The 2nd weekend in December I was once again providing music at Brighouse & Halifax Model Engineering Club.

They hold a Santa Special weekend and approx. 600 children and families visit Santa & ride on the trains. 

The 1st Saturday in December saw Swinging Sisters down at Riccall near Selby for the village Dickensian Fayre.

There were carol singers, refreshments and a number of stalls and games. It also stayed fine although it was extremely cold.

Wellick Vintage Weekend was held the 2nd weekend in October. 
The event gets bigger every year with two fields being full of exhibits. On the Saturday a large auction took place at one end of the field. This was replaced by a car boot sale on the Sunday. 
The weather was good & there was the usual collection of exhibits.

Fair Organ Preservation Society

50th Anniversary

Widnes Gathering

27th - 28th September 2008

Victoria Park was once again the venue for the FOPS gathering. 
There were 20 larger organs and about the same number of small organs attended. There was also a variety of motorcycles, classic cars, heavy horses, falcons, model boats, fun fair and traders.

The attendance was the best I have seen in the five years I have been attending the event. The estimate was 20,000 people on Saturday but certainly there was a lot, although not quite so many on Sunday there were still a large number.

August Bank Holiday Sunday & Monday was Harewood Steam Fair. The show was laid out differently this year due to the wet ground. This meant the fair was further to one end which allowed more room for the steam exhibits. There were six organs, a selection of classic cars, bikes, commercials and steam engines large and small. 

Saturday 16th August was the date for the re-scheduled 70th Birthday Party in West Bank Park, Acomb, York. 
This was cancelled earlier in the year due to high winds.
Although there were not as many stalls and attractions as normal, the park filled with people and I raised over £200 on the Hook-A-Duck game for Martin House.

Martin House Children's Hospice held it's 21st Birthday party on 14th August.

Despite heavy rain all morning it dried up just as the guests arrived at 2pm.

There were about 200 children and families who came along to enjoy an afternoon of music, games, animals, a puppet show and refreshments. 

The 9th August was a family fun afternoon at Hull Road Park in York. 

Unfortunately heavy rain kept a lot of people away but some of the local lads did enjoy a game of football and there was a local falconry display. 

Music was provided by Swinging Sisters and a local group of musicians.

The 8th August saw Swinging Sisters doing it's first agricultural show at Hinderwell on the east coast.

After heavy rain overnight and high winds the day stayed fine and dry and there was a good attendance. The main events of the day being the show jumping. There was also a craft tent, children's tent and main horticulture and small animals tent.

The 1st August saw Swinging Sisters doing it's first wedding. The organ played as the guests arrived at the hotel prior to the reception in the afternoon. The prior two weeks were spent making curtains and a pelmet to brighten up the front of the organ.

Saturday saw the best of the weather with clear blue sky's & bright sunshine. Sunday was fine & dry but there was a sea fret all day.

This year I took the 48 keyless reed organ for it's first outing in 18 months and the 1st time it has been out since it had the new keyframe rollers fitted last winter.

The 13th July saw thousands of people attend Rowntrees Park in York for a family fun day organized by City of York Council. This is one of a number of free days to promote local charities and provide entertainment for local people. There were plenty of stalls, games, rides and music for all the family and the weather made it a great afternoon.

The end of June saw me back in Derbyshire at Alfreton for the Derbyshire Transport & Steam Rally. This was held at Carnfield Hall. Unfortunately, cold winds and heavy showers put off the public and attendances were down. Despite this there was a lot of activity in the main arena and the side shows.

Sunday 15th June was the date for Huby Village Feast near York. This was a local fun day consisting of children's fairground rides, my organ adding a bit of background music, Punch & Judy, magician, sports games and Morris & Line dancers. There was a hog roast at lunchtime, afternoon teas and the event ran into the evening with local bands playing and a BBQ.

Anglesey Vintage Rally was blessed with fine weather although a cool breeze was blowing all weekend. The 3rd Weekend in May saw a large selection of engines, bikes, cars, traders, 5 organs and an assortment of arena attractions. There was a good attendance each day and the main arena was busy from 11am to 4pm each day. Unfortunately, the weekend ended with the Anglesey roller losing it's front roller in a collision with another engine which had to stop quickly to avoid a car that wouldn't stop. Belonging to the club, the members have vowed to get new forks made & it is hoped the roller will be repaired in time for next years event. 

The first event of the season was at Long Eaton, Nottingham. Although the number of exhibitors was down on previous years the weather held for both days and there was a steady stream of visitors enjoying the attractions in the arena and the various cars, bikes, commercials, engines and models on display. 

The event started with Mr. Silcock opening up his organ collection and playing the organs for two hours on Saturday morning. This was followed by a buffet lunch.

At 2.30pm the meeting took place at a seafront hotel in Southport. There was a good turnout. 

On Sunday morning the Silcock collection were again being played to the delight of those who attended.

Don't miss the 50th Anniversary gathering on 21/22nd June.