Musical memories of the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s
24/04/2007
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In the village of Pinchbeck near Spalding, in the heart of the Fens, down country lanes festooned with potato and cabbage fields, you'll see a large redbrick building. Step through its doors and you'll be transported back in time to the entertainment world of the 30s, 40s and 50s, complete with Wurlitzers, posters of a bygone age, music, photographs and art deco lamps.
Welcome to the unique and magical world of the Burtey Fen collection, the brainchild of joint owners, Nicholas Pitts and Mark Willerton. "The Burtey Fen Collection is combination of two completely different hobbies" said Mark. "I started collecting 78rpm records from the 50s when I was 10 years old and became so interested in the period that I then started to collect photographs and sheet music of those stars too. Of course I had no idea that my schoolboy hobby would become part of what is here today."
Nicholas piped up: "As a child I had piano lessons and aged fourteen I transferred those skills to the organ. For the next ten years I studied classical music and then became a church organist and choirmaster. Alongside this interest I was also fascinated by the workings of a pipe organ, and during my teenage years I acquired parts from disused church organs and built myself a small pipe organ. When the opportunity came to save the classical organ from St Marylebone Parish Church in London, together with a band of friends, I brought it back to Lincolnshire and installed it in my previous home."
In fact it was BBC Radio 2's Nigel Ogden who finally pushed Nigel into playing the theatre organ, and in 1995, he was given the chance to buy a Compton organ, formerly of the Ritz, Tunbridge Wells. Said Nicholas: "The entire instrument had to be removed, packed and transported back to Pinchbeck – all in one day. The organ and its workings proved to be a huge jigsaw, but I began restoring it back to its former glory, also adding three more sets of pipes to give it an even fuller sound. And a final addition to the percussion section of the organ is a 1930s Marimba Harp."
As soon as you go through the main doors of the building, you find yourself in a theatre foyer reminiscent of the days of the Empire or Hippodrome - complete with box office and original 1930s light fittings. Deep scarlet wallpaper, gold fixtures, posters and theatre bills line the walls: Ronnie Ronalde, Gracie Fields, Donald Peers, Lita Roza and Joseph Locke all peer down to remind the visitor of the variety shows that were so popular in the 40s and 50s.
In the main hall, which seats 200, there are yet more posters, framed music sheets and photographs – many autographed by the great stars of the entertainment world. And Mark and Nicholas have created original vintage enamel signs advertising the top brand cigarettes of the period - Capstan, Woodbines and Players.
The focal point is the stage on which stand two cinema pipe organs provide live entertainment; a 1929 Wurlitzer organ and a 1934 Compton organ. The Compton is complete with its original illuminated ‘jelly-mould’ surround which changes through a rainbow of colours as the organ is played, reminiscent of Reginald Dixon.
The six rank Wurlitzer started life in a French restaurant in Regent Street, London in 1929, and was later moved to the Gaumont Exeter. The Burtey Fen Collection acquired the instrument in 2002, and it has now been enlarged to 10 ranks of Wurlitzer pipes. And a piano to stage right is linked to the organs so the audience can watch in amazement as the piano appears to play by itself with moving keys - or could it be the ghost of Charlie Kunz?
A further room is decorated in the style of a 1960s coffee bar complete with a 1962 Rockola jukebox, rocket lamps and coffee tables on thin spindle legs that were part of every home the 60s, plus those chairs of the design that Christine Keeler made so infamous! The whole venue is unique, and helps keep the great names of the past in the public eye.
Mark recalled: "In the 60s we went on holiday to Blackpool and Great Yarmouth, with their big variety shows each night. I saw Hylda Baker, Jimmy Jewel, David Whitfield and Kathy Kirby, plus the current rage - Billy Fury. My own memories of the times and these stars are so special that it’s a dream come true to have a place to showcase memorabilia. And it’s amazing to see people’s reactions when they are reminded of long forgotten names such as Sabrina or Steve Conway."
Mark and Nicholas designed the building themselves and have ensured that it is especially user-friendly for people with a disability. Their eye for the detail of fifty years ago belies the fact that the Burtey Fen Collection was purpose built and opened only in 1999. And there is an incredible atmosphere during their sell-out concerts.
Nicholas added: "It is often said that there is not enough for young people to do. But we think the opposite is true. The older generation are completely un-catered for, with very little entertainment apart from bingo or tea dances. With the demise of the big seaside variety shows we hope we can fill the void for music lovers of a certain age in this area. "
The Burtey Fen Collection opens once a month for concerts with top name organists that include Robert Wolfe, Nigel Ogden, John Mann and Phil Kelsall. At other times the collection is open by prior arrangement for clubs and coach parties to hear Nicholas play the organs and give demonstrations.
Call 01775 766081 or write for a brochure, or write to The Burtey Fen Collection, Burtey Fen Lane, Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire, PE11 3SR. Alternatively visit their website, which is linked below.