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Welcome
to the website of the
WEYHILL
ELECTRONIC
ORGAN SOCIETY | |
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... where the music is melodic,
easy listening - and live!
INTRODUCTION
The Society was formed in April 2002 on the initiative of local resident, Terry Trevett (the current Secretary), and is 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.
To hear the Society signature tune click on the link below. (For more information about the tune see the Historical Connections page).
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TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT
 The electronic organs and keyboards of today are capable of a great variety of sounds and styles - 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 performer is engaged for each monthly concert and the programmes are always balanced to suit most musical tastes.
The Club differs from most other organ societies inasmuch as it does not have a membership scheme or any restrictions on admissions (other than the venue seating capacity). Furthermore, very few of its supporters admit to being able to play an instrument - they simply attend the concerts because they enjoy good music and entertainment.
Although the Society is relatively new, when compared to most other such clubs, it very soon 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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Click here to see and hear a brief extract from one of the Society's many entertaining concerts - this one in February 2008.
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PROGRESS
The Society made a significant 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 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 Sector Award certificate by Test Valley Community Services, in recognition of its contribution to the local community - an award that has since been repeated on several occasions .
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OVERSEAS VISITORS
The Society’s June 20 04 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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ACCOLADE
In 2017 the Club was nominated for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary
Service – an award created by the Queen in 2002 to mark the occasion of her
Golden Jubilee, recognising excellence in voluntary activities carried out by
groups in the community. For further
details please refer to our Guestbook
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