The first ever meeting of the Amateur Organ Builders Group took
place over two full days last weekend at Bloxham Steam Fair, near
Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Eight members together with their wives and twelve hand-turned organs
occupied a small marquee tent.  As well as providing an interesting
display for the members of the public who came in to hear the music,
there were many interesting discussions among the organ builders about
the various techniques of their craft.

The meeting also served as a swap-shop for numerous surplus items of
organalia.  The tent became a useful base from which members could
wander off to see the huge amount of activity going on at the show.
There were a great many traction engines in steam, vintage vehicles of
every kind and of course a good many large fair organs in full voice.

The success of this gathering was due mainly to the work of John Smith
who 'organised' the venue (no pun intended! - Oh, go on then!) and
arranged for the marquee to be provided.  From this small beginning it
is hoped that these meetings will be held on a regular basis.  The next
Amateur Organ Builders meeting is to be held at the Lincolnshire Steam
Fair, on the show ground at Lincoln, on the 16th and 17th of August.
All amateur organ builders will be made welcome at the group gathering,
although bookings for attending with an organ are now closed,
unfortunately.

Yours organically

Bob Essex
Warwickshire, England