OrganFax

Great news for the Rye Wurlitzer

News posted on the 24th April 07

Richard Moore writes:
A Message to all those following the moving of the Historic Rye Wurlitzer (The Oldest Wurlitzer Theatre Organ in the UK still entertaining the public) and a few more besides.

I am delighted to report that despite comments akin to "I hope it doesn't end up like that Grand Piano off the back of the lorry" for the past two week; the historic Wurlitzer was moved this afternoon with an eight man team from Bourne's of Rye under the personal guidance of Managing Director Eric Bourne. The Wurlitzer has been located on the gallery at the rear of the college hall for the past 50 years. The move is part of the Friends of Rye Wurlitzer project to move and install the instrument on the stage.

In July a bespoke lift will be manufactured and fitted by Higher Elevation Ltd of Maidstone so that the Wurlitzer will rise out of the floor from its customised pit created by Pride Groundworks over the Easter holidays from September onwards.

Eric was with his father on the collection of the Wurlitzer 50 years ago when it first came from the Palace Cinema Tottenham so it was definitely "de ja vous" as far as he was concerned. After two hours of thorough preparation the Wurlitzer having been thoroughly padded, roped and webbed slid gracefully down two long heavy duty planks that were obtained from Rye Hire.

There were no anxious moments, everything went to Eric's thorough planning and the total professionalism and spirit of his fine team of men who handled the whole project very capably.

The instrument will now be reconnected to the mains and wind supply together with the electronic relays in readiness for the Wurlitzer Weekend over the Weekend of May 5th and 6th when five of the countries leading organists will be performing over the two day period ( details below).

Materials for the construction of the pit and the new hatch have been generously sponsored by STAMCO timber & diy. Electrical wiring and ducting under the direction of BJ Electric's and electronics by Dave Barnet of Barnet/Davies amplification. The structural engineer to the project has been Malcolm Tree with guidance from Len Rawle known in the theatre organ world as Mr Wurlitzer for his knowledge and expertise in Wurlitzers and their installation all over the country.

On behalf of the Friends of Rye Wurlitzer I sincerely everyone so far for their support and encouragement. There is still lots to do but today was a momentous day for the project and I am delighted to report that everything went to plan.

For more information on the Wurlitzer, and the Wurlitzer Weekend, vist The Rye Wurlitzer's website