The AGM was held at 8.15 at the Tulse Hill Methodist’s Church, 138 Christchurch Road, SW2 3DQ hosted by Committee Member Samzu Agebaje who introduced us to the church.

 

 

 

 

Samzu’s introduction

“Good evening everyone and welcome to Tulse Hill Methodist Church.

Exactly seven months’ ago, on 24th September 2016, this organ was installed here by Alan Goulding. Prior to that date, there… was an electronic organ here … installed in the 1970s by Norwich Organ builders. As you might realize, 40 to 50 years is an extremely long time for an electronic organ, and with notes ciphering and some stops sounding hoarse, the church decided to get a new organ.

Thankfully, when I sought advice about this from Marilyn, she pointed me to the Organ Adviser of the Methodist churches in England, Malcolm Starr. After a few visits and meetings, Malcolm recommended installing this pipe organ which was transferred from a church in Oldham. Malcolm also recommended Alan Goulding as the organ builder and on 24th September 2016, we had an organ launch with our guest organist being Marilyn. Many thanks also to the other SSLSO Committee Members (Andrew Chadney and Martin Callingham) who were present that day.

The organ is a two manual + pedal extension pipe organ. All the pipes of the organ are contained within this case except for the 16ft pitch pedal stops of the flute rank which are visible outside the case. Due to the limited space available, the organ builders cleverly used stopped 8ft pipes to achieve the 16ft stop effect. The volume of the pipes within the case can be controlled by a crescendo pedal which opens and closes the glass shutters.

The extension system of the organ is made up of three ranks:

Principal

Flutes

Dulciana.

To demonstrate how these ranks sound, I shall play:

Toccata and Fugue by an anonymous 18th century Italian composer on the Principal

Chaconne by Johann Pachelbel (1653 – 1706) on the Flutes

and combining all the stops, I will play

Allegro (Movement 2) from Trio Sonata by Johann Friedrich Fasch (1688-1758). (Formerly attributed to J. S. Bach (BWV 585)).”

Samzu gave a short recital to demonstrate the newly installed organ organ recital the details of which are here

Samzu demonstrated the organ by playing Toccatta and Fugue by an anonymous 18th century Italian composer on the Principal, Chaconne by Johann Pachelbel (1653 – 1706) on the flutes, and combining all the stops, Allegro (Movement 2) from Trio Sonata by Johann Freidrich Fasch (1688-1758). (Formely attributed to J. S. Bach (BWV 585)).

The Chair’s report

“Thank you Samzu for arranging this evening, for your thoughtful musical demonstration, and to ladies of the church for refreshments. Congratulations to Samzu on significant achievements in a short space of time, namely, steering this church to the purchase and installation of this organ, and also to your own personal achievements of Grade 6 Organ with Merit and Grade 6 Theory with Distinction. The Society is most fortunate to have you in its membership, with your deeply held commitment to the cause of playing the organ properly and to understanding how it and music works.

After the last AGM, the first event was the Saturday afternoon meeting in Christ’s Chapel, now an annual feature of Dulwich Festival. This event serves to introduce those who have had no contact with the organ to experience its sound and its repertoire. Last year John Mitchell also displayed his excellent computer history of the organ, which we hope to repeat. Alpha Hopkins, Director of Festival, advised that no change to the format was needed. She feels it is successful and people go away having enjoyed the afternoon.

In June 2016, in response to a request from member Marilyn Nicholson, we held an organ registration class at Penge Congregational Church. The subject of registration is complex and is rarely taught in a format that leaves amateur players feeling confident in their ability to work out what stops are appropriate. This was a well-received class and could be repeated in the future. Discussions are always good and people learn something from such events.

Gilbert Rowland’s harpsichord recital in St Augustine’s, Honor Oak Park last September was altogether splendid, in particular showing music by Domenico Scarlatti both on the organ and harpsichord. Gilbert is a rare talent and we are lucky to have him as a member. Anyone wishing to purchase his commercially produced CD’s of music by Scarlatti, Soler, Handel, Mattheson, please do ask at the end.

In October Norman Harper led another improvisation class at St John’s Church Shirley, an opportunity to play on the Frobenius organ where Richard Pilliner is organist. Norman’s classes have proved useful and inspiring and it is to be hoped that such workshops, like registration classes, continue.

November saw the annual dinner at Bistro 1 in Soho. We were entertained by our speaker Rev Colin Boswell who was amusing on the subject of church music. Thanks to the organising skills of organ builder Eric Shepherd we also had a very nice afternoon at St Alphage Burnt Oak and in the wonderful church at Cannons playing the Handel organ built by Goetze and Gwynne. This was an outstanding visit, despite the cold and dark. The Cannons surroundings are unique, as if stepping back into a past world. The organ was perfect for music by Handel, but members challenged it to play other repertoire too. The Burnt Oak organ is an also fine, versatile instrument. The recital series organised by Eric Shepherd is well worth the trek across town.

January took us to two churches in Clapham, Christ Church with St John and St Paul’s. Harry Bramma and William McVicker described how TC Lewis’ work in Brixton began at Christ Church, the works probably being nearby. Our host, Peter Smith, played music by Guilmant, and explained why the three manual organ is a two manual organ. Its sounds were rich and distinctive. St Paul’s has a two manual and pedal tracker action organ which is about to be rebuilt. Both organs were charming, and locations slightly off the beaten track.

In February the annual composite recital was held at Penge Congregational Church, featuring a bumper 19 performers, including three younger players. One gentleman brought a portable cymbelstern to add to his performance of the Bruhns’ E minor Praeludium. We heard a wide range of music, much of it very well played.

Over the last three years I have tried to steer the Society away from a series of organ crawls where the same people turn up and play the same pieces not terribly well. It is well known that serious professional organists are reluctant to join a local association, possibly embarrassed by a low standard of playing. They have better things to do. With my RCO Accredited Teacher hat on, I have tried to encourage a greater emphasis on us all learning how to play the instrument we all love with greater understanding and professionalism, to refresh skills and be inspired by greater players. The RCO is seeking to expand its work in recruiting new members, just like us, and to expand the number of accredited teachers countrywide in an effort to make sure that the organ as an instrument continues to have a high profile. The decline in church attendance and the number of clergy, music teachers and church-goers who have not been exposed to choral and organ music could represent a worrying loss of interest. I hear that, despite some stunning historic organs in North Holland, fewer people there are taking up organ playing, whereas interest in the UK is still quite high, despite our concerns. This is due to societies like ours, to easy availability of organs for home use, and the work of the RCO whose programmes provide information and classes of interest for both the amateur and the professional organist. Organ scholarships abound and there is strong competition for them. We can look forward to new initiatives in this regard and SSLSO should play its part in honouring and supporting these developments.

I would like to thank Martin whose initiative and industry have created a website that is original, unique and interesting. We are grateful to him and Samzu who assists Martin uploading information. Samzu is superb at finding nice, suitable pictures to illustrate articles by David and myself. Martin is an indefatigable, expert photographer whose work adorns the website.

I would also like to thank Nicky Jones for his excellent work as secretary, also to Penny, his wife, for her support in his endeavour. A huge amount of painstaking work has been done very sympathetically. Nicky has also spent time practising the organ with much dedication as well. He enjoyed two glamorous outings this year, appearing as a soloist in the Bloomsbury Organ Day in January, and recording items to illustrate the new Certificate of Accredited Membership of the RCO on the organ of St George’s, Hanover Square. Lucky man. This recording will appear on the RCO website.

We invited David Wakefield, who has been our auditor for many years, to join the committee. Being an exceptionally busy man, he has stepped down and remains as an informal advisor to the Society. Meanwhile his role as auditor has been taken over by our organist member Irene Wolstenholme.

Harry continues to be a superb and most supportive Hon President. We are lucky in that the committee remains strong and that under Andrew’s new chairmanship and Richard’s new secretaryship, the Society’s future is assured for the next few years. Holding the membership together is the work of Peter Ramell, our treasurer, whose painstaking work ensures that we are up to date and accurate in record keeping. Thank you Harry and Peter.

My final vote of thanks goes to John Webber. He is one of the greatest encouragers of people of all ages, with a significant number of former successful organ pupils to his credit. It was John who invited me to join the committee which led to my becoming the Chair.

I wish my successors well and long live the SSLSO. Given that one of our new members is an active composer I look forward to seeing an afternoon of composing for the organ sessions, as well as continuing classes in improvisation and allied interests. Our meetings have reflected a wide range of activity, including traditional visits alongside musically exploratory events. This could go much further and I leave the new direction to our new Chair, Andrew Chadney. I thank Richard and Andrew for their loyal support too.

As well as patting ourselves on the back, we should also contemplate what we might do better in the future. Whilst members and colleagues have been extremely supportive, I must be honest, and say that the role of Chair did not sit easily with my psyche. I am not a confident strategist, (I react), nor, having northern housewife mentality, am I at ease spending money. Harry did suggest a while ago that the Society should hire a big venue for a big party to help recruit new members. I have not forgotten this and urge my successors to put this into action. It would need careful planning as to what its purpose might be. One of the first events I attended was the launch of the Grand Chorus CD, organised by our member Dr William McVicker and David Titterington, professor at the Royal Academy of Music. I would also urge the new committee to look to its women organists inside and outside the Society for future committee members. Women players now hold senior positions in cathedrals. There are also many women who play the organ in order to help out when there is no-one else. My late mother was one of these low skilled, yet appreciated, unpaid assistants. The RCO has done research into this area. I urge you all to watch this space for developments shortly to be announced. Women organists abroad have a much higher profile than their British counterparts.

With regard to our constitution, a change has been suggested which should be discussed before it is voted on. In line with modern management styles, it is proposed that a new chairman takes over with the retiring one staying on to assist if required, and that the tenure of chairmanship is reduced from three years to two. This keeps the membership alive and rolling along in a supportive manner.

A final note: we have re-established a relationship with CLESO. They have invited us to their annual dinner. Anyone wishing to go is welcome, see their website for details.”

Treasurer’s report

Peter Ramell, our Treasurer next read out his brief but informative report about the accounts. His report was as follows:

“Overall, expenditure in 2016 exceeded income by about £100 (following a surplus in the previous year): this mainly reflected increased expenditure on visits and events.  When Gift Aid is claimed there should be a surplus for the year. Our financial position in 2016 remained reasonably healthy.

Income, which totalled £997.50 in 2016, was a little lower than the £1,110.20 in 2015.  Income continues to come almost entirely from membership subscriptions  – currently £16 full, £11 over 65 and £6 student, following the increase, in 2014, to take account of the increased IAO capitation.  A few members have still not adjusted standing orders to take account of this increase and I am in contact with them.

I have not in fact yet been able to claim the Gift Aid due for 2015 and 2016 but will be doing so soon, and as noted this will provide additional income.

In 2016 the number of members, which had generally been decreasing since 2010, showed a welcome increase, from 63 to 68 (with nine additions and four deletions).

Expenditure in 2016 totalled £1,100.00.  This was about £440 more than in 2015.  This mainly reflected donations made to venues we visit and other donations, and expenditure on events.  As usual, expenditure also included our annual capitation payment to the IAO (which is £4 for each full member).   There was no expenditure on support for students studying the organ in 2015 and 2016, as the last student so to benefit went away to university in 2013.

Overall, our assets (cash in bank account) at end 2016 were £7,403.74.  This was about £100 less than at end 2015 (but as noted when Gift Aid is claimed the assets figure will increase).   In part the assets figure reflects the closure, and inclusion, of the deposit account in 2014.   The suggestion has been made that consideration should be given to ‘ring fencing’ the deposit account, and donations to the Memorial Fund, for educational purposes.

During 2016 there were still some problems from the change the previous year of the SSLSO bank account from Lloyds to HSBC.  The large majority of members who pay by standing order have now made arrangements to pay to the HSBC account and I am very grateful for this.  However a few members have still to make arrangements, and I am in contact with them.  Once we know that all standing orders are transferred to the HSBC account, we will close the old account.

These accounts for the year ended 31 December 2016 have been independently examined by Irene Wolstenholme. I am very grateful to Irene for undertaking this task, and recommend that she be appointed to continue in this role.

Proposed changes to the constitution

Peter introduced this item and was grateful to David Wakefield who had done considerable preparatory work. Peter said that the issue is how best to ensure helpful succession planning regarding the role of Chair. The aim would also be to try to avoid placing an excessive burden on one person and allow a prospective chair to get sufficient experience before taking on the role. The idea is that the person being Chair could have one year as Vice Chair, two years as Chair and one year as Immediate Past Chair. Peter was not sure if we really needed to change the constitution for this change. Dr Harry Bramma thought that the proposed changes were very sensible. He added that sixteen years’ ago the Society was in a real mess due to the absence of a Treasurer, the inference being that having a good system for retaining the Officers of the Society is essential. Harry said that they had a system where there was a “chair in waiting”. The actual Chair was then in post for two years and in a better position because the post was less daunting. So in short, to strengthen continuity, Harry felt it was important to have a prospective Chair “waiting in the wings” and important for the Past Chair to stay on for a year so as to offer advice as appropriate. Robert Bowles and John Webber felt that it was important to check with the IAO (Incorporated Association of Organists) how best to make such changes and whether constitutional changes were required. Finally, Harry felt that in thinking about a suitable Chair Elect, it was very important to think carefully about the existing membership (i.e. not just the committee itself) and who might be suitable for the role.

Overall, the view of those present was positive about these possible changes which it was agreed could be revisited in due course.

Election of Officers

Officers elected and confirmed were:

Chair, Andrew Chadney; Hon Sec Secretary, Richard Pilliner; Hon Treasurer, Peter Ramell; Immediate Past Chair, Maryilyn Harper; Committee members, Martin Callingham and Samzu Agebarje. Accounts Oversight Irene Wolstenholme.

President’s conclusions

Dr Harry Bramma re-iterated his thanks to Marilyn Harper for all the excellent work she had done as Chair. He also extended his thanks to the retiring Honorary Secretary, Nicky Jones. Harry was very pleased that Andrew Chadney and Richard Pilliner had taken on the roles of Chair and Honorary Secretary, respectively. He also thanked Samzu Agbaje for his very nice playing and the women who provided the excellent refreshments.

Harry then talked about various areas which concern him. He thought that although emails are good for organization and for getting business done, it remains vital for people to actually meet face to face and not just focus on books and emails. Clearly this is central to the role of societies such as ours.

Harry said another “bee in his bonnet” is the drawback of copying CDs and downloading organ playing performances of others. He added that because of this, the cult of originality can be “dimmed”.  In contrast, he cited the unique styles of Rachmaninov and Horowitz.

Harry then described how he once conducted a rehearsal of Verdi’s Requiem, adding that he didn’t listen to any recordings until one week before the performance. He recalled listening to Bernstein and then to a recording by Solti which rather mirrored his own style. So in sum, Harry wanted to get over the message that recordings can be destructive of originality. He stressed the merit in actually looking at a score with piano accompaniments. He hoped that we would make wise use of technology in the future.

Harry said that he was very pleased to see everyone and felt that the meeting had been a good one. He added that just talking to people is such a good thing.

He ended the meeting with the remarks “thank you to all and long live the SSLSO!”

The full minutes of the AGM are given here

The Treasurer’s report is given here and here.