• hear about organ-related subjects?
• visit organs in churches or halls and have the chance to play or listen to them?
• visit organ builders' workshops?
• meet up with other musicians to discuss music and learn from others, particularly the more experienced organists?

The Hull and East Riding Organ Group was founded in 2010 to form a focus for those in the region who were interested in the organ and its music whether they be players, listeners or had an interest in the instrument, its design, structure and workings. The Group was launched in April 2010 initially at the late Carlo Curley's organ recital at Beverley Minster and again two days later at the Organ Showcase at Hull City Hall. On each occasion, the Group was supported by Dr Alan Thurlow, President of the Incorporated Association of Organists (IAO) and by Dr Peter Chatfield, General Secretary of the IAO and in addition at Hull City Hall by John Stormont, previous Secretary of the IAO.
The Group's first President was the late Dr Alan Spedding, Organist Emeritus of Beverley Minster and the Group was further honoured when Dr Francis Jackson, Organist Emeritus of York Minster agreed to be an Honorary Vice President. The first dinner in April 2011 was addressed by Dr Francis Jackson in his inimitable style. Aptly, Alan Spedding spoke at the first meeting of the new Group in September 2010 about his 40 years at Beverley Minster. Around 25 members attended that first meeting. The committee was drawn from across the geographic region and was led by the Chairman, Dr John Pemberton, Curator of the Organ at Hull City Hall.
At the end of Dr Spedding's three year term in 2013, the Group elected John Scott Whiteley, Organist Emeritus of York Minster as President and the baton was passed on.


In 2016, the baton was passed on again to a new President, Dr Colin Wright, formerly Lecturer in Music at Hull University.


Three years later in 2019, the baton was passed to the
next President elected by the Group, Dr John Pemberton,
Organ Curator, Hull City Hall.



2020 marked the 10th anniversary of the Group. Unfortunately the annual dinner in April, which would have provided a focus for celebration was cancelled on account of the coronavirus pandemic but will be reinstated in due course. The milestone was celebrated in the newsletter which is distributed to Members and friends of HEROG. The Group has continued to flourish and has a membership of around 50. Both the membership and the range of activities reflect a broad interest in the organ. Players, non-players and those interested in organ building are all catered for in the Annual Programme. Meetings are held monthly, excepting December and August and over the past years have included visits to organs in the East Riding, York , North Lincolnshire, Rutland and Liverpool; Talks about the history of the organ and about its mechanism; talks by organ builders and visits to organ builders' and pipe makers' workshops; talks about Bach and other composers and interviews with prominent musicians. There is an emphasis on meeting with other members, both at the designated Social Events and the Annual Dinner and at the less formal times during visits and talks when we have refreshments and meals together.
Affiliation to the IAO brings its own benefit. The IAO has over 6,000 members worldwide and members of affiliated associations have access to their Annual Congress and to the regional organ days held over the country. The IAO is also a source of expertise on a range of organ matters and is also able to offer grants and bursaries and circulates a prestigious and well-recommended publication, the "Organists' Review".

 

Dr John Scott Whiteley

Richard Cook

John Heathcote

• The Group holds meetings to hear speakers talk about organ-related subjects; these could be about the workings of the organ, history of organ building, interpretation of organ music, composers and many other aspects.
   
• Visits to organs in churches or halls where visitors have the chance to hear different organs and to play them.
   
• Visits to other relevant places such as organ builders' workshops.
   
• A network of organists exists within which members and visitors can discuss music and the organ and learn from others, particularly the more experienced organists.
   
• Organ recitals are given by, or sponsored by, members of the group thereby demonstrating the instrument to members of the public.
   
• The Group intends to actively promote interest in the organ and to encourage the education of newer organists and in particular young people. This could include helping them to access practice facilities or sponsorship or encourage them to take part in concerts.
   
• The Group has contact with other bodies which have similar aims such as the Incorporated Association of Organists, The Royal School of Church Music and The Royal College of Organists and will be in a position to advise on the best way forward.
   
• The body of expertise on organ matters within the Organ Group can be used as a resource in promoting the building of new and in conserving old instruments.
   

• Meet with like-minded people.
   
• Attend a programme of regular meetings and visits at no extra cost above the subscription.
    (unless one-off extras such as entrance fees to a venue are involved - this is unusual).
   
• Receive a regular newsletter and email updates with relevant articles and news of local organ recitals and similar musical events.
   
• Discuss matters and influence the Group with a vote at the Annual General Meeting.
   
• Eligible as non-voting members of the Incorporated Association of Organists (IAO) allowing attendance at regional and national meetings at members' rate and attendance at the meetings of other affiliated groups at no extra cost.
   
• Option to subscribe to the ORGANISTS' REVIEW, the prestigious publication of the IAO, at a reduced rate.
   
• Have access to experienced organists for advice and discussion both in the local Organ Group and the IAO.
   
• Option to join the HEROG Facebook page (members only), where information on group activities can be found in one place, as well as much more opportunity to see what else is going on in the online community of organists.
   

• Single person £16
• Two person living at the same address £24
• Full-time students and under 18s Free

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