OrganFax News

New Club for Piano Players in Hampshire

Wednesday 25th October

The New Forest Piano Club has been crated primarily to support pianists in being able to play in front of others, so that we can all gain ease and confidence in our abilities and can encourage others on their journey.  Alongside this, of course, we gain the opportunity to listen to a wide variety of perhaps unfamiliar music, plus they meet up and connect with other friendly, like-minded souls.

Pianists of all levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced, no previous performing experience is necessary.  They especially welcome any pianists who are nervous of playing piano in front of others, but wish to dip their toe in and start building confidence.

Feeling nervous?  Not sure about playing?  Why not just bring along your piece, and see how the mood takes you?  You can opt out and just listen.  You won’t be forced into anything.

For more information and upcoming gathering dates, visit their website or email hilaryreeves@btinternet.com or phone Hilary on 07958 641 650.

Silent Movie Night in Gosport

Monday 23rd October

The clock is turning back 100 years in Gosport at 7.30pm on Thursday 2nd November, when Donald MacKenzie, Resident Organist at the UK's premier cinema, the Odeon, Leicester Square, will play his live score on the Compton organ to accompany a screening of Harold Lloyd's hilarious 1923 film, Safety Last.

A night not to be missed.

Admission is just £8.00 each, with free parking from 7pm,

The venue is the Thorngate Halls, Bury Road, Gosport, PO12 3PX, and the show is being presented by the Gosport Compton Theatre Organ Group,  You can see more about them and the organ on their OrganFax Page.

Harworth Celebrate 50 Years of Music

Monday 23rd October

Congratulations to the committee & members of the Harworth Organ Enthusiasts (H.O.E.) on the celebration of their 50th anniversary!

A special celebratory concert afternoon featured organists Joanne Powell, Philip Randles and David Redfern, all of whom have been popular regular performers on the Christie since they were known as the group's young organists, though that wasn't quite the full 50 years ago!

Well done to all at H.O.E. for all the hard work over many years to keep the venue successful.  Here's to the next 50!

North Staffs Club Needs Help!

Monday 16th October

The North Staffs Organ & Keyboard club has been running for over 54 years, meeting twice a month in Wolstanton, Newcastle, Staffordshire.

The club now has a dilemma, as although there is a strong regular following and some funds in the bank, many of the committee are becoming more senior in years and have with health issues.  

At the club's next official year end, in February, six of the committee of twelve will be standing down, four of whom are officers.  If no other members come forward, which seems unlikely, the continuation of the club will become untenable.

We are therefore appealing to anyone who would be prepared to continue the future of the club.  

A letter has been sent to members explaining the situation and that if no solution is found in the next few months, the club will cease to exist at the end of March.

Can you help to keep this friendly and active club going?  If you can, please contact tonylawton1@ntlworld.com

You can see about the club at https://www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/northstaffs/ (opens in new tab)

Jean Martyn draws Yamaha Weekend Winner

Tuesday 10th October

We have a winner!

At the recent Pakefield Festival, Jean Martyn, music star from ITV's Britain's Got Talent, the Sun Bingo TV Show and much more, joined Yamaha's Paul Thirkettle to draw the winner from hundreds of entries received for the joint Yamaha UK and Cavalcade Productions 'Win A Holiday' Competition.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Bowyer-Lowe from Biggleswade, who have won a fabulous weekend away at the four star Yamaha Weekend Xperience in November.

If you're not the lucky winner, you can still come along for a wonderful weekend of music, packed with star players and the opportunity to see and try all the latest Yamaha keyboard instruments.

You don't have to play or own a Yamaha to come along, just enjoy good music in lovely surroundings with lovely food!

For more information visit Cavalcade Productions (opens in new window).

Rod Pooley Rejoins Korg UK

Tuesday 10th October

After an excellent conversation on Monday 9th October 2023 with Richard Ashby from Korg UK, Rod is delighted to announce he will be showcasing the flagship Korg Pa5X Arranger keyboard at all of his performances starting this Sunday 15th October 2.30pm at Cambridge Keyboard Concerts.

For more details about how to book Rod to play for you, visit his player page here on OrganFax.