Paul Kirner’s Music Palace, Ynyshir – 4/14 Christie
Paul Kirner’s Music Palace, Ffordd Yr Eisteddfod, Ynyshir, Porth, CF39 0EL
About
4/14 (15rks) Christie
English Horn, French Trumpet, Tuba Horn, Diapason, Tibia I, Tibia II, Krumet, Saxophone, Clarinet, Gamba, Violin, Strings (II rks), Flute, Vox Humana + Grand Piano
Number: 2183
Current Transmission System: Solid State
Original Location: Regal Cinema, Edmonton, London
Original Opening Date: 8th March 1934
History
1934: On 8th March the Regal Cinema, Edmonton, London opened with Sidney Torch at the Christie.
1947: Following the appointment of Vic Hammet as resident, it was clear the Christie needed work. Along with Alan Cornell, the work was planned and carried out by S.J Wright the UK agent for Wurlitzer. The world included the re-design of the console by way of removing the illuminated surround and using ‘Granada’ style ends. The console was also painted cream and gold. At this time the metal Christie Tibia II was replaced with a Wurlitzer one from Finsbury Park. The howard seat was also replaced with a bench.
1948: On 18th May the Wurlizter broadcast for the first time after the work by Vic Hammett
1972: After a period of silence, Bert Bartram got permission, and a small budget to get serval organs in the London area playing again, one of these was the Christie. Bob Ince and Derek Knights gave the Christie a complete overhaul resulting in it returning to the concert circuit and to the airwaves.
1974: The building converted to bingo use, the organ remained playable.
c1980: Following Bert Bartram’s retirement, the technical team of the London & South of England chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society took over maintenance of the Christie.
1984: In December the final concert was presented on the Christie which featured William Davies, Michael Wooldridge, Byron Jones and David Neale whose brief contribution ended with an emotional rendition of ‘I’ve Got to Sing a Torch Song’ as the console disappeared from sight for the last time.
1985: In acknowledgement of the free work done on the Christie, the new site owners donated the instrument to the ATOS London chapter. Members Audrey and Granville Williams lived in Llanharan though the Memorial Hall in, Barry would be perfect for the Christie.
1985-1987: New chambers were built at Barry to hold the Christie and much needed restoration work was carried out.
1987: The Christie was re-opened at Barry with a weekend of events of events. On 28th February Len Rawle and a choir were presented along with local youngsters Rachael Francis and Edward Perkins at the Christie. The following afternoon the official opening took place with Doreen Chadwick, Quentin Bellamy, Walford James and Len Rawle.
2003: Dwindling audience numbers meant concerts at Barry had to stop.
2009: Barry Town council gave notice that the organ had to be removed.
2010: In March the organ was removed and placed into storage.
2012: Paul Kirner was in search of expanding his collection of pipe organs and needed a venue. He successfully bid for the Saron Chapel, Ynyshir.
2013: After along search ATOS London sold the organ to Paul Kirner for installation in the Chapel.
2013-2016: Following major building work, the Chapel soon became Paul Kirner’s Picture Palace.
2016: On 20th & 21st August the Christie was reopened by Paul Kirner and John Mann in a weekend of events.