SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY

CARING FOR THE ex BLACK's REGAL/ODEON MIGHTY COMPTON ORGAN

Next Concert Details... 

The Society present Matthew Bason at the console of the Mighty Compton on Sunday 12th July 2015 at 2.30pm.


Matthew travels from his home in Northamptonshire to entertain us. Although classically trained on the piano; at the age of 12 began to take an interest in the organ. He began his performing career in 1994 and in 1999 won the ATOS "young organist of the year" award and other recognitions have followed. He has played in this Country and in Europe, and has made a number of broadcasts. We look forward to his lively playing style.

The happy smile of Matthew Bason.

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

Last Concert Review...

On Sunday 17th May we welcomed to the console the ever popular Keith Beckingham who travelled from the Cotswolds to entertain us. We had a very good attendance for the concert which began with a "Showboat" selection. Tributes to Matt Munro and Edmund Hockridge followed and a few tunes from "Carousel". Keith recalled some humorous anecdotes during his time as Hammond Organ Co. representative in this Country and in Europe. Some waltz tunes followed and a selection of Italian songs including, "Arrivederci Roma", "Volare", and " Funiculi-Funicula". He remembered fondly many popular organists, especially Dudley Savage and his tribute to him included "Girl from Corsica", "Quando-Quando" and a few love songs. A Spanish selection followed including "Granada", then a South Pacific" arrangement, and a few from the 1960's including some "Beatles" numbers and "Telstar". We enjoyed a musical visit to America including "New York - New York" and a popular Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers selection. To conclude Keith played a tribute to Jackie Brown using all the organ effects and developing rich harmonies. A superb afternoon's entertainment with music to appeal to all tastes.

Keith Beckingham... a morning warm up session on the Compton.

Keith and the Society Chairman, Robin have a chat.

Keith at the console after the concert.

Notice of future concerts...

David Redfern on Sunday 6th September at 2.30pm.

David Redfern.

David.

 David started playing the piano at 7 years of age, electronic organ at 8 and theatre organ at 13! In 1983 he won the Scottish and ATOS "Young Organist of the Year" competition and other awards have followed. He has broadcast many times on radio,  has appeared on television and made several recordings. He travels from his home town of Belper in Derbyshire to play the Compton for us.

Carl Heslop on Sunday 18th October.

Originally from the North East of England, Carl travels from Melton Mowbray to play the Ryhope Compton. He started playing cinema organ at 12 years of age, although he had played classical organ for several years before. He is involved with organ restoration, and played for a number of years at the "Star & Shadow" cinema in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 2012 his work took him to Melton Mowbray where he is a voicer/tuner at Peter Collins organ builders. 

Carl Heslop.

Member's Sundays... 

Dates confirmed...14th and 28th June, come along and play or just listen to the Compton Organ from 1.30pm until 4pm. (use the email address below for further details)

David has a practice session on a member's afternoon.

From the archives...

World famous Blackpool Tower Organist Reg. Dixon played the Compton in the Sunderland Odeon Cinema on two occasions 1975 and 1977.

Reg turns to talk to the audience (1977)

Programme details about the organist.

The concert programme for Sunday 2nd November 1977.

Some period advertising and organ details.

Concert sponsors...the Jolly bus was a popular service on a route into Sunderland.

For Society membership or concert details please email  ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
Posted by Neville

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN       PRESERVATION SOCIETY

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

Next concert details...

The next concert date is Sunday 17th May 2015 at 2.30pm. Our guest organist is Keith Beckingham making a welcome return to the console of the Compton organ. Keith travels from the Cotswolds to play for us today. For 50 years he has played organ and piano at venues all over the world. A popular programme of music is in store with selections from the shows and musicals, marches and waltzes...some real toe tapping and lively stuff.
Venue Ryhope community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX (use side red door).

Ever popular Keith Beckingham.

Review of our last concert...

The concert took place on Sunday 15th March and our organist was Elizabeth Harrison making a welcome return visit. Elizabeth is an extremely talented player, and we knew that a real treat of a performance was in store. She travelled along with her Dad from her farm in Chipping (a village between Clitheroe and Preston) to play for us today. The opening selection featured "Too young", "O sole mio", "Down the mall", and "Destiny waltz". Elizabeth described herself as the "farmer" of the organ world, and on one occasion drove into the concert hall on her tractor. At the end of the show the machine would not start which was a bit of an embarrassment, and it had to be pushed out of the venue with the help of some of the audience! She is a bit of a tractor fan, having eight in her collection! We enjoyed a few tunes with a "bad weather" theme including, "April showers", "Here comes that rainy day", "Garden in the rain", and "Stormy weather". Elizabeth told us of her life on the farm, the hens had just started laying,  she keeps beef cows, and her sheep love to eat the heads off the springtime flowers. Her delightful programme continued with a "My Fair Lady" selection, some tunes for Mother's day  including "Wonderful you", and "Unforgettable". Elizabeth is a girl of many talents, her interests include rural crafts, pegging rugs, she is a trained sign-writer and holds an HGV and a coach driving licence. On her own admission "how does she find the time to fit it all in?". There was some rousing music with the popular "Stein song", "Under the double eagle", "Over the waves", and "Highland Cathedral". She has a quirky collection of "Homepride flour grader" memorabilia. The advertising gimmick of Homepride were the little chaps in bowler hats, and she has about two thousand items in her collection. There was a "Latin" tempo selection featuring "Quando quando", "Amore" and "Anapona" with good use of the organ castanets feature. There followed a toe-tapping waltz selection, "Too old to dream", "Who's kissing her now",  and "Sailing by" were among the tunes in that compilation. As the concert drew to a close we enjoyed some  1960's melodies, and a few more songs from the shows. An encore followed, and all agreed it been a fabulous afternoon's entertainment....come back soon Elizabeth!

Elizabeth having a morning "warm up" session on the organ.

Elizabeth at the console.

Our MC Keith thanks our guest organist.

Elizabeth with fellow organist Chiho Sunamoto.

Future concerts...

Matthew Bason will play the Compton organ on Sunday 12th July 2015 at 2.30pm. He travels to play for us from his home in Northamptonshire. Matthew began his performing career in 1994, and although classically trained on the piano, from the age of 12 years began to take an interest in the organ. In 1998 he studied music and education at the University of Reading (UK), and in 1999 won the ATOS  young organist of the year award. Other recognitions have followed, and he has played at prestigious hotels including the Savoy, Ritz and Connaught. He has performed at many venues in Europe and the USA, and we look forward to his lively style of playing at Ryhope on the 12th July.

The happy smile of Matthew Bason

Members Sundays...

Confirmed afternoons are Sundays 12th and 26th April, also 10th May 2015. Come along and listen to, or play the Mighty Compton Organ (1.30pm to 4pm). Further details available by using our email address below.

Photographs from the "organ archives"...

The famous Blackpool organist Reg Dixon MBE relaxes before his concert in 1977 at the Odeon Cinema in Holmeside, Sunderland.

Reg relaxes before the concert.

The organ console is on the move from the Odeon Cinema to storage which was the first port of call before a home was found. Installation at Ryhope Community Centre took considerable time with completion by 1992.

The Compton organ seated on a trolley to assist removal.

The successful purchase of the organ was only the start. Removal, safe and secure storage of the vast array of pipes and components followed. At first the console and all of the pipes, relay banks, effects etc, were stored at St. Marks Church. Although the console remained there, all the bits had to be relocated to a new home. This was the Humbledon water pumping station and in a room on the top floor, reached by two flights of stone stairs. This proved quite a task getting everything up there. The fortunate thing was that the storage area was warm, and this warmth was created by the pumping equipment/motors.

Relay banks, switches, pipes and instruments in store at Humbledon.

Clem Elliot is seen here in an Echo photograph at the console of the Compton organ shortly before he left for war service in 1939. Clem had the opportunity to play the organ again following its installation in Ryhope Community Centre in 1992.

Clem at the Compton just before WW II

Clem at the Compton shortly after installation in Ryhope Community Centre.

contact email address...ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
see our expanding "Facebook" site...just type into the search "Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society"
our concert programme also features on http://www.organfax.co.uk
posted by Neville.

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN             PRESERVATION SOCIETY.

SECURING THE FUTURE OF THE FORMER SUNDERLAND ODEON COMPTON ORGAN.

Next Concert... Sunday 15th March 2015 at 2.30 pm. The Society present Elizabeth Harrison at the "Mighty Compton"

Elizabeth at home with Theatre or Electronic organs.

Elizabeth at the Roland electronic.

Elizabeth Harrison was born in Preston, Lancashire in 1974. She was interested in piano and organ from an early age, and soon became very accomplished on both instruments. Elizabeth has been on the concert circuit for 20 years playing at venues up and down the country, and is an extremely popular entertainer.

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

Last Concert review...

On Sunday 22nd February, we welcomed Cameron Lloyd  to the console for a truly memorable  and exciting afternoon. This extra concert added to the 2015 programme was to support the work of the Ryhope Community Association, and all the ticket money was to go to this cause. Cameron took an interest in the theatre organ from the age of 11, following a visit to the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom to hear the wonderful WurliTzer organ. He developed his playing style under the guidance of the Civic Hall Wolverhampton resident organist Steve Tovey, and now plays for concerts and dancing all over the country. He is also heavily involved in organ maintenance and installation work. This was his first visit to play the ex Odeon Compton, and he did say how much he had been looking forward to playing it. The concert was well attended, and the audience really warmed to Cameron's exciting playing, and many of the selections were played in the unmistakable bright and brezzy "Blackpool" style.  We enjoyed compilations of toe-tapping show tunes, musical comedy and marches. Another feature were popular numbers from the 1970's, which as Cameron said was about as up to date as it gets for him! Award winning themes from the cinema were included, and towards the end of the concert some great sing-a-long numbers. Cameron has a great love for the playing of the legendary Reg Dixon and many pieces reflected this style. Cameron gave us Sunderland folk greetings from Reg's daughter Jill, which brought a personal touch to those Dixon style tunes. The closing piece of "12th Street Rag" just about lifted the roof, and all agreed it had been a superb afternoon, and we look forward to a return engagement in 2016. It was lovely to see other family members that journeyed north with Cameron including his Mum and Gran.

Cameron Lloyd at the Mighty Compton

Cameron and his Mum.

Cameron, and the "blog" writer... in on the act.

Future Concerts...

On Sunday 17th May Keith Beckingham will be travelling from the Cotswolds to play for us. For over 50 years, Keith has played organ and piano for concerts worldwide, and has a very popular following for his own distinctive playing style. He can often be heard on the long running BBC Radio 2 programme "The organist Entertains".

Ever popular Keth Beckingham.

On Sunday  July we welcome to the console Matthew Bason. Matthew began his performing career in 1994, he was originally classically trained on the piano, but from the age of 12 began to teach himself the organ. Matthew won the ATOS young organist competition in 1999 and other awards followed. In May 2014 Matthew became the UK artiste for Allen Organs UK, who are builders of fine electronic instruments.

Matthew Bason at an instrument in the USA.

Matthew at the "Beer WurliTzer".

Members Sunday afternoons...

Confirmed dates Sundays 8th and 22nd March, also 12th and 26th April, from 1.30 pm until 4 pm each day. Come along and play, or just listen to the Mighty Compton Organ. If members wish to have a look around the organ pipe chambers etc., someone will gladly show you "behind the scenes".

Member Chiho Sunamoto has a recent practice session.

From the archives...

The picture below is of the popular organist Doreen Chadwick playing for a concert in the Odeon Cinema organised by "Top Rank".

Doreen Chadwick at the console for an Odeon concert.

The percussion instruments in the Odeon Cinema chambers.

A view from behind...the crescendo pedal left, the middle and right are the swell shutter pedals. (In the Odeon Cinema)

David connecting wind line to the "Tuba" tremulant. Part of the organ relocation work at Ryhope.

Robin Roper underneath one of the wind chests, checking contacts. (Odeon Cinema)

The Compton console in the 1970's with decorative music stand.

Contact us...

email... ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com
See the "expanding" Facebook page "Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society"
details also available on http://www.organfax.co.uk

Thanks to advertising help from Olive Thompson (Sunderland Echo)
Also Communications Officer Audrey at Sunderland VCA
posted by Neville.

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