West of England Theatre Organ Society

The Odeon, Weston-super-Mare, is a listed building with its Compton 3c/6 organ being maintained by the Society. With the works number A298, the organ was opened on 25th May l935.

At the console was Alfred Richards who, in honour of his appointment, composed the song "Around the corner at the Odeon". This fine organ is now one of only two original organ installations still playing in commercially operating cinemas.

[Alfred Richards
Played the opening concert in 1935 .
photo: Radio Times 3.1.1937]

The Compton is installed in two tightly packed organ chambers on the roof of the stage speaking out through coves containing concealed lighting above the proscenium opening.

The left-hand - or 'Accompaniment' - chamber contains the Open Flute and Violincello ranks along with the Chrysoglott/Vibraphone unit and the non-tonal percussions and effects. The organ relays are housed in this chamber.

The right-hand - or 'Solo' - chamber contains the Tibia, Oboe, Vox Humana and Tuba ranks as well as the Glockenspiel, Xylophone and Cathedral Chimes. Also in this chamber is a now very rare example of the electro-mechanical Solo Cello unit which produced the amplified sound of a bowed cello string as an interesting addition to the organ's solo effects. This is scheduled for restoration at a future date.

The organ's console has a coupling third manual and is equipped with an F. H. Pride 'Cascade' surround with manual or automatic colour changing.

Both the Discus blower and Fuse console lift are powered by their original D.C. motors

Organ Console showing 'Cascade' surround

2006
22nd January	PHIL KELSALL
26th February	ROBERT WOLFE
12th March	KEVIN GRUNILL
7th May	JOHN MANN
9th July	FRANK FOWLER and STEPHEN DUTFIELD
24th September	MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE
3rd December	NIGEL OGDEN

PRESS RELEASES
reports and pictures
of past events

Address of venue	The Odeon Cinema, The Centre, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, BS21 1UR
Address of venue	ODEON ... 01934 625282 - afternoon
Usual meeting day	Sunday
Start time	2.00 pm (doors open 1.30 pm)
Member's annual subscription	£8.00 full ... £4.00 under 16 and associates
Cost of member admission to concerts	£6.00 variable
For this modest membership fee you will be entitled to take part in various organ-related activities to be arranged in the area, in addition to the concerts at the Odeon. You will also receive a quarterly Newsletter.
Cost of visitor admission to concerts	£6.00 variable
Contact name and telephone	Fred Smedley - 01225 873179 fred.smedley@blueyonder.co.uk

	Visitor number