Organ Update 31- August 2006
History in Harmony UPDATE # 31 Compiled by Boz Oram boz@historyinharmony.com www.historyinharmony.com Welcome to Update Number 31 – and welcome to all members new and existing on the History in Harmony Update. Please feel free to contact me at boz@historyinharmony.com and if others would like to join, then let them know and I’ll gladly send out a copy to them. Thanks also for your continued support and please keep passing this update around – New people are welcome and all you have to do is email me at boz@historyinharmony.com and I’ll do the rest. All links and websites have been checked out beforehand. They should all work just at the click of a button. History in Harmony Update I have been away for quite a number of weeks now on various tours and therefore have been unable to devote much time to the History in Harmony Update and much of what had been written before I left, has become out of date. As you know, Linda and I have done a multitude of tours that, to a greater or lesser degree are all already written up, but have had to be then reduced to a more sensible size. Fortunately, most of you know all articles that are written on this Update, are just synopsis’s of the tour and other magazines directly connected with the hobby or tour, always get first refusal to print it (unless other people are writing it specifically for their chosen organ) and their website is put into the article for further information. Hyperlinks For all websites – they have as usual been checked out and they all work. Some are a bit slower than others, so if you are still on dial-up, then this will take a bit of time. You will also notice that there are also words with a different colour and a line underneath through the text. These are also hyperlinked, which means that all you have to do is left click onto the word. Happy hunting and look forward to hearing from you soon. Welcome to the History in Harmony Update Number Thirty One Lest we Forget Mick Smith One of the very early preservationists, who saved so many steam engines from the scrapyard, he was well-known in latter years with his ploughing engine and famous road runs from his home in Berkshire with the said steam engine, to then have the large encampment at the Great Dorset Steam Fair in the ploughing field. Always a person to whom you could ask a question and get a humorous, but always accurate reply. He was kind enough to let me use his facilities when I did a 10 year boiler test a few years ago on the Savage Light Engine after the Knowl Hill steam rally, which meant all of the lagging off and ancillary stuff, doing a dry inspection and then a steam test. In all, with the boiler inspector’s help, we were able to do the whole lot in three or four days - put all of the engine back together and then take it down to the next show that coming weekend! Amazingly gifted, he was able to put his hands to any engineering task, come out with sage-like anecdotes and give the support to so many young and enthusiastic steam people. Sadly he is gone, but the memories are there for many years to come. We send our heartfelt condolences to Carol his wife, family and countless friends. Joe Hirst A stalwart member of the business and family community of St Mary Bourne, Joey Hirst was one of those rarely seen businessmen to whom we owe a great deal. Always thinking of the future and what might happen, he could spot a small item that would most likely be of use in the time to come and taking one example, he bought up thousands of jerry cans and then a short time later the fuel crisis came along and everyone needed a large can to hold fuel in! He was a keen sportsman and enjoyed cricket, football and also served as President of Andover Boxing Club and when younger, spent time in Malaya with the Royal Hampshire Regiment. A packed church, bursting at the seams (literally) as there was also at the same time the most dramatic thunder and lightening storm with some of the heaviest rain imaginable which meant that somewhere along the line, a bit of stage-management must have taken place! Joey is buried in true Hampshire ground – chalk. Again our thoughts go to his wife Jill and family and many friends. Stan Burgess A man well known in the world of steam, Stan was another one of the early pioneers who had a hankering to own his own steam engine after becoming friends with threshing contractor Len Peacock not far from his home town of Haddenham in Cambridge. Being a blacksmith, he set up his own business at the age of 23 and his first steam restoration project was the Burrell engine Sparkie which when found was seized up, but the journey home managed to loosen it all up! He became well-known for his restoration on Burrell Show engine Earl Haig and many people at the time thought that restoring a derelict engine was just beyond the realms of human endeavour (and only a madman would attempt such a thing), however within three years, the engine was once out again on the Queen’s highway! He restored many more engines and again, like all the true enthusiasts was free with any help or advice if needed. He had one of those cheeky faces that we’ll all remember. Another man lost to us mortals, but memories abound. We send our condolences again to his family and numerous friends. ON THE MEND Tony Harrison I have heard from Howard Snowden that Tony (FOPS President) has been in Hospital recently – we send him our good wishes for a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you shortly. www.fops.org Sam Wheeler I also hear that Sam was involved in a particularly spectacular car crash and ended up in serious hospital with a few pretty impressive medical situations that I guess none of us would really want. Well done for pulling through Sam and look forward to seeing you shortly. Best wishes to the rest of the family and hope that all of your nerves are recovering and it might be good get Oliver the old Ruston steam traction rumbling around the leafy lanes of Suffolk and shake all those Bardwell bones back into place. http://www.wheeler-steam.co.uk/ for Jonathan’s website. Talking of going places by steam…. King George VI Looking through the latest Steaming magazine from the National Traction Engine Trust, I see that John Wharton’s Burrell King George VI has gone past its old nemesis – the Barking Power Station. For those who don’t know, Georgy Boy (or in 1936 when the incident happened, named City of London and owned by J Hickey of London) decided to have an intimate relationship with a ditch whilst hauling a transformer from the Hackbridge works http://www.ewperryman.demon.co.uk/Hack_pic.htm. This time, whilst transporting the Lost Ark of Carters fair along the same area, the journey passed without incident - thank goodness. Other stories of this year’s unique sight of a showman’s engine actually working and what has happened are becoming few and far between; maybe John and Mike will write them down for us in due course so that this totally unique experience of hauling a load on a regular basis along the Queen’s Highway, and then working on the fairground powering the rides might be passed on and we can see how it can be done in these days of high-tech and high return indulgence. Remember that the engine goes through possibly the busiest, and definitely the most restricted city in the world. If you are interested in seeing this unique happening take place, go to Carters fair website and it’ll give you an indication of where the engine will be passing through and what fair it’ll be working at http://www.carterssteamfair.co.uk/carters_steam_fair_001.htm Please remember Please don’t get in the way of the engine if you do venture out or make a complete fool of your driving prowess; find a proper lay by and park your vehicle properly out of the way of the engine and its load. In fact that goes for all would-be photographic wanna-bees wherever you are – do think before you park or if you can’t do that, go by public transport! Previously I had written about the Ark of Carter’s Fair, but I omitted to mention the CD that produced at the same time as the inauguration of the Ark. Many thanks to Joby for supplying me with the information – the music is great and as you can see, the cost is negligible for a prime bit of quality atmosphere. JAZZ OUT OF THE ARK CD This CD can often be heard being played on the Ark, and the music is the same Jumpin’ Jazz which would of been played when the ride was manufactured in the 1930's. The CD features music from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, Earl Hines and many more. Price £5 P&P £1 Total £6.00 Also (Yes I know that also is a conjunctive adverb, but is supposedly acceptable to start a sentence with the word see http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/008.html), as a companion to the CD, there is the excellent book by Kevin Scrivens and Stephen Smith telling the history of the ride. Definitely one for your bookshelf (or maybe the loo!) CARTERS JUNGLE THRILLER - THE LOST ARK BOOK by Kevin Scrivens and Stephen Smith This book tells the history of Ark rides, including where they originated from, the various styles by the different manufacturers, the owners, and so on. There is also a section just on the Ark owned and run by Carters Steam Fair. This section informs you of the history of the ride and of all the work completed over the restoration period to bring it up to the standard it is now. A fantastic book for all who enjoy the ride and for fairground enthusiasts. Price £6 P&P £1 Total £7.00 TO ORDER THE ABOVE SEND CHEQUES PAYABLE TO 'ANABEL SANMARTIN' TO: Brayshaw Yard, Grove Park, Waltham Road, White Waltham Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3LW http://www.carterssteamfair.co.uk/carters_steam_fair_001.htm Again, I can’t see how such a quality book can be produced so inexpensively. (Nice to hear that Anabel and Joby’s young lad (all of 2½ months) is creating joyous mayhem within the grand scheme of things!) World Champions I was looking at the World Superbike race on a racetrack somewhere or other in the world and saw that the heat was rather excessive and the tyres were critical to keep the riders on the track. The other thing I noticed was that many sons of the fantastically great riders from the 70’s are also doing the same wild things as their predecessors such as Kenny Roberts and Ron Haslam. They are great contenders and worthy of looking at when you have the chance. How these people can do speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour on a bit of rubber compound that is no more than the size of the palm of your hand is quite beyond me. Even more fun is the old motorcycle and car races that occasionally take place with machines that have ancient suspension systems, tyres that are just a bit wider than a bicycles’ and brakes that in some cases are operated by cables that have a strong tendency to stretch! Yes this is all part of our heritage and in many cases it’s happening before our very eyes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbike_racing Speaking Clock 24 July 2006 seventy years ago, the UK’s first public recorded message came onto our airwaves in the shape of the Speaking Clock. It is still used, even now by many thousands of people every day, which of course beats phoning up someone and end up with recorded gibberish. http://www.telephonesuk.co.uk/speaking_clock.htm or http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5208136.stm Climate Change If you think that this year has been hot and could it get any worse, then have a thought for the population of 190+ years ago. In 1815, there was a massive volcanic eruption. For at least 6 months and most likely for about 3 years previously, there was increased steaming and small phreatic eruptions which preceded the Tambora eruption, the largest in historical time. A moderately large explosive eruption occurred on 5 April 1815, from which ash fell in east Java and thunder like sounds were heard up to 1,400 kilometres away. A still larger eruption occurred on 10-11 April, beginning as "three columns of fire rising to a great height" and ultimately ejecting about 50 cubic kilometres of magma (dense rock equivalent), the eruption left a deep summit caldera where previously a much higher stratovolcano had stood. Earthquakes were felt as far away as Surabaya (500 kilometres), possibly reflecting the caldera collapse. In April of 1815 with the cataclysmic eruption of Tambora Volcano in Indonesia, the most powerful eruption in recorded history. Tambora's volcanic cloud lowered global temperatures by as much as 3 degrees °C. A year after the eruption, most of the northern hemisphere experienced sharply cooler temperatures during the summer months. In parts of Europe and in North America, 1816 was known as "the year without a summer." Even though Krakatoa was horrific http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krakatoa with many people either dying through suffocation, being steamed alive or maybe being hit by tidal seas in the August of 1883, it was just a mere apprentice compared to Tambora’s wrath. Reason for Krakatoa being better known? Simple answer is that electric communication had become available in all corners of the world and the result was that the population could hear the devastating reports in the matter of a very short time. Returning back to the initial thought of heat this year, remember that the year 1816 was known as the “year without a summer”, which meant that crops failed and certainly in Asia, many thousands of people died through starvation. Conclusion: The Heat is OK! PS. Largest volcano on Earth? Yellowstone Park in North America – and that one’s huge. It’s the size of the park! http://www.nps.gov/yell/ for the official website. A 60 year old Icon At Riccione, on the Adriatic Coast is the exhibition “Vroooooom” where the iconic Vespa motor scooter is being featured. Vespa, it appears is the name for wasp, and the inspiration for the name was its voluptuously rounded and flared rear end. I might have called it something else, however Vespa it is! Yes, this vehicle was the young Italian’s opportunity of having freedom and the ability of getting off to the coast or country at an affordable price after years of austerity. Its launch into heady stardom was when in William Wyler’s film Roman Holiday of 1953 took Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn ripping around Rome in a cloud of blue two-stroke smoke. The list is endless of the stars that have sat astride the seat of a Vespa, including Anthony Quinn, Ingrid Bergman, Ursula Andress, Jean- Paul Belamondo, with the most recent being rear of the year, Jennifer Lopez. In 1946, two aero- engineers came up with the design, one year before the equally famous Lamb Chop (Lambretta); and Vespas, (can you believe this) were manufactured under licence in 180 countries and some 17 million have been sold, still retaining its original style. I leave the last words to the newspaper La Repubblica who say that it was “a tool of emancipation – and seduction” http://www.vespa.org/vlinks.cfm which works easily as does http://www.vespa.org/vlinks.cfm but the official site…………… well if you can work it, then be my guest http://www.vespa.com/ More Anniversaries The Mechanical Organ Owner’s Society is in its 30th anniversary year (my word, it doesn’t the time fly) and as I write, the Editor, Shane Seagrave is putting the final bits and pieces into the magazine Vox Humana for all of the membership. From what I have seen and heard, I’m looking forward to receiving my copy proper copy. A new program is being used to create a quality magazine and I think that anyone prepared to go to the expense of learning something new to improve the quality of a magazine for the membership, ought to be congratulated. If anyone out there is thinking of joining this enthusiastic Society, then go to the website http://www.moos.org.uk The November Tour The society is also organising its annual tour, the Walonian Wanderer onto the Continent that takes place in November. Again if you wish further details, then please do contact us at the usual address or use the email tours@historyinharmony.com. The dates for the tour are 11th to the 14th November 2006 and from what I have seen, looks to be another cracking exploration of the Continent. Well done to Peter Craig for his sterling work in finding even more instruments! Bedfordshire Steam Engine Preservation Society I read from their magazine, Beds in Steam that they are now halfway through their 50th anniversary year and their birthday party in March as well as the Apprentice weekend in April were a roaring success. Plans are well under way for their 3 day rally in September which looks set “to be the biggest ever in the Society’s history.” If previous shows are anything to go by, then this will just be phenomenal – I just hope they’ve got enough room! Remember that the rather excellent 3” Marshall traction engine is still up for grabs – all you have to do is buy a raffle ticket and its as simple as that, because if you don’t, you have as much chance of getting it as raising the Titanic! Yes its that slim if you don’t buy a ticket – go to the website www.bseps.org.uk and you’ll find out how to have a chance or conversely sit down at your computer and write an email to the honorary secretary, Lin Worby at enquiries@bseps.org.uk and give her your credit card number! Extra News. The Old Warden show takes place on 15 – 17th September. On this 400 acre site, the special this year, (apart from it being the biggest event they’ve ever had) is that they are using the title Made in Bedfordshire therefore, the unique Howard plough engine and other stuff from the county will be there. Hit the website for more info – its as simple as that! Same Weekend as Worbs show at Old Warden (which is always a pain) Berwick St John Country Fair, near to Shaftesbury on the Dorset./Wiltshire border 16th /17th September. In other words, two weeks after the Great Dorset Steam Fair, many of the exhibits as well as plenty of other exhibits come over from the Continent to go to this friendly and spectacular show. The entrance is free and many of the exhibits road from the GDSF site on the Monday after the show. Within the working show will be horses, thrashing, hulling and all manner of goings on that’ll keep you amused for the whole weekend. Oh and by the way, Robert will be behind the bar – Friday night is always a cracker! http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getcom2.php?id=17 http://www.hideaways.co.uk/holiday-cottage/dorset-wiltshire-pond-cottage-h141.html http://www.sdgr.org.uk/branchlist/towers/tower_page.php?id=13 http://www.genuki.org.uk:8080/big/eng/WIL/BerwickStJohn/ Further exhibits at Berwick St John are, the famous Anderton & Rowland 98 key Marenghi and this is being joined the ex Jeffrey Shackell 87 key Gavioli of Tommy Mayhew at the Country Fair. Both instruments are great to listen and are a total contrast to each other and this will be your opportunity of hearing these great instruments without too much other noise interfering with your pleasure. How often do you ever get that chance? Steam Apprentice Club The new look magazine, Raising Steam has just landed in my offspring’s hands and I must say that Nannette Sanders has once again produced an excellent magazine. This society is still the only club in the world that is totally devoted to bringing into the world of preservation our younger people! They are a very interactive society that organises days out where children can actually drive or clean or be part of the movement. Want to find out more? Well contact John Cook for a membership form and I’ll give you his full address John Cook, Dolfani, Church Lane, Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU and the annual rate is just a mere £7.50 for UK residents. I am sure that overseas people can also join, but I would guess that the postage rates are just a bit higher; so do take that into account. I can’t stress too much, that without our up and coming generation, there will not be a preservation movement, so if you have any children, then why not enrol them right now and get the full pleasure of being part of the preservation scene. All children are welcome and looking at the list of new members, there are also plenty of girls joining. There is still no independent SAC website though, so for Internet access, you must go to the sponsors of the society, the National Traction Engine Trust. http://www.ntet.co.uk/ or better still go to http://www.ntet.co.uk/sac/ that will direct you straight to the right section. Possession Tax Plan Axed I note in the magazine Old Glory http://www.oldglory.co.uk that the proposals for a Possession tax have finally been dropped. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) wanted to levy a charge for having a vehicle off the road under the SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) scheme. A massive hostile response almost took place - fortunately, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) took control of the situation and more than 50,000 petitions from members of the classic vehicle movement were delivered to the Prime Ministers residence, 10 Downing Street in London together with a parliamentary delegation led by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/. From the DVLA “there was significant lobbying from the classic vehicle community in terms of ensuring that the current exemption from Vehicle Excises Duty for pre 1973 vehicles would also apply to any registration charge” Jim Whyman, FBHVC secretary said, “this has been a victory for what we do. We’re delighted that the worst element of the consultation document – possession tax – has been dropped. However, there is still a proposal for an annual administration charge on top of Vehicle Excise Duty.” Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to the FBHVC for standing up for ALL OF US, but also to all of you who actually put pen to paper and wrote to the FBHVC or your Member of Parliament. One of the good things in a democracy is that gentle persuasion does work, especially if there are a few people who also walk along the corridors of power! For further details of what still has to be done please go to http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/ Bullet train proposed for Kuala Lumpur-Singapore journey By Y. Sulaiman KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTN Asia) -- The Malaysian government will study a private sector proposal to build a high-speed 'bullet train' service pegged to cost some US$2.9 billion. The company, YTL Corporation, is the major consortium partner of the company that built the dedicated Express Rail Link (ERL) 'rapid train' service from the Kuala Lumpur Central Station to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. "This is a major project," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said. "We would like to see a proper submission made." The government, however, has approved a feasibility study for the project that was first proposed two years ago. As the country’s present railway track is not built for high-speed train service, a new standard gauge railway line will have to be built to accommodate the new trains which will travel at a speed of up to 350km per hour. "They have told us the project is feasible," added Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy. "We are waiting for a detailed proposal from the consortium partners. It is a private sector proposal and it will be funded privately." "The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore rapid train service can be an extension of the present ERL train service we are providing, routing it through the newly developed southern Johor corridor en-route to Singapore," explained Francis Yeoh. "The project will help to move the economy. Private sector projects like ours will boost private sector investments in the economy." Yeoh believes the rapid train service is the perfect alternative for the present 9 million visitors from Singapore who fly or drive into Malaysia. "The Malaysian and Singapore governments have been informed of our proposal," said Francis Yeoh. "We will go to the global capital market to finance the project." The rail and train technology for the project is expected to be provided by current operators of fast train services in Japan, France or Germany. Added Yeoh, “the timing is right for launching the project as the cost of land to build the rail connection is still relatively cheap in Malaysia, unlike in Hong Kong, the US or Europe. We are ready to have Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, airport operators of both countries as our partners," added Yeoh. "As cornerstone investors of the project it will ensure relevant entities from both countries will have a stake in the project." If built, the bullet trains will cut down travel time from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore to just 90 minutes. http://goldsea.com/Asiagate/607/05bullet.html More from Ted Bowman, this time about Daphne Oram Dear Boz: I asked you years ago if you were related to Daphne Oram: you looked puzzled and didn't think so! In about 1959/60 I was invited by Keith Slater, the then deputy director of NIAE at Wrest Park, to accompany him to a lecture by Daphne in the Friends Meeting House in Leighton Buzzard. Daphne at that time had recently founded the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and persuaded the technicians to make a special capstan for her tape recorder. The capstan had twelve steps on it: the diameter of each successive step was 1.059 times the previous one, thus generating an equal temperament octave. This machine enabled her to make a musical scale out of domestic sounds such as a jam jar being hit with a wooden spoon. How's that for a memory of 46 years ago? http://www.obsolete.com/120_years/machines/oramics/ Thanks for that Ted and sorry for my total vagueness. I find it rather amazing that from a small idea and great tenacity, that this lady made a whole new style of music, especially when the purists would have been at her throat for changing an old idea – I guess a bit like Monet who had to continually challenge the great institutions that would not display any of his paintings that didn’t conform to their ideas. Seems to me that there is plenty in the world that ought to be changed, but less of that.....! Thought Time Not everything that a scholar learns comes from a teacher. Deliberate error #3 million plus one To the beady eyed people who spotted this in Update #30 "...The main organ on view is the 38 experimental Ruth concert organ (one of two made) that was built in the spring of 2007" (this was me reporting on the Krughof Ruth at Andrew Pilmer’s premises in the last edition) ”Blimey guv” said Shane, “can I borrow your Time Machine sometime soon?” Thanks for that Shane and well spotted – I guess the only way to celebrate its centenary apart from using the Space/Time continuum would be to become surreal? Yes the Krughoff Ruth Model 38 was actually built in the spring of 1907, about the same time as mine so both are in their 100th year. The instrument is now safely in the US and arrived on time. Within two hours of arrival, the instrument was out of its packing case, and a couple more hours later, the first books were being put through the organ – not bad for a few thousand miles of travelling in bits! The façade is now returned to the organ and it is now being seen on a daily basis by so many people that it might be the organ of the year! The instrument looks grand in all of its finery and fortunately the organ sounds as good as it looks. Well done to Jim Krughoff for having the balls to rebuild it to such a high specification and well done to Andrew for having the guts to take it on. http://www.acpilmer.com/ Bed Tax There are leaks from the UK Government to impose a Bed Tax - where this edict is actually coming from is unsure, as no official report is available. The UK is one of the expensive countries of the world for accommodation - this tax will not make it any easier for group organisers or individuals especially as a survey actually said that the cost per bed in the UK was prohibitive already. Maybe we need a real tourism minister, instead of a heatwave one, especially as the sun has gone in for a couple of weeks. http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=2&newsID=3788 Carousel News It appears that up to 4000 wooden carousels were carved in America between 1885 and the 1930s and fewer than 150 are still in existence. One of the finest of these survivors, however, can be found on the county fairgrounds in Burlington, CO. The sixth of 74 carousels manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) between 1904 and 1933, the Kit Carson County Carousel is a three-row, stationary (the animals do not move up and down) machine housed in a 12-sided frame building. It is the only antique carousel in America still having original paint on both the scenery panels and on the animals, and PTC No.6 is the only surviving menagerie (having other animals in addition to horses) carousel made by PTC. And it's fully operational! http://www.kitcarsoncountycarousel.com/ Instead of the 8mph for jumpers, the speed is increased to 12mph to still give an exciting ride. These are words sent through the email wires, however, do go onto this website. It is a most comprehensive site, dealing with the Carousel, its history, the carvings and carvers, the paintings, the WurliTzer Monster organ as well as a whole host of other incidentals, such as the locality of Colorado and other historical sites. Thanks to Norma and Jo for their very kind help. Due to the fact that so many carousels (Merry-go-Round/Gallopers) have been broken up over the years and the animals have been split up and sold to private individuals (and is still going on in the world), the National Carousel Association http://nca-usa.org/ was formed, (as I understand it) firstly to find out how many were left and then what could be done to preserve the remaining ones for future generations to enjoy. As you might appreciate, to run any fairground ride and keep it up to a good standard is about as hard as you can imagine, especially when there are still people out there with wads of money who just want to sell the animals off the machine. In the case of the Kit Carson County Carousel, they charge a nominal fare to ride the machine, but in order to offset the costs, sell a range of merchandise that helps pay for the operational costs and restoration. If you are out there, drop in and enjoy the carousel. Australian Carousels Too As a point of interest, the Philadelphia Toboggan Company didn’t just sell their machines to the US – go to http://www.lunapark.com.au/magic_carousel.html and you’ll find the one in Melbourne Australia, looked after by Trish and John. The website also has a weather button and today’s weather there is fine! Anyone else want to send me their details on carousels or organisations, so that the rest of us can enjoy your own personal website. It’s easy, just write it down with a couple of sentences, send it to me and I’ll do the rest. RE: Hanau Karussell from Brian Morgan Members of German Carousel Tour Group: “I am delighted to let you know that the National Carousel Association Board has approved a grant of $3,000 to the restoration project of the Hanau Wilhelmsbad carousel because of its historical significance to both German and American carousels. The grant was sponsored by NCA Vice President Jo Downey (who came up with the idea) and supported by NCA President Bette Largent, Founders-Barbara Charles and Rol and Jo Summit, Past Presidents Charlie Jacques, Tom Van Sant and Brian Morgan and many of the Tour members. We believe that this grant will qualify for matching grants of up to 4 times the value. The money has already been wire transferred to Hanua. Also we were informed that our tour group through our contributions, purchases and memberships contributed almost 1,000 Euros to the carousel when we were there.” Further details of the National Carousel Association please go to http://nca-usa.org/ Many thanks to Brian for these details A bit of a background to those who do not know of this unique Carousel Hanau is a beautiful town, and is still able to boast many medieval houses for the tourists to look at, however there is the gem of the carousel world that few of us have had the privilege of hearing about. Just two years after the United States received independence from the British, this carousel was built - 1778 is the year and it was built for Prince Wilhelm IX as a rather large toy to entertain his guests. The carousel is still in its original place of construction and is also open to the elements, unfortunately. The whole structure is held in place by a massive central pillar and the volunteers are looking to restore the whole machine so that many generations can either view or be part of this remarkable survivor. A video has been made which has won awards throughout Europe - I am not sure whether this video is available for general release, so if there is anyone out there who can advise me on this, I’d be grateful. The Hanau Burgermeister (Mayor) Mr Claus Kaminsky has a dedicated team of professionals who are attempting to rebuild and recreate the palatial residences and buildings, however the gem of the Hanau Wilhelmsbad is this carousel, built upon an artificial hill by engineer Cancrin. The permanent structure works on two levels, the top being the part that everyone sees with horses and chariots and the underneath, which houses the mobility for the upper works – a central pillar, load bearing wheels and the massive framework that originally would have been turned by men and a horse. After years of use, the roof, which supports the whole structure, sagged by about two feet and jammed up the workings underneath. A local restaurant owner, over 100 years ago felt that the ride would stimulate more custom into his enterprise and in the latter part of that century had the older horses replaced by animals carved by Heyn and Müller and did a major renovation in 1894. The ride and its volunteers are in the process of finding the necessary finance to restore this, what must surely be one of the oldest and most complete carousels left in the world. I haven’t been able to find the official site – maybe someone can let me know. http://www.dreamstime.com/historiccarousel-image168302 http://home.arcor.de/noeck82/hanau.html http://www.pbase.com/chastainml/wilhelmsbad For further details of finding out more, please go to http://nca-usa.org/ On a personal note: Both Linda and I are so pleased to hear of this fantastic news – not only are the carousel and its volunteers getting a much needed cash injection, but the name of the Hanau Carousel being now spoken about throughout the world, so well done to all. From Suzanne Gibbard One for the girls… A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house. She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!" The husband said, "Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?" "Doesn't matter," she said. "Just get the hell out of here and don’t come back." And one for the boys… A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. "Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my GOD! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my GOD! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!" The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?" The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving." Now to a record attempt that has finally been achieved Well over 2,000 tractors in one field, (in fact 2,141 working in just one field) all ploughing and doing their stuff, took place on the 25th June 2006 at the RAF Hulavington base in Wiltshire; the record was smashed by well over 500 tractors! It was a triumph for John and Lyn Collingborn who tried this attempt two years ago, but only managed to get 700 tractors at that event. (Only 700!) Competition has been fierce throughout the world with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland all organising massive events to pinch the title from each other. Massive and hearty congratulations to all of the tractor owners who took part and to the organisers who must have had a logistical NIGHTMARE on their hands! It just shows you that with a lot of perseverance and tenacity, ALL groups can pull together if they actually want to. The atmosphere was truly electric especially to see so many vehicles and their implements actually all working at one moment! http://www.tractorchallenge2006.co.uk/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2006/06/17/mntrac17.xml&sSheet=/motoring/2006/06/17/ixmot.html German Joke! If you speak three languages, you are trilingual. If you speak two languages, you are bilingual and if you speak only one, you’re English! And here’s another… This one found on the Internet and what a cracker of a question! Question “do steam rollers roll steam?” Answer, “no, the rollers are already heated” Males, if you find that one difficult, then find a lady to explain that one to you. Musee Swisse at Seewen Musical Reveries -A Journey through the World of Automatons On our recent journey to Germany (Waldkirch) France (Les Gets) and finally Switzerland, the tour went to many different locations, however in order for you to visit it before the exhibition finishes, I have included just one museum from the tour so that you can firstly browse through the fantastic automatons, but secondly go to the museum. A special exhibition presented by the Museum for Music Automatons, Seewen, SO, from 31 March - 22 October 2006 has now been extended until 12th November 2006 The flute players of the Frenchman Jacques de Vaucanson or the automatons of the Swiss watchmakers Pierre Jacquet-Droz and Henri Maillardet are among the first peaks in the history of automatons. Manufacturing of such musical reveries was continued during the 19th and into the early 20th century. Today, such marvels are still being crafted in Switzerland and France. The museum of music automatons presents its extensive collection of automatons in a special exhibition from 31st March to 22nd October 2006, in which about 80 objects are to be seen. In addition some contemporary artists of automatons show their works. http://www.musee-suisse.com/e/seewen/exhibition/traum/frame.html Thanks to Mark (the demon downhill racer) Jefford for this information Further exhibitions Schloβ Bruchsal From this man Ignaz Blasius Bruder who came to Waldkirch on the 1st September 1806, a whole organ-building programme was undertaken, which eventually took mechanical organs to virtually all corners of the globe. An exhibition is taking place at the Schloβ Bruchsal which also hosts a phenomenal collection of mechanical organs as well as Black Forest clock mechanisms – Recently hosted in Waldkirch to great acclaim, the collection of Ignaz Blasius Bruder instruments is there. For further details please go to http://www.landesmuseum.de/sammlungs/zweigmuseen/bruchsal/musikautom/musikautomatenmuseum.htm#oben for the resident instruments or http://www.landesmuseum.de for an insight into what this fantastic place offers. Unfortunately, I cannot find the exhibition on their own website. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. More Help and Information from Jäeger and Brommer From the website of www.waldkircher-orgelstiftung.de further names appear from the Waldkirch area. Those underlined are linked to the Foundation’s own website Gebrüder Bruder Wilhelm Bruder Söhne Alfred Bruder Gustav Bruder A. Ruth & Sohn Carl Frei & Sohn Gebrüder Weber Siegfried Fromm Paul Fleck Söhne Orgelbau Waldkircher Orgelbau Jäger & Brommer Grateful thanks to Wolfgang Brommer for the use of this website information and also grateful thanks to J&B for passing on such important and interesting information so that we can all share it. Completed Exhibitions The Nationaal Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ The Royal Music Machines has unfortunately come to an end and with it, the only opportunity of ever seeing this fantastic collection of high-class, quality instruments ever coming together in one place. Due to various circumstances, I was unable to get across to see this exhibition, however there is a book that has been published on all of the instruments together, which if previous books are to go by, then this is of excellent quality, correct in its information and properly valued. I’m gutted that I missed the Utrecht Exhibition, however I isn’t gonna miss this one! Special Exhibitions The 1st Hooghuys Organ Festival is being held on 10th September 2006 in the home of the Hooghuys organ-building town of Geraardsbergen (Grammont) Belgium. Starting officially at 11am and continuing on into the late hours, there are expected 25 draaiorgels, 5 landen and 15 kampioenen plus a whole host of other events. How we’ll all be able to see it all is quite beyond me! Is also official that my Louis Hooghuys pianoforte fair organ will be there celebrating its 100th year (February 1907) and for me to celebrate 40 years of the organ being on the Thames Trader lorry. The ferry tickets are booked both ways! The website for the show is www.hooghuysfestival.be Now for that old chestnut rearing its ugly head once again I see this kind of article in so many places – I guess the penny will drop one day. Just hope it isn’t too late…… Coal Quality I was harping on about this in another Update, but I really have to pass this on. Both the Isle of Wight* http://www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/ and the Swanage* Railways http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/ use coal to power their steam locomotives and somehow they manage to find clean burning coal. I am also sure that other railways also find this clean coal especially the ones who have a railway station in a town, so if they can do it, then please why can’t the mobile shows do the same thing? (* Both websites featured above are regularly updated an are excellent to view.) Furthermore, whilst talking to one of the prime organising members of the Harewood House steam rally in Yorkshire (27-28 August) http://www.harewood.org/, he already has ordered virtually smoke free quality coal for his event, so if he can do it then I am sure that other shows can do the same. It can’t be cost, because the quality coal means that you use less, (which means that you don’t have to buy so much) and it can’t be that there isn’t enough information as to where you can get it from, because all of the periodicals that have any association with steam vehicles have all given details as to where the good stuff can be found. Please let me and many others know why these silly practices are still taking place. Here’s one that doesn’t make smoke (yet) Now here’s something Old A few years ago I just happened to be at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and in one of the magazine tents Old Glory, www.oldglory.co.uk there happened to be something that I had never seen before. The rusting hulk of what looked like a very old steam engine. It turned out to be a very old Aveling and Porter but that was about the limit of what information there was. Wandering around, as I do on the search engine, I came across this website. Even though there is a place to reply, it seems inoperable, so if any of you have any information about this very rare steam engine, then the most sensible place would be to reply to Colin Tyson, Editor of Old Glory and I am sure that he will soon pass it onto the right quarters. http://www.viewing.com/aveling/aveling.htm China This country is really opening up to the rest of the world and as a consequence, there is much more information coming out for us to find out about, however I’ll just go to one point of interest. The steam locomotives that have been built in China are world renowned for their power and amazingly good looks. Looking much like a Mandarin, with steam puffing out in front of their ornate smokeboxes, they really look the part, however, that’s not quite what I was going to ramble on about. As I was saying, the country has become and is becoming more open, so much so that it is now possible to purchase videos of these massive engines actually working. Check out the web address for all videos, but you’ll also find some really amazing stills as well if you click on the Gallery Button http://www.steam-railway-videos.co.uk/acatalog/China.html How many of us fall into this category A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory Diesel Engines I have a special place for these type of machines – I spent my apprenticeship rebuilding them so I was really chuffed to find this web site http://www.internalfire.com/index.php Interestingly enough it is a museum site, but for the life of me I haven’t got a clue as to where it is! I have an address for Museum Friends, which is: Internal Fire Museum of Power, Castell Pridd, Tanygroes, Ceredigion, Wales, UK. SA43 2JS but I just don’t know whether this address is actually anything to do with the museum or not. Maybe someone could enlighten me as I really think a diesel museum, especially devoted to the great man himself is a lovely idea. This second web address is also good as it tells you where other places of interest are where you can see Compression Ignition engines as well as steamy engines: http://www.semidiesel.com/isses/1997b3.html For a new slant on Preservation – in this case……………. of the species: Ethno Spot For those who want to find out a bit more about the world we live in.. Moon Gardening Interesting title isn’t it, but it appears that up until the 60’s, when we were lured into the modern consumer age of a throwaway society, most people actually relied upon the moon for growing quality food. There are four cycles within the moon’s phases of 29 days ie New Moon, the quarter up to the Full Moon and then the waning down to the New Moon. As we all know from our school lessons, that the moon controls the tides; well it doesn’t stop there because it also controls the water within our earth as well. Now taking it to its logical conclusion, that means that the water table also rises on a full moon and therefore conversely on a new moon, the water table is at its lowest, which means that if you want to plant seedlings, the best time is when the water is coming up to its peak (Full Moon), also when you pick fruit or vegetables, then you want the water to be high as well. Conversely, if you want to say cut a hedge, then the best time is when the water is lower, so after the ¾ cycle of the phase, so that you get the maximum length of time before the water starts rising! Even more curious is that the human body also has a 29 day cycle (strange that) and I am told that people used to have their hair cut after the Full Moon which meant that they wouldn’t have to go to the barbers quite so regularly (waxing and waning, if you understand my drift). So there you have it, the cycles of the moon have a greater control over us than many of us thought. From RJ Harris, head gardener of an estate in Cornwall http://www.moongardening.cwc.net/ and from the National Geographic http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/07/0710_030710_moongarden.html And Finally As if you needed reminding, but the Great Dorset Steam Fair takes place in about three weeks, or maybe less time – further details from their new look website http://www.gdsf.co.uk/ , but for those who have never been, it is a great day/week out. If it is your first time, get there early as the site is huge; take sensible and comfortable footware as there is a lot of walking and absolutely tons to do and see. The ground is chalky and full of flints so if it is hot, then a lot of dust and if wet, then very soggy underfoot! There are plenty of food bars, marquees for beer and entertainment and some 200,000 people come to the show. I would hazard a guess though that local B&B’s are now fully booked up, but I do know of some available space if you want. Hopefully, if all goes to plan, I’ll take my cutting machine to display and operate at the Vintage Spirit tent and hopefully do a few demonstrations during the days. I’m working on an 89 key book, so I think there might be a couple to check it out on when I’ve finished it. If you are around, do pop in and say hello. More stuff about Vintage Spirit on the website www.vintagespirit.co.uk That’s it for now – I’ve written too much…….. again! Previous Updates? – then look no further Go to forumer.com/" target="_blank">http://organ.10.forumer.com/ and click onto Boz’s Box. For all of the previous Updates, James and Nick have put them onto their website which is run by Nick Williams and James Dundon. A very good interactive website that is looked after by two of our up and coming generation of enthusiastic people. Do make the effort to look at this website and interact with it if you can. They seem to be sponsored by a liposuction website at this moment – odd one to have as a banner. I could really have fun with that, but better not. I might end up in all sorts of trouble. If you have any interesting news, can you please 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 from the address on my list. 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 With kind wishes Boz and Linda, The email address for all correspondence is boz@historyinharmony.com For all travel: tours@historyinharmony.com Website www.historyinharmony.com tel +UK (0) 8700 113994