Dave Stubbs Site Admin
Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 174 Location: Manchester, UK (Tel: 0161 794 5558/ Mob: 07985 437940)
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:20 pm Post subject: Great Dorset 2006 report |
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The weather at this year’s GDSF, was a ‘mixed bag’ of sunshine and showers. Saturday produced the worst of the rain, with the Heavy Haulage being at a complete standstill for the entire day. A very rare sight in the history of the GDSF, with the unfortunate consequence that visitors seemed to be slightly fewer in numbers.
The usual impressive collection of organs was in attendance, with the notable exception of the Jonas Gavioli, which has been purchased by an American collector and is awaiting export.
The ex-Burville 101 Key Mortier ‘De Kluisberg’, now owned by the Saunders Steam Collection, made an appearance in the location usually occupied by the Jonas Gavioli opposite the Showmen’s Engine line.
Graham Atkinson took three organs; the ex-Irvin Marenghi, the 110 key Gavioli and the ‘Oktoberfest’, with the latter two having a stage in front for the famous dancing and entertainment shows.
Organ Alley, at the top of the site next to ‘Watford Gap’, had most of the regular attendees present; Ray Bryant’s 65 key Dean ‘Charlotte Rose’, Ian Rogers 92 keyless Leach ‘Lady Margaret’, Graham Spencer’s Leach ‘De Angelena’ and his Heesbeen ‘De Harlequin’ and Paul Cook’s Ruth. The two organs in the marquee, Ken Slow’s Bursens Mortier and Keith Pinner’s Decap ‘Lucy’, kept the visitors (and us!) entertained by playing alternately during the day.
On the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday an ‘event’ evening is held in the Organ Alley marquee. This year’s included Graham Spencer’s Leach ‘De Angelena’ accompanied by Dutch music arrangers and accordionists Hiddo Van Os and Jan Kees on accordion. Also on the ‘program’ were Alan Pell’s family with their arrangement and performance of ‘Lily Marlene’. Alan played accordion, Charles played violin and Amanda sang. There was a little dance routine afterwards, where the Alley’s very own organizer, Alan Roberts was dressed as a ‘Laydee’. I do have some pictures, but Alan has bribed me not to show them to anyone, although I may be open to offers!
So with the exception of the bad weather during the weekend, a great time was had by all.
I will be working on a number of photo galleries of the Organs at this year's GDSF.
Watch that space (and this one - I may update this post)!
Regards,
Dave
Organ Alley, early on Wednesday morning |
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