Philip Grainge

I know what you mean! I went to all the recitals last year following the restoration. Although still a fantastic instrument it has definately been tamed - too much for my likeing. I think they have lagged the 32' s and as far as the famous contra tuba with its new chest I think they have locked it up and thrown away the key? Before the restoration you could have a couple of pints a bag of chips and sit anywhere in the priory and be blasted to kingdom come. But now you have to experiment in finding the best place to sit which as it happens is the right hand side front pews, definately avoid the left hand side of the nave unless you have a hearing aid. OK maybe I'm being a bit too harsh cos there are some good things about the refurb I like but I think its lost some of its fire and umph - and you need some of that because the priory accoustic is completely dry (must be those pews). This year the recital series kicks of with John Scott Whitely (April 28th at 6pm) followed by Letizia Romiti, Dr Roy Massey, Philip Rushforth, Marcus Huxley and finally Carlo Curley.

I completely agree with your comments on the Bridlington Priory organ. As my home town I know this instrument well. This organ has attitude and character - a unique sound which I trust will remain following the Nicholson's restoration. The priory is by no means a small church but in relation to its size, the Anneesons organ is a monster coming in at 4200 pipes plus, and the largest sound board in europe, so it is larger than many cathedral organs. Put it this way, if you nodded off during a quite passage of music, you are likely to visit Mars when full organ is applied. This organ has attracted many world class recitalsits in its day, I understand Dupre and Thalben Ball just to mention two. It was suggested to me by a church member that £600,000 to restore the instrument could not justified, rather the historic Anneesons should be scrapped, and replaced by a modern electronic instrument, and if the organ pipes were left in situ the congregation or recital goer would not be none the wiser. Um! Do we have a ritual hanging from the belfry or not? Finally, It is hoped the organ will be on its way back from Malvern later this year and ready for the usual summer recital series next year which traditionally take place on Wednesday evenings at 7PM.