len Rawle MBE Memorial Trophy, which this year was awarded to Lucy Crouch.

It was an afternoon packed with a lovely wide cross section of music, including tunes from The Producers, The Sound of Music, Mamma Mia, Bob Dylan and many, many more. Do please go along to support these talented young players whenever you have the opportunity.  You will be enthralled by their talent and enthusiasm and, of course, with them honing their skills, our wonderful world of theatre organ music will continue long into the future.

Dr. Carol Williams appointed Hull City Hall Organist

Wednesday 29th July

Dr. Carol Williams has been appointed Hull City Hall Organist, where she follows in the footsteps of John Scott Whiteley.

This is Carole's second position as a Civic Organist - the first having been San Diego Civic Organist, where she is now honoured to be San Diego Civic Organist Emerita.

Hull City Hall posseses the third largest concert hall organ in the UK and was originally built in 1911 by Forster and Andrews.  The hall was designed by Jospeh H. Hirst and constructed between 1903 and 1909.  The venue seats 1,200 people and is one of the busiest concert venues in the UK.

Carol’s position will involve expanding the already well established Organ Showcase Series.  In Carol’s words “the organ is magnificent and the acoustics sublime!”  She is delighted to be a part of this great musical heritage.   

For more information on Dr. Carol visit her website (opens in new tab)

New President for York!

Tuesday 14th July

On July 9^th, prior to a stunning concert from Steve Hubble, the YORK ELECTRONIC ORGAN & KEYBOARD SOCIETY held their AGM and a new president was elected.

They proudly introduced the very popular keyboard entertainer Andrew Nix to this position.  Andrew, who is the same age as the society, has always been a wonderful supporter for the society going back to the days when it was known as The York Hammond Organ Society – he was just 10 years old then.  As well as performing his concerts for them, a few years ago Andrew stepped in to help with designing the posters for their monthly shows and recently designed their advertising banners.

Presenting monthly concerts with some of the country's top organists on the 2nd Thursday of the month, visitors are assured of a wonderful warm welcome by the loyal and enthusiastic team.

Artistes and concert attendees often praise the fantastic venue just outside York.  It has comfortable seating for 200 and offers level disabled access/toilets plus ample free car parking.  Concerts are enhanced by state-of-the-art projection equipment including three cameras for close-ups of the keyboard and pedals making a more pleasurable experience for everyone.

Venue: Stockton-on-the Forest Village Hall  YO32 9UR

Concerts start at 7.30pm

Membership: £10.00.

Admission: (including refreshments in the interval)

£7.00 for members or £9.00 for visitors 

For more details contact John Longhawn on 07729 150 830 or Keith Jackson on 07929 191 210