Saturday 28th September 2024 – a presentation & social event at St Philip’s Church, Webheath, Redditch.

There was an attendance of around 50 members and guests, including members of the St Philip’s congregation. Congratulations to Philip Jarvis, Julie Bradbury with the assistance of our chair for arranging such a great event.

Elizabeth Watkins welcomed us and introduced out host, Philip Jarvis, the local organist and former chairman and secretary of the WOA in the 1980’s. She then read out the apologies received from our president, Samuel Hudson and another twelve members, and then introduced the players, Keith Hearnshaw and Michael Carter.

Our host, Philip Jarvis, spoke about the history of the 1895 Nicholson two manual organ and the tonal changes that Trevor Tipple had made in 1998 to 2004, and the latest restoration work completed in 2023 by organ builder, Michael Spencer. He then asked Keith Hearnshaw to demonstrate the stops of the organ, and who then played short recital of ‘A Fancy’ by John Stanley and concluded with the ‘Toccata’ from the Gothic Suite by Leon Boellmann.

Member, Michael Carter, then played a medley of ‘Spiderman’ movie tunes in theatre organ mode, concluding with the song, ‘Little red monkey’, a lyric novelty song first recorded by Joy Nicholls in 1953. Quite a catchy tune!

We were then invited to the church hall for refreshments and members were invited to play the organ. A splendid feast had been provided along with celebratory cakes and drinks, all served by the ladies of the church. Members and guests then had a most enjoyable hour of social chat with the sounds of the organ in the background.

Four WOA past chairmen attended the event, including our Emeritus Chairman, Graham Rock. Many thanks to Philip Jarvis and Julie Bradbury for proposing and hosting what was a splendid anniversary event.