Yesterday some friends arrived and took me to 'Pipes in the Peaks' in Thorpe, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire to see Robert Wolfe playing the ex-Regal/ABC Derby Compton. The organ is installed in a purpose built car showroom and perhaps surprisingly, the best venue I have ever visited.
All the various parts of the instrument are on view and can be seen working, spotlighted one by one, including a line of brightly coloured birds that jump up and down while whistling a tune, ably assisted by an owl who flashes his eyes and hoots at the appropriate time. Great fun and just part of a wonderful show. A nice pub for lunch opposite and the day was complete satisfaction. I do feel this venue should be on every ones bucket list.
Future concerts with one or more of the ' House organists ' :-
Sat 8th October 7.30 pm.
Sun 4th December 2.30 pm.
Sat 10th " "
Sun 11th " "
Sun 18th " "
PS. .. Watch out for the duck's part in the performance! .. Fred