Our Organ in use at the Ossett Jubilee Party, Saturday 6th June 2012
Thanks to Stuart for the latest close-up of our console taken on the open day 8th September. You can see a good view of the tabs, thumb pistons and foot pistons which make the Organ so versatile.
HERITAGE DAY, 8th September 2012
The seating in the upper circle of Ossett Town Hall is 100 years old and in need of refurbishment. A restoration appeal was launched on open day September 8th, when the Compton organ was on display and in good voice when played by members and invited guests.
In the precinct Lisa Casey, Iain Firth, Hall manager, and Sue Rowley displayed a refurbished seat to which elegant brass plaques can be attached remembering an event or in dedication. The Northern Theatre Organ Trust will be adopting a seat as part of the refurbishment and upgrading of the Hall. We are happy to work with Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to improve what we have. Our seat will be dedicated to the Northern Theatre Organ Trust people who have put so much into the installation and running of the Organ over the last 40 years. The dedication is on seat No.18, on the front row and in the centre of the circleand the dedication is to be seat number 18, on the front row and in the centre of the circle.
You can make a similar dedication by sponsoring a seat. The cost is £100, but donations to the fund will be gratefully accepted. For information contact: Iain Firth, Ossett Town Hall. Ossett. WD5 8BD
The seating in the upper circle of Ossett Town Hall is 100 years old and in need of refurbishment. A restoration appeal was launched on open day September 8th, when the Compton organ was on display and in good voice when played by members and invited guests.
In the precinct Lisa Casey, Iain Firth, Hall manager, and Sue Rowley displayed a refurbished seat to which elegant brass plaques can be attached remembering an event or in dedication. The Northern Theatre Organ Trust will be adopting a seat as part of the refurbishment and upgrading of the Hall. We are happy to work with Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to improve what we have. Our seat will be dedicated to the Northern Theatre Organ Trust people who have put so much into the installation and running of the Organ over the last 40 years. The dedication is on seat No.18, on the front row and in the centre of the circleand the dedication is to be seat number 18, on the front row and in the centre of the circle.
You can make a similar dedication by sponsoring a seat. The cost is £100, but donations to the fund will be gratefully accepted. For information contact: Iain Firth, Ossett Town Hall. Ossett. WD5 8BD
Major Repairs
Two of the main wind regulators were removed from the organ and completely rebuilt by Les Allitt. Following their replacement the organ is up and running again in time for our december concert. The opportunity was also taken to carry out minor works and cleaning within the chamber. Many thanks to all concerned in carrying out this work in the time available
Continuing repairs
A further two regulators have now been removed plus the 12 note chest for the tuba bottom octave. Les Allitt will refurbish and repair as necessary and all will be re-installed ready for Joe Marsh on 2nd June. The work carried out on this unique organ maintains the beautiful sounds we have come to expect so thanks to all concerned for the help and advice received
June
The regulators have been replaced along with the tuba bottom octave chest. The opportunity was taken to renew and redirect some of the wind trunking and to carry out some replacement electrical work. I'm glad to say all has been returned to working order with a notable difference in the sound of the organ. To prove it, our friend Joe Marsh gave a most impressive and much appreciated concert on the 2nd June which tested almost all of the pipes and traps. Thanks Joe and of course, our continued thanks to Les Allitt for his professional services and help
The regulators have been replaced along with the tuba bottom octave chest. The opportunity was taken to renew and redirect some of the wind trunking and to carry out some replacement electrical work. I'm glad to say all has been returned to working order with a notable difference in the sound of the organ. To prove it, our friend Joe Marsh gave a most impressive and much appreciated concert on the 2nd June which tested almost all of the pipes and traps. Thanks Joe and of course, our continued thanks to Les Allitt for his professional services and help
The bottom octave of the Bourdon rank has now been refurbished, re-wired and replaced in the chamber. Big thanks to David Lowe who has done much work during tuning sessions to ensure we are getting the best sound and volume from the pipes and restoring and improving the beautiful quality of music which can be produced from this instrument.
Our recent Concert by Nicholas Martin showed that all the work being carried out by our Volunteers is most worthwhile and paying dividends
A major problem occurred during our October Concert when the drive from the motor to the blower failed. Richard Hills saved the day when he played the second half of the days programme on the electronic piano. The Audience were delighted and thrilled to hear the totally unrehearsed music at the hands of this gifted musician and left the hall full of praise and admiration for the unexpected and much welcome piano interlude. Glad to say all is well again and repairs have been successfully completed, Grateful thanks to all those in the Organ World who offered assistance and help. David Redfern rounded off our musical year with a varied and entertaining Seasonal Concert with some most beautiful settings which demonstrated the quality of sound which this Organ is capable of delivering. The Performance was well received and appreciated by the Audience.
Our recent Concert by Nicholas Martin showed that all the work being carried out by our Volunteers is most worthwhile and paying dividends
A major problem occurred during our October Concert when the drive from the motor to the blower failed. Richard Hills saved the day when he played the second half of the days programme on the electronic piano. The Audience were delighted and thrilled to hear the totally unrehearsed music at the hands of this gifted musician and left the hall full of praise and admiration for the unexpected and much welcome piano interlude. Glad to say all is well again and repairs have been successfully completed, Grateful thanks to all those in the Organ World who offered assistance and help. David Redfern rounded off our musical year with a varied and entertaining Seasonal Concert with some most beautiful settings which demonstrated the quality of sound which this Organ is capable of delivering. The Performance was well received and appreciated by the Audience.
Robert Wolfe gave us a wonderful concert on his first appearance on this Organ. His style and presentation brought many compliments from members of the audience. From the fast and furious to the slow, quiet and melodic registers available from this console he played something to suit everyone. We hope to have his company again on future occasions.
The remaining two regulators have now been removed for re-leathering by Les Allitt and will be replaced before the TOC Concert in June. We are glad that Les is able to continue his work for us after his major accident and hope for his continued improvement in health.
June 2015 and here we are with both regulators replaced, pressures adjusted and our Organ back in fine voice for our next Concert with Keith Beckingham. Big thanks to our friend Les Allitt for all the work he has put in, for his helpful advice and the encouragement he always offers. David Lowe has now spent many hours pulling the Organ back into tune and helping to keep it there and we also extend our grateful thanks for all his efforts and advice. There is much work still continuing with the Organ but the beautiful sounds and tonal qualities we hear make it all worthwhile.
A wonderful concert in October from David Lobban in his first appearance at this Console. David produced some magical sounds and used the organ from the simplest and quietest settings to the mighty majesty of full organ. It was a delight for all to see and hear this enchanting performance and we hope he will soon be back to entertain us once again