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)

Gloucester Cathedral Organ Festival

Wednesday 11th March

There is to be a fabulous weekend of music in June at the Gloucester Cathedral Organ Festival, from 13th to 15th June 2026.

This landmark weekend marks a nationally significant cultural moment, celebrating the unveiling of Gloucester Cathedral’s magnificent new organ and the soft launch of the Organ Academy - a vibrant centre for organ learning, community engagement and musical excellence for all ages.

Festival highlights include:

• Gala Concert with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and internationally renowned organist Thomas Trotter, recorded by BBC Radio 3.

• A Gloucestershire Cantata: Celebrating Young Voices — a newly commissioned work bringing together hundreds of children from local schools through our Singing Academy.

• Organ Recital and Masterclass with Wayne Marshall, showcasing the brilliance and versatility of the new instrument while inspiring the next generation of musicians.

With a 350-year organ tradition - including the only complete 17th-century double organ case surviving in the country - this new instrument represents both the conservation of our precious heritage and a bold investment in the future.

For more details visit https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on/organ-festival (opens in new window)

Exciting News from Rod Pooley Music

Saturday 7th March

Rod Pooley Music have sent this press release:-

EXCITING MUCH LARGER SHOWROOM COMING SOON!

Our 1st Anniversary from opening trading at 14 Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LT will be this March. A massive thank you from Rhohima and Rod goes to everyone who has supported us in our first successful year of trading.

Our musical journey together began, as you know, in our small shop in Westgate, Grantham, where we have slowly but surely curated the most desirable brands available to us in this initial trading period.

We will be continuing normal business hours at our current location at 14 Westgate, Grantham, NG31 6LT, until Thursday 26th April 2026 where normal hours 9.30am to 4.30pm shall operate on that last day.

We will then be closed for a week from Friday 27th April to Friday 1st of May 2026 to allow us enough time to get the Exciting NEW much improved showroom ready at Unit 9, The George Shopping Centre, High Street, Grantham, NG31 6LH. Our online store will remain open during this week of closure.

Please visit www.RodPooleyMusic.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Our New Showroom's Grand Opening Day will be on Saturday 2nd May 2026 from 9am till 5pm.

We invite all of our lovely customers, family and friends to join us for our very special new and exciting venture where we will be announcing many new products and features.

John Askwith Funeral and Streaming Details

Friday 27th February

John Askwith - FUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral and celebration of life for John Askwith, wife to Mavis and beloved member of the theatre organ family will be held at 2.15pm on Wednesday March 18^th at Grimsby Crematorium, Weelsby Avenue, Grimsby DN32 0BA.

No flowers please but donations to St Andrew’s Hospice, Peaks Lane, Grimsby in memory of John can be sent to The Co-op Funeralcare, Unit 3, 75 St. Peter’s Avenue, Cleethorpes, DN35 8HF

The funeral will be streamed live for those who wish to remember John but cannot make it to Grimsby at that time.  Weblink and logon details will be published closer to the date.

For further information, please contact Louth Town Hall via email louthtownhall@btinternet.com or by telephone on 01507 354 336

Here are the streaming details of John Askwith's funeral, from Andy Howlett at Louth Town Hall...

I now have the streaming details of John's funeral for those who wish to be part of the celebration of his life but can't get to Grimsby on the 18th.

Https://watch.obitus.com

User:  nuxa5438

Password/pin:   005390

The stream will come live and allow access at approximately 2.10pm on Wednesday 18th March.  It will remain accessible for the duration of the ceremony. 

If you are not available at the time of the live stream but would like to view the ceremony later, the recording will be available using the same details as above, 48 hours after the event.  (3pm Friday 20th March) and will remain accessible for 28 days after. 

John Askwith RIP

Monday 16th February

February 16th 2026

It is with great sadness that Louth Town Hall announces the passing of John Askwith.  John peacefully passed away this morning in the care home in which he has been a resident since last July.

John was the key driving force behind the installation and management of the Compton Theatre Organ in Louth Town Hall in 1977.   As founder members of the North Lincolnshire Theatre Organ Preservation Society, John and his wife Mavis promoted, organised and managed he monthly organ concerts at Louth Town Hall from their inception in 1977 until 2024. 

He was a well known, respected and loved member of the Organ family.  A familiar face to organists and organ lovers across the country.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mavis in her loss.

Details of arrangements for his funeral will be released when known.

For further information please contact Andy Howlett via louthtownhall@btinternet.com

Changes of Players at Milford and Kingswinford

Saturday 14th February

There have been a couple of changes of players to note:

The concert at Milford Keyboard Club on 13th March will now be played by Pete Shaw.

The concert at Kingswinford and District Organ Society on 30th April will now be played by Glyn Madden.

Both are players absolutely at the top of the profession, so do go along to enjoy their shows if you can.  Full details in the Club Directory.