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Please note that the latest news does not always appear at the top of the page. Look out for regular updates during the current month. Dated items are now removed after the event during the month in which they appear. The version number changes with every update |
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New Memorabilia Website
For organ-keyboard enthusiasts A new memorabilia website has been put on the Internet for organ-keyboard enthusiasts. To start it features memorabilia collected over the years by journalist and broadcaster, Alan Ashton. The idea is to offer the now unwanted memorabilia to enthusiasts who may appreciate a bargain. Click on the link below to visit the website and see what Alan has to offer. Details of memorabilia for sale 01.02.10 |
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>>>>>....NEWS FLASH.....<<<<< Keyboard Komedy Weekend With Keyklix and Andy Oakley 19th-22nd March 2010 New venue: Devonshire Hotel, Torquay. >>>> NEWS FLASH.... 2 rooms have just become available. Telephone Mick Brown on 01803 321438. First come- first served. See full details 01.02.10 |
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Best selling recordings in January 2010
at Organ1st - MSS Studios The best selling recordings in January 2010 were:- 1...(2DVD) Brian Sharp (& Others) - Tribute Evening Souvenir DVD 2...DVD) Nicholas Martin - At The Shrewsbury Wurlitzer 3...(DVD) Nicholas Martin - At The Wurlitzer Organ Of The Opera House, Blackpool 4...(2CD) Ken Griffin - Drifting & Dreaming 5...(DVD & CD) OKEY Keyboard Festival Live 2007 (2009 Release) 6...(CD) Robert Wolfe - You're My World 7...(CD) Richard Keeling - Imagine 8...(CD) Claudia Hirschfeld - Classicals 9...(CD) Penny Weedon - The Penny Picture Show 10...CD) Nicholas Martin - 25 Years At The Kirk We feel sure that many album collectors will want to keep the best selling recordings in their record library - so this list may be helpful for them to do just that. Organ1st is said to be one of the world's biggest mail order firms with customers all over the globe. They pride themselves on a very prompt service. Their website is kept up to date with all the latest releases - often with audio clips. In addition to this, they have an Internet Radio Programme on which Alan Ashton plays a wide selection of keyboard music with lots of interesting chat. Organ1st CD Shop for your postal and on-line shopping - including links to Organ1st Radio 01.02.10 |
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Snow Time Hot shows despite the weather 
Many shows featuring organ-keyboard players have taken place this month despite the snow and ice - said to be the worst conditions for thirty years.One show included the annual new year charity show at Porthcawl where this photograph was taken. It shows Ian Griffin with a TV personality who made a name for herself in a comedy show about a holiday camp. Can you guess who the star is? You can find the answer on Ian's website:- Click here to view 
The charity event included a fancy dress competition, where the TV personality was one of the judges. It was most humorous and included the popular radio presenter on BBC Radio Wales, Owen Money (right), who was dressed up as Susan Boyle - except the name was spelt 'Susan Boil' with boils on Owen's face to highlight the name. He actually came in third despite the fact that the boils kept dropping off his face and on to the dance floor. Owen was alleged to say that it was cold outside, but it was boiling hot indoors.
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NEWS from Andrew Nix and Tony Stace T&A Events, Mill Rythe, Hayling Island Appearing Saturday 13th February 2010 That’s Entertainment Productions, the company in which organist Michael Wooldridge is a partner, are bringing some of their sparkle to the Mill Rythe Festival next month. Renowned for putting the show back into show business, Michael and his business partner Chris Gidney, have recently been pleased and proud to produce summer seasons for the Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne, the 50th Anniversary of the Pier Theatre, Bournemouth and to have re-opened and re-established the historic North Pier Theatre, Blackpoool. This year, they will be taking their resident summer magic to both the Whitehall Theatre, Dundee and the West Cliff Theatre, Clacton. Alongside their summer seasons, they also tour the country and, this year, are pleased to be producing All Kinds of Everything, the 40th anniversary celebration tour for Irish Eurovision Song Contest legend, Dana. Further details and how to book can be seen on the T and A Events website:- tandaevents.co.uk Also further particulars can be seen from the web page of:- That's Entertainment Productions This event is supported by Swift Music - the music dealer that takes an interest in special events. 14.01.10 |
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Free Calendar for 2010 with the compliments of NEDOS 
The North East Derbyshire Organ Society have produced an excellent colourful calendar for 2010 - thanks to Darrell Lomas. Dates for the society's concerts are ringed and are a monthly reminder for members. Photographs of all the artistes appearing during the year are included opposite the month in which they appear. You can print out a full A4 page version by clicking on the pdf link below. Full size calendar for 2010 Updated 7.12.09 |
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Player's Calendar Angie Diggens in 2010 
Angie Diggens has an excellent management team, headed by her mother Julia. The latest promotional venture is a calendar for her fan club.Angie's calendar is £6 + £1 p/p and is printed on high quality 160gr paper. (£5 + £1 p/p for fan members). We note with interest that Angie has stars in her eyes and is making a name for herself in show business and has progressed a long way since she first started playing her Yamaha electronic organ. We highlight a photograph from the calendar to show how colourful it is. For more details of Angie and her calendar visit her website:- www.angiediggens.co.uk 17.01.10 |
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A $1,000 Record for sale A record for an organ record? Alan Ashton reports that he has seen an organ record for sale for $1,000 and is wondering if the seller is from another planet? No doubt Alan will mention this, with an appropriate comment, in a future Internet broadcast on Organ1st Radio 17.01.10 |
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Wurlitzer Website Renamed and improved We are pleased to note that the website of the Beer Wurlitzer has been renamed - see link below. It appears that it is no longer called a 'Beerwurly' - a name that was frowned upon by many who respected the name 'Wurlitzer'. One reader said it was like calling a Hammond a 'Hammy'. Readers are invited to look at the new improved website and read more about Britain's oldest Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. www.beerwurlitzer.co.cc 17.01.10 |
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Best selling recordings for 2009 at Organ1st - MSS Studios We asked Ian King at MSS Studios to come up with the best selling recordings for the year - 2009. Here is the list he submitted to us:- 1...(2CD) Reginald Dixon - At The Organ (50 Theatre Organ Medleys & Hits from the 1950s) 2...CD) Phil Kelsall - At The Worthing Wurlitzer 3...(CD) Robert Wolfe - You're My World 4...(CD) Nigel Ogden - Plays Hammond (Celebrating 75 Years of the Hammond Organ) 5...(DVD) Nicholas Martin - At The Wurlitzer Organ Of The Opera House, Blackpool 6...(DVD) Chris Powell - Happy Music 7...(2CD) Dudley Savage - Perfect Partners 8...(2CD) Ken Griffin - At The Organ (Drifting and Dreaming) 9...(DVD) Nicholas Martin - Highland Cathedral 10...(CD) Nigel Ogden - Presents Gala Night at the Wurlitzer Organ of Stockport Town Hall We feel sure that many album collectors will want to keep the best selling recordings in their record library - so this list may be helpful for them to do just that. Organ1st is said to be one of the world's biggest mail order firms with customers all over the globe. They pride themselves on a very prompt service. Their website is kept up to date with all the latest releases - often with audio clips. In addition to this, they have an Internet Radio Programme on which Alan Ashton plays a wide selection of keyboard music with lots of interesting chat. Organ1st CD Shop for your postal and on-line shopping - including links to Organ1st Radio 01.01.10 |
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A look back at 2009 The highs and lows
Please let us know of other special items that we may have overlooked. Just send us an email: Email item to keyboardnews.com 01.01.10 |
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A New Year message from ORGANfax for 2010 The organisers of the Organfax website would like to remind all the registered players and organ societies to update their engagements and concerts for 2010 on the Organfax website. The website has been constructed so that this can be simply done by the player or concert organiser. If there are any problems the Organfax team will be pleased to help. Organfax is now on the ball and the website is proving to be a big asset to all who view it. It should be remembered that having concerts listed on-line is now getting more essential - especially now that many people can view the Internet on their television sets. As many know, this is possible by connecting a laptop (or desktop) computer to a TV set with an appropriate lead, making the TV screen a second monitor. The next few years will see the merge of the Internet with conventional broadcasting on a bigger scale. 01.01.10 |
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Two new websites for the new year with a video content Two new keyboard related websites have been added to the Internet for those who had a new laptop computer for Christmas. One has around an hour of YOUTUBE video clips of the October Sand Bay keyboard Experience, put on-line by Dennis and John Willcocks. Grouped together it makes easy viewing. The other has photographs of the guests who took part in the Sand Bay X-Factor. Both websites give a glimpse of concerts of the event. Next year (15th-18th October) Sand Bay will host the 30th anniversary of British Home Organ-Keyboard Festivals. The booking hotline number is 0845 88 00 211 (local rate). Sand Bay Keyboard Cabaret Weekends Sand Bay X-Factor 01.01.10 |
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Another seasonal Website for those who like greeting cards Sheila Bower is making a name for herself at keyboard festivals with her greeting card classes. Many guests attend her classes to make hand made greeting cards while their partners attend keyboard master-classes or a showcase. Sheila tells us that she has received many hand made Christmas cards from lots of people (now her friends) who have joined her handcraft classes during the past year. Many of these cards will be put on her website for everyone to see. Those who have shown great skill with their hands will have the thrill of seeing the results of their efforts on the world wide web. Sheila says: "It's a non-profit making hobby from which I get great satisfaction in helping others. I wish all my friends a happy New Year making cards for Easter and birthdays - and hope to see them at the 2010 keyboard festivals." www.sheilascards.tk 22.12.09 |
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Ron Kyte Passes Away a sad year end for the family We are sorry to report that Ron Kyte has just passed away after a prolonged illness. Ron was the original presenter of the Two Counties Radio (2CR) keyboard programme and was on the production team of the Pontin's Home Electronic Organ Festival at Prestatyn in 1982, where, with two members of his radio programme, he was given the task of conducting the junior talent sessions. In 1986 Ron formed his own recording company especially for recording keyboard players and was the the first to record Ian Griffin as a solo player and also Keyklix. In his retirement years he spent much time on his sailing boat, away from organs and keyboards. Our sincere sympathy goes to his wife Carole and their children. 27.12.09 |
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Great New Year Gift For only £25 
How about a New Year like no other? A gift for anyone who likes organ-keyboard music - or for someone who enjoys the very best of live entertainment?It costs only £25 and is the deposit for the Sand Bay Keyboard Cabaret weekend next year (15th-18th October 2010). The Sand Bay Leisure Resort is near Weston-super-Mare and is just off the M5 motorway. The resort has recently won an award by the travel industry for being one of the best in the UK. Of course, you can make the gift extra special by paying for it in full and in one go - it's only £149 HB. It is going to be the event of the year and starts off with a sherry reception and ends with a celebration drink - all included in the price. The varied programme will include the Ian Griffin X Factor - based on his appearance as Musical Director on HTV (Wales) in a programme called 'Friday Night Live' when a panel of celebrities judged talent from Wales. At the Sand Bay version one of the judges will be Scott Paige, Group Entertainment Manager for Martyn's Leisure Resorts. With the very best of keyboard cabaret entertainment celebrating 30 years of organ-keyboard festivals in the UK., it will be the finest gift it is possible to give anyone. And it's so easy to arrange - just telephone the Sand Bay Leisure Resort booking office: 0845 88 00 211 (local rate). Watch this space for more news about the most exciting event of 2010. Updated 1.12.09 |
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Brand New Website for 2010 The Sand Bay X Factor A new website has been produced to highlight the Sand Bay X Factor that will be part of the action packed 2010 Sand Bay Keyboard Cabaret Weekend mentioned above. Keyboard enthusiasts will see how a keyboard can sound when played to accompany a singer. Not only that, an opportunity will be given for guests to show their skills on an organ or single manual keyboard before a live audience. The website shows photographs of those taking part in the cabaret feature of past events. The cabaret feature is an addition to the star studded programme which takes place in the main concert hall. www.sandbayxfactor.co.uk Updated 7.12.09 |
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Rye Wurlitzer Seasonal Newsletter Richard Moore writes: "Please see link below for a five page copy of our Christmas Newsletter. As it was the festive season I wanted to add some colour to your life, with this dreary weather we are currently experiencing, but sadly it costs. However, with modern technology I can send this edition to those who have shown interest in the past OR better still may want to come and listen to it again. Dates for the concert are now confirmed for both 2010 and 2011. I may be biased, but the Rye Wurlitzer is looking and sounding better than ever and now with our 8' x 8' screen and three cameras for close up - concerts have reached new enjoyment heights (and I'm not so bad either)." Copy of Rye Newletter (pdf format) 1.12.09 |
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2010 - The Festival Year like no other Treble Anniversaries The year 2010 will be like no other when it comes to home electronic organ and keyboard festivals. Topping the list will be Cled & Ian Griffin's event at Sand Bay, Weston-super-Mare, which is the 30th Anniversary of organ-keyboard festivals in the UK. The first one was at Pontin's Barton Hall, Torquay, in December 1980. Keyboard Cavalcade - Sceptre Promotions, will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary of weeklong organ-keyboard festivals, the first one was at Caister in May 1985. Byron Jones will be celebrating his 25th Anniversary of his 'Music For All' weekends at the same venue where they started in Easter 1985 at The Sand Bay Leisure Resort. No doubt all three events will pull something special out ot the bag to mark the occasions. The 30th Anniversary at Sand Bay will have a cabaret element to make it refreshingly different to all previous events. 25.11.09 |
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Exclusive report 2010 - Brand X Mystery New instrument in 2010 We can report that we have inside information of a brand new instrument to appear on the organ scene in 2010. At the moment we are calling it Brand X. The design and layout will be a world first and it is likely to cause a big stir with existing brand names. The sounds that will be produced by the 'Brand X' instrument may eventually be the standard for comparison. The instrument is designed for stage presentations but it is likely to be desired by many home organists because of its exclusive design and practicality. More details and photographs will appear on this website when the instrument is about to be launched. 25.11.09 |
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News Flash More For Less Sand Bay - Weston-Super-Mare Keyboard Cabaret Weekend 15th - 18th October 2010 30th Anniversary Event Due to popular demand, the Sand Bay Keyboard Experience for 2010 will be held in the venue's ballroom (as it was this year) and NOT in a special function room with limited numbers, as previously reported. The event will be advertised as The Sand Bay Keyboard Cabaret Weekend in view of the successful varied programme this year. The big news is that because of the numbers able to attend, it is possible to reduce the HB tariff from £159 to £149 and also to lower the deposit from £50 to £25. It will be a special event to celebrate 30 years of electronic organs-keyboards in the UK and also to mark the 30 years that Jean Martyn has been in show business John Mann, who played at the very first festival, has been invited along for the celebrations, which will include a sherry reception and a farewell party drink on the Sunday night. Every evening will include a cabaret spot that will make the event totally different to all other keyboard events held in the UK. Another feature will be Ian Griffin's guest spot when he will introduce talent he hs discovered in his travels - talent that is worth listening to. A young lady that he discovered some time ago is now in the chorus line at a famous London theatre and another believes her appearance on ITV's 'Stars In Their Eyes' was down to Ian's ability in playing for her in sessions prior to the show. With prizes galore, it will be a notable addition to the programme. Ian did something similar on ITV-Wales some years ago when he was the musical director on a show called: 'Friday Night Live' when a panel of celebrities judged the contestants. The Keyklix Klan with Andy Oakley will again be exclusive to Sand Bay - although it must be said that they have made several appearances at organ societies with standing ovations at each event. Every guest will receive a memorable gift to mark the special 30th Anniversary event. The revised prices depend on early reservations and therefore everyone is advised to book up for the weekend as soon as possible. The telephone number of the booking hotline is: 0845 880 0211 (local rate). The Sand Bay Leisure Resort has just won another award from the travel industry and is one of five venues owned by Martyn's Leisure Breaks - part of the Hollybush Hotel Group. Holiday Selection - Martyn's Leisure Breaks 20.10.09 |
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Lively Forum at Sand Bay about players who do not play live A large number of guests attended the morning forum at the recent Sand Bay Keyboard Experience in which several controversial subjects were discussed with the panel that included: Paul Carman. Chris Stanbury, Elizabeth Harrison and Matthew Bason. The question of players not playing 'live' was discussed and one player (not at the event), has since telephoned us to say that he is unhappy about the article appearing in our magazine section. He said that, in his opinion, it appears to be directed at him. All we can say is that the article has opposing views with the right of anyone to respond to it. No doubt the discussion will continue for a very long time with some people (and players) having very strong feelings about it. If the player concerned would like to express his views we would be delighted to print them. We think that is only fair that he should be able to do this and put the record straight as far as he is concerned. Our discussion page on fake players Read what others say! 20.10.09 |
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'By Royal Appointment' Jean Martyn at St.James' Palace On returning home from her appearance at the Sand Bay Keyboard Experience, a thrilled Jean Martyn found out that she had been invited to play at St.James' Palace. The event was another milestone in Jean's career. Next year will be her 30th year in show business, which will be celebrated by a party at the October 2010 Sand Bay event. In her informal session at this year's Sand Bay Keyboard Experience, she told the audience that she nearly decided to remain a school music teacher with her list of qualifications. The change in direction to show business has enabled her to travel the world and meet many star celebrities, including the famous James Last when she played in his orchestra. This 'Royal appointment' will certainly be the most notable one in 2009. 25.11.09 |
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Turkey & Tinsel Cabaret Weekend 2010 3rd December 2010 The Sherbourne Hotel - Dorset With The Keyklix Klan 
Although it's a year away it is filling up fast. Yes, it the long awaited Turkey and Tinsel weekend break with The Keyklix Klan - probably the most entertaining keyboard based trio in the world. If there is anything better we would like to know about it. The weekend is only £159 HB. The telephone number of the booking hotline is:-0845 880 0211 NOTE There are only 23 places left. 20.10.09 |
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Alan Ashton's Video selection Click for Alan latest selection I came across this clip from the Pathe News Library which someone has posted on You-Tube, and decided to feature it because when I worked for Granada TV in their Manchester Film Dubbing studio, we had a Mellotron the same as this, but instead of it being filled with music tapes, it held Sound FX. For instance, if the Dubbing Mixer wanted to put some Countryside atmosphere over a particular section of film: maybe to enhance that which the sound recordist had ( or had not ) been able to record on location, he simply 'played in' the appropriate Mellotron tape from the keyboard. He could then build up a customised sound track by selecting any number of bird songs, wind through tree's, thunder etc. The same applied to Town or City noises: police car sirens ( even the old Z Cars police bells ) buses, overhead planes, workmen etc. In effect it was an instant Sound Effects Library holding thousands of unique audio possibilities. The In the clip with David Nixon you do get a couple of brief opportunities to see the cassettes holding the actual reels of tape...which were all self rewinding. They did need constant replacement because like all old reel to reel format, began to deteriorate in sound quality. Even so, despite the gimmicky nature of the musical version demonstrated here, this instrument gave a pretty good account of itself the era in which it was designed. Stick with it to the end to hear the professional player. .................. Alan The brightest & best organ music? Listen to ORGAN1st Radio at www.ORGANISTS.co.uk Updated 1.11.09 |
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Exclusive Report John Mann - Return visit to Folly Farm 1st May 2010 
Following his first visit to Folly Farm earlier this year, John Mann, will be making a return visit on 1st May 2010.John Mann was delighted to be the first star player to play the Folly Farm Wurlitzer organ that was once installed at the Gaumont, Manchester and later at the Granada Studios tour complex. Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire, is a family leisure and adventure complex that can be compared with the Thursford Museum in Norfolk and the once famous Turners Merry-go-round, Northampton, that closed in July 2004 - both homes of Wurlitzer pipe organs from cinema installations. 24.9.09 |
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Pontin's Blackpool Keyboard Cavalcade's Northern Venue Site to close Pontin's Blackpool, the venue for Keyboard Cavalcade's annual northern event, is scheduled to close, according to a report in the Blackpool Gazette. The suprise news will mean a loss to northern organ and keyboard ethusiasts who have attended events there since around 1989. The venue combined many shows with the Blackpool Tower Ballroom with its famous Wurlitzer theatre organ. The Gazette reports: "While other Pontin's sites have boomed this summer, with visitor number up by as much as 20 per cent, they were down eight per cent in Blackpool. Pontin's Blackpool is due to close on October 2 when the current lease expires Earlier, Pontin's chief executive Ian Smith reportedly bemoaned a lack of investment in Blackpool over the last 10 to 15 years. Landowner and Blackpool Tower boss Trevor Hemmings's Northern Trust company (who apparently own the freehold) wants to build houses on the prime site." It is a fact that multi millionare Trevor Hemmings, now in his 70's and ranked at 46 on the Sunday Times rich list with a wealth of £700 million, controlled the Pontin's empire since the 1960's after selling it and buying it back to sell it a second time to a consortium in March 2008 for £46 million. Before then he sold several Pontin's sites for housing developments. It was Trevor Hemmings who Cled Griffin contacted in 1979, resulting in Pontin's first electronic organ festival at their flag ship Barton Hall venue in December 1980. LATE NEWS... The Norbreck Hotel is being considered as an alternative by Grant Neal. This hotel can cater for up to 800 guests. We understand it has been refurbished since the last organ-keyboard event was held there. Report in Blackpool Gazette dated 11.9.09 How the festivals started The Story of Barton Hall Updated 1.12.09 |
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Favourites at Sand Bay ... and they are looking forward to 2010 The following video was recorded at Lyme Bay, which is now replaced by Sand Bay - owned by the same leisure holiday group - Martyn's Leisure Holidays. The new October weekend at Sand Bay is ideal for those who prefer a long weekend of keyboard/electronic organ music. |
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Beer Wurlitzer News Update of whats's happening at Beer All Wurlitzer theatre organ enthusiasts know that the Congregational Church at the fishing village of Beer in East Devon is now the home of the first Wurlitzer pipe organ to be brought into the UK. The following video briefly highlights its history. More details can be obtained from the following website:- www.beerwurlitzer.co.cc 1.9.09 |
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Forthcoming Special Events and Concerts Details of all forthcoming concerts and special events can be found through the following links:- Organfax monthly concert listing ORGANfax club directory If your society does not have its own website and presence on the Internet, then ORGANfax will be pleased to make one for you - please enquire via the contact link:- Contact ORGANfax NOTE... The modernised Organfax website, introduced this year, allows players and organ society and clubs to update their own website. This can easily be done with no specialised knowledge. If you are a secretary or a concert organiser it is worth you looking into this. Revised 1.9.09 |
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