OrganFax News

Change of Player for February at Cambridge

Saturday 20th December

Top players Pete Shaw and Andrew Nix have swapped their concert dates for Cambridge Keyboard Concerts, so Andrew will now be playing at 2.30pm on Sunday 15th February 2026, with Pete Shaw playing the following month, 2.30pm on Sunday 15th March.

Both are superb entertainers, so do go along to support both of these events at this very friendly club.

For more information visit their OrganFax page (opens in new tab)

Andover Club To Close

Saturday 15th November

Sad news in from Terry Trevett:-

CLUB CLOSURE - It is with great regret, as founder and Hon. Secretary, to let you know that the WEYHILL ELECTRONIC ORGAN SOCIETY (recently operating under the title MUSIC at HeART) will be closing at the end of the year, with the final concert (Number 266) taking place on 17th December, when Tony Stace will be playing for us.

The Club was formed in 2002 and, in addition to its regular monthly concerts, has organised many other activities, particularly during the early years.  These have included social occasions, coach trips, meals and charity events – all involving music – with over £13,000 having been raised for many local and national charities.

Over the years, changes in society generally and music preferences in particular, together with the effects of the Covid pandemic, have caused a reduction in our concert attendances.  Consequently the Club was forced to restrict most aspects of its activities and, even though the love of melodic, easy listening music has endured, a decline in support has made it impossible to continue. 

We remember those who have attended our concerts in the past, both audiences and players, some of whom are sadly no longer with us, and others who, for whatever reasons, have been unable to share or add to our enjoyment.  We will always be grateful for the support we have received in the past and for the excellent entertainment provided by all of the visiting artistes.

Henley Concert Season Announced

Monday 6th October

There are wonderful Sunday afternoon concerts on the Allen Digital theatre organ at Henley Town Hall, Market Place, Henley-On-Thames, RG9 2AQ at 3pm on these dates:

19th October 2025 - Gordon Cree

16th November 2025 - Elizabeth Harrison

14th December 2025 - Andy Quin

11th January 2026 - Phil Kelsall MBE

8th February 2026 - Michael Wooldridge

8th March 2026 - Chris Stanbury

12th April 2026 - Tom Horton

Admission is just £10 in cash on the door

For more details call David on 0118 972 4988 or visit their website at www.henleyorgantrust.org.uk (opens in new tab)

Enjoy Watching the Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition Online

Wednesday 17th September

THe Wurlitzer Heritage Trust (WHT) held this year's Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition on the fabulous Wurlitzer at The Musical Museum (MM) in Brentford.  You can enjoy watching the whole event here:

Video of YTOY 2025 (opens in new tab)

For more information about the competition and other events visit The Wurlitzer Heritage Trust (opens in new tab)

For more information about the museum and their events visit The Musical Museum  (opens in new tab)

If you know any young players who may like to enter next year, drop an email to event organiser Michael Wooldridge - michael@wokingwurlitzer.co.uk

Rod Pooley Music Is Thriving

Wednesday 17th September

On September 17th 2025 Rod Pooley Music terminated, by mutual consent, their dealership with Böhm of Germany.  Rod’s music shop at 14, Westgate Grantham NG31 6LT is really thriving and has many, many agencies including instruments and accessories from Korg, Nord, Casio, D’Addario, Strings n Things, Vandoren, Hagstrom and Shergold Guitars, Hidersine Violins to name just a few.

They now have a brand new online store where you can purchase all of their numerous products online as well as in their store.  Please visit www.rodpooleymusic.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Oscar Battle is the Young Theatre Organist of the Year 2025

Tuesday 12th August

The Wurlitzer Heritage Trust staged this year's UK Young Theatre Organist of the Year Competition at the Musical Museum in Brentford on Sunday 3rd August.

Everyone agreed that the standard of playing from the young entrants was very high this year, often showing maturity far greater than their years.

The three judges, all distinguished theatre organists, David Ivory (Chairman), Byron Jones BEM and Andy Quin, took quite a while in deliberation but, in the end, made the unanimous decision that this year's winner is 15 year old Oscar Battle from Norwich.

Since winning, Oscar has already featured in a concert with Michael Wooldridge and been featured in a lovely feature on BBC TV's Look East and in a lovely feature, which you can enjoy at: BBC Article BBC Article (opens in new tab)

Oscar has already secured bookings to appear in concerts at the Woking Wurlitzer, the Rye Wurlitzer, the Worthing Wurlitzer and the Studio Standaart, with many more to come for this wonderful but modest young man.

Congratulations Oscar!