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INTRODUCTION
 | The Society was formed in April 2002 on the initiative of local resident, Terry Trevett (the current Secretary), and at the time of its inception it was the only such club in the Andover area or indeed within the Test Valley Borough. A small committee was formed and the Society's inaugural concert, featuring International Concert Organist, Nicholas Martin, was held on 18 July 2002. The event attracted a capacity audience at The Fairground Hall, Weyhill, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley. Thanks to the hard work of the committee and a few willing volunteers, combined with the support and co-operation of several local organisations, it was soon apparent that the enterprise had been well worthwhile.
The Society now has a new website. |
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HISTORICAL LINK
 Weyhill was once famous throughout Britain for a fair which drew enormous crowds and was considered to be the largest in the land. It was famed in song and story and a number of folk songs have been derived from it; indeed, legend once held that Weyhill's fair was the one that Johnny, of the old song, was so long at! Furthermore, it inspired that dramatic passage in Thomas Hardy's ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’, in which the drunken Henchard sells his wife and daughter to a sailor at 'Weydon Priors'. Regrettably, the fair, which may well have had its origins in pagan times, was discontinued in 1959. Whilst it included the sale of horses, leather, cheese and hops, it was for its sheep fair that Weyhill is best known. It is certainly appropriate that the sounds of the organ should reverberate once again around the site of a former fairground!
The Society, understandably, decided to forge a couple of links with the village history. The annual event had provided the derivation of a folk song, titled 'Weyhill Fair' and this was adopted by the Society as its signature tune. The piece was later re-arranged by organist/composer, Penny Weedon, and re-titled 'Weyhill March'.
A second link was formed by the adoption of a sheep as an integral part of its logo and the Club has since 'acquired' three suitable mascots who attend all of the concerts. The first to appear was 'Ramsey' but, following his temporary abduction, 'Samson' was introduced as his minder. More recently, the formidable figure of 'Cameron' (pictured) – of Scottish descent – has arrived on the scene ... and the Society was obliged to advertise for a music-loving sheep dog! Two toy border collies responded to the appeal and are now 'on duty' at every concert! (before you ask – we're not all locked up ... yet!).
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CHARITY SUPPORT
 In August 2003 the Society staged a charity concert (for Age Concern) at the Cricklade Theatre, Andover. This event, titled 'Keyboard Charisma', again featured Nicholas Martin - on this occasion in company with Mike Thomson (piano) - and was acclaimed a resounding success by everyone concerned. Guest of Honour at the sell-out concert was Lawrie McMenemy, in his capacity as Vice President of Age Concern, Hampshire. Also present were local MP, Sir George Young, and the Deputy Mayor of Test Valley. Lawrie clearly enjoyed the evening and wittily described Nicholas Martin as "the best player to come out of Leicester since Gary Lineker". This particular event produced the most commendable amount of £1,500 for Age Concern. In fact, since the Society's inception, amounts totalling in excess of £4,500 have been raised for a number of worthy charitable organisations - and it is hoped that the provision of similar support can be continued in the future.
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OVERSEAS VISITORS
 The Society’s June 2004 concert was particularly special for a group of children from Belarus who were attending the concert at the invitation of the Society. Visiting the UK, courtesy of the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity and accompanied by a few members of their local host families plus an interpreter, the children were simply spellbound by the aura of the occasion and the delightful musical sounds produced by Dutch guest performer, DirkJan Ranzijn. The evening was full of emotion and it was a pleasure to witness how much enjoyment the children derived from the concert. A collection for the charity produced in excess of £100 (enabling the children to have a day out at a local amusement park during the following week). More importantly, a fantastic musical evening was permanently etched upon the memories of the Society's very special young guests.
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PROGRESS
 The Society made a further advancement when, at the May 2005 concert, its very own video projection equipment was introduced, thereby enhancing stage productions. Grants from 'Awards For All' (Lottery), Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council helped the Society to achieve this improvement and members of the audience can now have a clear view of the keyboards and pedals from any seat in the hall.
In June 2005, the Society was honoured when being presented with a framed 'Voluntary Groups Awards' certificate by Test Valley Community Services, in recognition of its contribution to the local community - an award that was repeated in 2006 and 2007.
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EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT
 The electronic organs of today are capable of a great variety of sounds and rhythms - from military bands to orchestras, from violin to harmonica; in fact, the sounds of almost any instrument imaginable can be reproduced by these amazing pieces of electronic wizardry.
The Society's concerts are aimed particularly at people who prefer their music to be melodious, easy listening and tuneful, and are guaranteed to provide enjoyable entertainment in a relaxed and friendly environment. However, unlike many other organ societies, the Club is not really 'traditional', inasmuch as the audience does not consist of organ 'aficionados'; indeed, very few supporters of the Society actually admit to playing a keyboard.
The Club's constant aim is to provide a wide variety of music-themed entertainment ... and the electronic organs and keyboards are ideal instruments for the fulfilment of this objective. A different top class organist is engaged for each monthly concert and the programmes are always balanced to suit most musical tastes.
Newsletters are published at quarterly intervals, providing information about the Society's activities and progress. Although the Society is relatively new, it has quickly established an excellent reputation, amongst guest performers and audiences alike. Here are just a few examples of compliments received from visiting artistes:
“Thanks for the tremendous hospitality and pleasing atmosphere” ..... “What a super audience - thank you for a lovely warm welcome!” ..... “The evening has been so special ... a caring team, wonderful hospitality” ..... "Your enthusiasm and love of music is reflected in your friendship” ..... “A most enjoyable way to spend an evening” ..... “A great club – one of the best I’ve played so far” ....... “A truly splendid occasion in every respect”.
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CONCERT INFORMATION
 | The Society's Concerts are usually held on the third Thursday of every month at the Fairground Hall, Weyhill, SP11 0QN (2 miles west of Andover), commencing at 7.30 p.m. There is ample free parking adjacent to the hall and interval refreshments are always available.
Tickets purchased in advance are priced at £4.00 (for Weyhill concerts) and can be obtained by post from the Secretary, Terry Trevett (tel. 01264 323213), enclosing s.a.e.. Tickets are also available in person from Mimmo (Hair Stylist), 40 Bridge Street, Andover (open Tues - Sat. Tel. 01264 353506).
Admission at the door is £5.00 (but tickets are strictly subject to availability).
Prior booking is strongly recommended.
DIRECTIONS:
The village of Weyhill (on the A342) is located approximately three miles west of Andover and is easily accessible from all directions:
From NW: via M4 – exit (at J15) to A345, A 346, A338 and A342, following signs to Andover.
From SW: via A303 – exit to A342, then continue 1½ miles to Weyhill.
From East: via M3 – exit (at J8) to A303, then continue for about 20 miles and exit to A342 (signposted Devizes). Weyhill is 1½ miles further.
From North: via A34 – exit to A303 (West), then continue for about 9 miles and exit to A342 (signposted Devizes). Weyhill is 1½ miles further.
There is one small roundabout in Weyhill, from which the Fairground Hall is signposted. The Hall, enclosed within the Fairground Craft & Design Centre, is approximately 200 yards from the roundabout and ample free parking is available.
To see a map of the location click on the link below:
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CONTACT
Secretary: TERRY TREVETT
Address: 166 Bury Hill Close, Anna Valley, ANDOVER, SP11 7LL
Telephone: 01264 323213
E-mail: terrytrevett@onetel.com
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KEYBOARD NEWS
To visit the Keyboard News website please click on the link below: |
ORGANFAX
To visit the Organfax website please click on to the following link:
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APPLESHAW
To visit the website of this nearby village please click on to the following link: |
FAIRGROUND CRAFT CENTRE
To visit the Craft Centre website click on the link: |
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