#ThrowbackThursday - Here's one you might not have seen before: Bobby Pagan and Andrew Fenner, caught on candid camera, sat in the stalls of the Odeon, Leicester Square. If only pictures could talk!

[Photographer unknown. From the E.C Buckland Collection]

Last week, we were loving reading what "console risers" you liked. Now we want to know what your favourite piece of music to be played on a cinema organ is! We'll let you away with naming a few, as it's certainly difficult to name just one!

#ThrowbackThursday - Here's a young Len Rawle sat at the console of the 4/16 Wurlitzer of the Gaumont State, Kilburn!

[Photo: John D Sharp. From the E.C Buckland Collection.]

This week, we're excited to hear what your favourite "console risers" are. That is to say, a piece of music which is played as the organ console rises from the depths of the stage or a number played at the beginning of a concert!

Covid-19 Update

Although the Government has given the go-ahead for the presentation of live indoor events in England from 1st August, it has not yet published guidance on how this is to be achieved and has said that pilot schemes will be run. We know that Government guidance covering shops, pubs and restaurants is detailed and demanding, and we will need time to understand the guidance for live indoor events (when available) and to work with the proprietors of our venues in planning events in manner which maximises the safety of our audiences – our paramount concern.

Given this, and uncertainties about the future path of the virus, the COS has made the decision not to reinstate concerts immediately, and has postponed all concerts run by our Districts until the end of September. We feel it only fair to give our organists and our audiences a clear statement of the current situation and our approach to it. We understand that our SCOT colleagues have also postponed concerts and film shows at Pollokshaws.

The status of concerts and other COS events from October onwards is under review and a decision on these will be made in due course. Short-term planning continues to be challenging, so please check our website and Facebook page from time to time, and of course the Newsletter, for updates.

In the meantime, we will continue to provide interest and entertainment by means of pictures, videos on music via the website, Facebook and YouTube, so stay tuned!

Best wishes,

Simon Gledhill
COS Chairman