Welcome to The Bristol and District Organists' Association

[1/10] Bristol Cathedral This early perpendicular church is best known for its fine rood-screen rather than the quality of its organ. This tracker instrument is placed on the right hand side of the chancel behind a screen. Although of fairly orthodox design, the pipes are attractively decorated. No one seems to know who built it but a plate on above the integrated console states that it was rebuilt by J.G.Haskins & Co of Bristol (there is no date). However it seems likely that the organ dates back to the end of the 19th Century. It apparently is in need of some attention.

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[2/10] St. Mary's Redcliffe The two manual organ in this splendid Church dating from Medieval times was built by Vowles of Bristol, and it was inaugurated in November 1870. Although originally placed in the East end of the Church, in 1892 it was moved to its present position in a high gallery on the left hand side of the Chancel. The organ itself is embraced by an ornate wooden case and the console is tucked away behind the instrument overlooking the choir. Ranks of diapason pipes are arrayed on three sides.

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[3/10] Colston Hall The casework incorporates parts of the case which used to house the Choir Organ, added by Seede at the end of the 18th century. It was bracketed out behind the organist's seat when the organ was on the screen across the choir. It was known as a 'chair-organ' because the organist had to turn round on his seat to play the organ behind him.

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[4/10] Clifton Cathedral The casework incorporates parts of the case which used to house the Choir Organ, added by Seede at the end of the 18th century. It was bracketed out behind the organist's seat when the organ was on the screen across the choir. It was known as a 'chair-organ' because the organist had to turn round on his seat to play the organ behind him. In the reconstruction of the 19th century it was given away and used as a bookcase in a gentleman's library in County Durham.

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[5/10] All Saints', Clifton The two manual organ in this splendid Church dating from Medieval times was built by Vowles of Bristol, and it was inaugurated in November 1870. Although originally placed in the East end of the Church, in 1892 it was moved to its present position in a high gallery on the left hand side of the Chancel. The organ itself is embraced by an ornate wooden case and the console is tucked away behind the instrument overlooking the choir. Ranks of diapason pipes are arrayed on three sides.

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[6/10] St. Monica Home of Rest The two manual organ in this splendid Church dating from Medieval times was built by Vowles of Bristol, and it was inaugurated in November 1870. Although originally placed in the East end of the Church, in 1892 it was moved to its present position in a high gallery on the left hand side of the Chancel. The organ itself is embraced by an ornate wooden case and the console is tucked away behind the instrument overlooking the choir. Ranks of diapason pipes are arrayed on three sides.

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[7/10] The Lord Mayor's Chapel This early perpendicular church is best known for its fine rood-screen rather than the quality of its organ. This tracker instrument is placed on the right hand side of the chancel behind a screen. Although of fairly orthodox design, the pipes are attractively decorated. No one seems to know who built it but a plate on above the integrated console states that it was rebuilt by J.G.Haskins & Co of Bristol (there is no date). However it seems likely that the organ dates back to the end of the 19th Century. It apparently is in need of some attention.

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[8/10] Redland Park United Reformed Church This early perpendicular church is best known for its fine rood-screen rather than the quality of its organ. This tracker instrument is placed on the right hand side of the chancel behind a screen. Although of fairly orthodox design, the pipes are attractively decorated. No one seems to know who built it but a plate on above the integrated console states that it was rebuilt by J.G.Haskins & Co of Bristol (there is no date). However it seems likely that the organ dates back to the end of the 19th Century. It apparently is in need of some attention.

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[9/10] Westbury-on-Trym Parish Church Text...

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[10/10] Wells Cathedral The casework incorporates parts of the case which used to house the Choir Organ, added by Seede at the end of the 18th century. It was bracketed out behind the organist's seat when the organ was on the screen across the choir. It was known as a 'chair-organ' because the organist had to turn round on his seat to play the organ behind him.

Read the Full Story

Welcome message from the President

Welcome to our website! It is a great honour to be asked to serve a term as President of the Bristol and District Organists’ Association. Equally the prospect being asked to join the illustrious ranks of previous occupants of this post is daunting. Fortunately, my predecessor Tim Forder has set me an excellent example for the year’s programme, and I hope to emulate the creative variety of his provision during my own term of office.

Since its founding in 1949, the Association has aimed to serve its large and enthusiastic membership with energy and enterprise, and to provide local organists with a network of likeminded musicians, as well as a forum at home, and affiliation to national bodies at large.

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Bristol & District Organists’ Association

The Bristol and District Organists' Association (BDOA) is affiliated to the 'Incorporated Association of Organists' (IAO) its parent body. There are 100 local associations like the BDOA with a membership of 7,400... Read more