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CONCERT REVIEWS 2008
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PREVIOUS EVENTS
In addition to providing regular top class entertainment, the Society prides itself in being an active and friendly social club. Day trips and special functions are organised whenever possible and support has been provided for several charitable organisations. |
Turner's, Northampton - 23 March 2003
 The Society's first social function - a coach trip to Turner’s, Northampton - proved to be a resounding success and an enjoyable time was had by everyone involved. The entertainment consisted of an Old Time Music Hall Variety Show, with music, song and comedy. Star spots featured Nicholas Martin on the Wurlitzer and Ian Darlington on electronic piano and trumpet. |
Christmas Dinner - 20 December 2003
 A good contingent of the Society's supporters gathered at the Red Lion Country Inn, Clanville for a most enjoyable evening. The event provided an ideal opportunity for everyone to relax and become acquainted with fellow diners. Entertainment was provided by the ‘Wyverns’ accordion band, a group which included two members of the WEOS committee. |
Turner's, Northampton - 28 March 2004
 This outing again proved to be extremely popular and tickets were quickly sold. The entertainment, an Old Time Music Hall Variety Show, was most enjoyable whilst Nicholas Martin displayed his renowned musical talents on the Mighty Wurlitzer. Sadly, this was to be the Society's final visit to Turner's as news of the venue's closure had just been received. Alternative trips for this enthusiastic band of WEOS supporters would obviously have to be found! |
The 'Wizard' Compton, Bristol - 8 August 2004
 A coach party from WEOS made a relatively short trip, via the M4, to the Eden Grove Methodist Church Hall, Filton, on the outskirts of Bristol - where they were wonderfully entertained by Byron Jones on his Compton organ. Upon arrival, a most satisfying buffet lunch was provided before everyone sat down to enjoy the magical sounds of the Welsh Wizard's recently installed theatre organ. Excellent music, pleasing hospitality and a relaxing afternoon for all! |
Wicksteed Park, Kettering - 30 November 2004
 A coach party from the Society had a most enjoyable day when they travelled to Kettering for a Christmas Old Time Music Hall, featuring most of the cast from Turner's, and again featuring the renowned talents of Nicholas Martin, the show's Musical Director. Nicholas, who had played at Weyhill only six weeks earlier, accompanied all of the acts on stage as well as performing a brief solo spot on his Technics G-100. Arguably, the outstanding aspect was the lovely singing of Maggie May, who led the company in a few festive songs to round off the entertainment. |
'Music By The Sea', Bournemouth - 27 February 2005
 A coach party from the Society had an enjoyable afternoon when they attended a one-day gala festival at the Heathlands Hotel. Bournemouth. This was a completely new event, launched by the Society's Secretary, and featured the very best of electronic organ music, with three one-hour 'spots' performed by Nicholas Martin, Jean Martyn and Brett Wales. The day also incorporated a roast Sunday lunch and afternoon tea. |
Memories of the Black & White Minstrels - 29 May 2005
 A short coach journey to the Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke provided the Society's second social event of the year.
An excellent afternoon's entertainment, evoking fond memories of Saturday night television of the 60s and 70s, was provided by former singing stars of the Black & White Minstrels, Margaret Savage, Bob Hunter and Peter Chapman.
The show was compèred by Chris Gidney whilst the music was provided and directed by the well-known theatre and electronic organist, Michael Wooldridge, assisted by Phil Solomon on drums.
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Assembly Hall, Worthing - 26 June 2005
 The Society linked up with the locally-based Wyndham Theatre Club for a trip to Worthing where, after a hotel lunch, the party enjoyed an afternoon concert performed by Nicholas Martin on the Wurlitzer organ. A delightfully varied selection of music, combined with the venue's excellent acoustics, ensured that everyone was suitably entertained. |
An Afternoon with Dirk - 25 September 2005
 By way of variation, around sixty-five supporters of the Electronic Organ Society spent a day at the Yenton Hotel in Bournemouth where they were entertained by the brilliant and popular Dutchman, DirkJan Ranzijn. The enjoyable event, of six hours' duration, included an excellent 3-course roast lunch and delightful cream tea.
Dirk, who had performed at Weyhill in June 2004, provided the audience with a top class concert, including show tunes, film theme music and several of his own compositions. The occasion proved to be a great success and, as a consequence, is likely to be repeated in the future. The recipe was so obviously right!
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'Music By The Sea', Bournemouth - 2 April 2006
 The Society made up around 40% of the audience for this second annual one-day festival. A coach party was supplemented by others who made the 50-mile journey by car and everyone had an enjoyable afternoon. The event, which was again staged at the Heathlands Hotel. Bournemouth, featured three top players - Glyn Madden, Chiho Sunamoto and Andrew Nix - each of whom performed a one-hour concert. The day also incorporated a roast lunch and afternoon tea. |
An Afternoon with Dirk - 24 September 2006
 A new venture was introduced when the Society staged its very first local Sunday concert – at the White Hart Hotel in Andover. The event proved to be a great success - with delicious food, excellent service - and a great concert, performed by the dynamic Dutchman, DirkJan Ranzijn.
The concert was arranged in three sections, with the first part commencing immediately after lunch and the final session ending around 6 p.m. Dirk, who had previously performed at Weyhill in 2004, did not disappoint; a splendid selection of music, played in his own special way, kept the audience well and truly entertained throughout. Music from around Europe was interspersed with film themes and songs from the musicals. A few classical pieces and some Big Band numbers contrasted with country music, some delightful ballads and a few of Dirk's own compositions.
A standing ovation and numerous requests for a repeat show in 2007 suggest that this initiative was well worthwhile: the combination of music and food was undoubtedly a popular recipe!
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Wicksteed Park, Kettering - Sunday 17 December 2006
 A coach party attended a Christmas Musical Variety Show where they enjoyed an afternoon's entertainment, together with lunch and tea. Musical Director for this event was Nicholas Martin, an artiste well-known to the Society, who performed several solo pieces during the show. |
Christmas Dinner - 11 January 2007
 A small party, comprising committee members and volunteers, enjoyed an evening at the White Hart Hotel, Andover. The event was organised by way of showing appreciation for the efforts of the previous year.
After a hearty meal, they were entertained to an informal concert performed by Andrew Varley, incorporating a brief musical quiz. |
Carol Williams at St.Mary's - 17 March 2007
 An estimated £1,000 was raised for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice as a result of a concert performed by world-renowned organist, Carol Williams, at St Mary's Church, Andover.
Carol, whose fee for the night was sponsored by the Weyhill Electronic Organ Society, holds the post of San Diego Civic Organist in California, where she performs regular Sunday afternoon concerts throughout the year.
A programme of light classics included such well-known pieces as Widor's 'Toccata', Khachaturian's 'Sabre Dance', as well as compositions by Bach, Beethoven and Elgar. By way of variation, Carol performed a George Gershwin selection and several popular Sousa marches, whilst her own arrangement of Scott Joplin's 'The Entertainer' provided a further contrast … and it was only appropriate that 'Danny Boy' also made an appearance - on St Patrick's Day!
Carol's interaction with the audience was both professional and warm, and the tremendous acclaim she received at the end of the evening was truly merited. The church, with excellent acoustic properties, provided an ideal setting for such a unique occasion.
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'Music By The Sea', Bournemouth - 1 April 2007
 | The Society was well represented at this third 'Music By The Sea' Festival, staged at the Heathlands Hotel; indeed, around 30% of the capacity 200 audience were from the Weyhill/Andover area, with most travelling by coach.
Once again, an enjoyable afternoon was had by all, with top class entertainment being provided by Tony Stace, Elizabeth Harrison and Chris Powell - each of whom performed a one-hour concert. As on previous occasions, the day also incorporated a roast lunch and afternoon tea. |
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'Wizard' Compton - Bristol - 28 July 2007
 A few Society supporters again joined with the Wyndham Theatre Club for a trip to Bristol where, after a brief visit to Cribbs Causeaway for some lunch and a little shopping, the party enjoyed an afternoon concert performed by Byron Jones on his Compton pipe organ. The instrument is installed in the Eden Grove Methodist Church Hall where a relaxed afternoon of music, and a delightful tea, were enjoyed by all.
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An Afternoon with Dirk - 30 September 2007
 The White Hart Hotel in Andover was once more the setting for the Society's second Sunday concert and, as in 2006, the guest artiste was the ever-popular and enthusiastic Dutchman, DirkJan Ranzijn. The entertainment was divided into three sessions, commencing after mid-day lunch, and the selections covered a wide range of music.
The first session included popular items associated with James Last, Dusty Springfield, The Carpenters, Bette Midler and Jennifer Rush, whilst lovers of Classical musical were catered for with Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez' and a selection from 'The Music of Vienna'.
After a short break, a piece entitled 'Caruso' (which Dirk dedicated to the late Luciano Pavarotti) was followed by hits from the likes of Josh Groban and Abba. Musicals were represented by selections from 'Grease', 'Aspects of Love' and 'Les Miserables'.
A second interlude allowed time for tea and an enjoyable 'Name That Tune' music quiz, before the final section got under way with an Italian flavour – 'Gira Con Me' (broadly translated as 'With Love From Me To You') and 'Torna A Surriento' ('Come Back To Sorrento') – plus a journey around Europe with a Eurovision Song Contest medley.
The Albanino 'Adagio' provided another Classical variation, whilst Ennio Morricone's 'Gabriel's Oboe' ably demonstrated the delights of film music. Dirk ensured that everyone went home on a good note ... with a rousing rendition of 'Perhaps Love', in the style of the John Denver/Placido Domingo 70s chart recording.
The success of Dirk's two visits to the Hotel has encouraged the Society to organise such an event on an annual basis. Enjoyable music and tasty food obviously make for an excellent combination!
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John Mann Christmas Show, Bournemouth - 10 December 2007
 After a delicious Christmas lunch at the Heathlands Hotel, a coach party from the Society attended the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth.
The entertainment on offer was of the usual high standard expected from John Mann - ably assisted by Iain Flitcroft - with the music and fun making for an excellent pre-Christmas occasion.
Everyone agreed that the event provided very good value.
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Christmas Dinner - 10 January 2008
 | The Oak Room at the White Hart Hotel in Andover was completely full as Club supporters enjoyed an excellent Christmas Dinner.
The meal was followed by a well-chosen selection of music performed by Colin Ford, on his first engagement for the Society. Colin incorporated a quiz into his programme, thus making for a most entertaining evening.
The event proved to be extremely popular and, such was the demand for tickets, it is likely to become an annual event. |
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'Music By The Sea', Bournemouth - 13 April 2008
 | A contingent of over 60 Society supporters (most of whom travelled by coach) attended the fourth annual festival, staged at the Heathlands Hotel.
Entertainment was provided by Kevin Grunill, Sarah Foley and DirkJan Ranzijn - and the event again proved to be a popular success.
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Assembly Hall, Worthing - 22 June 2008
 | A coach party from the Society travelled to Worthing to hear Nicholas Martin perform on the great-sounding Wurlitzer. A delightful afternoon - with a good selection of music and excellent acoustics.
It was such a shame that the event was not well supported... around 150 people in a building which has a capacity of over 900!
A mid-day lunch and afternoon tea at a nearby hotel made for an enjoyable day ... all part of the Club's active social calendar. |
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'Little Miss Dynamite' - 7 September 2008
 An afternoon of great music, with a little fun and laughter, complemented by an excellent roast lunch and afternoon tea. What better way to spend the time when typically British weather prevails?
Elizabeth Harrison provided the entertainment, whilst the delicious food was provided by the event venue, namely the White Hart Hotel in Andover. The music was presented and performed in an informal way, befitting of the afternoon, consisting of ballads, marches and a good selection of dance tunes. Elizabeth also devised a cunning music-themed quiz which severely tested the many 'grey cells' and caused amused consternation!
The occasion was enjoyed by all concerned and has now become an annual fixture in the Society's calendar.
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