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Welcome
to the website of the
WEYHILL
ELECTRONIC
ORGAN SOCIETY
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INTRODUCTION
The Society was formed in April 2002 on the initiative of local resident, Terry Trevett (the current Secretary), and at the time of its inception it was the only such club in the Andover area or indeed within the Test Valley Borough. A small committee was formed and the Society's inaugural concert, featuring International Concert Organist, Nicholas Martin, was held on 18 July 2002. The event attracted a capacity audience at The Fairground Hall, Weyhill, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley, Tony and Rita Gentle. Thanks to the hard work of the committee and a few willing volunteers, combined with the support and co-operation of several local organisations, it was soon apparent that the enterprise had been well worthwhile. |
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TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT
 The electronic organs of today are capable of a great variety of sounds and rhythms - from military bands to orchestras, from violin to harmonica; in fact, the sounds of almost any instrument imaginable can be reproduced by these amazing pieces of electronic wizardry. The Society's concerts are aimed particularly at people who prefer their music to be melodious, easy listening and tuneful, and are guaranteed to provide enjoyable entertainment in a relaxed and friendly environment. A different top class organist is engaged for each monthly concert and the programmes are always balanced to suit most musical tastes. Newsletters are published at regular intervals, providing information about the Society's activities and progress.
Although the Society is relatively new, it has quickly established an excellent reputation, amongst guest performers and audiences alike. Here are just a few examples of compliments received from visiting artistes:
“Thanks for the tremendous hospitality and pleasing atmosphere” ..... “What a super audience - thank you for a lovely warm welcome!” ..... “The evening has been so special ... a caring team, wonderful hospitality” ..... "Your enthusiasm and love of music is reflected in your friendship” ..... “A most enjoyable way to spend an evening” ..... “A great club – one of the best I’ve played so far” ....... “A truly splendid occasion in every respect”. |
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PROGRESS
 The Society made a further advancement when, at the May 2005 concert, its very own video projection equipment was introduced, thereby enhancing stage productions. Grants from 'Awards For All' (Lottery), Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council helped the Society to achieve this improvement and members of the audience can now have a clear view of the keyboards and pedals from any seat in the hall.
In June 2005, the Society was honoured when being presented with a framed 'Voluntary Groups Awards' certificate by Test Valley Community Services, in recognition of its contribution to the local community - an award that has been repeated in 2006 and 2007.
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OVERSEAS VISITORS
 The Society’s June 2004 concert was particularly special for a group of children from Belarus who were attending the concert at the invitation of the Society. Visiting the UK, courtesy of the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity and accompanied by a few members of their local host families plus an interpreter, the children were simply spellbound by the aura of the occasion and the delightful musical sounds produced by Dutch guest performer, DirkJan Ranzijn.
The evening was filled with emotion and it was a pleasure to witness how much enjoyment the children derived from the concert. A collection for the charity produced in excess of £100 (enabling the children to have a day out at a local amusement park during the following week). More importantly, a fantastic musical evening was permanently etched upon the memories of the Society's very special young guests. |
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