I am pleased to see that the Cafe au Palais des Orgues Mortier is
finally getting some long-overdue exposure.  It is a wonderful place to
visit and is probably the nearest thing left to the old 'dance tent'
where so many organs of this type earned their keep.

As Philippe Rouille mentioned there are three Mortiers in use, plus the
case and some parts of a fourth.  Some notes on the three playing organs
are below:-

  81-key Mortier, built 1912.  This organ is in the best playing condi-
tion of the three, having been overhauled and a new keyframe fitted by
Johnny Verbeeck in the last couple of years.  It has a typically
classical style of facade.

  90-key Mortier, built 1926.  The thing that sticks in the mind of
everyone who sees this organ is the massive bass drum located over the
main case.  It has to be about eight feet high and eighteen inches
thick!  It is also fitted with a heavily carved classical style facade.
On my last visit (November 1998) all sections were playing, but needed
tuning.

  101-key Mortier, built 1939.  This organ has an art-deco front and
a centrally mounted accordion.  The top of the facade is not fitted as
the ceiling is too low, and so it looks 'sat upon' (i.e. long and low).
It is in the process of being rebuilt, and as a result only just plays,
so it is only used briefly.


It amazes me just how popular this cafe is with the locals and that
so few outsiders seem to know about it.  The Mechanical Organ Owners'
Society (I am the Membership Secretary but don't let that put you off!)
first visited it two years ago as part of our annual Continental coach
tours and it has quickly become an essential part of the itinerary,
especially with it being within half an hours drive of Calais.  Even
more amazing is the fact that the whole venture is supported purely
by the profit on the bar takings.


For anyone wanting to look in, Herzeele is just off exit 15 of the A25
autoroute from Dunkirk for those travelling by car.  Anyone making their
way by public transport -- beware!  Buses and taxis are apparently non-
existent and the nearest railway station is about ten miles away across
the border in Belgium!

Jeremy Brice
Watford
Hertfordshire. U.K.