Motoring & LeisureGroups & SocietiesJoin the Weyhill Electronic Organ Society and enjoy music for everyone! Join the Weyhill Electronic Organ Society and enjoy music for everyone!
07/05/2008
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Back in the Sixties and Seventies, electronic organ music started to become a hugely popular form of entertainment, with BBC Radio 2 producing a weekly one-hour broadcast, 'The Organist Entertains'. And it was this programme which inspired the formation of the Weyhill Electronic Organ Society.
The Weyhill society, formed in 2001 by the Society's founder and current Secretary, Terry Trevett is a well supported club and this non-profit organisation has, during its brief existence, already helped to raise in excess of £4,500 for various charities, including £1,500 for Age Concern, £1,000 for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice and over £1,000 for various charities selected by respective Mayors of Test Valley.
Age Concern benefited from a sell-out organ concert performed by Nicholas Martin at the Cricklade Theatre (now The Lights), in August 2003 – at which the Guest of Honour was Lawrie McMenemy, MBE, President of Age Concern Hampshire. In March 2007, world-renowned organist, Carol Williams, performed at St Mary's Church in Andover to produce funds for the Hospice.
Significantly, in recognition of its contribution to the local community, the Society has been honoured in each of the last three years with 'Voluntary Groups Awards' certificates by Test Valley Community Services.
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Arguably however, the most memorable concert was staged at Weyhill in June 2004 when a group of children from Belarus attended the concert at the invitation of the Society. Visiting the UK, courtesy of the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity and accompanied by a few members of their local host families, plus an interpreter, the children were simply spellbound by the delightful music performed by popular Dutchman, DirkJan Ranzijn. The evening was filled with emotion and it was a pleasure to witness the amount of enjoyment the children derived from the concert. A collection for the charity produced funds which enabled the children to have a day out at a local amusement park. More importantly, a fantastic musical evening was permanently etched upon the memories of the Society's very special young guests.
Although the Society welcomes audiences of all ages, the majority of people supporting the monthly concerts are in the over-50s age group, possibly because they are attracted by the type of music performed. In addition to providing regular top class entertainment, the Society also prides itself in being an active and friendly social club, with a few day trips and special functions being organised.
The organs featured at the monthly concerts are amazing pieces of electronic wizardry, capable of a wide range of sounds and rhythms – from military bands to orchestras, from violin to harmonica. There are numerous talented, professional performers on the ‘circuit’, playing a variety of electronic organs, with the styles of music ranging from classical and contemporary to waltzes and marches.
The Society's concerts are usually held at the Fairground Hall, Weyhill (two miles west of Andover) on the third Thursday of each month, commencing at 7.30 p.m. The venue has ample free parking and interval refreshments are always available. Provision of video projection equipment ensures that every member of the audience has an excellent view of the keyboard and pedal skills displayed by the various players. Tickets purchased in advance are only £4.00, whilst admission at the door is £5.00 (subject to availability).
If you require further information telephone 01264 323213 or visit the Society's website address linked below.
There could well be an organ society near you, so if you have access to the Internet all you need do is visit the Organfax website by following the second link below and checking the Club Directory.