State Grays Compton

CURRENT SITUATION

The organ always had regular maintenance right up to the time the cinema finally closed in 1989. When the cinema was sold the new owner was approached and he agreed to allow the maintenance to continue. Concerts were still staged for a time until the building became unable to support live performances anymore.

Since then each successive owner has agreed to allow me access for maintenance purposes at my expense, therefore the organ is still in working order.

Since the latest owner took over the building, with his agreement and financial help a gradual refurbishment has been taking place. All of the Off-Chests have been refurbished, the lift (which had failed) was repaired and the Melotone partially restored. The Tremulants have been refurbished and the Traps Relay was serviced and adjusted.

When the situation with the building is secured I will carry out a full overhaul if appropriate funding has been obtained. Maintenance continues during the current uncertainty about the future of the State and when resolved the organ will rise again.

Pat Dunham