The Cannock Chase Organ Club

News

Check back here regularly to find out what's going on at Cannock Chase Organ Club.

Wolverhampton Civic Hall Compton Scrapped - 05/02/2019

It is with sadness that it was confirmed today that the 4/57 Compton Concert organ which was originally installed and still housed in the Wolverhampton Civic Hall has been scrapped.

Due to "possible asbestos contamination" of the organ, the largest of its kind built by John Compton company has already been scrapped as contaminated waste.

Steve Tovey worked tirelessly in his time as Wolverhampton City Organist, to keep this organ in playing condition for all to enjoy. The organ saw numerous restorations and improvements under his watchful eye, thus making it one of the finest example of Compton’s work right until the end.

We would like to thank everyone that has supported us and this instrument for the past decades, and to everyone who has fought to attempt to continue Steve’s work, in keeping this instrument in the public eye.

Theatre Organ Club Patron 2018, Cameron Lloyd - 19/02/2018

Congratulations to our teams very own Cameron Lloyd on being elected Theatre Organ Club (TOC) Patron for 2018.

Ressurection of the Pallot Steam Museum Compton (Jersey, Channel Islands) - 16/09/2017

We had the absolute pleasure of playing the 1937 Compton Cinema organ installed in the Pallot Steam and Motor Museum. Jersey for their Steam Threshing and Motor Fair!
This was the organs first public appearance in over 15 years - and the visitors loved it!

This concluded 4 days of Cameron Lloyd and Edd Hordley working on the organ, bringing it back to playing condition ready for the event. It was even briefly broadcast live on the radio!

Coincidently, Joyce and David Alldred happened to be in Jersey on holiday - so Joyce had a go too, much to the visitors' delight! It was the first time Joyce played in public in 5 years!

Removal of the Ex. Regal Chesterfield Compton - 16/08/2017

In a few weeks time the team will pull together once again to finish the removal of another theatre organ. The Ex. Regal Chesterfield Compton has been owned by a member of our club now for over a year, but due to personal commitments of the owner it has remained in situ.

Now a date has been arranged for around 8 members of the club to finish the removal of this instrument. This includes the chests, winding, relays, bass pipes, and the Console, which needs to be lowered down off the side of the balcony! (Which we are hoping to Live-Stream on Facebook)

Fingers crossed that the removal will go smoothly and all the Compton will be safely transported for transport in Shrewsbury. Then we can begin the long, delicate restoration of this instrument!
We will keep you posted!

Passing of Steve Tovey, Wolverhampton City Organist - 26/09/2016

It brings us deep sadness and a profound sense of loss to announce the passing of Cannock Chase Organ Club President, and Wolverhampton City Organist, Steve Tovey.

Steve has been a huge driving force in the theatre organ scene here in the UK for some 50 years, and we owe him a great debt for many of the installations we now enjoy in the UK.

He will be sorely missed by all of us here at Cannock Chase Organ Club, for his outspoken-ness, witty sense of humour and his relentless... enthusiam and drive to keep the theatre organ in the public eye

Please respect Steve's family members wishes, and refrain from calling. Please, email the page or contact Cameron Lloyd
We will post any details as and when we know.

Next Opera House Concert - David Gray - 25/09/2015

We are delighted to present David Gray at the Blackpool Opera House Wurlitzer on Wednesday 30th November at 2.00pm. Tickets available from the box office £5.00.

Civic Hall Organ Removal - 24/09/16

Wolverhampton Civic Hall’s historic organ is to be relocated and restored to it its former glory.

The City of Wolverhampton Council plans have been approved by Historic England following months of discussions about the best way to preserve the heritage of the organ that dates back to 1938.

The Grade II-listed Civic Hall and Wulfrun Hall are undergoing a £14.4 million revamp to improve facilities. The organ sits in the roof of the Civic Hall and needs to be removed to enable better ventilation for fire safety and to make adjustments to the stage area in order to attract bigger shows to the venue.

Renowned organ specialist and city organist, Steve Tovey, has been appointed to supervise the removal of the organ and find it a new location, with the hope it can remain in Wolverhampton. For the full story: http://socsi.in/mK6pz

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