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Hunstanton Organ Festival
A report from Hunstanton by local grinders David and Kathy Thorne
The Hunstanton Organ Festival was held over the weekend of 15 & 16 July 2000. Twenty grinders attended what could only be described as a very successful event.
On the Friday evening (14th), we were given an excellent welcome and buffet at the Sandcastle Children's Home, who we collected for over the weekend. Musical entertainment was provided by Elizabeth and Bernd Rosenthal who came over from Germany and brought their Delieka 20 Note Organ and Elizabeth's accordion.
The weather on Saturday was cold and showery to say the least but spirits were not deterred. At the end of the day certificates and engraved glasses were presented to all grinders by the town Mayor.
On Sunday morning organs played at the service in St. Mary's Church, Old Hunstanton. This was arranged by Edward Murray-Harvey and there was a large congregation for the service, which has now established itself as a firm favourite with the local parishioners, tourists and grinders.
An excellent ploughman's lunch was provided at the Ancient Mariner Hotel at lunchtime and in the afternoon we assembled at the upper green in Hunstanton. Organs played in turn and there was a good audience throughout the afternoon, before people left to travel home.
The 'Friends of The Sandcastle' Childrens' Home have asked me to pass on their sincere thanks to all who helped raise £648 during the event, and have requested that we all return next year for a repeat performance.
Lastly but certainly not least' I would like to pass on our thanks to Terry Coggins who co-ordinated the event between very heavy business pressures and made it all a success.
We look forward to seeing you all in July 2001, with perhaps some new grinders who have not been to the event before.