Category Archives: Events

Annual General Meeting, March 25th, 2026 – 7:30pm

Wednesday 25th March at 7.30pm – AGM at Malcolm Aldridge’s home, 104 Newlands Park, Sydenham, London SE26 5NB. The AGM will include reports by the Chair and Treasurer, as well as elections to the committee to replace members standing down. It will be followed by a short presentation given by Malcolm entitled “Why real pipes always sound better” and an opportunity for members to try out a home-built digital organ using the Hauptwerk system.

Repertoire Session, Saturday 24th January 2026, 2pm-5pm, Forest Hill, SE23

A well-attended repertoire event focusing on ceremonial music was held at Nicky Jones’ home on Saturday 24th January from 2 to 5pm. A 4 manual Wyvern organ was available for demonstration purposes.

Afternoon tea and refreshments were provided. Organ music for purchase was kindly provided by the South London Music Shop.

Those attending were Alan Langridge, Malcolm Aldridge, Gary Wannan, David Garner, Irene Wolstenholme, Andrew Chadney, Richard Pilliner, Nicky Jones and Sam Gover.

Richard Pilliner kindly helped to steer the discussions. His knowledge and expertise were much appreciated.

Several compositions were demonstrated as follows:-

  • Irene played Fanfare by Kenneth Leighton
  • Malcolm and Richard both played the Prelude and Fugue in C Minor (BWV 546) by JS Bach
  • Gary played Quasi Allegro by Franck and the Allegro from the Concerto in C by Albinoni
  • Andrew played Funeral Music by Sibelius
  • Alan played the Wedding March by Guilmant
  • Sam played Oh I do like to be beside the seaside by John A Glover-Kind (1880-1918)
  • Nicky played Flourish for an Occasion by Noel Rawsthorne
  • Finally, David played Intrada by John Ireland

Visit to Croydon churches, Saturday 13th September 2025

We will be visiting St Mildred’s, Addiscombe, from 12:30-2pm, (Nicholson IIP 34) followed by St Matthew’s, Park Hill Road (Mander IIP 13) in the afternoon (3pm to 4:30pm). Please join us for either or both visits.

Programme for the day:

12:30 to 2pm St. Mildred’s, 43 Bingham Road, Addiscombe, CR0 7HR

St Mildred’s, Addiscombe

By public transport:  Addiscombe tram stop is about 250m away, round the corner in Lower Addiscombe Road.

Organ: 2-manual by Nicholson, built last year, re-using pipework from a 1906 organ by T C Lewis

Specification: The NPOR | Survey S00272

There is an interesting article from “Choir and Organ” magazine concerning this organ:  Rejuvenating a Lewis & Co organ in south London | Gramophone

Host organist: Richard Mander (not related to the late Noel Mander or his son John Mander, the organ builders).

3pm to 4:30pm St Matthew, Chichester Road (off Park Hill Road), Croydon CR0 5NQ

St Matthew’s, Park Hill Road – A modern church with lovely stained glass

By public transport: a 10 minute walk from East Croydon mainline station or Lebanon Road tram stop on Addiscombe Road.

Organ:  Two manual by N P Mander, 1975. Specification:  The NPOR | Survey N13475. Host organist: Michael Strange.

Travel Arrangements

It would be helpful if you would let Malcolm Aldridge know (via email or the Contact Form) if you are planning to join us for either or both visits.  Obviously, if you decide to come at the last minute, just turn up.  You’ll be welcome regardless.

There are limited parking spaces at both churches, but it’s particularly important that you let Malcolm know beforehand if you’re planning to use one of them. 

Malcolm is happy to give lifts to anyone living in Forest Hill, Sydenham, Penge or Beckenham.  He has a six-seater people carrier. 

In principle, it would be possible to walk between the two churches, but it would be a brisk fifteen-minute walk, so wherever feasible we’ll try to ferry people by car.

We have not made any catering arrangements, so please bring a packed lunch if you can’t last out.