Organ Update 19
UPDATE Compiled by Boz Oram
boz@historyinharmony.com
www.historyinharmony.com
Welcome to Update Number 19 – and a big welcome to all of the new people who are on the Update, plus of course the many regular members that have been with me from the early days. Thank you also for your continued support and please keep passing this update around and that includes the magazine editors for all of their help in passing on information.
History in Harmony have just re-launched and updated their website, so it may be worth a look for you – usual address is www.historyinharmony.com We still have some accommodation available for the Great Dorset Steam Fair. All on a first come first served basis – usual email tours@historyinharmony.com or phone 08700 113994
In due course, the Updates will be put onto the History in Harmony website and in some cases, photographs included. As I have said in the past, many people are on broadband, however there are plenty more who are not and the time to download just takes forever if I include pictures.
Anniversaries
This year has been quite a 12 months of anniversaries. 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory in Japan (VJ) on the fighting side and a lot of celebrations have taken place throughout the world to celebrate the end of war and of course heroes of all countries who fought to save and protect their democracy and way of living. Plenty of website for you to choose from however.....
There are other anniversaries too, what with Welte’s centenary, http://www.augustinermuseum.de/frame_vorschau.htm - the first successful modern steam fair at Shottesbrooke Park 40+ years ago which started the preservation movement to think about its future and of course Carter's Steam Fair http://www.carters-steam-fair.co.uk/ but other achievements such as the 150th anniversary of the legendary explorer, Dr David Livingstone coming across the magnificent Victoria Falls, now part of the border between Zambia (Northern Rhodesia) and Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia). Interestingly enough, much of the point of Livingston finding the Zambezi River was to open up the Dark Continent in trading and help liberate the slave trade from internal traders. Unfortunately for Livingstone, he found that the Zambezi was full of rapids and plenty of cataracts, the most impressive being Mosi-oa-Tunya that was later named after the explorer's Queen, Victoria. Remember that this part of Africa had not been seen by Western eyes so there was no map or road to find anything, so how on earth did the American news reporter Stanley find him at Ujiji? (pronounced you-gee-gee). Amazingly enough, the river and falls really haven’t changed hardly at all from those days – still crocodiles simmering on the river banks, elephants deeply grunting in the distance, giraffe looking at you quizzically and the odd lion munching up a Thompson’s Gazelle or five. The Falls are quite magnificent and when I was last there in 1986, you could walk right up to the edge of the torrent of water and the only thing stopping you falling over the edge was your own self-preservation. I somehow doubt whether it has changed at all, as our fantastic western legal system hasn’t reached there yet! Nice place to stay? Yes there is – The Vic Falls Hotel with its plush carpets, monkeys gambolling through the trees and the sound of the falls in the short distance away from the hotel. For a look at the Victoria Falls a century ago go to http://www.hoole.easynet.co.uk/views.html
Finally, to the most important anniversary in the UK. We have a quaint little custom every November the 5th – we celebrate the only person in history who actually bothered to go into our Parliament with honest intentions (apart from the Father of democracy, King Alfred who actually started it all for the rest of the world). Yes the one and only Guy Fawkes who unfortunately was betrayed and set up by one of his accomplices - we, as a Nation celebrate our failures (including Government) and every year the sky is lit up to the explosions of rockets and roman candles fizzing their beautiful colours into our lives. Yet it is 400 years since our Parliament got off the hook – look at historical reference website http://www.britannia.com/history/g-fawkes.html#GPS which appears to be written in the US and is a good historical testimonial and for some of those events, look at http://www.fletchingbonfiresociety.co.uk/400th_bonfire_night_celebrations.htm which is a UK based website. Down in Sussex at Lewis and its sister village they actually relive the whole episode so it might be prudent to find a hotel now in the area!
Berwick St John
Ended up going down to this village’s VE/VJ day celebrations and what an excellent performance it was from the villagers and exhibitors alike. With three different plays based on the Dads Army TV programme; a whole host of jeeps roaring about, a car or two plus a tank stuck right in the middle of the village main road. Richard and I took his Foster traction engine to it as well. In fact we would have towed it to the low-loader that evening but the light failed us before we could actually do it – as it was, taking the engine back to the yard came across a vehicle driver trying to get to her destination long before she had left her home. Well done to all concerned for their work and input into this event.
Mechanical Music in Church
From Peter Craig – in Update #19 Peter Griffiths asked a question as to whether he was the first to use a mechanical organ, in this case 'De Merel' the 52 key street organ for a wedding……
“Just seen your question in the Boz Newsletter re is your outing with "De Merel" a first. Sorry, but I beat you to it as my own 36 key Verbeeck was played in the church when I got married (since divorced of course) some 13 or so years ago. The "Bridal Chorus" and "Wedding March" were performed by a friend, whilst I took the wheel for a short classical piece mid service plus I have a video recording of it too!
Anyway, hope your event goes well and that it starts a craze that will make all organ owners millionaires....”
Regards,
Peter
Thanks for that Peter – the acoustics must have been magnificent in a fine, well built church. I like the last part too - of your words!
Crop Circles
There is a phenomenal interest in this area of the unknown and fortunately people have had the presence of mind to let the rest of the world know what they think is the cause of it all. We find that many people want to hear more about these works of art, especially as the area that I live in at this time of year, has more than its fair share of these circles. For more information try this website which seems to go into many different aspects http://www.korncirkler.dk/cccorner/ Good Luck!
St Agnes
This last weekend, I popped down to the St Agnes 50th Steam Rally and saw some of the Cornish hospitality for which I am very grateful. A marvellous part of the UK especially as it is quite cut off from the rest of the country. On this particular occasion I went down to join Shawn and Tom to help drive Richard Pocock’s splendid Burrell Gold Medal steam tractor around the road run. I had never done the course before, but with excellent marshalling as well as a slightly demanding route, it was a lot of fun, so much so that I took the engine around again! The show attracts many people from all around the country and I expect that a few of them will be going on to the Great Dorset Steam Fair www.steam-fair.co.uk. I have just had a look at the Cornish website, http://www.weses.co.uk/ but as yet there are not any photos of this year’s show, however I am sure that in due course plenty will be posted.
Tintagel
On the way back, the traffic was a bit blocked due to a road accident, so rather than stay in that queue; I went along the Atlantic Highway and ended up in Tintagel, supposedly the birthplace of King Arthur. Methinks this is more folklore brought on by a couple of Monks a few centuries ago. However there is a fantastic castle built on a finger of land that juts out into the sea and it’s hardly surprising that myths and legends were created. The views are quite spectacular and the feeling of tranquillity very absorbing. For those of you who are suffering in the leg or health department, then do remember that there are many steep steps to climb so do prepare yourselves beforehand. My legs were like jelly after the climb! More information go to - http://www.enjoyengland.com/destinationguides/South_West/Destinations/tintagel__North_Cornwall__Cornwall.aspx?bbcam=ov_uk&bbkid=tintagel&x
Mark Jefford has been really active again for me this time
Boz Sorry to trouble you again but looking at a leaflet I picked up in Germany I found some more information on the 100 years celebration of Welte-Mignon.
There are brief details of the firm and exhibition to be held in the Freiberg museum at http://www.augustinermuseum.de/frame_vorschau.htm (English version available.)
Hope this helps but please ignore of you already know about it.
Mark
Again, thanks for your input Mark.
Also from Mark Jefford
Boz
I've pulled together the Mills Society information I have. Most of the Society information was initially gleaned from a SPOOM quarterly magazine I was given for asking too many questions when visiting a Grist Mill in Bonneyville, Bristol, Indiana last May. I've got more information from the various websites and have posted some printouts in with the flyer apologising for the lack of a VH so far this year.
All the best
Mark
No Boz, this is not SPAM but acronyms, not anachronisms, for various Mill Societies.
The International Molinological Society (TIMS) can be found at http://www.spoom.org/
TIMS is the Society which fosters worldwide interest and understanding of wind, water and animal-driven mills. The term "molinology" was first coined by the Portuguese Joao Miguel dos Santos Simoes at the first International Symposium on Molinology in 1965 to define the study of mills. The Society encourages research, and promotes all aspects of molinology including the restoration of mills. It works closely with national mills societies and organizations and also campaigns at regional and government level to encourage the preservation of important historical mills and mill-sites.
In order to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of knowledge and information on mills, the Society issues two News bulletins a year. These contain articles, book reviews, TIMS notices and research findings. Larger studies are published in the series "Bibliotheca Molinologica" which contains 12 titles up to 1998. English is the official language of TIMS though summaries in French and German are often included in publications. The Society's General Meeting is held during each Symposium.
Every four years or so an international Conference (Symposium) is held in one of the member's countries. These week-along symposia give members an opportunity to meet fellow-molinologists from around the world and to present papers on research carried out into aspects of mills and milling. Also includes are discussion seminars and field visits to mills of interest. Following the Symposium the papers and discussions are published in the form of Transactions. This sharing of information, research and expertise is an important part of TIMS's work.
Membership details can be obtained from various National Representatives worldwide as given on the website.
The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) can be found at http://www.spoom.org/
SPOOM is an international organization which is dedicated by its constitution to: "promote interest in old mills and other Americana now quickly passing from the present scene. It reports to its members through a quarterly magazine...keeps files and maintains a library on mills...and acts as a clearing house on milling information among all those interested."
The Society was chartered in Maine as a non-profit organization in 1972. Its members include mill owners, old mill buffs, museum curators, conservators, writers, teachers, artists, photographers, equipment supply firms, and institutions such as libraries. Membership is open to any individual who shares the interests and purposes of SPOOM. The Society shares common interests with the International Molinological Society (TIMS) that is a worldwide organization of old mill enthusiasts and scholars with headquarters in England.
Every year Spoom holds a mill conference hosted by a mill owner or group. These conferences will have mill-related seminars, photo contest, and mill tours, not least of all a good social time. The conference is open to Spoom members and their guests.
Membership details can be obtained from: William L. Denton, Circulation Mgr, 5444 Alpine Ridge, Stevensville, MI 49127-1302, USA.
Tel: (269) 429-0910 ; email: williamdenton@comcast.net
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) can be found at http://www.spab.org.uk/whatis.html
William Morris founded SPAB in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive 'restoration' of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects. Today it is the largest, oldest and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.
The SPAB Mills Section can be found at http://www.spab.org.uk/mills/
Protects hundreds of traditional Windmills and Watermills from proposals to demolish or damage them each year. Campaigns for the sympathetic repair of mills, and works to return buildings and machinery to working order. Circulates its newsletter "Mill News" to members four times per year. Helps to find new owners for mills at risk by issuing a list of old mills that are for sale.
Arranges a programme of lectures, meetings and visits to mills.
Works to raise public awareness of the need to save and conserve the country's dwindling number of wind and watermills by generating press interest.
Co-ordinates and publicises National Mills Weekend on the second weekend in May each year.
Supports the work of traditional millwrights across the UK.
Liaises with independent groups of international and UK Molinologists.
Encourages the survival of the traditional miller and his or her craft.
Supports the care and development of our collections through the Mills Archive.
Is an autonomous section of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).
Membership details can be obtained from: Simon Hudson, Mills Secretary, Mills Section, SPAB, 37 Spital Square, London. E1 6DY
Tel: 020 7456 0909 or 020 7377 1644; Fax: 020 7247 5296; e-mail millsinfo@spab.org.uk
It would seem that there is a French Society (Federation Francaise des Amis des Moulins, FFAM) with a website in French at both moulinsdefrance.free.fr and http://www.moulinsdefrance.org/
In 1965 "The French Association of the Friends of the Mills - A.F.A.M." was created under the aegis of George Henri-River, founder of the "Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions" of Paris. In 1977, the French Association of the Friends of the Mills, the A.F.A.M, following creation of many regional or local associations to safeguard mills changes to "French Federation of the Friends of the Mills - F.F.A.M.".
There is a book "Moulin Etape" giving information regarding 20 Mills in France that provide either accommodation, food or both including maps, directions and contact details. This is published by the FFAM, contact Moulin Marin, 03120 Lapalisse. Tel.: ++ 33 4 70 99 08 53; Fax: ++ 33 4 70 99 35 03; e-mail: moulin-etape@ifrance.com and can be found at http://www.moulinetape.com/html/presentation_gb.html
National Mills Weekend in the UK
And to get back to your final statement that you believe there is a similar thing that goes on in the UK, but don’t know where to look. I can add the following about National Mills Weekend on the second weekend in May each year, organised by the SPAB Mills Section.
THE MILLS ARE ALIVE…………
National Mills Weekend, 7th / 8th May celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2005, with opportunities across the country for visitors and enthusiasts to appreciate the very best examples of Britain’s milling heritage – and the loftiest! The event is organised each year by the Mills Section of SPAB (the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings).
Involving more than 400 windmills and watermills nationwide, the 2005 weekend will include the giant of the mills world (the tallest in the country) opening to the public for the first time after an ambitious repair programme. This is the Tower Mill at Moulton in Lincolnshire, which featured in the first BBC series of Restoration
More than 100 mills that are capable of producing flour will be in action (wind permitting) dispelling the myths that wind power is either confined to the pages of history or is a new intrusion into the landscape! Some of the buildings taking part in the event are only open at this time, enabling National Mills Weekend to offer members of the public a unique insight into some of the country’s best loved and most distinctive landmark structures.
Details of the Wind and Water Mills, scheduled to be opened to the public in the 2005 National Mills Weekend, can be found on http://www.spab.org.uk/mills/index_nmw_2005.htm.
Old Glory also mentioned the National Mils Day in a recent issue. (will find out if April or May and let you know)
I hope this helps fill in some MILLS details.
And on another topic (Now here’s a man who really loves his County)
Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days are taking place on Thursday 8 Sept to 12 Sept 2005 with a theme of "Transport in Lincolnshire".
Various venues ranging from the Bubble Car Museum to the Humber Bridge, the Heavy Horse Centre to a Household Railway Tunnel, and the Lincolnshire Highways Laboratory to Cross Keys Swing Bridge at Sutton Bridge will be open to the public throughout Lincolnshire with the possibility of Trolleybus, Steam Train and Vintage Bus rides elsewhere in the county. Further details including a location map are available from http://www.lincsheritage.org/hod/events/category.php?cid=6
National Mills Weekend
Old Glory also mentioned the National Mills Day in the May 2005 issue on page 22 and there was also an article about Sussex Watermills on page 82.
Hope this helps any potential molinologists.
Fantastic Mark and thanks for doing so much work on this for us all.
Diary Dates Mechanical Music
Aug., 24-29, 2005, Great Britain
GUILDFORD (Surrey), 1 h. from London
Annual General Meeting of the Musical Box Society of Great Britain (MBSGB) and the Musical Box Society International (USA)
www.mbsgb.org.uk
www.mbsi.org
Aug., 31 - Sept. 4, 2005, Great Britain
GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR,
Tarrant Hinton, Blandford Forum, Dorset
A very large steam fair and an incredible must! The dream (or the nightmare) of any collector ... it has been said!
Contact: Mr Michael Oliver, Dairy House Farm, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8HT.
Telephone: +44 01258 860361.
www.steam-fair.co.uk/
Sept. 3-4, 2005, France
OINGT near Lyon
Festival: Monkey Organs
Info: Association: Les Amis du Vieux Village d'Oingt
Mr Antoine et Colette DUPERRAY Mairie 69620 OINGT
Tél: +33 (0)4.74.71.21.24 Fax: +33 (0)4.74.71.15.50
Sept. 3-4, 2005, France
Saint Martin des Besaces, Calvados
Festival: Monkey Organs
Info: Mairie 14350 St Martin des Besaces
Tel. Claude Bienacel, +33 (0)2 31 23 42 72
Sept. 9-11, 2005, Italy
in LONGIANO (near Ravenna)
Festival: Monkey Organs
Collectors meeting and exchange. Phonographs, Discs players
Plus a competition for compositions for hand turned organs
Info: Sign. Franco Severi, Tel. +39 547 346 046 Fax: +39 547.345.077.
Via Monticino 485, 47023-Cesena, Italy
Info www.pianomelodico.com
Sept. 17-18, 2005, France
in AVRANCHES (Manche)
Festival: Monkey Organs
Info: - Mr Gérard Bordin - Hôtel de Ville 50300 Avranches
Tél: +33 (0)2.33.60.55.15 Fax: +33 (0)2.33.68.77.43
Sept., 24, 2004, France
in NOISSEVILLE (8 km from Metz), 00.70h-18.00hrs
Collector's mart
Radios, Telephones, Phonos, Mechanical Musical Instruments
Info: - M. Jurin (soir/Evening/Abend):
+33 (0)3 87 76 60 76: Mobile +33 (0)6 88 01 37 00
M. Leclercq Evening
+33 (0)3 87 76 65 72 or Mobile +33 (0)6 03 33 41 41
Info: www.bourse-noisseville
Nov., 6, 2005, Germany
BINGEN/RHEIN. W of Mainz
Market
Org.: GSM "Musica Mechanica".
Info: Wendel +49 06722 49217
Info: www.musica-mechanica.de
Nov., 11-13, 2005, Australia
Bombala (New South Wales)
Australian Organ Rally (20 to 30 organs, and machinery)
Info: Australian Organ Mechanical Organ Society
http://homepage.mac.com/ozorgans/
Dec 4 /Sunday 2005, France
In CHARTRES (1 hour from Paris)
Auction.
Info: Me Jean-Pierre Lelièvre,
Tel. +33 (0)2 37 88 28 28, Fax +33 (0)2 37 88 28 20
Info e-mail: chartres@galeriedechartres.com
Catalogue and past auctions archives
http://mmd.foxtail.com/Auctions/
Carter’s Steam Fair
From Joby Carter from the famous Carter’s Steam Fair – he has had a number if ideas to bring back the Victorian show to the 21st century. Interestingly enough, our generation seems to have become rather bland compared to those pioneers of a century plus ago and listening to Joby speak, this is a very exciting move forward for the traditional family travelling fairground and the first is what used to be called in Victorian Times a “Human Freak Show” and this is on the 8th & 9th of October at Prospect Park in Reading in Berkshire. There may be a possibility of the earliest showmans engine ever built of 1891 – the Savage Light engine being there, but this is dependent upon circumstances.
A fortnight after the Great Dorset Steam Fair and not far from the Old Warden Steam Rally, this is the opportunity to see the show in a more modern view - its the Scammell Showtrac Special at Croxley Green, Watford, which is on the 17th & 18th of September. Every thing powered by Scammell Showtrac for the first time ever! Now that should be a sight and sound never to be missed – remember that the show will be going on ‘till the evening so do make an effort to go to it. I guess that it is the equivalent of the Steam Spectacular at Pinkney’s Green held in the springtime, and well worth going to see. More information is available at http://www.carters-steam-fair.co.uk/ Again all of these websites are hyperlinked and have been checked beforehand by me to make sure that they actually exist. This means that all you have to do is just double click with the left button onto the underlined blue addresses and you’ll go straight through and have a ball!
From Tim Keenan, a surrogate Antipodean! Thanks for all of the help and input Tim.
Hi Boz
Super newsletter - just got back from a trip to OZ and NZ and stayed with the Miles family. All are doing well. (that’s good to hear - they are such a fine family)
A question for your readers please: Emil Capitaine German oil and gas engine engineer.
I wonder if you could spare a space for a request on any information. In your next edition on the above mentioned German engine. I am researching his life especially the time in spent working for two firms in the UK. He arrived here in 1904 and was engaged by the well-known firm of Thornycroft and Chiswich, London. He was also a consultant with W. Beardmore and Co, Shipbuilders to the world. He was instrumental in having fitted a marine gas engine with associated plant to his design, into an old Royal Navy Gun Boat HMS Rattler. I have not to date found anything here in any of the UK archives on his time with theses firms. I would like to try and find a photograph of him. All the books of the period have portrait shots of Otto, Benz, Langan, Daimler and of course Diesel. Who he was closely connected, but none of Herr Capitaine.
Thanks very much - see you at Dorset. Regards Tim
The Amersham Collection of Mechanical Organs
I have a list of dates for the excellent open days at Plantation Road in Amersham, Buckinghamshire for the Teddy Reed collection of organs kindly supplied by the gifted organ builder and music arranger, Kevin Meayers.
Sunday 6th November 2005.
Sunday 11th December 2005.
Sunday 15th January 2006.
Sunday 19th February 2006.
Sunday 26th March 2006.
Sunday 23rd April 2006.
The collection is open in the morning and the instruments are played throughout the day until late afternoon. Grateful thanks are due to Ted as well as Kevin and Paul for putting all of the hard work into making sure that this collection is open for all to see, however there is also a very hard-working band of volunteers who supply food and drinks on a continual basis. Admittance is free of charge, however (and I hope that I don’t get chastised too much for saying this, but) donations are very welcome as this collection, like every other one in the world doesn’t run on thin air.
Well that’s it for the moment as I’m getting fed up with writing.
I’ll be out and about at the Great Dorset Steam Fair for the duration. The weather at this moment is quite pleasant which means that if it continues, the dust will not surface too much and the mud won’t be a problem. I’ll be there looking after Little Gem, a Foster traction engine so hopefully will see a few of you.
Grateful thanks for all contributions and contributors on this particular Update.
If you have any interesting news, please can you supply me with it - all subjects are welcome to be discussed. If you feel that your subject isn’t being covered fully, then please let me know and/or please send in an article to cover it.
If you want to use the general material, please do, but please mention History in Harmony as the source and give the web address www.historyinharmony.com please contact me on article use to ask permission from author.
As ever, should you wish to not be included on this update, then please let me know at boz@historyinharmony.com and I’ll remove you forthwith. Conversely, if you know of any other people who would enjoy this email, then please get them to contact me at the same address.
COURTESY NOTICE
Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Update Compiler. It may be on occasions, necessary to edit material. In such cases utmost care will be taken to ensure that alterations or omissions do not alter the context of the subject or create a misleading or false representation. As a matter of courtesy, the author(s) will be consulted about major alterations.
With kind wishes
Boz Oram
The email address for all correspondence is boz@historyinharmony.com
Website www.historyinharmony.com
tel +UK (0) 8700 113994
Published on iMOD with kind permission of Boz Oram.
