OrganFax Directory

Bedford Electronic Organ Society

Telephone Number :  01234 272071

Email address :  moira.mcaneny@tiscali.co.uk

Website :  organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedfordmembers/

Contact name :  Moira McAneny

Venue address : Addison Centre, Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road , Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN

About Bedford Electronic Organ Society

In the Beginning...

Bedford Electronic Organ Society was formed by Les Franklin in 1972 but not under the name as we know it today. It started as The Hammond Organ Society and met once a month at The Mr Music shop in Bromham Road, Bedford. It wasn't long before the Social Club of the C.E.G. Board in Barkers Lane, Bedford became their second venue and was run similar to the format of today but that wasn't the last move. In 1976 the club moved across town to Kempston Transfiguration Church Hall for monthly meetings and by combining the use of the Addison Centre, also in Kempston, a large community centre with a seating capacity of 298 with stage, it was now possible to promote professional organists for six months of the year for members and the general public.

Membership increased steadily at the monthly meetings and the need was still to find a larger venue. In January 1998 the club moved once more to where it is today, Kempston Town Councils New Centenary Hall on the Bedford Road, behind the Council Offices in Kempston and has a seating capacity of 160.

Today...

We find there is still a good following of people who like to listen to electronic organ music but not so many taking up playing. So our format has changed slightly to accommodate this need.  We have an Annual Coach trip to a first class venue which includes a meal afterwards in a restaurant. We also hold an extremely popular Dinner and Dance at Christmas for members and guests.

Concert nights at the Addison Centre have increased to 7 a year with the first of the season donating all proceeds to the Addison Centre Hall funds as the management are not helped in any way by the local council.

The club produces 12 newsletters a year where members are informed of forthcoming concerts in and around the Beds, Bucks and Northants areas.  It also gives the facility for advertising and keeps members enlightened of general information concerned with the club.

 Annual Subscription     Joint £8     Single £6

Concerts are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 8pm - 10.30pm but may vary on a 5 week month.

Members admission: £3.50

Visitors admission: £4.00

Bar open in the interval with the provision for tea and coffee - raffle

These concerts are advertised locally and in the press.

For more details of the clubs members nights at the Centenary Hall click here.

Our Venue

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