Over the first weekend in May, the Amateur Organ Builders (AOB) group
held its first workshop meeting at the estate of Peter and Rosemarie
Hood, near to Ramsgate, Kent, England.  Peter is more familiarly known
in organ circles as Rollcutter.com, supplier of music rolls.

The previously stormy weather miraculously ceased just for the three
days of the event and some fifty organ-building folk set up their
pitches near to their caravans, cars, motorhomes and tents.  Social
events and lively seminars on such organ building topics as design,
pipe building, bellows and MIDI were organised in the large marquee
tent provided for the occasion.

Many, but not all, of the 30 organs present were of the John Smith
variety.  John was there in person with his own organ display and words
of wisdom for builders of his organ designs.  Two fair organs were also
present to complete the scene.  A professional folk band entertained us
on the Saturday evening.

Prizes of suitably engraved crystal glassware were awarded for the
categories of best presentation; best build quality and best sound.
The weekend event was a resounding success thanks mostly to the
generosity, untiring work and attention to detail of Peter and
Rosemarie, to whom we all owe many thanks.

The AOB has previously attended a number of steam fairs and organ
rallies and will be present, in force, at the Great Dorset Steam Fair
later this year.  Members propose to demonstrate building and
completing a busker organ, from scratch, during the period of the show,
and to have it as a prize in a raffle.  The money raised to be given to
a charity.

Bob Essex
Warwickshire, England