On Friday 15th and Saturday 16th July we were privileged to have an international organist Paul Hale visit Lound Church, together with The Organ Club, of which he is the current President.
Paul has been our specialist consultant on the Harrison & Harrison organ refurbishment project, and he came to give the work, which has now been completed, a final check over. Paul gave an impromptu concert on the Friday evening, firstly drawing his audience around the console and explaining the working of the instrument before going on to explain a little about the various stops and the voices they produce. He chose four pieces to demonstrate the various sounds the organ could make, by composers who worked at roughly the time the instrument was built (1913). The sound was wonderful and enjoyed by all present. Paul’s report was very favourable and save for one or two minor adjustments declared the organ was one of the finest sounds of its type in this area. We are optimistic that the problems which have dogged the organ ever since its installation have finally been resolved, and it can now truly shine as the ‘King of Instruments’.
The Organ Club, which will be celebrating its Centenery in 4 years’ time, exists to promote the pipe organ for the enjoyment of players and non-players alike. The current membership is around 400. Once a month, on the 3rd Saturday, the group arranges a visit to different areas up and down the country; an opportunity for members to come together, to have a chance to play different organs or simply to listen to organs in various churches. The visit to Lound was preceeded by St. Andrew’s in Gorleston, and followed by Our Lady Star of the Sea in Lowestoft, finishing at St. Peter & St. John, Kirkley. The members greatly enjoyed their visit here and the organ sounded terrific. We were delighted to welcome them and hope they will come again.
