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Hi all, Sorry for my absence during these past 5 roller coaster years or so; but despite a number of weeks spent in and out of theatres that have nothing to do with Shakespeare, I have been plodding doggedly along with the sequel to my previous anecdotes book which so many of you helped with by submitting stories. The sequel is quite different to the first volume. About half of it will be photographs and cartoons, and the rest compiled from delicious juicy stories that I have/will have garnered from the likes of you lot. The target audience for this book however is different to "Organ-isms". This follow-up is targeted at the non-organist; the family member, the event organiser, the clergy, the audience, the person who says they don't like organ music, those who have never heard it etc and so on. My dedication has already been written: it is to "Those who haven't got a clue". The reason is simple. Everywhere I go, whether on tour around the world or just giving my usual U3A or Probus presentation "Carbuncles, cameras and concerts; Behind the Scenes with a touring Concert organist" I am always gobsmacked at the ignorance or naivety about the organ and organists. People become fascinated once you can draw them into the world that already enchants us - it is simply a matter of gentle and often light-hearted 'education'. The turning point for me was when I rather warily addressed a group of non-musical rugby-playing types who initially looked totally confused to be presented with this topic. By the end I thought that all of them were desperate to sign up for organ lessons. Nothing to do with me - simply that the organ IS a fascinating, fabulous creation and we tend to forget how intriguing it is once explained to 'non-believers'. Pictures, coupled with anecdotes and some simple facts (nothing too heavy) are the very thing I want to use to take this wonderful beast to more people. Anyway, 'nuff blurb. I'm sure you know what I mean. Your part in all this: send me stories, yarns, whatever you want. There is a gap for material about organists interacting with others, such as vergers, clergy, soloists, organisers, cleaners, choirs etc. I want to avoid repeating similar stories from "Organ-isms" no. 1. There are many good stories out there but alas, they are often too much like a variation on a theme. If in doubt, send it to me anyway! I'll enjoy it. Put your thinking caps on. You don't need to write perfect English screeds - in fact, short little one-liners, observations, comments etc are like gold. As those of you who supplied previous stories will know, I will hack it about anyway :-) But trust me, I can keep these anonymous and in confidence. All I ask is that they are true. Pass my request on to others you know who might have splendid anecdotes. You can email me at jenny@pipelinepress.com and I really look forward to hearing from you. Cheers Jenny Setchell

I'm sure (those of you who espouse the glitzy technology of kindles, iPads, smartphones and the like) will be delighted to know that your stories and others which I massaged into that infamous tome "Organ-isms: Anecdotes from the World of the King of Instruments", is now available on Amazon for Kindle. Better still, it will be FREE for download on Saturday, December 1st, from 12am until 11.59pm the same day, Pacific Standard time. That's only one day. The Amazon chiefs warn me it could be a few seconds or hours later starting and stopping, so if it doesn't give you a free download immediately at 12am on that date, try again a little later. For those who don't know, this volume garnered many tales from the people of this forum and John Mander himself, to whom I am deeply indebted for this vehicle in which to extract those delicious stories. So make sure you get your kindle copy for free if you can. It doesn't have the illustrations of the printed volume, but at least the dog can't eat it and the cat can't wee on it. (There's a story her but I'm not repeating it... :-) Oh nearly forgot to give the URL. Which is: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEKCTVE. It is also on the German, English, French, Spanish and Italian equivalent websites. chirps Churchmouse (still looking for other stories for the sequel)

Long time no see, everyone. Sorry, have been giving surgeons hands-on practice so have been out of circulation for a bit. But the good news is that "Organ-isms: Anecdotes from the World of the King of Instruments" is now available in HARDBACK (no less) in German... Many of you are frequent contributors to this forum, who very generously gave your stories and time towards the original book. Hans Uwe Hielscher was the faithful scribe who spent long hours turning my kiwi-isms and your yarns into the equivalent German read. It made for hilarious de-mystifying sessions in themselves! After much ummming and ahhhing it's been called "Die Königin und Ihr Gefolge", a title that translates as "The Queen and Her Entourage". Copies can be ordered from publishers Dr J.Butz in Bonn. An order form can be found from here in the catalogue (books) area. You could always ask your local library to order it in - the ISBN is 978-3-928412-13-1. (And take time to browse through the music editions in the Butz store which I can highly recommend - some terrific finds here that you don't see elsewhere. Martin has just returned from a European trip with suitcases bulging after visiting the shop). So let your German-speaking friends know that it's now out and about, and prowling the streets. . .And, BTW, I am still collecting stories for the Second Volume. Get writing!