Harworth 'Christie' Theatre Organ Enthusiasts Celebrate OF
30th September 1973--29th September 2013
The opening day concert setting 30th September 1973 Celebrating 40 Years of THEATRE ORGAN MUSIC in HARWORTH 1973--2013
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Journal of the Harworth 'Christie' Organ Enthusiasts March/April 2014. Hello everyone Time for yet another edition of Golden Notes for you, hopefully, to enjoy. While I realise many of you will have been at the reported concerts, there are quite a number of members who cannot get to concerts for one reason or another, so it's nice to keep them updated with what we are doing It is very gratifying to know that for some members it is virtually impossible for them to get to Harworth due to the distance involved, but they still renew their membership, simply to support us, so many thanks to these people. It is also very nice to know that membership has remained fairly stable compared to last year, so again, many thanks for renewing, and of course it is not too late if you haven't renewed yet. Just send a cheque to the Membership Secretary, and she will reply with your card. It may surprise you to know that I am writing this editorial in mid February, and this edition is not due out until March. The reason being that all things being equal, by the time the newsletter is due to go to press, I shall be sunning myself (ha ha) in Eastbourne on a few days break. Nothing like being in front of things. Just looking back into January, we had a great weekend with the Annual Buffet Dance on the 25th, and a fabulous concert with Michael Wooldridge on the 26th. more about these events later.
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For our March dance and concert we shall welcome a gentleman making his very first visit to Harworth, Martin Atterbury, so I hope you will turn out in good numbers to welcome him. Then for April we see the return of Nicholas Martin for the weekend. Some great events to look forward to, hope to see you there. Happy Listening Mick Mason.
************************************************** Membership Renewals Could I, through the newsletter, and on behalf of the society, say a big thank you to everyone who has renewed their membership to date. As is widely recognised, we are still one of the cheapest societies around, giving excellent value for money, so if you haven't renewed as yet, it is not too late, simply see me at a dance or concert, or alternatively send a cheque, made out to 'Harworth Christie Organ Enthusiasts' and send it to my home address, which is printed on the back of the newsletter. Once again, many thanks for your continued support. Ann Watson Membership Secretary.
************************************************** Admission Prices to Concerts. If you attended the AGM in October, you will remember that the subject of admission prices was brought up from the floor of the meeting. The suggestion was that we put up our prices but include tea or coffee, instead of selling extra tickets for this facility. The committee have now discussed this idea and it will be implemented from the March concert, there will a 50p increase across the board, and will include tea or coffee at the interval.
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************************************************** It has also been agreed that there will be changes to timing of dances, from the February dance, times of dances will be brought forward ½ hour, so that from now on dances will run from 7.30pm to 11.00pm. In taking this decision it is hoped that it will help people who travel any sort of distance, so that they can get home at a reasonable time, ************************************************** The Annual Buffet Dance We were delighted with the turnout for the Annual Buffet Dance on 25th January with Bill King and Hilary, when some 80 people turned out to enjoy some great dancing with Bill and Hilary, and an excellent Buffet served by Stephanie Clark and her team. From past experience we knew that the evening would be a success, as Bill, Hilary, and Stephanie have served us so well before. While I was playing a few CD's to give Bill and Hilary a break, I put on the Irish Jig, and saw Andrea from Steph's team doing the steps, so when it finished I couldn't resist playing it again, and cajoling her into doing a solo for us, which she did, and it went down very well, which didn't surprise me as Andrea has run the local Irish Dance School for many years, so thanks Andrea. Many thanks to everyone involved, and everyone who attended, in helping to make it such a huge success.
************************************************** The Michael Wooldridge Concert 26th January 2014. As we looked back through our records, it would seem that it was way back in 2003 when Michael last visited us here at Harworth, and what a long time to be without such an absolutely talented organist.
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He began his concert with his signature tune, 'That's Entertainment', and from there gave us the Andrew Rieu classic 'The Blue Danube'. Next was a selection of music from Oklahoma, 'Oh what a beautiful morning, Surrey with the fringe on top, People will say we're in love etc'. On now to 'Skyliner, Slipped Disc (sorry, don't know that one), and Body and Soul'. A French selection was next with 'Under the bridges of Paris, Under Paris skies, and the Can Can'. What better way to take us to the interval than with a Classic Al Jolson Selection, the tunes were ' Give my regards to old Broadway, Four leaf clover, Me and my Gal, Alexander's Ragtime band, Dixie melody, Sonny boy, California here I come, Toot Toot Tootsie, and Mammy'. What a great first half and much more to come. INTERVAL During the interval we were able to surprise the audience, as we brought out what was left from the buffet the previous night, and there was a lot of delicious food on offer For the second half Michael began with 'Blaze Away', and then going into a selection from 'Les Miserable'. 'At the end of the day, I dreamed a Dream, Master of the House, Bring him Home, Do you hear the people sing, and Buffoon'. A selection of tunes made famous by the legendary Mantovani was next, and how Michael found the sounds I will never know but they were fabulous. ' Lonely Ballerina, Some Enchanted Evening, Charmaine, and There's an Awful Lot of Coffee in Brazil'. Then it was time for the 'One Note Samba.
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Guess what, Elvis is not dead, nor is he working in Asda, he's here performing at Harworth, and that is how Michael brought his concert to a close, with a selection of Elvis favourites. 'Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound dog, Teddy Bear, Love me Tender, Wooden Heart, Return to Sender, Can't help Falling in Love with You, and finally The American Trilogy'. How to sum up a concert like that is very difficult, Alan and Sally write 'The best show for a long time', which I endorse entirely, but I can only sum it up by repeating what I said on stage at the end, 'We had been privileged that day to watch and listen to a Master at work', and we really had. We shall make absolutely certain that it won't be another 12 years before we see Michael again. He had travelled up from Brighton that morning, leaving home around 8.30am, arrived here at 1.15pm, played a fabulous concert, didn't rush off at the end but stayed chatting until about 5.45pm, and was then travelling back as far as Milton Keynes for an overnight stay with friends. How can you not admire such commitment to his love of music. Many, many Thanks Michael for such a superb afternoon, you will be back sooner than you think.
Reported by Sally Taylor and Alan Clayton Compiled by Mick Mason. *************************************************** The Chairman's Thoughts I wondered how many people who come to our concerts can read music, play an instrument for their own enjoyment, or have anything musical (not records CD's etc), or would anyone like to come along and try our Christie or the Orla electronic. Does anyone know of a child interested in music within their community, who may like to have a go, if so, please let the committee know.
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Five youngsters did just this years ago, and look at them all now, all professional, doing very well, four of them travelling all over the country and beyond, and one teaching, not bad for one organ society, could be some junior you know in a few years’ time, just a thought.
My Maintenance News Our work continues inside and outside the building, weather permitting. The committee room is now redecorated and new carpet tiles laid, what a difference, we are all pleased with the outcome, the entrance and toilet to that area has also been decorated. Outside, the car park side of the building has had new Fire doors made and fitted, all painting has been completed, and UPVC fascia has been fitted around the building. On the opposite side the same is nearly completed, all thanks to the Thursday Little Workforce. Things are looking a lot better I am pleased to say, more to do but we can see the lights. G. P. Randles.
*************************************************** The Charles Brown Dance 22nd February 2014, Charles has been coming along to Harworth for a number of years now, and we always know we shall have an enjoyable evenings dancing with him, and such was the case on this evening, dances to suit everyone, creating a lovely atmosphere, perhaps the only disappointment of the evening was the turnout which amounted to 36 paying customers. The main reason for this were illnesses etc. plus some early holiday bookings. WE accept that we cannot win them all, so hopefully the seats will be fuller by the time Martin Atterbury takes to the console.
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The John Barnett Concert 23rd February 2014. It was a pleasure to welcome back John for his first individual booking as our new Vice President. I had the pleasure of presenting him with his badge of office before the concert, which he duly wore throughout the concert. This may seem to be a short concert report, but the musical content certainly wasn't, as Alan puts in his report, 'Plenty of tunes but not many titles'. In other words neither him nor Sally knew them (you can't win em all). So for the first half John started with 'Out of the Blue, Down the Mall, and Calling all Workers', many of you will remember that one as the signature tune of 'Workers Playtime'. A Spanish selection was next with ' Granada, Lady of Spain, Viva Espana'. Another selection now with 'Under Paris skies, Vienna, City of my Dreams, and Funiculi Funicula'. Next John wanted to know 'If I can Help Somebody'. Then we had a lovely selection of music from the musical and film 'Showboat'. 'Poor Old Joe, Only Make believe, Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine, Why do I Love You, Old Man River etc.' Then it was 'Hot Diggety, Dog Diggety'. To take us to the interval we had tunes composed and made famous by Leroy Anderson,' Bell of the Ball, Forgotten Dreams, Blue Tango, and Everything Stops for Tea', which it did. INTERVAL The second half began with 'All the Things You Are, Just the Way You Are Tonight, and Look for the Silver Lining'.
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Next was' Moonlight on the Alster, and Roses from the South etc. John also played a selection of requests that people had placed on the stage. A lengthy but very enjoyable selection of tunes would bring the concert to a close, tunes a selection which included 'How Great Thou Art, Ballad for Adelaide, Phantom of the Opera, All I Ask of You, Lara's Theme, Memory, Mambo Jambo, and Brazil. After the thankyou's had been said, John finished the afternoon by giving us a selection George Formby songs on the Orla electronic. A great afternoon, lovely to see John again and of course we look forward to the next time.
Reported by Sally Taylor and Alan Clayton Compiled by Mick Mason *************************************************** DIARY DATES Saturday, 22nd March Sunday, 23rd March The Debut at Harworth of MARTIN ATTERBURY Saturday, 26th April Sunday, 27th April The Return of NICHOLAS MARTIN See You There.
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