OrganFax News

Michael Holmes Available For Concerts

Wednesday 18th March

We are delighted that organist Michael Holmes has decided to upgrade to an Advanced players listing here on OrganFax.

Well established in theatre organ, classical organ and electronic organ circles, especially in the Manchester area, Michael is available for bookings, which, on electronic organ, would generally be played on his Roland AT350C.

Have a read about his interesting life in music on his OrganFax page (opens in new window)

In Memoriam - Nigel Ogden

Thursday 29th January

We are deeply saddened to report that Nigel Ogden, renowned organist and presenter of BBC Radio 2's popular series 'The Organist Entertains' for over 38 years, passed away suddenly on the morning of Tuesday 27th January 2026, aged 71.

Aside of keeping the flag flying for 'our kind of music' for so many years on the BBC, Nigel was probably best known for his superb concert performances on both theatre and classical organs, though it should also be remembered what a fine player he was on electronic organs, with time spent working in retail and wholesale.

Nigel's ever supportive presence and expertise will be much missed.  We send our sincere condolences to his partner, family and friends.

OrganFax Maps Are Back!

Thursday 29th January

Following a period since the old operators had allowed the 'maps' facility to disappear, we are delighted our IT team have managed to bring it back, so if you now go to the Clubs, Dealer of Service Engineer pages, you have the option to see them all on a map, to quickly know which are near you, or perhaps where there may be a concert taking place when you are on holiday.

Do bear in mind that some of the Service Engineers cover a big area, and some cover the whole country, Allen Organs for example.

The Start of a New Era for Robert Davies

Saturday 17th May

The end of one era. The start of a new one!

After working with Brian Price of BOHM Organ Studios, Nottingham, since 1988 and having had a break from the concert scene due to Covid, a new and exciting time has begun for Robert, who is now touring with Yamaha Genos and bass pedals.

As a regular festival performer in previous years, at such popular events as Caister, Barton Hall, Blackpool and Lyme Bay, and at numerous clubs and societies up and down the country playing BOHM organs, he has put together a new and varied concert programme featuring music from great musicals, light classics, ballads and stirring marches, along with music from the 60's and 70's, all now performed on Yamaha Genos.  The concerts he has already performed with the Genos have all received outstanding reviews.

To read more about Robert and for details of how to book him, visit his OrganFax page. (Link opens in a new window)           

A Royal Award in the 2025 New Year Honours

Tuesday 31st December

Our world of music has been blessed with quite a number or awards over the years, including MBEs for Phil Kelsall and the late Len Rawle, and BEMs for Byron Jones amd Nicholas Martin.

We are thrilled to announce that in the 2025 New Year Honours, His Majesty King Charles III has awarded Richard Moore the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his 'Services to Music Education and Preservation in East Sussex'.

Richard has worked tirelessly supporting many different charitable organisations for around 50 years but is best known to us for encouraging many, many young people to play the organ at the Rye Wurlitzer Academy and TPOPS Academy, and also for ensuring a safe and secure future for the historic Rye Wurlitzer, with a very special celebration concert (with two organists, variety stars, comedy silent film and cream tea) planned for its 100th birthday on 6th April 2025 (see the Rye Wurlitzer page in our Club Directory for details).

Richard is now also sometimes seen helping out at Cavalcade Festivals, so you will be able to congratulate him in person if you come aong to the 40th anniversary Hemsby Festival in March!

Congratulations, Richard Moore BEM.

Video of Len Rawle MBE Tribute Afternoon

Thursday 5th December

A couple of weeks ago there was a very special afternoon in celebration and memory of the life of master musician Len Rawle, who passed away a year ago. 

Len had a huge impact on the organ world internationally, being largely responsible for the design of Yamaha Electones for many years, including the popular D85 and the FX/FS/FE range, and also saved over 40 theatre pipe organs. 

The 2 hour long event was put together by Len's long term fan and friend, organist Michael Wooldridge, with guest appearances from fellow organists Byron Jones and Andy Quin, oration from Richard Moore and Richard Cole, and photo and video memories shared by the Woking Wurlitzer Team.

If you would like to enjoy this informative and musical celebration of Len's life, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2V9LgBKrqM (link opens in new tab)

For more information about future events at Woking visit www.wokingwurlitzer.co.uk (link opens in new tab)