Jonathan Lane

It would also be interesting to know what was there before, after all, even though NPOR doesn't record an installation date, we know that Grant, Degens and Bradbeer didn't trade under this name until 1965. The church has been around since 1957. Was there just a piano, or an harmonium? Jonathan

I think Barry's latter point is absolutely right. The issue I have experienced over the years has not been to give (or lend) keys to persons under sixteen but to their parents, because in most cases those that learn the organ are often chaperoned by parents/grandparents, even during lessons, and rightly so. Not only does that help us all feel more secure, but also ensures parents have a stake in what their child is doing, surely a good thing. I think the point I was making was, I have had a pupil, who's mother is a long standing member of the church (since birth!), and who still isn't permitted access when the church is locked, i.e. between dusk and 9.00 a.m. I think this is sad, especially as the pupils grandfather has been in that church's choir for over forty years as well! I also know of another boy, who lived next door to a church, but as he was a chorister at the local cathedral, where his dad and younger brother sang/sing too, had permission withdrawn upon departure of the incumbent, who supported him. This boy, now in his late teens his currently organ scholar at a major parish church in the south west, and on his way to big things, despite the attitude of some. The some being those at the church who said he should be allowed to practice, because as a teenager he was likely to be disrespectful to the church and people, and even might break the organ. Sad! Jonathan

Here's another one, this http://npor.emma.cam.ac.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch...ec_index=N03754 was replaced by this http://npor.emma.cam.ac.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch...ec_index=K00731 Whilst the former had some extension, it also had six spare slides, the latter is a Walker extension organ, the majority of which is enclosed in a swell box fitted under the arch at the front of a very large and substantially built organ chamber! It is about to be significantly enlarged in the forthcoming rebuilding. Jonathan

This seems a good way to achieve it, I have no ambitions in this area (and that's not the meaning as used by politicians!) Jonathan

I suspect I am falling into their way of thinking! I really must try to be more careful!! Jonathan

Violine appears on The Encyclopedia of Organ Stops website, and an be viewed here http://www.organstops.org/v/Violin.html It appears to be a German spelling for the English name Violin, or the French name Violon. Jonathan

I can't say I like then either, whereas the pulpitum case is quite impressive. I would like to have heard the 1861 Gray & Davison, it was a very well developed specification. Jonathan

Not long I suspect, but I think we may need to get an exemption or something similar. Judging by the recent case of the rescue worker who was criticised for saving someone's life because he broke H&S rules by climbing down a cliff to reach her! Jonathan

The Sherborne problem will probably never be overcome because of the position of the organ. The only place it will ever be successful is on a choir screen, but then that would block the vista! Jonathan

Unfortunately, all enquiries at St. Martin and St. Thomas have drawn a blank. I will continue with my investigation and let members know when I have more details. Jonathan

If that were the case, surely anything about any other builder or organ by another builder than Manders would be the same. The organ building world is a pretty small one, and in my experience cross-fertilization is a major benefit to all. I'm sure our hosts would agree. Jonathan

It is part of the Parish of the Bourne, I don't know how that fits into Geoffrey's recollections, I will contact him directly, as it may trigger further memories. I don't know how long after the survey of 1969 the organ existed. If the Allen was new, I suspect not very long. I really feel it would have been better to retain it, but someone else must have thought differently at the time! Those GDR/GDB organs I have come across have always been pleasant to play. Jonathan

I think we all appreciate the problems in some churches (and cathedrals), but there are many out there where there is no activity during the day, and where a pupil could practice (supervised by a parent), but the church authorities won't lend a key, because they cannot be trusted, or they don't want the organ played. To me this is just criminal. Firstly they are making the assumption that as they are under eighteen they must be untrustworthy, and secondly, they are ensuring that at some point in the future their organ is never played! Jonathan

Anne Marsden Thomas's comment about young people having access to practice is very true, I have experienced this with some pupils! They are the future of the organ, and it is very shortsighted of churches not to allow them access. Well done Anne for making the point so strongly. Jonathan

For fear of being classed a fuddy duddy, I would always rather play a pipe organ than an electronic!

Unfortunately, the Allen is a poor example. Ours is rather fine, if a little loud!

Huw Edwards was playing the St. Sepulchre organ, careful observation proves this, and fine it sounds too. In our music God is glorified, may well have been accompanied on an electronic, which might explain the difference in sound, the keen eyed amongst you will have noticed a second console in the church. I too was disappointed by Malcolm Archer's contribution, surely someone of his talent could have played something entirely from the theatre tradition, even if it is Songs of Praise! Jonathan

I have been DofM at St. Thomas (up the hill) since the beginning of 2004, and we have responsibility for playing and providing a choir for weddings at St. Martin. There is now an Allen, which not unexpectedly is quite disappointing. NPOR has details of the Grant Degens and Bradbeer organ, 15 stops from three ranks. The survey date is 1969. Does anyone know what happened to this organ, or have any memories of it? Thanks, Jonathan

Not necessarily, depends on the stop, I have heard some very effective stopped 16's on the Great. But what interests me is the idea of a pedal tremulant. Could be very effective for solo work on the pedal, perhaps an 8' Violoncello with the Tremulant! Jonathan

The Mayhew books don't stand up musically or physically. However, Hymns for Today's Church is another matter, it is a good hymn book, but aim more at the traditional evangelical market, i.e. the sort of church which would have used the Anglican Hymn Book. I often use it as a resource, and it has some interesting tunes, like the Wesley tune for Brightest and Best. Jonathan :angry:

I too have to wade into the argument on the side of the present organ. It may not be a conventional cathedral organ, but it is a superb musical instrument, and excellently matches the acoustic of the building, and so much more successful than the other new organs in similar establishments. In my view, the world would be a much poorer place without it! Jonathan

Perhaps its obvious to us all, but what about a Clergyman and an Organist!

I suspected the NPOR date would be more accurate!

Does anyone know when Gray & Davison ceased trading. I came across a reference on All Hallows Twickenham website which states the cleaned their organ in 1976, although NPOR suggests this date was 1967. Is this just a slip one way or the other. Any further information gratefully received! Thanks. Jonathan

I remember playing at All Hallows Twickenham years ago. The organ was that built for the old church at All Hallows Lombard Street by Harris, although much altered over the years. The organ is worth playing however, if you can cope with being on a gallery at the back of church, the wall of which is roughly the same height as the stool, with no rail, no bar on stool to rest your feet, and only a handful of mechanical aids to registration, meaning you have to prepare your registrations sufficiently in advance. Just to add to it, I remember starting my practice in the light but ending in the dark, meaning leaving the organ loft mean negotiating my way out in the dark. Maybe its changed now, but I must admit I was nervous. Jonathan