OrganFax Directory

Carlisle and West Cumbria Organ and Keyboard Society

Telephone Number :  01228 526399

Email address :  pcmurdoch@aol.com

Website :  www.maryportlocal.co.uk

Contact name :  Paul Murdoch

Venue address : Ellenbank Hotel, Birkby, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 6RE

About Carlisle and West Cumbria Organ and Keyboard Society

 

NEXT CONCERT THURSDAY 26TH AUGUST 2010

Our next concert is on Thursday 26th August2010 when our guest organist will be Jean Martyn from Cannock Staffordshire playing Yamaha EL900. Jean is arguably the top lady organist in the country and her concerts always go down well. When you meet Jean there is always a good laugh to be had. Light hearted humour and music-making are the basic ingredients of her nature.

Jean has played for us on numerous occasions the last being three years ago and I know a wonderful evening of music awaits us. Don't miss it!

REPORT ON JUNE 2010 CONCERT WITH MICHAEL McANENY

Our June concert saw the return visit of Michael McAneny from Irthlingborough playing Yamaha EL90. Michael treated us to a wide variety of music including marches by Sousa,film themes, classical pieces, Spanish, French and Scottish music and a Blackpool singalong. After many requests for an encore Michael returned to the stage and played "More"!!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

The Society was formed on the 5th March 1969 as the Carlisle Branch of the Hammond Organ Society. The guest for the inaugural meeting was Hammond Organ demonstrator Mr Ray Hammond.

Many concerts and events have been held over the years including a Viscount organ Presentation on December 3rd 1971 featuring Alan Haven, Gerry Allen and the former Miss World Lesley Langley. Our 10th Birthday concert in 1979 which featured two Organists from Blackpool Tower the late Mike Slater and a very young Phil Kelsall. A 25th Birthday concert in 1994 for which we built a special stage at the Castle Inn Hotel for the John Mann music show. Another concert which was a very special night for the Society a concert with a very young Mark Shakespeare.

The Society change its name on the 29th April 1976 to the Carlisle and District Organ Society as Hammond was showing less intrest in the Society and more organs were being manufactured around the world.

After serving on the Committee from the formation of the Society David Johnson took over as Secretary of the Society in May 1977 along with Keith Harkness as Chairman and David Anderson as Deputy Chairman. Keith Harkness and David Johnson are now Honorary members of the Society along with Jack Skimmings who served on the Committee for many years. David Anderson continues as Deputy Chairman to the present day.

On the 15th April 1999 the Society’s name was once again changed to “The Carlisle and West Cumbria Organ and Keyboard Society” to reflect the area the Society covers and the word keyboard in the name as keyboards became more popular.

The Society has met at many venues including “The Carlisle United Supporters Club”, “The Carrow House Hotel”, “the Swiss Court” and the “RAFA Club” in Carlisle, “The Castle Inn Hotel” Bassenthwaite and since May 2000 at the “Ellenbank Hotel” Birkby Maryport by kind permission of the owners Mr and Mrs Mitchell.

The Society celebrated its 40th Birthday on 5th March 2009 andhad a wonderful evening with Andrew Nix and Tony Stace to celebrate.

All are welcome at concerts you do not need to play an instrument.

The Society has 80 members and regularly has attendances of 70 to 90 persons.

Admission is £4.00 Members and £6.00 Visitors . Children under 16 free.

The Subscription is £10.00 per year due in April.

The Society meets on the last Thursday of the Month except for July and December when there is no concert.

Our Venue

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