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

SUNDERLAND THEATRE ORGAN PRESERVATION SOCIETY

The next concert featuring the Mighty Compton 6th July 2014, and we will be entertained by Kevin Morgan at the console.

Venue... Ryhope Community Centre, Black Road, Ryhope, Sunderland SR2 0RX for 2.30pm prompt.

Our organist Kevin Morgan was born in Dorset and started playing piano at the tender age of three. He continued his music studies through secondary school and proceeded to Durham University to read for a degree in music (and indeed his "masters" and "professorship"). He was organist and choirmaster at Bolton Parish Church from 1986 to 1996, and developed a great musical partnership with the late Ron Curtis at the nearby Bolton Paramount Organ Studios, which housed two Compton Organs, one of which was from the Gateshead Regal Cinema. Kevin plays at concert venues all over the UK, and  has been featured many times on radio, including the broadcasts of "The Organist Entertains". A splendid afternoon of music is in store, don't miss it!

Kevin with his "keyboard" tie.

Organ News....

Concert given by Kelvin Kent.

Kelvin at the console of the Compton 3/9 at Ryhope.

On Sunday 4th of May the Society welcomed Kelvin Kent to play the Compton with an excellent programme of easy listening. We were well entertained by some fine music, including Rodgers and Hart selections, a rousing "Dambusters"march, and a splendid piece of "Bach" in church organ style. A wonderful afternoon was had by all, listening to this talented young exponent of the instrument.

Kelvin has a morning warm up session on the organ.

The audience gather in the Community Centre Hall.

Sunderland History Fair....

On Saturday 7th June the Society will have a display table at the Sunderland Heritage/History Fair held in the Seaburn Centre on the Sea Front. Come along and see the many and varied attractions, and chat with us about the Organ, "Society" membership and the programme of Organ concerts.

Members visit to organ builders "Harrison & Harrison"

Members from the Society had the opportunity to visit the factory of the master organ builders Harrison & Harrison of Durham City. The organ building firm is one of the North East's historic and unusual industries. The business started in 1872 and was situated in one of those unremarkable terraces beside the Durham Railway Viaduct. The organs of famous cathedrals including Ely, St. David's, Coventry and Durham were built in the factory, St Alban's Abbey, the Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Abbey also house magnificent H & H instruments. Their organs were, and still bear the hallmarks of design and craftsmanship. The factory served them well in Durham city until 1996, when the firm moved a short distance to Meadowfield and purpose built premises. They employ a staff over over 40 and still enjoy a world wide reputation for making and restoring organs to meticulous standards of design and construction.

Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society AGM held on Sunday 27th April 2014 at 2 pm.

Among many areas of discussion at the meeting, the following significant points covered are highlighted. The Society is aggressively promoting the Society and concerts. The attendance must improve if concerts are to continue. organist fees and hall charges are not being covered by the ticket money, raffle and sales. We urge concert goers to bring someone along with them to help boost numbers. The Society will be represented at the Sunderland History/heritage Fair and the organ will be played during the Heritage Open Weekend in September (Sunday only). The Society is using Social Media ( various Facebook sites etc.) to publicize concerts. The Society is actively pursuing grants/sponsorship, and seeking "charitable status". It was stated that major work is required on the organ, which must be funded by some outside support. The Society is looking at outreach with local schools, and Sunderland University to generate interest among younger people. Suggestions for fund raising and concert promotion would be welcomed.

Sunderland "Ryhope" Compton Organ History.... 

Although the former Black's Regal and later Odeon Cinema is now part of the "Mecca Bingo" organisation it still retains a lot of the original "Art-Deco" features from the 1932 construction. A recent visit confirmed that these decorations, which are listed were still in place. The organ sounded through shutters which faced the circle, and from a mixing room the sound entered the auditorium through a grille known as the "Dancing Lady" (from the plaster pattern on it). The photographs below show the ornamentation, and now beautifully illuminated. Thanks to the Bingo Hall manager for the opportunity to take photographs.

The "Dancing Lady" feature of the 1932 construction.

Close up of the "Dancing Lady" feature.

The Auditorium still has its Art-Deco feel.

This photo taken by "Society" friend Bob Milner, shows this same feature in the Art-Deco style of the Stanley Park cafe in Blackpool.

Before the closure and organ removal, the Society engaged several well known organists to play the Odeon Compton including Reg. Dixon, Ron Curtis, and Doreen Chadwick and which were very successful. The Rank organisation became interested, and put on some concerts themselves including Jess Yates in 1981. He is well remembered for introducing the popular, and long running ITV show "Stars on Sunday", and for that matter his very colourful private life!

Jess Yates has a chat with the audience 1981 (NW)

Future concert date... Sunday 7th September

 DAVID WARNER.

Come and play or listen to the organ on the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 1.30pm to about 4pm.
Confirmed dates Sundays 11th May, 8th and 22nd June.

The Society acknowledges publicity for the concerts found on the website http://www.organrecitals.com

Concert details/membership/organ enquiries email....

ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com

posted by Neville

Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society.

NEXT CONCERT

Sunday 4th May 2014 with Kelvin Kent.

Kelvin started playing electronic organ from 9 years of age. His first introduction to the theatre organ was at the Thursford Collection in Norfolk, with Robert Wolfe at the Wurlitzer organ. He began taking lessons at the parish church in his home town of Boston in Lincolnshire, where an interest in organ building developed. He had an opportunity to play the Compton at the Burtey Fen Collection, and at 14 played the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom Wurlitzer. At 17 years of age he moved to Durham to be an apprenticed organ builder with the well known firm Harrison-Harrison. He travels throughout Great Britain working on all types of organ and playing them in concert performances. His selection of music for us, will include songs from the shows, film themes, tributes to organists and band leaders, and some light classical.

Ryhope Community Centre, Sunderland SR2 0RX.

THE SOCIETY IS TRYING TO ADDRESS FALLING CONCERT ATTENDANCE. PLEASE TRY AND BRING ALONG ONE PERSON THAT MAY BE INTERESTED. 

The programme for the remainder of the year is as follows...
Sunday 6th July....Kevin Morgan.
Sunday 7th September....David Warner.
Sunday 26th October....Howard Beaumont.
Sunday 21st December....Joanne Naulls.

NOTICE OF THE A.G.M.

The Annual General Meeting of the Sunderland Theatre Organ Preservation Society, will take place in Ryhope Community Centre, Ryhope SR2 0RX on Sunday 27th April 2014 at 2pm.
A notice and agenda has been sent out to members, please make every effort to attend as your input at this meeting is important.

NEWS

On Sunday 16th March the Society had the pleasure of welcoming two organists  Andrew Nix and Tony Stace. Andrew showed off his true mastery of the Mighty Compton Organ, and Tony accompanied on the Yamaha HX1, and also played a number of solo pieces. It was a splendid concert and well attended. The power of the two organs being played so brilliantly was quite overwhelming, blending together to provide an afternoon of first class entertainment. The varied selection of music chosen for our delight, was peppered with the two lads witty Yorkshire banter.

Andrew and Tony plus colourful shirts.

Tony at the Yamaha and Andrew at the Compton.

The Ryhope Community Centre Hall is an excellent venue to appreciate the powerful sound of the Mighty Compton Organ.

The audience gather in the hall before the concert.

SUNDERLAND HISTORY FAIR

The organ society will be represented at the Sunderland Heritage and History Fair in the Seaburn Centre (on the sea front) Saturday 7th June 2014 from 10am to 4pm. Representatives from the Society will be on hand to talk about the organ and the concert programme. There will a display with photographs of the instrument.

Heritage/History Fair details

Heritage/History Fair location.

COMPTON ORGAN HISTORY

Arnold Eagle pictured below was resident organist after the installation in 1932. He would also lead the orchestra from the console during variety concerts. The cinema known as "Black's Regal" was opened on Easter Monday 28th March and is located in Holmeside (Sunderland). The imposing building is now a bingo hall.

J.Arnold Eagle the first resident organist.

George and Alfred Black's Regal cinema was built on the site of the Olympia Exhibition Hall and was part of the Northern Independent "Black's Circuit". It was designed as a luxurious cine-theatre with 2522 seats by Edwin Sheridan Gray and Frederick Evans of Liverpool.  Built in the art-deco style it had a 57ft wide proscenium, and the stage was 40ft deep with 10 dressing rooms. The first film to be shown in 1932 was Jessie Matthews in "Out of the Blue".

In 1955 the "Black's Circuit" was taken over by the Rank organisation and the Regal was renamed the Odeon on the 28th November 1955. It was divided into a 3 screen cinema in 1975 but attendances continued to fall.

Odeon frontage c1965

 The cinema closed its doors on the 26th June 1982 and the building boarded up. It re-opened as a "Top Rank Bingo Hall" and now it is part of the "Mecca Bingo" organisation. When so many cinemas and theatres were demolished, this is a remarkable survivor, although the area was approved for re-development in 2009. The photo below (20th March) shows the original frontage, and kept in reasonable order by Mecca, and the ornate window has been bricked up. Unfortunately the surrounding buildings are unoccupied and rather shabby

Mecca Bingo in Holmeside 20th March 2014.

The organ can be played, or just listened to on the second and fourth Sunday in the month from 1.30 in the afternoon. The membership secretary would be pleased to provide details.

The Society acknowledges publicity for the concerts, on the listings website  organrecitals.com

posted by Neville.
email address for concert/organ/membership information....
ryhopecomptonorgan@gmail.com