Colin Richell

Feroka have apparently signed the contract as preferred developer, and the Charity Commission are now awaiting comments from the public. Then we will see what the plans are for the organ theatre and tv studios, Welcome back Mander web site, we have missed you ! Colin Richell.

I can well understand the delight of Musingmuso in listening to George Thalben Ball playing "Ride of the Valkyries" on the Alexandra Palace Organ. Happy days ! Colin Richell.

According to my local paper today, Feroka is about to sign the 125 year lease to run Ally Pally. The Lib Dem Councillors are not convinced that the lease forces Feroka to protect the building and interests of the Trust, Colin Richell

In case anyone does not know, Feroka is the preferred developer for Alexandra Palace, and hopefully the contract will soon be signed. Feroka has offered support for the organ and we hope that this will happen, but no-one can talk to then until the company becomes lessee. People are up in arms because Feroka is not confirming that the original tv studios,will be retained in their present position, or indeed as a museum. Roger Tucker a member of the Appeal, and ex employee of the BBC at AP put a very strong case for the studios, organ and theatre at last week's meeting. I am confident that the lovely theatre will be restored, but we will wait and see. The Great Hall in which the Willis organ is situated will remain as an exhibition centre, which will bring its own problems in arranging suitable concert dates.etc The last concert attracted 17 people, so where is all the support when Feroka will need to be convinced that the organ is viable.? I would love to see a pipe organ back in the theatre, and this venue would make a wonderful home for a homeless Wurlitzer. Colin Richell.

So, once again we hear of an item or items eminating from the Willis firm which had not been paid for. Not a good way of doing business ! I am informed that Liverpool Cathedral are very happy with David Wells, so sarcastic inuendos are hardly helpful. from the Willis firm. Colin Richell.

I have just seen Nfortins message of the 16th August, where he refers to the Alexandra Palace Willis organ. I fear he is correct when he suggests that the organ could not be returned to its former state, because the unfitted pipes are in poor condition (why?) and new ones would have to be made. The rebuilt Great Hall is very different to the old one, and the acoustics have changed. However, I am confident that a restoration is feasible, even if the organ has to be moved elsewhere, and there are sufficent organ builders in the UK to complete the work, if we can convince the new developers of the Palace that the project is worthwhile. Surely one of the Greatest organs in Europe, if not the World. Colin Richell

As I have never visited Liverpool, I will make every effort to attend this recital, bearing in mind the excellent concerts given by the Professor at Alexandra Palace in recent years, I have heard the organ on songs of Praise, and it is obvious that Harrisons? or is it David Wells ? are doing an excellent job in maintaining the organ as one would expect. Colin Richell

The heading of this thread is "RCO is it moving or not", but as usual people are going off at tangents in their submissions. You may be interested to know that in my latest "Steam Railway" magazine it states " Birmingham's Curzon Street Station which is a Grade 1 building has been empty for four years, there was a saviour lined up for Curzon Street, the Royal College of Organists, which wanted to turn the building into its headquarters, but shelved its plans because of rising costs, leving the building with no future. Colin Richell

I am suprised that, on this thread, which is supposed to be about the finest five organs, there is so much criticism of Carlo Curley. I well recall Carlo's concerts at Ally Pally in the 1980's (one of which was televised by the BBC) with his Allen organ, and he was able to attract audiences of well over 1000, something which had not happened since the 1930's. He puts bums on seats, and this is why i intend to book him to play in the unrestored Ally Pally Victorian theatre next year, with its wonderful acoustics. If we were talking about finest organs in the past, surely the Willis in the Palace would have been a contender ! Colin Richell.

Both John Winn and I enjoyed most of the concert, but not the ticket prices! The soloist was disappointing, perhaps she should have used the microphone. As to the organists, Stephen Disley was as always excellent. and the organ behaved impeccably. I do not know what the attendance was, but we are talking about an organ recital. and the hall was almost full. So who says that people are no longer attending organ recitals ? Mind you we are talking about the Albert Hall which seems to attract people, whatever the event. I am looking forward to the next one, Colin Richell

I and others had posted messages that Henry Willis and Sons remained in business, so that should have been sufficent. Does anyone know how Henry is, as Fred Clarke is anxious to contact him, but feels he may have the incorrect phone number.? Thanks Colin Richell.

Well how interesting that was. Rather like watching paint dry. Perhaps the Moderator might consider reducing the length of postings. especially where organ builders are receiving free publicity ! Colin Richell.

My understanding is that Mr Wyld bought the Willis firm with financial assistance from someone in the Channel Islands, and at that time he was the secretary of the APOA. The Willis premises are in Liverpool and the Company is still trading. Mirabilis Records seem to have disappeared unless someone else took over the Company. Henry Willis V1 was a real character, and it was a great pleasure to meet him at Ally Pally. Colin Richell.

So sorry to hear of William Davies death. I never heard him play live, but nigel Ogden frequently played his recordings. I am sure that Wiliam played at one of Carlo Curley's concerts, with the Allen organ at Alexandra Palace in the 1980's ? and he was just fantastic and full of life. Colin Richell

I am disappointed that the moderator should consider that I have contributed to any acrimonious debate relating to the Ally Pally theatre organ. My original intention was to find out information not readily available to me, and I hoped that the moderator would allow this thread to continue under "Ivon Barnwell's book. I feel that my messages have been courteous, and at no time did I mention the Willis organ other than in positive terms, even though I was more concerned with talking about the theatre. For anyone to suggest that the restoration of the theatre is a waste of time etc is unfortunate and unneccessary, and perhaps I might have become a pro-theatre and an anti-Willis organ person, were I not so committed to both projects. I have spoken to Fred Clarke but he is now 85 years of age, and could not really help, but I am still keeping my fingers crossed. Once again my assurance that I have not attempted to upset anyone. Colin Richell.

Some time ago I e-mailed Len Rawle (An organist) suggesting that the South Bank Wurlitzer could be reinstalled in either, Hornsey Town Hall, the old Gaumont Palace theatre in Wood Green. or the Ally Pally Theatre. At that time I had no idea that the theatre had contained an organ ! The idea doesn't seem so crazy now ! None of my ideas were considered, presumably. Colin Richell.

Both [the Willis organ and the theatre] are uniqe to the Palace, and I have worked as hard for the organ as I have for the theatre. I want to see both restored. ... the theatre contains unique stage machinery found no where else, and English heritage are offering match funding for the renovation of this machinery. The theatre is worth saving and will be saved. I find it refreshing to work for the theatre and the organ, and I shall continue to do so. In the meantime I will continue to research the theatre organ. Incidentally English Heritage have listed the stage machinery wheras the Willis organ has not received such recognition. Colin richell. (Edited by moderator for "heat".)

Richard I do not know if you have seen the theatre but it is half the size of the Great Hall and certainly is as large as many west end theatres. There is room for 4 organs ! I would be happy to send you a printout. best wishes Colin

Richard, I knew Bert Neale also, and as I have a friend who lives in Swansea, I am aware of that organ. I can only repeat what I keep on saying, that last week I decided to have a look on the NPOR and BIOS web site, and inserted the words "Alexandra Palace". Much to my surprise the title "Alexandra Palace Theatre" came up. I am not senile either and I have a part print out of page 2 , and I have provided the information on that print out previously. The NPOR and BIOS are very respected and wise organisations and I believe what they are saying. Have a look inder the Hoar Collection, because I was unable to find anything. I am sure that we will find the answer, and remember we were advised of the church to which the organ was transferred. Perhaps I will have a word with my dear friend Fred Clarke. Best wishes Colin.

With respect I think you are wrong.Richard. A Willis organ was installed in the concert room at Ally Pally, but this was removed to a church in Finchley. The theate Willis was moved to a church in Wood Green. I put the name of the Church onto the Internet, but found nothing, There is a church in Trinity Road, but this is a Greek Orthodox church, but from its appearance it could have been Methodist originally. As explained previously I discovered the existance of the organ on the NPO Register, and this page includes the stop list of the organ. It is suggested that further information is available under the Hoar Collection 1569 but I could not find anything. Also mentions under update history 1947 Fda OSD 1946 incorporates AO1106 (DELETED) Its all Greek to me. Many thanks for your help. Colin Richell.