The Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society.

Looking after the ex-Odeon Compton Organ now based in Ryhope Community Centre, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX.

Ex Blacks Regal/Odeon 3/9 Compton.

Next concert...

Lewis Scott on Sunday 20th August 2017 at 2.30pm.

Lewis became interested in the organ, and started playing at the age of 8 years. He started with a Technics E55 and now plays a Roland AT 900c which he can take to concerts if required. Following a visit to the "Scarborough Fair Collection" he was inspired by the power of the cinema organ and started learning this instrument. He played the WurlitZer at Howdon-le-Wear for their young organists showcase event. He went on to win the ATOS (UK) young organist 2016 and the pictures show him with the chain and medal. For an eighteen year old, he is a most talented young man and we look forward to a splendid afternoon's entertainment.

Lewis Scott (photo KG)

Lewis (centre) with the runners-up ATOS (UK) competition (photo ATOS)

Future concert details...

Damon Willetts on Sunday 15th October.

Damon Willets

Elizabeth Harrison on Sunday 10th December.

Elizabeth Harrison at the Ryhope Compton (NW)

Review of our recent concerts...

On Sunday 18th June we welcomed Peter Jebson for a return visit to the Compton console at Ryhope Community Centre. Peter was born in Blackburn and grew up "beside the seaside" in Blackpool. As a youngster, he was a keen chorister and became a church organist in his teens. He became interested in the sound of the mighty WuliTzer organ in the Blackpool Tower ballroom where he received help and encouragement from resident organists Ernest Broadbent and the famous Reg Dixon. He graduated from the Northern School of Music in Manchester in 1972 and became involved with the Lancashire Theatre Organ Trust who were looking after the Gaumont and Odeon cinema organs in Oxford Road. Many holidaymakers will remember that he was for 30 years the resident organist at the Cliffs Hotel in Blackpool. His teaching career began in 1973 at schools in Blackpool and later on in Lytham-St-Annes where he had responsibility for music. He has made many broadcasts on BBC radio 2's "Organist entertains"and plays for organ societies and concerts countrywide.  He began his lively programme with "Blaze Away" followed by a few in waltz time then "Samum" which was the Blackpool Tower's Bertini Band's theme tune. A selection from Easter Parade followed by Dream of Olwen, some Charlie Chaplin tunes, and the "Russian Rag". After the interval, there was a selection of Gilbert & Sullivan and Sigmund Romberg pieces. Peter played a number of popular hymn tunes, and a compilation of French National melodies. He concluded with a few happy sing-a-longs, bringing to an end a splendid afternoon's entertainment.

Peter Jebson at the console (NW)

On Sunday 23rd April we welcomed Kevin Grunill on a return visit from Barnsley to play for us. Kevin's mastery of the instrument gave us a memorable afternoon of music. Last year Kevin undertook repairs and improvements to the Compton and this was his first concert visit to try out his handy work! He opened with "That's entertainment" followed by a selection of swing tunes in the Blackpool style and a few popular songs from the shows. It had been the Queen's 91st birthday during the past week and she was remembered in a patriotic selection. Following interval refreshment, Kevin played a Shirley Bassey number, he then remembered Vera Lynn, recalling her recent 100th birthday and played some of her popular hit songs. There followed a waltz and tango combination and recalled Alma Cogan who "didn't know a waltz from a tango!".There was a selection of tunes suitable for St.George's Day including "There'll always be an England". A few marches followed including "Aces High" and the theme from "Brassed Off".

It was a fabulous concert and the audience would not let him leave without an encore!

Kevin at the console (NW)

An excellent concert from Kevin (NW)

From the Society archives...

When the Sunderland Odeon cinema closed in 1982 for conversion to a bingo hall, purchase of the John Compton organ (1932) was agreed, and the huge task of removal (to storage) was started. The console emerged once again out into the daylight after 50 years in the cinema for its transportation away. The photos below are from Peter Brigham's collection with society members undertaking the tremendous dismantling job.

Jim Dunleavy with old film discovered.

The Console is manoeuvred out of the building and into the daylight.

Robin Roper makes sense of the cabling.

the late David Robertson behind the Odeon shutters.

Investigating the console electricals.

posted by Neville.
email ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
see Facebook page and Society details on the website "organfax" 
second and fourth Sundays are members afternoons 1.30-3.30pm come along and listen to or play the Compton 3/9 organ. (Not Bank Holiday or Airshow Sundays)