Member John Ross has kindly arranged this visit to two Eastbourne venues, Christ Church with its tonally unaltered 'Father' Willis organ, and his own home with its 4-manual Vincent Woodstock pipe organ, where we shall also have tea.

First, you might like to take the sea air in the morning or over lunch. Then:

2.00 pm: Christ Church, Seaside

The 2-manual Willis organ (1880), with a most unusual case, retains its original action, including a Barker Lever! This instrument has recently been awarded an NPOR Historic Organ Certificate Grade II*.

TIMETABLE

1.30 pm We have managed to arrange a visit to the magnificent 4-manual, mechanical-action Marcussen organ in the Chapel of St Augustine at Tonbridge School:

https://marcussen-son.dk/church-organs-1848/tonbridge-school-chapel-%c2%b7-england/?lang=en

We begin at Warehorne, a most picturesque village with a very fine church, at 2.00 pm. Kenardington, with its 1815 Thomas Elliot organ, follows at 3.00.

Note that Kenardington has an amazing early music series featuring performers of international standing. Here is the link to their 2023-4 programme:

https://ssemk.org

2.00 pm:  All Saints’ parish church, Lydd.  Parking available nearby (Coronation Square, the Rype etc). Modest 1880 Henry Willis organ with NPOR Historic Organ Certificate. Parts of Lydd church incorporate the fabric of a Roman basilica; the building is thus among the oldest sites of continuous Christian worship in England.

3.30 pm: St Nicholas's parish church, New Romney. Parking by chance in or around the main street. Details of organ to follow, or to be discovered on the day!

Followed by tea at New Romney.

Our next meeting will take us to the picturesque, and picturesquely named, villages of Bishopsbourne and Womenswold, where we will once again see and hear some small but interesting instruments. Both churches date from the 13th century, with many interesting features.

Timetable (to be confirmed)

2.00 pm Benenden School Centenary Hall (new Cotswold Hybrid Organ)

3.30 pm St Dunstan's church, Cranbrook (Willis organ, rebuilt Nicholson), to include an organ/piano duet recital given by Malcolm Riley and John Williams. Percy Whitlock's rare Conversation Piece for organ and orchestra will be in the programme.

4.30 pm Tea at Cranbrook