The Cumbrian Steam Gathering

[Edward Nickson]

Hi all,

Just thought that I should tell you that the Cumbrian Steam Gathering is on this weekend (29th/30th) but sadly this show each year loses two or three organs , why is this does anybody know?

The organs there last year were:

Victory-W.Kelders
Locomotion-W.kelders
De Insulinde-then owned by Fabian Krul
61key Verbeeck-P.Wearing
30keyless leach-?

in the Program but not there:
89key Gavioli 'Lakelander'-k.Dalton
54keyless Dean-R.Bush
and a couple more that I can not remember

For the size of the show four organs is awfully poor!!!

Here are some of the organs that dont attend any more
101key Mortier Dance Organ-D.Riley
60key Richer 'De Pronkjewail'-H.Slinger
41keyless Bruder-F.Heaton
52key Leach-P.Claxon
30keyless Leach-R.Peake
48keyless Pell-G.Houghton
72key Leach 'Lady Margret'-then owned by Peter Summers
92key Mortier 'The Tempest'-J.Cheetham

so as you can see many organs use to attened so why only FOUR now a days?

What ever the number I will still post some pictures of the show on Saturday Night!!!

oh by the way is any one else going? look out for me, ill be the one pulling my dog along in a small red truck!!!
Luckerly for Father Mouse (my Dad), he is going to Silverstone to a car show for the weekend, so it's justmum and me, oh and the dog in the red truck, so look out!!!

Best wishes,
Eddy

[Dave Stubbs]

Hi Eddy.

The 'Management' at Cumbria Steam unfortunately don't seem to be interested in Organs.

The attendance money was cut dramatically about four years back.

Then a few years ago, on the application form for organs, the fee was shown as 'Nil', so organ owners don't wish to attend any more, even though it is seen as a hobby and everyone does it for fun, it is the principle of the process that everyone is objecting to.

I have heard that Kelder's were paid a large-ish sum to attend with the Victory and the Locomotion, last year. I understand that the other organs appearing were also paid.

So it will be interesting to see who attends this year.

I am busy this weekend, so I doubt if I will be able to go, so some feedback about the event would be appreciated.


Regards,

Dave

[Edward Nickson]

Hi Dave,

I heard something about Victory being paid but no one else it seems a shame that steam fair organisers don't care about organs, Fairground organs get alot of attention at steam fairs from young and old and don't forget people come from all over the country to see organs they can't see in there area only to find out it is'nt there when they arrive, this is the same situation at Dorset with organs being cut back once again (aparentley)


Edward.

[bob west]

Wilelm Kelder runs the Organ "Victory" as a business. He has to be paid to appear in this country to cover his fuel costs and Ferry fares. Unfortuneatly that is why he does not appear at Twinwoods. There again Twinwoods is run for enthusiasts not as a business. best regards Bob

[George Houghton]

Hi Edward.

I was a member of Cumbria Vintage Club until a few years ago,
and was an exhibitor since the days when the Rally was on the Kendall Showground before moving to Flookborough near Grange.
At one time all Organs were welcome no matter what size and a reasonable fee for expences was paid along with a very nice memento at the end of the show, usually one could find a nice blend of organs around 12 to 15 in number.
About 4or 5 years ago the Organ secretary who was also Chairman of the Club resigned his position, and it is since then that the number of Organs has dwindled.
The first year after he resigned my expences where cut 50% without me being informed. When I asked the reason for the cut I was told that they could get as many Organs as they wanted without having to pay out quite so much, I then informed the Organizer that I would not be attending again as it entailed a 200 mile round trip plus fuel for the generator and it meant me having to stay with the Organ as long as it was playing from 10am until late in the evening.
The following year I received the invitation form as usual. Which stated that only the Larger Organs would receive expences by negotiation.
Because I was then the owner of the ex Peter Summer Organ "Lady Margaret" I rang the Organizer to negotiate a reasonable fee .
I was very disappointed with his offer and decided to stay away.
Unfortunately some of the other Organ owners who did not read the small print on the form, attended as usual only to be shocked when receiving Nil in the way of expences and there you have the reason that the Organs attending have dwindled.
It is a mystery why they pay for a continental organ when we have so many good Organs in this Country.

It will be interestimg to know who attends this weekend .
Regards
George.

[bob west]

I realise that many people have to receive expenses to help with their Rally excursions. But the twinwoods Organ Festival is run by me with no finacial sposorship whatsoever. I do receive a small grant from Bedford Steam Engine Society of £100. This does not even cover the entertainment on Saturday or my Phone bill or printing costs. I also provide a skip for the rubbish. This comes out of my Old Age Pension. That is why I emphasise that enthusiasts come for nothing as there is nothing in the pot to pay them. I hav however had people say it does sort out the enthusiasts from the businessmen and if I did pay some WOULD NOT come. So while I can , I will run it.
best regards, Bob