Theatre Organ Club

Byron Jones' concert at Weston-super-Mare Odeon on November 13th

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:24:52 +0000

After Byron Jones' concert at Weston-super-Mare Odeon on November 13th, the West of England Theatre Organ Society is to be disbanded.

It has been agreed with the Society that the Club will finance at least two events at the Odeon per year from 2017.

The organ will continue to be looked after by Ben Snowdon and his team, which has done such a splendid job in recent years.

The Club also welcomes former WETOS members who have now joined us.

Michael Candy

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Following the death of Michael Candy and a recent bequest from a member, who requested that the legacy be used to further preserve organs in the UK, the Club has purchased Mike's historic Style F Wurlitzer, which is believed to be the last surviving original Style F in the country. The organ has been safely removed (with both your Newsletter Editor and Southern District Secretary lending a hand) and will be installed at Paul Kirner's Music Palace. Paul Kirner's Music Palace has formed itself into a trust, it owns the building and the Club is aware that the Trustees and team at the Music Palace are keen for all their organs to remain in as original condition as possible, therefore this harmonious partnership will ensure our organ's future as the last working example of an original Style F Wurlitzer.

Frank Alfred Hare | 9th February 1926 - 16th January 2019

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 00:11:00 +0000

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of Frank Hare's death just short of his 93rd birthday. Frank was the TOC in the North having founded the northern district in 1950 and having acted as the secretary ever since. His reputation as an authority on the theatre pipe organ, its history, construction, players and recordings was immense. Another chapter comes to and end but Frank was so proud of the TOC and the NTOT and that both organisations are still with us and in good heart.

It was nice to catch up with TOC President, Phil Kelsall, on February 11th 2018 at Louth Town Hall when he played his 40th consecutive concert on the Compton.