Colin Richell

Thanks Tony The problem of course, as always is that there is no-one alive today who could supply the information I need. I will certainly look at the NPOR Register again as you suggest. I do need to know where the organ was situated, and whether it accompanied pantomines or perhaps silent film shows, when the theatre was operated as a cinema. I am still looking for the church ! and I only live a mile away. When one of the AP bidders talked about relocating the Willis, I did suggest to the newspaper reporter who was interviewing me, that the theatre was the only suitable location, not being aware of the above. Colin Richell

I know that the Alexandra Palace organ site is blocked, but I wonder whether I might be able to mention another organ installed in Ally Pally in 1875 ? Recently whilst browsing on the internet, I logged into the National Pipe Organ Register, to seek information on the AP Willis organ, To my great surprise, when I typed in "Alexandra Palace", I was met with the words "Alexandra Palace Theatre", As a member of the Theatre Committee, I, and my colleagues were unaware that a pipe organ had ever been installed in the theatre. The NPO Register does provide details of the organ (a Willis) and they have agreed to supply further information if possible. What I need to know is when the organ was installed and removed, and where it was situted in the theatre, and how often it was used. Apparently the organ was moved to Trinity Road Methodist Church, but does it still exist ? It is strange that no archive mateiral on the theatre mentions the organ. Can anyone help ? Many thanks Colin Richell.

With respect why would the organ appeal have any more information than myself who takes the trouble to attend all meetings and ask the relevant questions. I have a posting under blogs. Best wishes Colin Richell.

I do not realy know any other web sites that I could use. Probably best to wait until you hear from John. Colin Richell

Dear John Further to my latest message under RAH, I do have lots of news about AP, which should be of interest. so I hope that I can be allowed to impart it. Best wishes Colin Richell.

I have now served my penance, and it is good to be back. I have spent much time reading the messages on this site, and I see that there is frequent reference to the Alexandra Palace Organ. As I have some up to date news about the developers, I hope that the Moderator will unlock the AP site. There is obviously much disagreement about the RAH organ and Dame Gillian Weir. I did not attend the concert, and i am not an organist, and for that reason I do not consider that I should criticise anyone's playing unless I were in their class. Obviously some people feel obliged to impose their opinions on us mortals, whereas I am passionate about the AP organ, and I have tried to explain why I am no longer OFFICIALLY involved. not attempting to convince everyone that the restoration WILL be completed, only to those who are prepared to believe it. The RAH is perfect for organ concerts,and does not have to share space with exhibitions etc. I am delighted that the RAH organ was restored. but I do not have any passion about the RFH organ, but perhaps I do not like the building. I hope the Moderator will allow me to advise AP developments, to those who are interested, Colin Richell (My real name and proud of it)

As to inaccurate statements, a posting recorded that the last concert attracted 74 patrons. My counting of people totalled 30 persons, but some of the Friends who did a head count tell me that there were in fact 25 persons in the audience. [line deleted by moderator] Why should we donate hard earned money to sponsor loss making concerts ? In all our years in the Appeal, myself and colleagues were often threatened with legal action, so we are used to it. This would at least bring everything out in the open, and I have a barrister friend who would assist.I also have insurance. As to the meeting re the "missing pipes ", I stated that I MAY have been at the meeting, but I need the date to confirm this. of course minutes of meetings were always 100% accurate weren't they ?I did speak to the former contracts manager at another meeting about the "missing pipes" but he did seem unaware of this. He is now a member of the Appeal Committee, If an organ consultant recommended that Willis should undertake the restoration, who is going to object ? but give other companies the opportunity to quote. I am afraid that Mr Wyld has spent the last few years [word deleted by moderator] that everyone is against him, and that they are all trying to destroy his company, and that he will take everyone to Court etc, it all becomes very boring. So he is going to report me to the Chair of the Trustees, John Mander, and probabaly the egg marketing board, office of fair trading, the Church Times. Ian Tracey and the I.BO. I am in constant touch with the Chairman of the AP Trustees and most of the Trustees. I hope they regard me as an honourable person. I apologise in advance to all the Appeal members for the pitiful standard of this message. We can make no plans until the developers intentions are known Colin Richell.

Richard Sometimes I find it difficult to understand where you stand with the Appeal and Willise's. One minute you are castigating Willis for not allowing tendering, and the next minute you are telling us how wonderful they are to stick with Ally Pally.! Richard, you very well know that no other organ builders have ever been approached to tune or maintain the organ, because the Appeal would not allow any other Company to become involved, and also the pipes just happen to be in the Willis factory-very convenient. I agree that we should be grateful to Henry for removing the organ to Petersfield, and he would have removed the larger pipes if the GLC had allowed him to. We should also be eternally grateful to Fred Clarke and Bert Neale for the partial restoration in 1990. If you can assure me that the recent work has been undertaken free under guarantee, then I shall personally thank Henry Willis.with all my heart. A minor Appeal member is someone who is not an officer, or Friends secretary, or concert organiser, just an ordinary member who attends meetings and perhaps concerts. Hope that is clear now. I see that Henry Willis has now joined us on the web site. I hope that he is well. Henry mentions a meeting where apparently the committee agreed the reasons for removing choir organ pipes.Firstly, whilst I may have been in attendance, this does not mean that I approved of the action, but if my protests were not minuted, then no-one would know any different. But, in any case didn't the Appeal member say that the Palace was responsible for the organ and that they paid for tuning and maintenance.? In fact the Palace were not aware that the pipes had been taken, but the Appeal had no right to discuss or agree the action. Hope that is clear now. because Henry appears to be confused. I suggest to any accredited organ builder to become detached from the Appeal totally so that they are not accused of being favoured in any way. I would never agree that your contributions are of "pitiful standard", a rather snobbish comment I believe. Best wishes Colin Richell

I am very grateful that so many contributors are commenting on the Willis Organ saga, and it is healthy that some do not agree with my opinions, so we must all be shocked that a minor member of The Appeal states, and I quote "a glance at the pitiful standards of some of the contributions to this debate". An apology is due to Roffensis, Newbie, and others who care enough to take time to write. I agree that at the end of the day it is up to the owners of the Organ(fitted and unfitted) to place the contract for the restoration, and as the Palace is required to implement tendering for any of its own works, it could hardly agree to a different process for the organ restoration. Potential donors have walked away because they will not be forced to provide funding when there is only one nominated organ builder who for some reason the Appeal has total allegiance to. Perhaps this should be investigated. Any organ advisor would also recommend tendering, so obviously everyone is wrong except for the Appeal. Whilst I was a loyal member of the Appeal, there was only ever one organ builder mentioned, an employee also sat on the Committee, was organ curator and forcibly expressed his opinions about the restoration. This was unhealthy, and another reason why potential donors would not touch the scheme with a barge pole. This is fact and I wish it were not so. The restoration quotation is not realisitic, and is misleading to all of us. We could end up with a scenario where the money is raised, the Appeal's preferred organ builder is awarded the contract, he then finds that he will lose money on the contract. and will spend the next 10 years moaning about it. It appears that my contention that the "choir organ" was fully paid for is a figment of my imagination. The excellent unofficial web site will provide evidence of this, and the "official web site" states in black and white that the choir organ was completed. Would any organ builder complete work without the money up front ? To sum up, a tendering process must be activated, and up to date quotations obtained from I.B.O. recommended organ building companies. Once again, I am grateful for any contributions, even if The Appeal are not. Colin Richell.

Dear Richard I am unable to reply to you personally because my outlook express is down again ! With reference to the Contra viola 16ft, is this not part of the choir organ, and was the choir organ not fully paid for by the Foundation for Sports and Arts? Why was this missing for so long and is our money paying for its restoration ? Are there not other ranks missing from their previous installation ? Its all very nice to give the organ builder much needed work, but I also wonder whether the organ builder and curator should be one and the same person. Thanks for your continuing interest in the Willis organ. sincerely Colin Richell.

Richard I have already told you in a private e-mail, the changes I hope to see next year. If I stated these on this message board in public view, you and others would criticise me ! I told you that I had a meeting with Palace officials on the same evening, which finished at 9-15. By the time I had reached the Great Hall, the last notes were sounding. I have not attended a concert since my "retirement", and I do not intend to because at the age of 64 I cannot contend with threats. My contention is, that as the organ is deteriorating , would it not be better to suspend concerts rather than have discontented concert goers vowing not to return because of the condition of the instrument ? The truth is that concerts are obviously losing money, and therefore not contributing anything to the funds. The AP Trustees must know that the Appeal have lost as many as 120 people attending concerts, and concerts were suspended in my time for 12 months. Richard, knowing how you feel about piecemeal work being carried out, I am surprised that you are so excited about the 16ft Viola being returned, Perhaps you know where it went ? I hope that I have explained myself satisfactorily. Best wishes Colin Richell,

I believe that I have already stated that I was at the Palace on Wednesday for a meeting, and I managed to look through the Great Hall windows, and I would have said that barely 30 people were in attendance, for Stephen Disley's concert a far cry from the 150 plus who attended the concerts. which I organised .The concert finished at 9-15pm,hardly value for money. At present the organ builders are undertaking unneccessary work on the organ resulting in even less stops being operative, and as water damage has been discovered, would it not be better to suspend concerts for the time being, thus saving the cash strapped Palace considerable expense.? In 2006 hopefully you will all see dramatic changes, Incidentally I spoke to A Palace Trustee this evening, who assured me that the Willis organ would not be sold. Colin Richell.

Dear Richard I am glad that you found the consultant's report interesting. Having employed him, it would have been crazy to have ignored the comments, advice, and recommendations, but that is what the Appeal did, obviously now to their deep regret. You cannot fool all of the public all of the time, and at last this has been recognised. We need to wipe the slate clean and start again, and I hope that you and the thousands of Ally Pally organ supporters will join us. Please read www.alexandrapalace. organ.com or ask any questions on this site, sincerely Colin Richell.

Richard It would have nice to have been told directly what work was being carried out as a large donor and former official rather than hearing it from an outsider.,bearing in mind that I am not allowed to be a Friend of the organ and am not welcome at concerts. Who is being childish.? I am disappointed that you do not approve of the unofficial web site. It was set up after we found we could not continue to be part of the activities of the Appeal Committee. You have often accused me of "deserting a sinking ship" but our web site will inform you why I am no longer "officially involved", and although I accept that you are a supporter of the Appeal rather than us. no fair minded person could fail to be shocked at how a registered charity conducts its business,In all honesty we could not condone it, and frankly the 5 who resigned or were discarded are glad to be out of it. Please read our web site with an open mind, and I would be happy to contact you on a private basis,as I do have your address in Liverpool. I hope that you will be pleased that the 5 people continue to work behind the scenes, and that the organ has not lost their talent and commitment. sincerely Colin Richell.

I assume that you have read the consultant's report which was originally posted on the unofficial web site. The report was very detailed , critical and honest, but on a personal basis, I have to admit that if the consultant had offered the opinion that the restoration was a hopeless case, I would have ignored it. I would, however have taken note of any professional advice relating to the execution of the restoration. I absolutely agree that no further work should be carried out, on the organ and yet my spies tell me that, at this moment ranks of pipes are being lowered, and that there are plans to reinstate the two ranks of pipes which were removed from the organ sometime ago.This is being carried out with my money as well as others, and yet we are not allowed any say in the matter. I wonder which Company is carrying out the work ! I wish that I could forsee the future, but of course I cannot. Colin Richell.

I assume that you have read the consultant's report which was originally posted on the unofficial web site. The report was very detailed , critical and honest, but on a personal basis, I have to admit that if the consultant had offered the opinion that the restoration was a hopeless case, I would have ignored it. I would, however have taken note of any professional advice relating to the execution of the restoration. I absolutely agree that no further work should be carried out, on the organ and yet my spies tell me that, at this moment ranks of pipes are being lowered, and that there are plans to reinstate the two ranks of pipes which were removed from the organ sometime ago.This is being carried out with my money as well as others, and yet we are not allowed any say in the matter. I wonder which Company is carrying out the work ! I wish that I could forsee the future, but of course I cannot. Colin Richell.

I have often spoken to ex members of the Organ Appeal (and there are many), and I have asked them why they lost interest in the project. Their answer is equal to what Brian is saying, and their advice to me is to forget it and find another hobby. There is no way that I will give up the idea of having the Willis Organ fully restored, until I know that it is hopeless. There is absolutely no point in the Organ Appeal expecting to raise 1 million pounds, if they will not agree to a tendering process, and that is why our professional contacts withdrew. We know that the Appeal only favours one organ builder, and that builder might well win the contract, but there has to be a choice, otherwise the scheme is dead. Also donors will insist on a guarantee that the organ is safe and will not be removed. That guarantee cannot be given until the new developers are appointed (probably in 2006). The Great Hall is listed, but not the organ as it is not a permanent fixture. The organ is costing the Palace money it does not have, and whilst I increased concert attendances to 150 plus, the latest concerts are barely attracting 30 to 40 people. and people have complained to me about the condition of the organ and the programmes offered. After all my efforts this grieves me. Potential donors will want proof that the organ will be used on a regular basis, and that concerts will attract large numbers of enthusiastic people. The Trustees of the Palace own the organ and will have the final say as to the future. We can only advise. It is easy to understand why people say that the restoration will never happen, but the reasons should be directed to the Organ Appeal who have provided the detractors with the ammunition, In the meantime i am happily working with the Victorian Theatre.Perhaps we could start messages about that, especially as the theatre is safe and listed, Colin Richell

I suggest that everyone carefully reads and digests the unofficial web site (alexandrapalaceorgan.com),also. No one would be foolish enough to publish information on the web site it it were not true, and one should be very careful before suggesting that only the official Appeal care about, and wish to see the Wilis organ fully restored. Colin Richell.

I have many copies of the CD "Historic organs volum 1" which includes 7 tracks of the original Ally pally organ. I had been selling these cd.s at concerts and donating profits to the organ appeal, but I am no longer able to do this as I am not welcome at concerts. I well remember several years ago, sitting in a very cold Great Hall whilst Ian Tracey played with the intention of producing a CD. Unfortunately no-one considered that the quality was good enough and the idea was shelved, So we did try, but I do recall that there was also the problem of raising the money. Thank you to those who freely offer their suggestions, but believe me we have tried everything. Colin Richell.