Category Archives: Events

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.

Penge Festival Organ Recital by SSLSO Members, June 7th 2025

This year’s recital by SSLSO members was the first event of the Penge Festival, and certainly set a high bar for the events to follow. The programme showcased not only a varied selection of repertoire but also the impressive range and character of Penge Congregational Church’s Lewis organ. It was particularly pleasing to hear two of our student members, Zai and Tabitha, performing despite only having begun lessons relatively recently. Their contributions were both thoughtful and technically assured, boding well for their future development.

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