A Selection of Past Meetings

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The IBO has had many meetings offering interesting content and a chance to catch up. Here are some notes on some recent occasions ...

Liverpool Weekend Meeting 20th-22nd October

 

Stormy weather on the Friday afternoon of the IBO's Liverpool meeting delayed some members' arrival into the city however there was a good turnout of 40 for the first visit at Liverpool Hope University - home to an interesting Dutch chamber organ which was presented and demonstrated (at short notice!) by Rob Balfour-Rowley. Our base hotel - the Hope Street Hotel, - lived up to expectations and was ideally situated between both the city's cathedrals. We began Saturday's visits at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral's magnificent Lutyens Crypt, with a tour by Terry Duffy, before then moving into the main body of the cathedral for presentations from Dr John Rowntree, Andrew Scott and Andrew Fiddes of Harrison & Harrison. The weather had improved since Friday, so a stroll along Hope Street took us to the Anglican Cathedral where lunch was provided in the Gilbert Scott Suite. Daniel Bishop, sub organist of the cathedral talked about the forthcoming anniversary recital followed by a talk by Gordon Blackledge in recent work to the organ by David Wells Organ Builders. Everyone then transferred into the main Cathedral for Evensong followed by the recital by Ian Tracey. 
Dinner back at the hotel was served in an impressive suite with views over the city and our after-dinner speaker was Terry Duffy who entertained us before members either retired to bed, or to the hotel bar into the small hours!
We held our first Extra-ordinary General Meeting on the Sunday morning which gave members the opportunity to assess what has been achieved since our inception and what the future holds, especially in relation to training and encouraging younger people into the craft. Professional members will receive Minutes in due course.



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29th April 2023 - Chelsea Old Church

Fortunately for those who attended this meeting, the long-awaited spring weather finally arrived which added to the success of this IBO meeting in the beautiful surroundings of Chelsea Old Church and Petyt Hall alongside.

The morning session begun with a talk by Joost de Boer of William Drake Ltd about the organ project and the history of previous organs in the church. Andrew MacMillan the church's organist and director of music then gave us a splendid demonstration of the organ after which a superb lunch was enjoyed in the opulent Petyt Hall. 

After lunch, members reassembled for two in-depth and informative talks - by Geert Noppers on Wind & Mechanics in connection to the new organ and then Duncan Mathews of Harrison & Harrison on estimates and report writing, both of which encouraged discussion and questions from the audience. Overall the day was a good combination of organ interest, technical & business related talks and an excellent lunch!