And that, I hope, is how you will find the meeting planned for Saturday 4 April when our programme will be as follows:
1030am:
First Presbyterian Church, Omagh - coffee and scenes on arrival; demonstration of early Evans and Barr two manual organ recently rebuilt and enlarged by Wells-Kennedy.
1200noon:
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Omagh - demonstration of another two-manual Evans and Barr, restored by Abbey Organs.
100 pm:
Lunch at First Presbyterian Church. Depart 2 15 pm for -
3 00 pm:
Raphoe: St Eunan's Cathedral (Anglican) - Choral Evensong with choir directed by Graham Harrison; small two-manual organ of uncertain lineage reconstituted by Wells-Kennedy.
Regrettably, the number requesting bus transport was too small (under 20) to make this a viable proposition, but if you would like me to put you in touch with a member travelling by car who could offer a seat please indicate this on the reply-slip below; I cannot, of course, guarantee that this will be possible but shall do my best to match offers and requests. At Omagh morning coffee and lunch (at an inclusive charge of £6.00) will be available only to those who have returned the reply-slip and this should be with me not later than Monday 30 March. Payment can be made on the day.
Members unfamiliar with the north-western reaches of the province may like to know that it is 70 miles from Belfast to Omagh and a further 30 to Raphoe. In view of this you might like to break the return journey so reservations for an evening meal (menu a votre choix) at about 6 pm will be made for those wishing to do so at Viscounts in Dungannon - strongly recommended to me by a local resident. I have been reliably informed that the menu is extensive but not expensive.
MAY MEMO
Members travelling to Bury Saint Edmunds on Saturday 2 May should note that the outward flight departs from BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT at 7 am, and should be there at least 45 minutes before that time. Tickets and itineraries will be distributed at the airport.
On the following Monday evening (4 May) the return flight from Stansted is scheduled to arrive at Aldergrove at 22.10.
Please note that no further details about the trip will be issued until the morning of departure but if you have any queries telephone me. Any balances still outstanding should be forwarded to the Honorary Treasurer by 31 March.
SPRING INTO SUMMER
That's the intentionally equivocal title given to a series of three concerts of organ and choral music, each followed by supper, to be promoted by the society in May and June. Full details and a ticket reservation slip are provided on the leaflets enclosed: please use them to publicise this promotion as widely as you can and encourage friends who are not USOC members to attend. The provision of after-concert refreshments at an interesting venue should be an added attraction. From the first of the three concerts profits will be allocated to the Arthur Beggs Student Fund.
APRIL AIRS
These will be dispensed by Anne Marsden-Thomas at the Ulster Hall organ at 7 45 pm on Monday 20 April. Her wide-ranging programme will include Arthur Wills' transcription of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and music by Bach, Saint-Saens and Vierne.
The future of these celebrity organ recitals is now in some doubt since the City Council's Leisure Services Department recently announced its intention to terminate funding them. A really big attendance on 20 April might just encourage them to think again - but don't count on it!
MELODIES IN MAY
These will be played by Stanley Wyllie at the Tonic Theatre Organ in Gransha High School, Bangor, where he will be joined by Bangor Ladies Choir at 8 pm on Wednesday 13 May. Tickets available at concert or can be reserved by telephoning the school (01247 463838).
COMMITTEE CALL
Meeting 7 30 pm, Saturday 21 March at the Callender residence; please let me know if you cannot be present.
DIARY DATES
MARCH
Friday 27: Carlo Curley at Bangor Grammar School - 8 pm.
Monday 30: Reply re Omagh/Raphoe; Balance for May trip due.
APRIL
Saturday 4: USOC trip to Omagh and Raphoe.
Thursday 9: Mozart Requiem at Belfast Cathedral - 7 45 pm.
Monday 20: Anne Marsden-Thomas at Ulster Hall - 7 45 pm.
MAY
Saturday 2: USOC trip to East Anglia.
Saturday 9: Concert Down Cathedral - David Drinkell and Cadenza - 7 30 pm.
Wednesday 13: Tonic Organ / Stanley Wyllie and Bangor Ladies Choir - 8 pm.
Saturday 30: Concert Hillsborough / Martin Baker - 7 30 pm.
JUNE
Saturday 6: USOC Annual Members Concert - details to come.
Saturday 20: Concert St George's Belfast / Desmond Hunter - 7 30 pm.
Spring salutations!
RODNEY BAMBRICK
Honorary Secretary
RSB/IAFH
18/03/98
Member's Name: _________________________________ Telephone No: ______________________
1 Reserve ___ place/s for morning coffee and lunch at Omagh.
2 Reserve ___ place/s for evening meal in Dungannon.
3 If possible, put me in touch with member willing to offer lift in his/her/its car.
4 I would be willing to offer car transport for one/two/three/twenty members living in my area.
Archive Page
|
Home Page
|