On the topic of diminishing interest in 'mechanical music', raising
awareness has been a recurring theme ever since I became interested
in the subject many years ago.  Perhaps the initiative of James Dundon
can be harnessed in some way to address the problem.  I have taken
the liberty of posting part of an email I received from him:

  "There is now a radio station playing 24/7 Mechanical Music.
It's a project I've been working on for sometime, and last night I hit
the button and put it live.  At the moment it's in 'test transmission'
stages playing continuous music.  It's actual launch will be this
Sunday 1st April at 9 am.  Please can you help me spread the word.
Share news about this to anyone you think might be interested.  You
can find out all about the station and tune in now.
http://www.mechanicalmusicradio.com/ 

  "We are on Facebook and Twitter under 'Mechanical Music Radio'.
Also you might be able to help me with some music.  I'm looking for
iconic instruments from around the world.  If you have a CD you have
released, or a personal recording you're particularly proud of, please
be in touch.  You can post, wetransfer or dropbox the audio to be for
broadcast.  Email mechmusicradio@outlook.com."

On a personal note I have seen the fragmentation of societies into
groups, some with specialist interest in certain types of pre-programmed
music, others duplicating much of the coverage.  Fragmentation has
helped to sustain interest in certain classifications of instrument,
be it fairground organs, player pianos, musical boxes, etc.  Societies
of all types and in all countries now compete in the changing world of
fast technology, the desire for instant response and a generation that
seems to value the new rather than the old.  Most struggle to get new
members as an aging membership takes its toll; hence the constraint on
funds to sustain the plethora of websites, publications costs, lack of
contributors to articles and the inevitable rising cost of postage.

Old instruments need to be maintained and restored.  The paradox is that
there are many bargains to be had for those who might be interested in
starting a collection or becoming a member of a society but efforts to
generate interest, despite websites and Journals, seems to have little
impact.  Also, back-up support is limited, not easily available to the
general public and is a risky venture, even for those who have some
interest and knowledge.  Restoration costs are uncertain and not cheep,
therefore an investment risk.  Restorers are in very limited supply.

I return to the effort of James Dundon and wish him all the best in
presenting all types of music to that audience lying somewhere at the
end of an iPad, computer or any other modern device where many now seek
their 'music on the move'.  Music is the basis of our hobby but often
seen to be set part from the mainstream of musical entertainment, most
of which can be listened to or down-loaded.  We are, after all, members
of musical societies, not just musical box societies and our music is
far from mechanical.

Will James' efforts be a medium for recruitment to any of the many
societies?  Will his funding be sufficient to keep the project going?
Only time will tell but it should be food for thought, worthy of
consideration, something to be monitored and given some active support.

Paul Bellamy