Castle Hill United Reform Church,

Originally installed in the Century cinema, Clacton, Essex and opened with the cinema in July 1936 by Frank Matthew.

The 7 units were: Tibia, Trumpet, Tuba, Vox Humana, Diapason, Concert Flute and Viol d'Rochester plus synthetic Orchestral Oboe and Saxophone played from a unique 3 manual illuminated console. Subsequent organists included Clement Elliott, Harold Ramsey (not Harold Ramsay of Union fame), Crosbie Scott and Kit Francis.

The Christie was purchased by the Ipswich Light Organ Music Society in 1967 with a view to installing it in Ipswich Town Hall, however, it eventually arrived at Castle Hill United Reform Church and was opened on 21 November 1971 by Len Rawle and John Mann. John had played the farewell concert at Clacton almost exactly four years earlier. There have been some additions including a Compton Clarinet, String Celeste and 16ft Diaphone.

The huge illuminated surround was discarded and eventually replaced with wooden 'Granada' style ends from the Adelphi cinema, Slough. These ends are removed after concerts, and an oak surround fitted to give it the appearance of a church organ.

Ipswich
Menu

HOME

News

About us

Membership

Districts

What's new

What's on

UK Venues

Galleries

Artists

UK Organs

Links

Credits

Sales

Contact us