Harworth 'Christie' Theatre Organ Enthusiasts Opening Concert 30th September 1973 OF
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HARWORTH
The opening day concert setting 30th September 1973 Celebrating 41 Years of THEATRE ORGAN MUSIC in HARWORTH 1973 onwards
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Journal of the Harworth 'Christie' Organ Enthusiasts January/February 2015 Hello everyone So it's the start of a brand new year, here's hoping it doesn't go quite as fast as the last one appeared to do, it is very true that time seems to go faster as you get older. What I can say is, if the Dances and Concerts in 2015 are as enjoyable as the three that started the new season last September, then we can look forward to a very good season up to June at least. The one exception to the rule has got to be the September dance. This has now become a distant memory, lessons have been learnt, and I don't see anything like that happening again in the near or far future. On a bright note, I must mention the Armistice dance we did on the 8th November, with myself and a good supporter of the society, Cyril of CJ Sounds, providing music using CD's, and Sally doing her bit on the Christie, it turned out to be a great evening with everyone praising the way it was done, and a lot of members urging us to do something similar for one of our ordinary monthly dances. All the music was provided completely free of charge to the society, which in turn made our donation to the charity, 'Help for Heroes' so much better, and we were delighted to be able to send a cheque for ÂŁ345-50 at the end of it. Most of this came from ticket sales on the evening, but was complimented by donations of ÂŁ20 from members who couldn't be there, plus ÂŁ40 from Sally, who had crocheted and sold poppies to place in your hair. Many, many Thanks to everyone who contributed, or helped to make the evening what it was.
2 I am now on page two, so I had better close now by saying that I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, with presents to cherish from loved ones, and are now looking to a :Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2015. ******************************************************** The Andrew Nix Weekend 22nd/23rd November2014 The Dance We were all looking forward to having Andrew back, both for the dance and the concert, with his cheeky banter and his obvious musical talent, what we couldn't have envisaged was the poor turnout on the Saturday. Our normal numbers had booked in advance, but come the Saturday evening around 20 cried off with colds, flu, snuffles etc. which left the room looking very sparse, but for those who could make it, it was a very enjoyable evening with Andrew playing both the Christie and his own Roland, with music to suit pretty well every taste. So many thanks Andrew. The Concert The concert embraced the same stage setting as the Saturday, but this time with the addition of the Phantom Piano, which Andrew made good use off during the afternoon. To begin the concert we had his signature tune 'The Best of Times', before going into a selection of tunes from the Musicals, tunes played were ' There's a place for us (somewhere), Somewhere over the Rainbow, The White Horse Inn, I'm getting Married in the morning, and You'll never walk alone'.(best known as the Liverpool football anthem, and they lost on that Sunday, so playing the music didn't help ). Another Selection now with music by Irving Berlin, always popular whoever plays it, but ideally suited to the theatre organ, the tunes were 'Top Hat, White tie and Tails, Let Yourself Go, Isn't it a Lovely Day, Change Partners and Dance with Me, This is the Army Mr. Jones, and There's no Business like Show Business'.
3 Over to the Roland Atelier now to play ' Highland Cathedral', beautifully played but slightly different to what we are used to, as this was apparently a German version of it, then we had ' The Flirtation Waltz and Poor People of Paris'. Staying with the Roland, next was a 'Platters' Selection, 'My Prayer, Twilight Time, Only You, and Smoke gets in your Eyes'. Back on the Christie and going to the interval with a 'Disney Selection'. 'Hey Diddly Dee, Bibbady Bobbady Boo, Can you feel the Love Tonight, Chim Chimenee, Let's go fly a Kite, Whistle while you work, and I Want to be like You'. Great first half and much more to come. INTERVAL Starting with the Christie, we had a Selection of well known tunes from the famous films and musicals :- 'Good old Vienna, March of the Cobblers', ( I could see the band in 'Brassed Off' marching as Andrew played it, Brilliant film) 'Oklahoma, I Won't send Roses, Mac and Mabel, Don't cry for me Argentina, Tonight, If I Loved You, and Cabaret'. Back on the Roland next with a couple of tunes, the second one being requested from the audience, 'One Voice and One Moment in Time'. Andrew stayed with the electronic to give us some foot tapping music, and sitting where I was on the side I could see quite a few feet going to the beat. 'I'm in the mood for Dancing, Dance little Lady, Can't Dance, don't ask me, Hungarian Dance, Mexican Hat Dance, River Dance'. I did notice that not everyone kept up with the River dance, but nobody got their feet wet either. Next was a lovely version of 'Lady in Red', before Andrew went into the 'Bluebell Polka, Roll out the Barrel, and Button up your overcoat'. Back on the Christie now to think about bringing the concert to a close with ' I Want to be Happy, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Old Piano Rag, the Black and White Rag', and finishing with ' Charmaine, Mr. Sandman, Ain't she Sweet, Whispering, and Bye, Bye Blues'. I don't really have to sum up the concert, the music chosen and the audience reaction said it all, the number of members who came to the stage at the end
4 to compliment Andrew said everything that needed to be said, and Sally and Alan say 'Once again, Great Show'. Can't argue with that, Many Thanks Andrew for a lovely weekend, and I think we came out about 50-50 with the jibes at each other. HONEST, we are friends really, Mick. After the disappointing turn out for the dance, it was lovely to see so many of you turn out in good numbers for the concert, Great, thanks to you all for your support. Reported by Sally Taylor and Alan Clayton Compiled by Mick Mason. ********************************************************* Green Bottle Tops Collection While it has been our pleasure to collect the bottle tops and pass them on to charities, which first of all was Bluebell Wood, it now seems that the charities cannot make enough revenue from these to make it worthwhile continuing, so while we thank you for your support, can we now ask you NOT to bring any more to concerts, but instead place them in your recycle bin at home. In this way at least they will not be wasted altogether, Again, Many Thanks. The Christmas Dance with Keith Dyer 20th December 2014. We were pleased to welcome back a long time friend in Keith Dyer for the Xmas Dance, Keith first visited Harworth in the reign of Albert Wood , our Concert Secretary at the time, and they knew each other through working in the coal industry .Since then Keith has retired to live in Spain, so we only see him occasionally now. While being very nervous on the evening, he gave a good account of himself, playing a variety of dances that were 'spot on' tempo wise, and while it would have been nice if the winter illness bug had stayed away, so that more people could attend, it was a very enjoyable run up to Christmas,
5 so many thanks Keith once again for your contribution. The biggest thing for us was that he did not ask for a fee, he was just happy to come along and play for us. ********************************************************** The Christmas Concert with David Redfern and Lynn Riley So the stage was set, the audience seated, and of we set on yet another Christmas Concert here at Harworth. David began with his signature tune, 'Gaily through the World', before going into a selection of tunes from 'Singing in the Rain', 'You were meant for me, All I do is think of you, You are my lucky star, Good Morning to you', and the theme tune 'Singing in the Rain'. This was followed by the 'Neapolitan Serenade'. Time now for Lynn to make an appearance to sing 'Happy Holiday' and 'Ave Maria'. Getting into the Christmas spirit now, David gave us a Christmas medley, which contained, 'For Tonight We'll Merry Merry be, God rest ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Here we come A Wassailing, The First Noel, Old Lang Syne, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and Sleigh Ride'. Time for Lynn to reappear now to give us 'Never do a Tango with an Eskimo, Peanut Vendor, Walking in a Winter Wonderland, I Saw mummy kissing Santa Claus, White Christmas, Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer, and Jingle Bells', which brought us to the interval. INTERVAL After the welcome cuppa and biscuits it was time for the second half, and during the announcements, guess what, Santa Claus came strolling into the Hall, making himself welcome by shaking hands with the audience and giving little gifts to some, before coming up on stage. It was a pity that there were no children present that day, but I am sure that everyone was pleased to see him, and make them realise that the big day was nearly here. Santa was thanked for coming along during his busy schedule.
6 After the Raffle etc. it was time for David to reappear to start with the 'Radetsky March', before going into 'You made me Love you, The Superman March, and Can You Read my Mind'. Lynn then reappeared on stage to give us 'Frosty the Snowman, Rocking around the Christmas Tree, The Dance of the Three Old Maids, Merry Christmas Everyone, Little Donkey, and Ding Dong Merrily on High'. Time now for David to think of bringing his contribution to a close with a Selection from the well loved film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. This was featured once again on television over Christmas, and no doubt enjoyed by many. It was now audience participation time as everyone was invited to join in with the traditional Christmas Carols, which we always do, and I must say you all made a lovely choir.( 'With I'd recorded it, I could have made some money') As the carols were sung, the snow fell on stage, and the Christmas atmosphere was well and truly here. The show closed with David and Lynn playing and singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas', and I even got dragged in to join Lynn. Reported by Sally Taylor and Alan Clayton Compiled by Mick Mason ******************************************************** So with the exception of the New Year’s Eve Dance that I would do playing CDs, much as I do at the Wednesday T. Dance that just about brought the year 2014 to an end. Everyone here at Harworth hopes that over those last twelve months you have all enjoyed what the society has offered you, although there was of course one exception in September, and that you will continue to support us into 2015. A very Big Thank you to you all. **********************************************************
7 Many of you will remember Doreen and Guy Crossley, who used to bring along Organ records for sale, below is a poem that Doreen gave me many years ago, which I did use in the Newsletter. I think it's time you all heard it again. It is entitled: Getting Old Just a line to say I'm living that I'm not amongst the dead Though I'm getting more forgetful and more mixed up in my head. I've got used to my Arthritis to my dentures I'm resigned I can cope with my bifocals but 'Ye Gods, I miss my mind' Sometimes I can't remember when I'm standing on the stairs if I'm going up for something or I've just come down from there And before the fridge so often my mind is full of doubt now did I put some food away or did I come to take some out So remember that I love you and wish that you lived here but now it's time to post this letter and say 'goodbye to you, my dear' At last, beside the post box and my face, I'm sure it's red instead of posting this off to you I've opened it instead.
8 DIARY DATES Saturday, January 24th The Annual Buffet Dance featuring Vice President PHILIP RANDLES Tickets need to be ordered 1 week before the event Sunday, January 25th PAUL ROBERTS in Concert 2-30pm Paul was last at Harworth in 1999, and will replace Wayne Bingham Saturday, February 21st the Return of the Very Popular ELIZABETH HARRISON playing for Dancing 7-30 to 11pm Sunday, February 22nd ELIZABETH HARRISON in Concert 2-30pm.
The Harworth 'Christie' Organ Society would like to wish everyone A Very Happy New Year in 2015.
Please explore your society by looking at the Website. You can find us at www.harworthchristie.org.uk Any constructive comments for inclusion on the website are always welcome.
WHY NOT TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT US, AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO COME ALONG AND ENJOY OUR DANCES AND CONCERTS.
The Bircotes and Harworth Community Hall Whitehouse Road Bircotes Nr Doncaster DN11 8EF FREE secure parking to the rear of the Hall.
THE HARWORTH ORGAN ENTHUSIASTS was founded in December 1971 by Mr. S. Morris and a team of enthusiasts, to cater for people interested in the Preservation of the Mighty Theatre Organs of yesteryear, also incorporating the Modern Electronic Organs. THE AIMS OF THE SOCIETY ARE:To promote friendship through the common love of organ music, and to provide, on a regular basis, Organ Concerts and dances throughout the year, using both Theatre and Electronic Organs, and featuring the Star Organists from across the British Isles. LIST OF OFFICIALS President David Redfern
Chairman Mr.P Randles 33, Zetland Road Doncaster 01302-367513
Vice Presidents Andrew Nix Philip Randles John Barnett Gen. Secretary Mr. M Mason 5, Briar Court Harworth Nr Doncaster 01302-744584
Treasurer Mrs. J. Herrington 62B, Sunderland Street Tickhill Nr, Doncaster 01302-742562
Mem. Secretary Mrs. A Watson 152, Nutwell Lane Armthorpe Nr. Doncaster 01302-834068
Concert Secretaries Mr. S. Harrison 07521209973 scottharrison1973@hotmail.com
Committee Members Mr. F Wileman Mr. A Clayton Mrs. S Taylor
Organ Tuning and Maintenance Mr. C. Hinds 01522-526289
Mobile 07980-337972