As most of you will know, it is a number of years since I produced my
first set of instructions to build a small organ.  Ten years ago I was
just one of a handful of people who played about in their workshops
building organs as a hobby.  A lot has changed since then, as like
myself many more new builders have found that there is a good deal of
satisfaction in both the building and playing of these little music
machines.

Often, having started by building one of my designs, there is now a
whole new breed of Amateur Organ Builders.  I see this as much the same
as the Model Engineers who have kept alive the art of building steam
engines and like them we are now starting to appear at public shows.

2003 saw the first organised gatherings in the U.K., uniquely, for
Amateur Organ Builders.  We were very lucky to receive support from
the organisers of the Steam Fairs we attended, there are always doubts
about changes to a set pattern, but the world is changing for everyone
and it would seem that our contribution to these events was seen as
a welcome one.

Our first gathering was at Banbury where a marquee was provided.
At first this looked as if we would be lost in it, but as things got
underway it proved to be just big enough.  Lincoln was our next event
with about the same number of us present.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair did us proud with a large Marquee next to
the Model tent.  Once again this seemed over generous but when we were
set up it all looked very nice and attracted a lot of attention.

The final Steam Rally of the year was at Widnes, this was my first
visit to this show, but it will not be my last.  There were a number of
Amateur built Fair Organs at this rally , I positioned my new 98 MIDI
Dance organ next to another Amateur built one, Peter Hoods superb
example, this is an extended scale (fully Chromatic ) multi format
design based on my own 98..  Although this was not fitted with all the
pipes or percussion it looked and sounded amazing.

Finally in mid October a few or us attended the Donnington Park Model
Engineering Exhibition.  I had my 98 MIDI Dance organ in the yard and
there were a number of small organs playing outside.  We also had three
organs on display inside.  An unexpected bonus was that my 98 MIDI
Dance Organ won first prize and Brian Oliver's Universal 26 won 2nd in
the miscellaneous section.  Once again this was as far as I know this
was the very first Model Engineering Exhibition to have a class for
Amateur Organ Builders.

For the participants, all these events were seen as a success.  We were
assembled as a group and able to discuss our organ building amongst
both, ourselves, and the general public, who seemed totally amazed when
they realised that all our organs were home made.  It seems that one
Amateur organ can be overlooked but a dozen together are irresistible.

In 2004 we are expecting to repeat our Rally appearances and possibly
add a few more venues.  One event, which should prove very interesting
will be at Dorset, where we plan to be seen building an organ on site
in the 5 days of the event.  Edward Murray Harvey will be composing and
cutting a special piece of music for the occasion.  The finished organ
will be auctioned for charity.  This has to be something never done
before.

As a result of our first season there is a general view that we should
form some sort of group and with this in mind we are holding a social
gathering of Amateur Organ Builders where we can hopefully get things
underway.  This will be held on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of May, Peter Hood is
offering facilities for this at his home near Ramsgate (Kent).  A marquee
will be provided and we hope to have talks on organ building, a party
and a few members of the local public to play to.  For more information
Contact; Peter www.rollcutter.com Caravan and camping on site, B and B
accommodation available locally.  This will be an international
gathering.

If you are an Amateur Organ Builders and interested in joining any of
our activities please contact me: <johnsmithbusker@supanet.com>

I will also send a photo of the Dorset Steam Fair gathering.

All the best
John Smith