The Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust

Registered Charity No 261487

The Trusts Motto

HELP US TO PRESERVE THE CRAFTMANSHIP AND TRADITIONS OF YESTERDAY FOR THE GENERATIONS OF TOMORROW

© LTOT 1968

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The Paramount Manchester just after opening in 1930

Formation of the Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust

The Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust, was formed in 1968 by a group of organ enthusiasts who were concerned that Theatre pipe organs were being lost to the public, because of cinema and theatre closures and to look after the large theatre organ in the Odeon Cinema ( Ex Paramount) in Oxford Street Manchester UK.

The main aims of the Trust are to preserve theatre organs and organs in general, and encourage young talent on the pipe organ.

The picture to the right shows the completely restored console on its lift in Stockport Town Hall Ballroom.

Since its formation, among its many achievements has been the removal and re-installation of three important organs. The Wurlitzer Organ from the Odeon, Manchester into the Free Trade Hall, Manchester and following the Free Trade Hall closure, the reinstallation into the Great Hall of Stockport Town Hall. The Christie two console Theatre Organ from the Odeon (ex-Pyramid) Sale, into the Blue Coat School, Oldham. The ex Gaumont Wurlitzer, Manchester into the Granada Studios Complex, this organ is at present looking for a new home following the closure of Granada Studios Tours. The Trust has also restored to full playing condition the Willis Orchestral Organ, at Tatton Hall in Knutsford, Cheshire, the original home of Lord Edgerton. The Trust has recently saved the Davenport Compton Organ which also is in storage. The Trusts latest achievement is the creation of the Worlds first Hope-Jones Museum at a purpose made Heritage Centre in Peel Green Eccles.

The Trust has approximately 500 members all over the world, many of whom are organ enthusiasts, Theatre Organists, Organ Builders, Top Executives to Bus Drivers.