SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY. RYHOPE COMMUNITY CENTRE IN SUNDERLAND (SR2 0RX)
December 2015.

CARING FOR THE Ex. BLACK'S REGAL/ODEON COMPTON (3/9).

The Society extends to you every good wish for Christmas and the New Year.

Next concert details...

Sunday 21st February 2016 with Christian Cartwright.  

Christian had an interest in electronic organs from a very early age. He was stimulated by a visit to the famous Blackpool Tower to hear the mighty Wurlitzer organ there. This in turn encouraged his enthusiasm for theatre organs. He developed a strong and individual playing style, and is a popular console performer up and down the country, and has played in the USA too. Not only is he an accomplished player but has a keen interest in the intricate side of organ restoration. Together with his brother, he is presently restoring and renovating a "Christie" cinema organ. An exciting programme of music is in store for us on the 21st of February which I'm sure will satisfy all tastes. Doors open at 2pm with a prompt start at 2.30pm.
Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX (use the side red door)

Christian on a previous visit to Ryhope.

Christian at another Compton.

Review of the Christmas concert...

 On Sunday 13th of December, we welcomed Stephen Austin for a return visit to play the Ryhope Compton. He travelled from his home in Blackpool today, and a more circuitous route was taken to get here. This was due to heavy snow the previous day that had affected the most direct route over the Pennines. His programme included old favourites and seasonal treats. He started with Haydon Wood's popular "Horse guards" and Whitehall", there followed a selection from the film/musical "Wicked", then several tunes associated with Burt Bacharach. He then put us in a Latin mood with a number of tunes including "Besame mucho". A pleasant piece brought us to the interval, and this was Russ Conway's "Snow coach". The second half included the "Dance of the Icicles", some Rumba tunes, music from the ever popular film "Polar Express", and a Rodgers and Hart selection. He couldn't leave us without a few Christmas songs and carols to round off an afternoon of musical delight.

Stephen Austin.

Stephen at the console.

Stephen presents Bob with raffle prizes (a double winner!)

The programme for 2016...

Sunday 17th April... Paul Roberts (concert kindly supported by the Theatre Organ Club).
Sunday 19th June... Andrew Nix.
Sunday 21st August... Joe Marsh.
Sunday 18th September...Bob Chilton (Proceeds to Macmillan cancer).
Sunday 16th October... Cameron Lloyd.
Sunday 11th December...Chris Powell.
All concerts start promptly at 2.30pm (Doors open 2pm)

Looking ahead...

Paul Roberts performs at Ryhope in April 2016.

On Sunday 17th April 2016 we welcome Paul Roberts to the console who travels from Somerset to play for us. This concert is most generously supported by the "Theatre Organ Club" and for which the Society is most grateful. Paul was born in Warrington in 1960 and during his formative years studied piano, classical organ and clarinet to a high standard. For over 30 years Paul has been prominent on the UK concert circuit and has played many times in Europe. He has embarked on  35 tours of the USA and Canada. Paul has made many recordings and has been featured on Radio and TV. We look forward to an afternoon of musical treats given by an extremely talented organist.

A dip into the Society archives...

Over the years, the Society has welcomed many top organists to play the ex Black's Regal/Odeon Compton. Below we have John Barnett with former chairman Ian Parsons and another features Ian with Simon Gledhill. 

John Barnett at the organ in 2013.

Simon Gledhill with Ian P.

The most entertaining organist John Mann from Worthing played the Compton for the first time on Sunday 30th April 2000. He has made a number of return visits and is a most lively performer. As he is keen to point out his popularity is in part due to his success playing for services in Worthing Crematorium!

Poster for the John Mann concert in 2000.

 This poster below is dated 9th December 1998 is a pleasant reminder of the extremely talented local organist the late Peter Lish. He was a strong supporter of the Society and played the Compton organ in concert a number of times. Sadly Peter died quite a few years ago while just in his mid-forties. Many of our members and readers will have happy memories of his playing both here and at the James Finnigan Hall at Eston. He was popular on the  national concert circuit and was a great friend of the late Ernest Broadbent and Ronald Curtis. The poster for this Christmas concert also features a local and delightful singer Joyce Shaw.

A Christmas concert with Peter Lish and Joyce Shaw in 1998.

The popular Peter Lish, photo taken about 1980.

Peter is warmly remembered, and indeed David Redfern commented that one of his final concerts was at Burton Town Hall. The picture below shows Peter with Doreen Chadwick at the Clydebank WurliTzer courtesy of Ian Macnaught.

Doreen and Peter.

The picture below (with kind permission of Chris Bennett) shows Peter at console of the ex Gaumont Cinema Compton (Doncaster) which was installed in the "Three J's", Gomersal, West Yorkshire.

Peter at the "Three J's" 

Ian Rossington has provided this newspaper piece about Peter featured in the Hull Daily Mail in 1983 and posted on "Facebook" by Chris Bennett....thanks. The article mentions Peter performing the opening concert of the 1983-84 season of the Hull Theatre Organ Preservation Society at the Hull " Cecil Cinema". Some pleasant remarks have been shared about Peter and it is good that these memories are kept alive.

posted by Neville.

see our "Facebook" page just type in Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society.
National concert information/archive photographs can be found in another interesting site on "Facebook" ...type in British Cinema Organs
Society information can also be found on the web site organfax.co.uk

e.mail address for organ/concert details etc ... ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY BASED AT RYHOPE COMMUNITY CENTRE, SUNDERLAND. SR2 0RX
LOOKING AFTER THE EX REGAL/ODEON COMPTON (3/9) ORGAN.
OCTOBER 2015.

Next concert details...

Our Christmas concert features Stephen Austin at the console on Sunday 13th December 2015 at 2.30pm. Stephen makes a most welcome return visit to Ryhope Community Centre and we look forward to a programme of seasonal "treats" in his ever popular style. Stephen travels from the resort of Blackpool to play for us today. Born in 1952 he studied piano and organ from an early age. On leaving school, he found work with several organ companies as a demonstrator and then set up a photographic and organ business in Blackpool in 1974. He is a popular organist on the national organ circuit, playing for concerts up and down the country. We are sure he will bring the 2015 concert season to a splendid finale.

Stephen Austin.

Review of our last concert...

On Sunday 18th October we warmly welcomed Society member Carl Heslop who travelled from Melton Mowbray to play for us. It was coincidentally Carl's 23rd birthday so we just had to sing to him the usual refrain. Carl mentioned too that it was 10 years ago since he first "had a go" on the Compton here at Ryhope. Moving on to the afternoon's entertainment, we had something quite different. Carl began by accompanying a Buster Keaton silent film called "Go West". The music was lively, exciting and dramatic to suit this hilarious old classic. Carl is familiar with this genre, playing for a number of years at the "Star and Shadow" cinema in Shieldfield (Newcastle). In the second half he played various selections including Cinema Organists signature tunes which featured among others those of Sydney Torch, Robinson Cleaver and Reg Dixon. The "Trumpet Tune" brought in a classical theme, and then some novelty pieces including "Dance of the three old maids", "Poor butterfly" and "Time on my hands". Carl accompanied another crazy silent film featuring the ever popular Charlie Chaplin in "The Fireman". A splendid afternoon's entertainment with a difference, and a pleasure to see Carl again.

The audience gather for Carl's concert & the Buster Keaton film ready!

Carl Heslop.

Carl at the console.

The concert programme for 2016...

Sunday 21st February with Christian Cartwright.
Sunday 17th April with Paul Roberts.
(above concert kindly supported by "The Theatre Organ Club")
Sunday 19th June with Andrew Nix.
Sunday 21st August with Joe Marsh.
Sunday 18th September with Bob Chilton (proceeds to Macmillan cancer)
Sunday 16th October with Cameron Lloyd.
Sunday 11th December with Chris Powell.

All concerts start at 2.30pm and finish at about 5.

Sunday 21st of February 2016...

The first concert of the 2016 season features Christian Cartwright at the Compton. At the age of 3 years, Christian took an interest in the keyboard and a visit to Blackpool Tower to hear the organ got him "hooked". He progressed to electronic organ and developed a strong and individual playing style. Not only does he play concerts throughout the length of this country but has played in several well-known venues on some of the finest instruments in America as well. Christian is a Batchelor of Science having graduated from Staffordshire University. Not only is he an accomplished player but is interested in the intricate side of organ restoration. Together with his brother he is presently renovating a "Christie" organ. He will play for us a wide selection of music to suit all tastes and ages and involving his many styles of interpretation. This will mark a most excellent start to the 2016 programme, and we look forward to his visit.

Chris Cartwright at a splendid Compton (not ours!).

Member's Sunday afternoons... 

Come along and play, or just listen to the organ, with dates confirmed as Sunday 25th October, 8th and 22nd November from 1.30pm until about 4pm.

From the archives...

A selection of photographs of organists who have come to play for us at Ryhope.

Byron Jones with former Society chairman Ian Parsons.

Peter Jebson with the organ and  former chairman Ian P.

Behind the scenes... the Compton organ requires so much volunteer attention.

Running repairs ..soldering tab connections.

Back of the console and its complicated wiring.

posted by Neville...
If you would like to help at concerts with the raffle, "meet & greet" etc please get in touch and
contact us at ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
Use the above address regarding Society membership or speak to one of the volunteers at a concert.
see our "Facebook" page type in "Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society"
also http://www.organfax.co.uk

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY
RYHOPE COMMUNITY CENTRE, BLACK ROAD, RYHOPE, SUNDERLAND SR2 0RX.

Next Concert details...

We welcome Carl Heslop to the console of the Compton Organ on Sunday 18th October 2015 at 2.30pm. Carl comes from the North East of England, has strong local connections and is a member of this Society. He took an interest in the Cinema Organ from the age of 12, following on from classical organ and piano. His work is also connected with organs, and he is a voicer/tuner with Peter Collins organ builders. He is a popular and well-known organist on the concert circuit. A lively and entertaining selection of music is in store.

Carl Heslop

Carl at the Compton of the Hammersmith Apollo.

Last concert review...

On Sunday the 6th of September 2015 we were entertained by David Redfern  at the Mighty Compton. David travelled from his home in Belper, Derbyshire to play for us today in his exciting and lively style. David mentioned that he had a similar instrument to our Compton in his home, but without the tremendous acoustics of the Community Centre hall. His programme started with the RAF March Past, there followed a "Top Hat" selection, "Over the Rainbow", and a novelty piece "Neopolitan Serenade". We enjoyed quite a number of weather related tunes including, "Bring me Sunshine", "April Showers", "Singing in the Rain" and a few more. We visited the USA with a medley including, "Georgia on my mind" and "Pasadena". David had a chat to some of the audience during the Interval, and then the second half commenced with the "Carousel Waltz", a "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" selection, some poular tunes including "I dreamed a dream" followed by  about 20 minutes of hit tunes from the 1970's. Everyone agreed it had been a super afternoon with music to suit all tastes.

Audience start to gather for David Redfern's concert.

David with beaming smile at the console.

David at the Ryhope Compton.

Future concerts...

Our Christmas Concert to be held on Sunday 13th December 2015 at 2.30 features a return visit of the ever-popular Stephen Austin at the console. Stephen travels from his home in Blackpool to play for us. Born in Taplow (Buckinghamshire) in 1952  he studied piano and organ from an early age and on leaving school was offered a position with Hammond Organs (UK). Following on from that appointment he became a demonstrator for the prestigious London Cavendish Organ Centre. In 1974 he moved to Blackpool to open a photographic and organ retail outlet. Stephen is a most popular organist on the countrywide circuit and we look forward to a lively and seasonal concert bringing our 2015 season to its close.

Stephen Austin.

Stephen on a visit to Ryhope in 2013.

Heritage Open Weekend...

As part of the National Heritage Open Weekend the Compton Organ will be on display, and played. Society committee members will be on hand to answer questions about the organ and its fascinating history. There will be an opportunity to view the organ chambers, the ranks of pipes, the generation of the air supply to the system, and the special effects. Sunday 13th September 2015 from 11am until 4pm.

Members Afternoons...

Confirmed dates... 13th September (Heritage Open Sunday 11-4), Sundays 27th September, also 11th and 25th October (1.30-4). Come along and listen to, or play the Compton organ. Use the  email address to contact us for details.

David plays the Compton at a recent member's afternoon.

Picture memories from the Society archives...

David Redfern at the organ in 2010.

Andrew Nix with the former chairman Ian Parsons.

The popular (late) Carlo Curly at the Compton.

Surround removed, showing the tabs and contacts during maintenance.

posted by Neville Whaler
If you would like to help with the concerts please get in touch with us using the email address.
See and share our "Facebook" page, just type in "Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society".
write to us for concert details and Society information at...ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
organ programme/history can be found on .. organfax.co.uk

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY.
CARING FOR THE Ex BLACK'S REGAL/ODEON COMPTON (3/9) ORGAN.

Next Concert details...
David Redfern on Sunday 6th September 2015 at 2.30 pm.

David travels from his home town of Belper in Derbyshire to play for us today. At 7 years of age he had an interest in the piano and at 8 years the electronic organ. At 13 the theatre organ beckoned and he became a most accomplished player. He has broadcast many times on radio, and this is a most welcome return visit to Ryhope for him.

David Redfern on the 6th September.

David Redfern.

David with former Society chairman Ian Parsons, March 2010 concert.

National Heritage Open Weekend...

As part of the national programme of events supporting British Heritage, the Compton organ will be on display, as well as being played on Sunday 13th September 2015 from 11am until 4pm. Come along and seek how it works, view the organ chambers with its ranks of pipes and special effects.

Review of our last concert...

On Sunday 12th July we had the pleasure of Matthew Bason to entertain us at the Compton organ. He travelled from Northamptonshire with his family to play for us in his most entertaining style. The programme started with the lively "Repasz" march, followed by a Spanish medley including "Tico-Tico" and a tribute to Winifred Atwell. Robert Farnon pieces featured towards the end of the first half including "Seashore" and "Westminster waltz" and to conclude the exciting "Circus Renz". In the second half we enjoyed a 1920's selection, Shubert's "March militaire", and a stirring operatic piece "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves". Another selection included "Come fly with me", "Volare", "Wonderful world", "Radestsky march" and "Fly me to the moon". The final medley featured tunes from the United kingdom..."Banks of Loch Lomond", "Blue Bell polka", "Cockles and Mussels", "White cliffs of Dover", "Lambeth Walk" and "Beside the seaside" were a few from the finale of this superb concert. We look forward to a return visit from Matthew, hopefully in the not to distant future.

Matthew at the Ryhope Compton 12th July.

Matthew tackles the Compton.

Matthew Bason.

Future concerts... 

Carl Heslop on Sunday 18th October 2015 at 2.30 pm.

Originally from the North East of England and a member of this Society Carl travels from Melton Mowbray to play for us. He took an interest in the cinema organ from the age of 12 having played classical organ and piano for several years before. He became interested in organ restoration and was organist at the "Star and Shadow" cinema in Newcastle upon Tyne. He is a voicer/tuner with Peter Collins organ builders and it was this work that took him away from his north east homeland. He is well known on the concert circuit, and we look forward to a varied and entertaining programme.

Christmas Concert with Stephen Austin on Sunday 13th December 2015 at 2.30 pm.

For our Christmas concert we welcome Stephen Austin who travels from Blackpool to play for us. Born 1952 in Taplow, Buckinghamshire he spent the next 21 years living in and around the home counties. He studied piano and organ, and on leaving Shenfield High School was offered a position at Hammond Organ (UK). Following that appointment he was a demonstrator at the prestigious London Cavendish Organ Centre. In 1974 he moved to Blackpool to open a camera and organ retail outlet, and formed the Blackpool keyboard club. His hobbies include cooking, travel and model railways. He is a most popular organist on the playing circuit and we are sure that the concert will be a fitting and exciting close to the 2015 season.

Stephen Austin with us in December.

Stephen Austin.

Stephen Austin at a previous Ryhope concert.

Member Sunday afternoons...

Due to Sunderland Airshow the is no meeting on 26th July. The confirmed member's afternoons at Ryhope Community Centre are 9th and 23rd August (1.30-3.30).

David has an organ warm up on a member's Sunday afternoon.

David and Hugh do a few running repairs in among the pipes.

From the archives...

The "larger than life" late Carlo Curley made a special visit to Ryhope to play the Compton Organ... he sadly passed away on 11th August 2012 aged just 59.

Carlo at the Compton.

David Ivory alongside former Society chairman Ian Parsons (left).

Len Rawle played for us in 2009.

Richard Hills at the Compton.

If you are able to help run the concerts,  prepare the concert room, help with the raffle, tickets and sales etc. please contact us using the blog address.

posted by Neville
email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
see our details on "Facebook"
also http://www.organfax.co.uk