The society was set up to promote a continuing series of public concerts on pipe and/or electronic organs at a suitable venue or venues in the region. To further foster the enjoyment of organ music through members’ meetings, and to further the exchange of information on the subject by the distribution of a regular newsletter. Currently we hold 4 public concerts a year at the Odeon Weston-super-Mar
e featuring it's original 1935 3C6 Compton. The Compton Organ
The three manual, six rank instrument was built by the John Compton Organ Company of Chase Road, North Acton, London. Bearing the works number A298 it was opened on 25th May 1935 by Alfred Richards who, in honour of his appointment, composed the song Around the corner at the Odeon which he used as his signature tune. The Weston-super-Mare Compton is now one of only two original organ installations still playing in commercially operating British cinemas, the other being at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London. The instrument is installed in two tightly-packed organ chambers on the roof of the stage speaking out into the auditorium through the decorative plaster coves above the proscenium opening. The left-hand ‘Accompaniment’ chamber contains the Open Flute and Violoncello ranks, along with the Chrysoglott/Vibraphone unit and the non-tonal percussions and effects, along with the action relays. The right-hand ‘Solo’ chamber contains the Tibia, Oboe, Vox Humana and Tuba ranks as well as the Glockenspiel, Xylophone and Cathedral Chimes. Also in this chamber is the very rare Solo Cello unit which produces the amplified sound of a bowed cello string as an
interesting addition to the organ’s solo effects. Odeon W-s-M concert ticket price £8, unless shown differently. Available at the Odeon Box Office or on-line for a small extra fee. Some tickets usally available at the door. But book early to be sure. Block booking also available. Bring your club to the Odeon for a day out. The AGM for WETOS was held at the RAFA Club directly after the concert on 17.11.13. The elected officers are shown in the photo' below. They are Front Row: Jane Parker (Treasurer), Fred Smedley ( Chairman), John Choen (Member). Back Row are: Anthony Meads,(Organ maintenance) Ben Snowdon (Organ builder & GeneralSecreatary), Donald Mackenzie ( Stood in to give the picture interest!),Stephen Dutfield (Membership Secretary). Photographer Peter Young (Web-site & Advertising).
