SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY... LOOKING AFTER THE MIGHTY COMPTON 3/9 EX SUNDERLAND ODEON CINEMA.

NEXT CONCERT DETAILS...

The next concert and the first of the 2015 season features the ever popular Cameron John Lloyd at the console of the mighty Compton on Sunday 22nd February 2015 at 2.30pm. This concert is in aid of the Community Association. The C.A. building (former Miner's Welfare Hall) provides the home for the ex Sunderland Black's Regal (Odeon) organ.

Cameron John Lloyd 

Cameron at the famous Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer.

Cameron at the Bowness "Royalty" Wurlitzer.

Cameron first became interested in the theatre organ aged 11 after a visit to the famous Tower Ballrom in Blackpool and listening to the Wurlitzer organ there. He started to develop his style on a Wurlitzer electronic organ, and progressed to a Compton pipe organ situated in the Civic Hall Wolverhampton where he received guidance from the City Organist Steve Tovey. Cameron has appeared on TV at the Compton of Bilston Town Hall where he has played for dancing every Thursday for the last six years. He has had several invitations to play the Tower Ballroom Wurlitzer and Cameron helps maintain the organ of the Opera House also in Blackpool. He has been heavily involved with the installation of a new organ in the Empress Ballroom, which Cameron officially opened on Sunday 7th December this year. He is a popular organist playing at venues the length and breadth of the country. He is very much a fan of the famous Reg Dixon and the "Blackpool Style", and this is evident in his "bright and breezy" approach to playing.
Concert venue Ryhope Community Centre, (use side red door), Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX.

REVIEW OF OUR LAST CONCERT...

On Sunday 21st of December we were entertained by our guest organist Joanne Naulls at the console. The attendance was better than we could have imagined, extra chairs being put out as more folk turned up. Her programme included many seasonal favourites in a lively "Blackpool" style.... toe tapping Christmas carols ... and what better than that. We were left in no doubt at all that Christmas was fast approaching, and this fine concert certainly set the mood for the season. Joanne entertained us with her stories about playing to people all over the country, and in the second half played in her "Santa Suit" which certainly excited one member of the committee who had made special request for it. A selection from "La Cage aux Folles" and a lively rendition of Rossini's "La Danza" interspersed the traditional theme. Audience participation carol singing concluded the afternoon, and the enthusiasm carried us well past the normal finishing time. As we departed all those lovely melodies were still ringing in our heads.

Sheila decorates the tree. Peter and David tune the organ. (20th Dec)

The audience gather in anticipation...extra chairs required!

Joanne at the console without Santa Hat.

Joanne complete with Santa Hat.

FUTURE CONCERTS...

Sunday 15th March at 2.30pm presenting Elizabeth Harrison at the console.

Elizabeth at the Roland electronic Organ

Born in Preston, Lancashire in 1974, Elizabeth has been on the the concert circuit for 20 years, entertaining folk up and down the country. She enjoys playing cinema organs and is not afraid to use the instrument to its full potential.

Sunday 17th May at 2.30pm guest organist Keith Beckingham.

Keith travels from the Cotswolds to play for us on the 17th of May. For over 50 years he has played organ and piano all over the world. He enjoys playing vintage cinema organs, and can often be heard on the ever popular BBC Radio 2 programme "The Organist Entertains"

Keith Beckingham

FROM THE ARCHIVES...

Three photos from Dave Wilson's collection taken in the former Black's Regal (Odeon) cinema in Holmeside, Sunderland. The blower providing the wind for the organ receives attention and can be seen in the first photo. The console with the distinctive music stand in the second, and the third is another view of the Odeon auditorium, with the organ up on the lift, and the dancing lady grill through which the organ sounded from the chambers behind. The elegant proscenium can be clearly seen. The photos from the 1970's are from the period when volunteers helped look after the organ and arrange celebrity concerts. The next two pictures reflect Black's Regal (Odeon) cinema during the time it was surrounded by quality shopping outlets, and when Holmeside was one of Sunderland's prestigious streets. The final image is an advert/poster for Black's Regal. Although undated the Royal Wedding reference suggests November 1934. The film featuring Schnozzle Durante in the "Great Schnozzle" would seem quite entertaining....perhaps someone may remember it? 

(late) David Robertson attends to the blower ( 1970's)

The console in the 1970's 

A splendid view from the circle with the "dancing lady" grill and organ beneath the proscenium.

Black's Regal when Holmeside had quality shopping.

Looking up Holmeside from Burdon House, with the Odeon tower on the left.

Undated.. but the Royal Wedding suggests November 1934

Members afternoons confirmed ...11th and 25th January, the 8th of February 2015 come along and play, or enjoy listening to the Compton organ.

For concert information or Society membership details please use the email address below.


posted by Neville
email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com

                    SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY.
                           Looking after the Mighty Compton 3/9 Organ.

Next Concert...

Our Christmas Concert will feature Joanne Naulls at the console on Sunday 21st December 2014 at 2.30 pm.

Joanne Naulls is travelling from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire to play for our seasonal concert. Joanne is from a musical family and started with church organ lessons at an early age. She developed an interest in electronic organs and plays for dancing and public concerts up and down the country. We look forward to a super afternoon of popular and light music, together with Christmas favourites.
See her at the Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX (use the side red door)

Joanne Naulls

Notification of our 2015 concert season...

The Society has a varied programme for 2015 and we start the new year  with Cameron John Lloyd on Sunday 22nd February. This concert is to support the work of the Community Association, which provides the home for the organ. Cameron travels from Wolverhampton to play for us, he is a popular organist for concerts and dancing all over the country.

Cameron John Lloyd will be with us on the 22nd February. 

Cameron at the Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer recently.

The concert programme for 2015 continues with..

Sunday 15th March.. Elizabeth Harrison.
Sunday 17th May.. Keith Beckingham.
Sunday 12th July.. Matthew Bason.
Sunday 6th September.. David Redfern.
Sunday 18th October.. Carl Heslop.
Sunday 13th December.. Stephen Austin.

Last concert review...

On Sunday 26th October we welcomed the ever popular Howard Beaumont to the Compton Organ console. Howard travelled from his home town of Scarborough to play for us. It is well remembered how Howard used to play and look after the organ when it resided in the Sunderland Odeon cinema, and indeed has been a former Society President. We enjoyed a truly wonderful afternoon of music and entertaining anecdotes associated with his many years giving concerts and demonstrating organs for different manufacturers. His musical delights included a fine Sousa march "King Cotton", an Irving Berlin selection, and Lionel Monckton's, lively "Arcadians Overture". There followed a George Formby medley of his saucy comic favourites, and Howard recreated to great effect the "banjolele" sounds on the organ...quite remarkable! Howard spoke about the distinctive Hammond organ sound and then played some tunes recreating the "tone-wheel" effect that was so much part of the Hammond identity. We were treated to some familiar toe tappers in the style of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, followed by a sea shanty arrangement with some very patriotic stuff. Following on a "Singing in the Rain" selection and some Viennese Waltzes in Andre Rieu style. The afternoon reached the dizzy heights with Big Band Sounds so familiar with Tommy Dorsey. Keith our compere for the afternoon said as part of his closing thanks (and after Howard again played his signature tune "The Best of Times"), it had indeed been an afternoon in the spirit of the very best of times!

Howard at the console.

Howard in pre-concert discussion with the chairman.

The audience start to gather for the concert.

From the organ archives...

This is an organ newsletter celebrating 50 years of the theatre, and of course of the organ too. The concert in celebration of this event featured Phil Kelsall, the resident organist at the famous Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer. It gives a brief history of the theatre/cinema which opened in 1932, and in addition to the organ had a fine orchestra lead by J. Arnold Eagle. Click on the image to enlarge the text.

Organ newsletter "50 golden years"

Phil at the console for the celebration concert.

The cutting of the 50th birthday cake during the celebration concert. With Rank Organisation head of entertainment Bert Bartram left, the Mayor and Mayoress and the cinema manager Brett Childs. Both Bert and Brett were extremely helpful in securing the purchase of the organ from the Rank business.

Cutting the cake with the mayor and Mayoress and cinema manager Brett Childs.

Celebrating 50 years with the console in an iced profile.

 Following the conversion of the cinema to a bingo venue later in 1982, the organ was removed to storage until a permanent home could be found. The dismantling and removal was no mean feat and it was imperative that it was well ordered so that its re-assembly would be a little bit easier.

The dismantling job...

The organ console makes its way to the cinema exit...

Society membership details available use the address below to contact us.

Members Sunday afternoons are confirmed as 9th and 23rd of November, also 14th December. Come along and listen to, or play the Compton Organ.

posted by Neville
email... ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY.

LOOKING AFTER THE MIGHTY 3/9 COMPTON ORGAN

NEXT CONCERT DETAILS...

Howard Beaumont at the console on Sunday 26th October 2014 at 2.30 pm.

Howard is a familiar and popular face on the national organ concert circuit. Born in Halifax he commenced piano tuition at the age age of 7 , later taking an interest in the organ. He has just completed his 27th season at the Scarborough Spa Complex where he played in afternoon sun court concerts and morning coffee dances. He has many recordings to his name and is regularly featured on Radio 2's "The Organist Entertains" programme. He lives in Scarborough so does not have too far to travel to play for us. A lively afternoon of music to suit all tastes is in store, and this concert is certainly not one to miss.

Howard at the Scarborough Spa Complex.

Howard Beaumont at the console (not to be missed!).

Venue... Ryhope Community Centre (use red side door on Black Road), Ryhope Village, Sunderland SR2 0RX

LAST CONCERT ...

Our concert on Sunday 7th September was a real treat. It featured David Warner at the console on his third visit to play for us, travelling from Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire. David's choice of music was quite splendid and included selections from the "shows"... Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, Merrie England, Mary Poppins were just a few in his most entertaining programme. Using all the versatility of sounds that the mighty Compton could make, he played a lovely rendition of the intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, and ever popular "sing along" tunes associated with the two World Wars. An excellent afternoon of music to suit all tastes.

David at the console.

OTHER NEWS...

The North East Theatre Organ Association who own the WurliTzer organ housed in a former chapel in Howden-le-Wear, held a public open day on holiday Monday 25th August 2014. The Association Committee kindly allowed the Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society to bring our display boards showing the life, and times of the Sunderland Compton Organ. The day was well attended and it was an opportunity to promote the work of our Society, and give publicity to future concerts. We hope from the interest shown that a few more folk will come alone to the concerts at Ryhope Community Centre. During the day, John Heslop NETOA chairman gave a number of "behind the scenes" tours, and a rare chance to get close to the instrument, and see how it all works. John also explained how it was operated from the impressive console, bringing into play all the effects, the percussion instruments, and the vast array of sounds. For 38 years the WurliTzer console rose from the depths of the orchestra pit in the New Victoria Theatre in Bradford where it entertained patrons with musical interludes.Since the organ was first played in its present home in 1986 many thousands of visitors have come along to marvel at the sights and sounds of this splendid instrument. We also learned how it was used to accompany silent movies, and we enjoyed some vintage films including an ever popular "Buster Keaton". Bob Chilton also entertained us on this splendid instrument several times during the day, and certainly put the organ through its paces.
We thank NETOA for their generous hospitality to our Society on the open day, and would warmly commend their concert programme to you.
Details www.netoa.org

Three manual, 19 rank WurliTzer organ.

John explains the "workings" of the console.

Bob Chilton entertains us at the WurliTzer. 

The representatives of the Ryhope Compton Organ group, and the display boards.

National Heritage Open Weekend...

The society will have the organ available to view, listen to, and give give behind scenes tours of the chambers on Sunday 14th September between 11 am and 4 pm.
Come and hear how it all combines to bring out the magnificent sound of the mighty Compton organ.

MEMBERS SUNDAYS...

Come along hear, and indeed play the mighty Compton organ or just to have a chat about it over a cup of tea.

Sunday

Confirmed dates
Sundays 14th and 28th September, also 12th October
from 1.30 pm until about 4 pm.
Please note that Sunday 14th September is Heritage Open Day and the "Organ" features in the national programme of activities (11 am until 4 pm).

FROM THE ORGAN ARCHIVES

Howard Beaumont plays for us at the next concert in October. In this archive picture from the late 1970's a young Howard plays the mighty Compton in the Odeon cinema.

Howard at the console.

Reg Dixon played the Compton in the Odeon cinema on two occasions, 1975 and 1977. The photographs below show the warmth and smiling face of Reg in 1975, and through the flower arrangement at the console.

Reg, a warm and friendly personality.

Reg at the console in 1975.

Last Concert of 2014... 

The Christmas Concert and the last of 2014 is to be held on Sunday 21st of December at 2.30pm, and will feature Joanne Naulls at the console. Joanne travels from Gainsborough in Lincolnshire to play for us. From a musical family, At an early age Joanne had church organ lessons, developing an interest in electronic organs she was soon playing for dances. After leaving school at 17, Joanne turned full time professional playing for dances, and public concerts up and down the country.

The Christmas concert with Joanne Naulls 

First Concert of 2015...

The opening concert of the 2015 season will feature the ever popular Cameron John Lloyd on Sunday 22nd February at 2.30pm. This is a special concert, and admission is by donation. All ticket money going to support the Ryhope Community Association who provide the home for the mighty Compton organ.



If you are interested in membership of the Society, and would like to help out at concerts, with the raffle, refreshments, ticket sales or indeed organ maintenance please get in touch at the email address below.

The Society would like to express our grateful thanks to Audrey and the team at Voluntary and Community Action, Sunderland (VCAS) for help with publicity and applications to help fund the repairs and renewals associated with the Organ.

Our appreciation also goes to Olive Thompson who prepares the Sunderland Echo "Down Your Way"section for Ryhope, and to Beverley Glover for the mention in the what's on listings.

posted by Neville
email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY

The next concert at Ryhope Community Centre features

David Warner

at the console on Sunday 7th September at 2.30pm.

David was born in Bedfordshire in 1960 and started playing the piano at the age of nine. he became interested in the theatre organ after a family holiday to Blackpool which included a visit to hear the famous Tower Ballroom "Wulitzer". David is heavily involved with the Cinema Organ Society and is a popular organist on the circuit, playing concerts the length and breadth of the country from his present home base of Milton Keynes.

David Warner

Hear David play at Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope Village, Sunderland SR2 0RX.

Organ News...

Sunday 6th July with Dr. Kevin Morgan.

Our July concert featured Dr. Kevin Morgan at the console who performed a wonderful selection of music, including among many pieces, traditional favourites, popular "Disney" tunes, a tribute to Vienna, and a familiar Spanish selection, including a rousing finale with "Spanish Gypsy Dance".
Musical entertainment on the "Compton Organ" really doesn't get any better than this. Thanks to Kevin for a splendid, and most memorable musical afternoon.

Kevin...always a pleasure to listen to.

Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society in attendance at N.E.T.O.A. Howden-le-Wear open day. 

Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 2014.

The Society is to attend the grand open day at the North East Theatre Organ Association's, New Victoria Centre in  Howden-le-Wear (Crook), Co Durham DL15 8EZ on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 2014 from 10 am until 5 pm. It is of course the home of their magnificent Wurlitzer pipe organ, which will be played throughout the day. We will be taking along our Compton "organ history" display boards, and it will be an opportunity to talk to their visitors about another organ not so very far away. For 38 years the Wurlitzer entertained the patrons at the New Victoria Theatre in the city of Bradford. The organ was first played in its present venue in 1986 and has entertained many thousands of visitors. This open day provides a marvelous opportunity to see and hear this very special musical instrument. Admission is FREE and all are welcome!

details http://www.netoa.org.uk.

facebook  North East Theatre Organ association.

National Heritage Open Weekend in September.  

The Society will make the Mighty Compton Organ available for viewing, listening, and behind the scenes tours as part of the countrywide heritage weekend. The Ryhope Community Association hall which houses the organ, will be open from 11 am until 4 pm on Sunday 14th September 2014, and will feature in the North East brochure of heritage attractions to visit.

October Concert.

The October concert will feature Howard Beaumont at the console on Sunday 26th October 2014 at 2.30 pm. Howard has played the organ in its original Odeon Cinema setting and several times at Ryhope Community Association hall. This year marks his 27th season at the Scarborough Spa complex where he plays in the sun court on selected days each week, from July to September. We look forward to his return visit to Ryhope and his own unique style of organ playing, a concert not to be missed.

Howard in the Spa Sun court.

Introducing the President of the Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society.

The president of the Society is Joe Marsh who is a well known organist on the circuit and an expert on pipe organ construction and maintenance. Joe was taught piano from an early age and this followed with an interest in the church organ. At the same time he was gaining much experience in the technical aspects of organ building and tonal design when he and his father returned the Compton pipe organ in the Odeon/Black's Regal Cinema in Byker to prime condition. He was resident organist at this venue from 1963 until 1969. Joe appeared regularly at the Odeon/Paramount and Essoldo in Newcastle upon Tyne and the Odeon Gateshead from the late 60's until the mid 70's. He has given concerts all over the British Isles and at a number of venues in the USA. With recordings to his credit and many broadcasts on Radio 2's "Organist Entertains" Joe even finds time to compose as well. Now retired from his profession as a Chartered Accountant, he can devote more time to the various aspects of his musical interest. 

The "Society" at Sunderland Heritage and History Fair

To promote the concerts and work of the Organ Society, we attended the Sunderland Heritage and History Fair on Saturday 7th June. The event was very successful with 1100 visitors through the doors, and many stopped to look at our display featuring the Sunderland Compton Organ History, accompanied by recorded organ music. It is hoped that the interest generated will encourage more folk to come along on concert days.

Committee members with the organ display.

The organ history display and the superb model of the Compton.

John Compton lived here!
The (London) Ealing Civic Society placed a plaque remembering John Compton organ builder 1876 to 1957, living in this property from 1930 until his death in 1957.

Keeping the organ in tune!

The organ is now 82 years old and needs a lot of attention to keep it playable. Fortunately there are a few members who have to knowledge and experience to maintain and repair the organ. Some of the bigger jobs sometimes need professional help, and of course that does not come cheap! It is a complex arrangement between playing a key on the console and the pipe sounding in the chambers. Electrical and mechanical links between the key boards and the valves which open to let the air up the pipes degrade over time, and the reliability of the organ is affected. The picture below shows Peter making adjustments (tweaking) on the effects part of the organ including mechanically operated percussion instruments. The pipes are voiced in an orchestral way and the ensemble creates a "one man orchestra" able to provide a unique variety of sounds.

Members afternoons.

The second and fourth Sundays in the month are members afternoons when there is the opportunity to listen to or play the Mighty Compton Organ. It is a pleasant occasion, and a chance to chat about the instrument over a cup of tea. The Society has some fine players among its members, some of which play the church organ or have entertained in workman's clubs.

David entertains on a Sunday afternoon.

Peter puts the organ through its paces.

From the organ archives...

The famous Blackpool Tower organist of some 40 years was Reg. Dixon MBE who played  the Sunderland Odeon Compton for concerts in 1975 and 1977. The photo below shows him giving a TV interview as part of his farewell tour of the country when he played notable organs such was his great popularity.

Reg. Dixon at the console.

Many will fondly remember the Radio Newcastle presenter the late Frank Wappatt who interviewed Reg Dixon for his radio show in 1977. Frank had a varied musical taste reflected in his popular radio programmes, and had a keen interest in Theatre/Cinema organs.

Frank and his warm interviewing style.

Of course Reg was most well remembered for his 40 year residency at the famous Blackpool Tower ballroom Wurlitzer (1930-1970) and the picture below reminds us of that splendid era.

The Odeon and former home of the organ was a splendid example of a cinema in the "Art Deco" style. The grand foyer as you walked in from Holmeside was quite imposing, with a feel of visiting somewhere special. Mirrored walls gave the illusion of spaciousness, and it is fair to say "they don't build them like that anymore".

Art-Deco at its best.

This photo was taken at the time of imminent closure of the building as a cinema, and before the conversion by the "Top Rank Organisation" to bingo. It boasted three screens and three choices of entertainment but sadly "cinema going" was in serious decline in the early eighties.

A prominent feature in the cultural life of Sunderland.

The Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society saved the organ from what would have inevitably  been the scrap heap. This photo shows the organ console making its escape through a cinema side door. It was maneuvered on a large trolley to this platform before the difficult task of loading to a lorry.

Organ departure through a side door.

This photo shows the team associated with saving, and removing the Compton Organ from the cinema in 1982. It was a tremendous task, the console was literally just the tip of the iceberg, the unseen components in the chambers, of ranks of pipes, effects, wind system and all the electrical work had to be carefully recorded so it could all go back together again.

The Mighty Compton saved from scrap.

The organ removal team in 1982 including Edwin Robinson, Eddie Snowdon, Albert Humphries, Alfie Palfreyman, Hugh Cornforth, David Robertson, David Wilson and John Dean. What an amazing job they did!


Come along and listen to, or play the organ, second and fourth Sunday afternoons in the month from 1.30 until about 4pm. Confirmed dates... 13th and 27th July and 10th August 2014.

Concert details for venues throughout the country can be found on http://www.organrecitals.com 

posted by Neville

email  ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com