It is with sadness that I report the death of Reg Saunders of Stotfold,
Bedfordshire, U.K. in the early hours of the 18th of September. Reg
was originally known for his fish and chip wagons, where were converted
from old buses, and later for starting his family's collection of
steam engines.
In organ circles he was well known as the owner of an 1876 84 key
Gavioli Military Band barrel organ, which was converted to a 98 key
scale book organ several years ago by Anthony and Andrew Pilmer. This
organ travelled widely across the U.K. with a stage show featuring
either the Penny Rigden or Pauline Reeder Can-Can Dancers and other
entertainers. It was also occasionally rallied at shows in Europe and
Finalnd. Perhaps less well known is that he also owned a 98 key Gaudin
concert organ, which was bought as a restoration project. This was
sold earlier this year to Johnny Verbeeck, who will no doubt do a
first-class job of restoration.
To his family and helpers I send our condolences.
Jeremy Brice, Hertfordshire, U.K.
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