The Thursford Collection is located at Thursford Green, Near
Fakenham, Norfolk.  The Grid reference is (Sheet 132) TF 976345.
Or 52' 52" North 0' 56" East.

The nearest mainline railway stations are quite a long way off at
King's Lynn or Norwich.  The nearest branch railway station is on the
North Norfolk Steam Railway at Holt about 9 miles away.  You can get
here by changing at Norwich & Sheringham stations.

The collection is well worth a visit and you will be able to see and
hear the 98 Key Gavioli that I restored in the centre of the Gondola
Switchback Ride.  The organs are maintained by my colleague Bob Ince.

Talking of Switchback rides I wonder if anyone in the USA has any
pictures of the Rodeo Switchback that was once at Six Flags Great
Adventure in Jackson New Jersey.  Myself and others (Switchback
Ventures Ltd) purchased it in the early 1980's and restored it to use
in the UK.  It is now in store in the ownership of The Fairground
Heritage Trust.  We also bought the derelict 89 Key Gavioli from the
ride, but sold it on to help pay for the restoration costs of the
Switchback.  The instrument was restored by Dean organs of Bristol UK
and is owned by Mr. G. Brackstone.

There was another 87 Key Gavioli in store at Six Flags that came from
the Gallopers ("Carousel" to you over there).  It was very badly water
damaged having been left outside in the rain !  They wouldn't sell it
to us but I believe it was eventually sold.  ?? to Tim Trager ??

Hope this is of interest to someone?

Tim Blyth

http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~timblyth