Gosport MP visits 1934 organ as events announced
THORNGATE HALLS welcomed a special guest last Friday (September 4) as they welcomed Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage to the venue as she sampled the 1934 cinema organ for the first time.
The organ has been in Gosport since 1981 and is an important local heritage asset; a fact that was welcomed by the borough’s MP. She was very impressed at the progress of the refurbishment project, which is making sure this unique instrument is preserved for future generations.
The Gosport MP was also amazed to see the complex machinery and hundreds of pipes that are hidden behind the stage. She was encouraged to have a go at the console and did enjoy herself with organisers hoping to see her again for the next silent movie with live organ accompaniment.
A showing of the 1925 Lon Chaney Classic “Phantom of the Opera” will take place on November 12 (Thursday) with a 7:30pm start, so the Gosport MP’s attendance is permitting Parliamentary duties in the House of Commons. More information on this special event will be available in due course.
There are however two upcoming events involving the organ later this month; starting on September 19 (Saturday) as part of Gosport’s Heritage Open Days. The organ will be open to the public from 10:30am and 3:30pm with visitors able to marvel behind the scenes, whilst they will be able to hear about the progress of our refurbishment programme, and even have a go at the console themselves. There is no charge to attend and no need to book a slot.
This will be followed by a concert on September 20 (Sunday) by Bernie Brown and Robert Stacey. Bernie is the resident organist at the Curzon Cinema, which is based in the Clevedon area of Somerset and he will be playing in Gosport for the first time. Meanwhile Robert is a leading member of the Gosport & District Organ Club and a regular performer.
Between them they will play a wide variety of styles from many different eras in this free event, but contributions are appreciated on exit. Doors will open at 1:30pm for a 2pm start and parking is available; the full address being: Thorngate Halls, Bury Road, Gosport, PO12 3PX.
PICTURED: Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dinenage samples the 1934 cinema organ for the first time in a visit to Thorngate Halls last Friday (September 4).
