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The Society

for

Hand-Turned Organ Owners and Enthusiasts

 

 

The Society

for

Hand-Turned Organ Owners and Enthusiasts

 

You may already have heard the sad news that John Smith - creator of many organ designs for amateur builders and a very active member of BOGA from the early days - has died.

  His widow, Julia, has advised that although a small private funeral will take place, a Memorial event is to be arranged,  but that this will be at a later date when, hopefully, the Covid and weather situations have improved.  Details will be posted here when they are known.

Formation
The British Organ Grinders Association was set up in 1991 by Peter Churchard,  along with a handful of British enthusiasts who decided that some kind of club was needed for hand-turned organ enthusiasts.  Since those days, the British Organ Grinders' Association has grown to over 300 members all over the world.
BOGA Facebook Group

 

NEW!
Another way to contact the society.
We have now opened a Comments area, where you add comments, ask questions, make requests for information - anything really. Just click on the Comments tab above and follow the instructions.

  • Bernard Johns

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Why Join BOGA?

Why Join BOGA ?

Anybody with an interest in hand-turned organs can join.  You do not need to own an organ to join BOGA, and you do not need to live in the United Kingdom.
The association produces a newsletter: Organ Grinders News, which is sent free to members four times a year.
There are also two meetings a year for members to get together, usually at a mechanical music museum or similar venue.
The UK subscription is just £15 per year.
Overseas subscriptions are available on application.
Once you are a member, you can avail yourself of our public liability insurance scheme. Annual public liability insurance for the price of a pint.
What's New?
AGM Arranged
Our AGM has been arranged. Please see the Events tab for further information

BOGA at the theatre
A play by award-winning playwright Barney Norris about his life with grandparents and former BOGA members, Bert and Peggy Norris is about be produced at the Arcola Theatre, London, E8. BOGA has been asked to provide an organ for the organ grinding piece in this production. More details on the Events tab

Fantastic new international organ grinding event to be held in the beautiful Tyrolean city of Schwaz.   Please see the Events tab for details

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS IN 2022
Please look at the Events tab - new event in Yorkshire added

The BOGA official leaflet was launched at the 2019 AGM, and copies were given out to members as an aid to increasing membership and awareness of the Society. The stock of copies has now run out but you can still download and print a copy from this website. Click here to download a PDF of the leaflet.   (Use your browser's 'Save As' or 'Print' functions as required, then the 'Back' button to return to this page).

New Article added
     - An Alternative Approach to MIDI
How do I Join ?
If you would like to join BOGA you can email the acting  secretary, or write to: Andy Hinds, 281 Malden Way, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 5QW.

You can also download and print a Membership Application Form which contains additional information and upon which you can enter your personal details.      
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Visitors to BOGA 1676

 

MECHANICAL MUSIC RADIO
Tune into the 'happiest music on earth' by listening to Mechanical Music Radio on your Smartspeaker, their free app, or by clicking on the logo below (To play, you may need to click the square and THEN the play button - and there may be a short initial delay)
Music

Music

;
If not already playing, click on ► to hear
the Grand March  Hoch Heidecksburg
arranged for a 31 note Street Organ
by Melvyn Wright
If you are using a web browser other than Chrome, some typical organ music plays as you access this page for the first time - you can pause and adjust its volume using the controls above.   Chrome users can use the same controls to hear the music.  If you refresh the page, or return here from elsewhere on the website, the music will NOT play automatically.  The tune is Heideck for 32-note organs by Melvyn Wright.
  
BOGA Steering Committee Members
   Founder - Peter Churchard
   President: Ernie Thomas
   Chairman: Eric Dilks
   Treasurer:  Andy Hinds email
   Secretary/Newsletter Ed: Karen Dilks email
   Acting Membership Secretary: Andy Hinds email
   Member Representative Jeremy Brice email
   Shirley's Fund:  Margaret Dilks
   Member without Portfolio: Peter Buckeridge
   Webmaster:    Don Johnson email

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