I am very pleased to be able to announce that there are to be a number
of rallies this season where there are to be special entries and
provision for amateur organ builders.

There has never been an organised gathering specifically to cater for
our hobby, up till now we have tagged along with other grinders using
commercially made organs, or put in the model tent, etc.  I know, from
my correspondence over the last few years that many would be interested
in attending, even coming from overseas.  Such a gathering would form
a focal point to finally put amateur organ builders on the map and
hopefully become a regular and accepted feature at most steam fairs,
etc.

Initially I have had to limit the number taking part at each event
to ten.  However, all the events are open to the public so I expect
a number of other enthusiasts to come along and join in on the day.

To qualify the entrants will have built their own organ from raw
materials, and it is not limited just my designs.  This year it will
be only for hand turned organs but I expect this will change in future
years to include bigger ones as well.

There are three venues lined up at steam fairs.  Entrants will be given
passes to the show, caravan or camping space (on site but not right
next to organ display) and a shelter to congregate and display the
organs.  I would expect to play the organ in turn giving us lots of
opportunity to talk and visit the rest of the shows

The dates are

(1) Banbury Steam and Vintage Vehicle Rally
    At Bloxham (2 miles from Banbury)
    A two-day event 28th and 29th June

This is a typical steam rally with a good variety of exhibits.  It
always has a laid back atmosphere in a lovely rural setting, with the
historic town of Banbury close by.

(2) Lincolnshire Steam And Vintage Rally
    16th and 17th August

Held on the Lincoln show ground.  There are always a good number of
superb fair organs on show and a large model hall, as well as all the
usual steam, etc.  Friday and Saturday nights are full of fun with
entertainment laid on.  The site is first class with good facilities
hard roads and flat grass.  Lincoln, with its fine cathedral and most
interesting and historic buildings, is well worth a visit.

(3) The Great Dorset Steam Fair
    Tarrant Hinton near Blandford
    27th to 31st August

Aptly named, Dorset is a great county but the steam fair is just the
greatest.  If you think you have seen a great steam fair or any other
sort for that matter then just wait until you have experienced this
one.  "The Greatest Show on Earth?"  Yes!

This is a 5-day event I can promise you will not get bored.  I am still
finalising the arrangements for this event but it looks as if we will
be situated near the large model tent and hopefully will be able to
store the organs in there overnight, with camping in the adjacent field.

(4) Donnington Park Model Engineering Exhibition
    18th to 23rd October

This one is not a steam rally although there is always a good display
of live steam miniatures outside; it takes place in the exhibition hall
at the famous racing circuit.  It is a large and varied show, which
I always feel is a good day out for the whole family.  Many of the
modellers have built organs but this will be the first time these have
been featured in their own right.

The hall has a generous overhanging canopy which will act as our
shelter but I anticipate that we would take it in turns to play inside
the show hall.  Basic camping on site, or there is a proper site with
mains, etc., very near by.

If you are interested in taking part in any of these events please, in
the first instance, contact me <Johnsmithbusker@supanet.com>  or send
a stamped addressed envelope (overseas needs two reply coupons) to

  Mrs J Smith
  55 Willow Way
  Flitwick
  Beds
  MK45 1LN

Please allow some time for a reply

John Smith
Flitwick, UK