Peter Clark Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 As a schoolboy I helped out in the relocation and rebuilding of the R & D 3-manual at this church. The organist then was Frank Thomas, who had previously (I believe) been at Bangor Cathedral. The organ was originally in a Baptist Church in Hull I believe. Has anyone heard or played it recently? I am due to go to nearby Croydon in a few weeks and wonder if the organ is still functioning as it would be nice to play it again, just for old-time's sake. I looked up the church on Google and see that the incumbancy is currently vacant. So if anyone knows anything about this instrument (not on NOPR) - thanks. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Coram Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 These? http://npor.emma.cam.ac.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch...ec_index=N18222 http://npor.emma.cam.ac.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch...ec_index=N13480 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Barry Williams Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 I gave the 're-opening' recital on this instrument many years ago and remember it well. We re-created the first recital in Hull. I played Lemmens' 'Storm' and the choir sang chunks of 'Elijah.' It was originally in the King's Hall, Hull, translated and rebuilt in South Norwood by some enthusiasts, including, of course, Francon Thomas, then music master of Archbishop Tennysons's School and Edward Rook. I understand that the instrument has been altered somewhat since then. That may account for the 'fluty' tone which was not evident at the re-opening recital. The church is interesting in that is was (Sir) Ninian Comper's first and thus is rather important. At one time the vicar was The (late) Reverend John Holdsworth, a man of great vision and spiritual presence, who made a tremendous impact on the locality by his old-fashioned pastoral work. He was truly a Man of God. Mr Holdsworth hosted annual visits of The Schubertians from the University of California, ( the USA version of The Kings' Singers,) who delighted the locals with terrific music. Barry Williams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Clark Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 Thanks David and Barry. David, when I typed in "St Alban's South Norwood" in the NPOR search box it came back with 0 result, twice. How did you get them? Barry, as you are nearer to it than I, do you know the form foir getting into the church to have a play, should I get the chance? I think I recall the opening recital - I certainly rermember you being there one day or evening and I think you rattled off the Widor in non-organ shoes! Thank you. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Newnham Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Thanks David and Barry. David, when I typed in "St Alban's South Norwood" in the NPOR search box it came back with 0 result, twice. How did you get them? Barry, as you are nearer to it than I, do you know the form foir getting into the church to have a play, should I get the chance? I think I recall the opening recital - I certainly rermember you being there one day or evening and I think you rattled off the Widor in non-organ shoes! Thank you. Peter Hi Peter May I suggest that you read the instructions on the address search page? It specifically tells you to avoid "St.", and the correct designation is "Alban" - without the apostrophe! The same instructions suggest simply entering the town name and looking down the resulting list, which is what I've just done. Every Blessing Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Clark Posted February 20, 2008 Author Share Posted February 20, 2008 Hi Peter May I suggest that you read the instructions on the address search page? It specifically tells you to avoid "St.", and the correct designation is "Alban" - without the apostrophe! The same instructions suggest simply entering the town name and looking down the resulting list, which is what I've just done. Every Blessing Tony Thanks Tony - patience was never one of my obsessions! Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Barry Williams Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Thanks David and Barry. David, when I typed in "St Alban's South Norwood" in the NPOR search box it came back with 0 result, twice. How did you get them? Barry, as you are nearer to it than I, do you know the form foir getting into the church to have a play, should I get the chance? I think I recall the opening recital - I certainly rermember you being there one day or evening and I think you rattled off the Widor in non-organ shoes! Thank you. Peter Thank you. I will send you a private email with contact details. You should come and see our House organ whilst you are in the area - we are only a few miles away. I think I played the first movement of Widor Six, rather than the Toccata, but it was a long time ago! Barry Williams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basdav Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Thank you. I will send you a private email with contact details. You should come and see our House organ whilst you are in the area - we are only a few miles away. I think I played the first movement of Widor Six, rather than the Toccata, but it was a long time ago! Barry Williams By far a more superior piece of Widor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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