Several weeks ago I was saddened to hear of Bob Minney's passing at age
81.  He was a larger-than-life, straight-talking character who commanded 
the respect and attention of everybody he came into contact with.

Over the last 25 or more years Bob helped me on many a tricky restoration 
project and often passed on tips from his hard-won knowledge.  His work
was always 100% perfection.  For those who have a copy of Graham Webb's
book, "The Disc Musical Box Handbook", the author acknowledges Bob for
his help on the technical section, referring to Bob as, quote, "master
repairer of the disc musical box, engineer and musician".

Who could argue -- his ingenuity and skill was legendary in the UK for
decades.  However, as those who were fortunate enough to know him and
seek his help, Bob's particular forte was the restoration of barrel
organs, and it wasn't unusual to see Ignaz Bruder organs with automata
or Flötenspieluhren being rebuilt.

His great personal love was music and not only did he arrange his 
own favourite pieces and punch by hand rolls for several of his own
instruments but he also made and pinned a barrel for a large organ in
his collection.  He was self-taught and a design engineer by trade for
Vauxhall Motors before he retired in 1985.

Bob's daughter asked me to catalogue and value his collection shortly
after he passed.  Today she informed me that she has decided to let the
majority of his cylinder boxes go; they are mainly needing attention
and there are approximately 25 to 30 of them in total.  For anybody
wanting a modestly priced project or two, they are worth looking at.

Should there be any interest via MMD, please contact me and I will pass
on her telephone number for direct contact.

Thank you,

Mark Singleton
Lancashire, UK
preesallpremier@aol.com.geentroep [ delete ".geentroep" to reply]