Thursday 3 November 2016

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY
RYHOPE COMMUNITY CENTRE
BLACK ROAD
RYHOPE
SUNDERLAND

SR2 0RX 

February 2017

The Society cares for the ex Black's Regal/Odeon John Compton (3/9) theatre organ.



Next concert details...

Sunday 23rd April 2017...Kevin Grunill

Kevin Grunill has built up a fine reputation for playing both keyboard and pipe instruments. He was born in Barnsley in 1972 and became interested things of a musical nature at a very early age. By the age of 12 years, he had decided that the electronic organ was his chosen instrument and developed his playing style and technique. At 16 years he took an interest in the theatre pipe organ from both a playing and constructional point of view. Attending Leeds University he gained a BA (Hons) in music in 1994. He started playing concerts countrywide, and in 1997 was resident organist in the sun lounge on Blackpool's North Pier. He played there for successive seasons until 2005 and was also engaged to play the famous Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer during this time.  Kevin has a great interest in musical theatre and has been MD and producer supporting a number of theatrical productions. He is a talented organ repairer and restorer, with a number of major organ restoration projects to his name. He has undertaken significant repair work to our John Compton organ here at Ryhope, ensuring it performs well for our concerts. Kevin travels from his home in Barnsley today to play for us. He makes a most welcome return to the Ryhope Compton and we look forward to an afternoon of musical delights.


Kevin at the Tower WurliTzer

Kevin Grunill


Review of our recent concerts...

Sunday 19th February 2017...David Lobban


David has just completed his 21st season at the Blackpool Tower ballroom organ, and enters his 40th year as a professional musician. As a chorister in the Jesus College Choir Cambridge he became interested in the majesty of the classical organ. Following on he naturally took an interest in the wonderful sounds of the cinema organ, and a family move to  Weston-Super-Mare enabled him to spend many happy hours associated with the Odeon Compton there. He was encouraged to both play and to study organ building/repair and maintenance. In 1977 David emigrated to Canada in connection with an organ installation in a restaurant called "Toronto Organ Grinder" where he both played and undertook organ tuning,  maintenance and repair. Concert performances took him all over the world and he returned to this country to become part of the Blackpool Tower team of organists involved with the WurliTzer.

He began his programme with a selection of music in the Reg Dixon style including "Teddy Bears' Picnic". Other pieces in the first half included "Blue Moon", "Butterflies in the Rain",  "Daintiness", and a Latin fiesta including "Brazil" and "Yellow bird". In the second half , we enjoyed a "South Pacific" compilation, other tunes included "Ain't misbehaving", "Pennies from Heaven", "Good ol' summertime", and an Irving Berlin selection. The time passed so quickly and we all agreed it had been a splendid afternoon of delightful music. We look forward to David's return next year.

David at Ryhope on the 19th February (NW)


David Lobban 


Christmas Concert Sunday 11th December 2016.

Chris Powell made a welcome return to the Compton console at Ryhope Community Centre. Chris was born in Manchester, 1971 and by 1977 was receiving piano and organ lessons and was also a keen chorister. By the age of 16 years he was playing for concerts and dances in West Yorkshire and Lancashire. He soon became part of the Blackpool Tower team of organists, associated with the WurliTzer organ in the ballroom. Chris is also a demonstrator for a number of organ companies including Farfisa and Roland. He began his concert with a rousing "Dambusters March" a "My Fair Lady"  and an "Abba"selection followed. We were treated to an exciting "Toccata" by Vidor, and there followed tunes associated with the Blackpool theme and style. The second half consisted of a number of delightful seasonal pieces, a "Latin" selection and songs from the shows. Chris concluded with a sing-along compilation of carols and Christmas tunes and finished with the famous "Radesky" March. The concert was well attended and proved an exciting end to the 2016 programme.


Chris at the console in his vibrant red suit. (NW)

Concert with Cameron Lloyd on Sunday 16th October 2016.

The Society was pleased to welcome back to the console the ever popular Cameron Lloyd to play for us on Sunday 16th October 2016. Cameron travelled from his home in the Midlands, and gave us an afternoon of musical excitement. He began his concert with some memories of the late Steve Tovey (former Wolverhampton Civic Organist) including a piece written by Steve the "Pipegate March". A Reg. Dixon tribute followed with so many of his popular tunes in the "Blackpool style". There was a selection of music that featured girls names in the titles,  followed by toe-tapping music for the ballroom. He finished the first half with an impressive 12th Street Rag. The second half  featured a march selection including "Blaze Away" and "Stein Song" and tunes associated with TV,  radio and cinema. To finish, we had a good old Blackpool sing along, the audience demanded two encores, and gave Cameron a standing ovation. All  were in agreement that it was a fantastic afternoon's entertainment, with music to suit everyone.


Cameron...always smiling (NW)

Future concerts and programme for 2017...


Sunday 18th June... Peter Jebson

Peter Jebson at the Royalty WurliTzer Bowness ( Royalty Cinema)

Sunday 20th August... Lewis Scott


Lewis Scott ATOS winner (KG)

Sunday 15th October... Damon Willetts


Damon Willetts at Bilston (Theatre Organ Club)

Sunday 10th December... Elizabeth Harrison


Elizabeth Harrison at the Ryhope Compton (NW)


Members afternoons...

Second and forth Sunday afternoons of the month from 1.30-3.30pm, listen to the organ or indeed "have a go"... cup of tea and biscuits available! (No members afternoons in December 2016 resume in January 2017)


Member Paul plays the Compton on a recent member's Sunday afternoon (NW)
From the archives...

The former home of the Compton Organ in the Black's Regal/Odeon, Sunderland.


The "dancing lady" grille and the organ to the right (SAS)

Another auditorium view (SAS)

Foyer staff (date unknown)  (SAS)

The impressive frontage of the Odeon Cinema (SAS)

The John Compton (3/9) organ was installed new to the Black's Regal Cinema in Holmside (Sunderland) on Easter Monday 28 March 1932. It is the only example of John Compton's work in Sunderland and the surrounding area. When installed the console was in the centre of the orchestra pit standing on the floor. The lift was added at a later date, probably when the orchestra was dispensed with. The organ chambers were to the left of the proscenium arch and it sounded through a mixing chamber and then shutters which faced the circle. The sound entered the auditorium through a grille known as the "dancing lady"... the design of which was built up from plaster. In 1975 a Society was formed to look after the Organ and arrange concerts featuring well-known organists. These included Reg. Dixon, Ron Curtis, and Doreen Chadwick to name a few. The Rank Organisation also presented some shows themselves including Jess Yates, and Douglas Reeve. The final concert took place on the 28th March 1982 and was given by Phil Kelsall of Blackpool Tower ballroom fame.  The cinema subsequently went over to Bingo and the organ had to be dismantled and removed.


posted by Neville
email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
concert details/membership use the above email address.
see our Facebook page, and organfax.co.uk for more concert information.
All concerts start at 2.30pm and please use the red door entrance on Black Road.

Tuesday 23 August 2016

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY
BASED IN RYHOPE COMMUNITY CENTRE
RYHOPE
SUNDERLAND
TYNE & WEAR
SR2 0RX

LOOKING AFTER THE Ex BLACK'S REGAL/ODEON JOHN COMPTON (3/9) THEATRE ORGAN.


SEPTEMBER 2016.


NEXT CONCERT...

CAMERON LLOYD ON SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER 2016 AT 2.30pm TICKETS AT THE DOOR.

Cameron was born in 1980 and became interested in music and the organ at age 11. In common with so many organists, a visit to the famous Blackpool Tower at the age of 12, Cameron became hooked on the Mighty WurliTzer sound. He was guided by the Wolverhampton City Organist to establish his own distinctive style and sound. He plays for concerts and ballroom/sequence dancing all over the UK and he has a very busy diary. In 1999 he fulfilled his ambition to play the organ in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and has returned several times to continue the marvellous experience. He has been a part of the team that returned a WurliTzer organ to the Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens at Blackpool. Cameron travels from the Midlands to play for us, and makes a very welcome return to the Ryhope venue.


Always smiling Cameron LLoyd
Cameron at the Blackpool Opera House WurliTzer 2016  (DC)
Cameron at "home" on the Tower WurliTzer.

CHRIS POWELL ON SUNDAY 11th DECEMBER 2016.

Chris was born in 1971 in Manchester and by 1977 he was receiving piano and organ lessons and was a keen chorister. By the age of 16 years he was playing for concerts and dances in West Yorkshire and Lancashire. He became part of the Blackpool Tower team of organists, and is a demonstrator for a number of organ companies including Farfisa and Roland. He has 12 musical albums to his credit, and has broadcast on radio and TV. Chris makes a welcome return to Ryhope and travels from Derbyshire to play for us. An afternoon of Christmas musical delights is in store.

Chris Powell  (COS)

Chris and another WurliTzer  (COS)

DAVID LOBBAN ON SUNDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2017.

David has completed his 21st season at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool and his 39th year as a professional musician. As a chorister in the Jesus College Choir, Cambridge he became interested in the majestic sound of the classical organ, and a similar passion followed for the theatre organ. When the family were living in Weston-super-Mare he visited the Odeon cinema to hear their Mighty Compton organ. A move to Gorleston (Gt. Yarmouth) saw him involved with the Compton/Christie installation in the Palace Bingo Hall. His interest in playing and organ building was encouraged, and he became apprenticed to Hill, Norman, and Beard organ builders. In 1977 he emigrated to Canada to become organist and organ technician for the "Toronto Organ Grinder" a large restaurant complete with a theatre organ providing the entertainment. After a number of years, he returned to the UK setting up home in Blackpool and playing the mighty Tower Ballroom WurliTzer as part of the Tower team of organists. He gives concerts all over the country and we are assured of an afternoon of musical treats from this popular and accomplished organist.

David Lobban at the Blackpool Opera House WurliTzer (Declan Poole)

David at the console of the Tower WurliTzer  Organ

REVIEW OF RECENT CONCERTS...

On Sunday 21st August we welcomed "Society" president Joe Marsh to the console of the Ryhope Compton.  He played a most entertaining programme of music to suit all tastes. Joe played in several cinemas on Tyneside during the 1960's and 70's and is a popular organist on the national concert circuit.


Society president Joe Marsh at the Ryhope Compton (NW)

Bob Chilton from Houghton-le-Spring entertained us on Sunday 18th September with a splendid concert in aid of MACMILLAN cancer support. Bob is musical director and arranger for the locally well known Shiney Row Male Voice Choir and many of the choir members were in attendance. He played a selection of show tunes, rousing marches, and romantic ballads. Such was the variety of his programme which also included pieces from "Kismet", "Les Miserables", the "Merry Widow", "Cats" and a few classical tunes including Saint-saens "the Swan". The performance was interspersed with his humorous anecdotes and at one point he attempted to wind up the organ! His lively finale was a rip roaring "Dam-Busters" march... a magnificent conclusion to a splendid concert, with all the proceeds going to this most worthwhile cause.


Bob Chilton at the Compton (NW)


FROM THE ARCHIVES...

A few organ related memories...


Ticket for the Len Rawle concert at Ryhope in 2003

Reg Dixon farewell concert at the City Hall 1978..ticket 50 pence!

Our Christmas concert organist Chris Powell at Ryhope in 2010.

The former home of the Compton...the Odeon cinema in Holmeside (SAS)

Jess Yates at the Compton  shortly before the  Odeon went over to bingo. (NW)

"Good Luck" from  Jess.. a good organist with a colourful reputation (NW)


posted by Neville
concert/membership information email... ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
see our "Facebook" page for concert details, also the "Organfax" web site.

Monday 18 April 2016

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY.




DEDICATED TO CARE & MAINTENANCE OF THE JOHN COMPTON (3/9) ORGAN... Ex BLACK'S REGAL/ODEON IN SUNDERLAND

Next Concert Details... Joe Marsh on Sunday 21st August 2016 at 2.30pm.

We welcome to the console the President of the Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society...Joe Marsh on Sunday 21st August. Joe was taught piano from an early age and moved on to the church organ. He gained experience in the technical aspects of organ building with his late father Joe Marsh Snr. He became resident organist at Odeon Byker (1963-1969) and also played at the Essoldo Newcastle during this time. He also was resident at the Odeon Gateshead (1968-1975). Joe has played at venues up and down the country and has also played in the USA a number of times. We look forward to a programme of popular music to suit all tastes, played in his own inimitable style.
Society president Joe Marsh.

Joe will entertain us on Sunday 21st August.
Venue Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX. Use the side "red" door on Black Road.

Review of our recent concerts...

On Sunday 19th June we welcomed back to the console a popular organist with the Ryhope audiences... Andrew Nix. He last performed here in 2014 alongside Tony Stace. Born in Selby in 1968, by the age of 10 had an interest in electronic organs and by 16 years of age was playing in local venues. He went into holiday camp entertainment work and was organist/musical director for the "Butlins" organisation. He has played for organ societies countrywide and since 2000 has toured with a Roland Atelier organ, to visit organisations/venues who do not have their own. He began his programme with a number of marches including 76 trombones,  and there followed a splendid "Sigmund Romberg" selection.  Tunes with a "birds" theme followed,  including the "Ugly Duckling" and "When the Red Red Robin". Some show tunes followed including a number from "Cage aux Folles", then music for the Crematorium including "Twilight Time" and "My Prayer"! In the second half  we enjoyed a selection of Disney tunes, "Highland Cathedral" and a lively Latin selection all available on his CD's as he pointed out! It had been an inspiring and most enjoyable afternoon's entertainment.


Andrew at the console on Sunday 19th June (NW)



Andrew with Tony Stace at Ryhope in 2014.
Review of our last concert with Paul Roberts...

On Sunday 17th April we welcomed Paul Roberts to the console of the Ex. Sunderland Odeon Compton. Paul travelled from his home in Somerset to play for us today. The concert was most generously supported by the "Theatre Organ Club" to which the Society wishes to express its sincere thanks. Paul was born in Warrington in 1960 and for 30+ years has been a popular organist on the UK concert circuit and has made many tours of Europe and South Africa, USA and Canada. Firstly Joe Marsh gave us the background to the "Theatre Organ Club"and their support of this concert today. Paul began the afternoon with a Walter Donaldson medley including "My blue heaven" then various selections including "Jeanie with the light brown hair" and a few "Beatles" tunes. Part way through the first half he was joined by Adrian Rose (chairman of the Southport Organ Society) ... Adrian on the Compton, and Paul on electric piano. They performed two beautiful pieces "Rhondda Rhapsody" and "Forgotten Dreams". Paul did say that despite playing all over the world he had fulfilled the pinnacle of his performing career with this visit to Ryhope! Another fine selection brought us to the interval and these included "Smile", "Misty" and "When I'm cleaning windows". The second half included a half an hours continuous playing of some very lively tunes, and among the many were "Amazing Grace", "Deep purple", "Over the rainbow", "Jeepers creepers". Adrian Rose joined with Paul for "Neopolitan serenade", "Ain't misbehaving", and "Dance of the icicles". Another selection including "Moonlight in Vermont", "Only a paper moon" and "Cabaret" brought this excellent afternoon of musical treats to a close.

Paul at the Compton console.


Paul is joined by Adrian Rose.

Forthcoming concerts...


Sunday 18th September... Bob Chilton (in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care).
Bob at the console of the WurliTzer (Howden-le-Wear)
Bob is a most accomplished pianist, and is in demand to direct local choral and operatic productions. He is also a most talented organist with a wide-ranging musical repertoire. Bob is well known as the musical arranger and accompanist for the popular Shiney Row Male Voice Choir. He is giving his time and talents today to help Macmillan Cancer Care and we are looking for the strongest support for this excellent cause.

Sunday 16th October... Cameron Lloyd.


Cameron Lloyd at Ryhope 2015 (NW)
Cameron Lloyd was born in 1980 and became interested in the organ at age 11. A visit to Blackpool Tower at the age of 12 resulted in him being "hooked" on the sound of the WurliTzer organ. He was guided by the Wolverhampton City Organist to establish his accomplished style of playing. He plays for concerts and ballroom/sequence dancing all over the UK and his diary is full to overflowing! In 1999 he fulfilled his ambition to play the famous Tower Ballroom WurliTzer and has returned several times to continue the experience. He is a talented organ restorer and has been part of the team returning a WurliTzer organ to the Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens (Blackpool).
A splendid afternoon of music in the "Blackpool Style" is in store.

Sunday 11th December (Christmas Concert)... Chris Powell.


Chris Powell (COS)
Born 1971 in Manchester and by 1977 Chris was receiving organ & piano lessons and was also keen chorister. By the age of 16 he was playing for concerts and dances in Lancashire and West Yorkshire. He soon became part of the Blackpool Tower team of organists playing their mighty WurliTzer. Chris is a demonstrator for Farfisa, Orla and Roland organs and he has to his credit 12 best-selling albums, and has broadcast many times on Radio and TV. He plays concerts at venues all over the country and travels from his home in Derbyshire to play for us.

Recent repair & maintenance of the Compton Organ...

With thanks to the County Durham Community Foundation (Sharpley fund) and the Community Trust Tyne/Wear/ Northumberland (Willis fund), the Society were supported by two small grants to enable vital repair and maintenance work to be undertaken on the organ during March 2016. We were pleased to engage the talents of Kevin Grunill (Pennine Organ Services) who came to assess the job and carry out the extensive repairs. It is well known in the "organ world" that Kevin is a theatre organ restoration specialist and he gave the organ expert attention which had not been carried out for some years. The work included attention to combination setter, thumb piston actions, testing every stop unit and adjustment to springs and actions, repair of faulty stops and attention to coupler relays. Testing of the organ following this intervention has shown a noticeable difference, and we thank Kevin for his work.


The splendid John Compton console is opened up for repairs.

Kevin resoldering contacts.

More complicated work revealed.

Complicated links and relays.

Behind the console view.

Pedal board and swell.

Kevin undergoing his marathon soldering work.

Kevin "stop testing".

Repair of faulty stop units.
Open afternoons every 2nd and 4th Sundays (1.30pm-3.30pm)...


David gives us a tune.

Come and listen to, or perhaps play the Compton Organ Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX (use side red door).
 
From the archives...


Pipe refurbishment with Ian & Joe in 2010.
Len Rawle at the Compton.
Odeon Kiosk with Sunderland Theatre Organ Soc. sales c1980
Edwin assists with the Compton installation work at Ryhope Community Centre.

posted by Neville
concert/membership details please email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
the concert programme can also be found on www.organfax.co.uk
see our "Facebook" page just type into the search...Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society.