Singing Hills Golf Course, Hassocks – 2/5 Wurlitzer

Singing Hills Golf Course, Muddleswood Road, Albourne, Hassocks BN6 9EB

About

2/5 Wurlitzer

Style D Trumpet, Tibia Clausa, Salicional, Flute, Vox Humana

Opus Number: 1840

Model: Style B Sp

Current Transmission System: Solid State

Original UK Location: Regal Cinema, Colchester

Original UK Opening Date: 27^th February 1931

History

1928: In February, the Wurlitzer was installed in The Sutton Theatre (previously known as Cottrill’s Opera House) in Thomas, West Virginia USA.

1930: The Wurlitzer was bought back to Wurlitzer where it was refurbished and a Tibia Clausa was added.

1931: On 27^th February the Wurlitzer was opened in The Regal Cinema in Colchester, with organist Max Bruce at the console.

1939: The cinema was taken over by Odeon.

1963: Odeon decided they had no use for the Wurlitzer, so it was sold to Jim Crampton who restored the organ and installed it in Oxnead Mill, Norfolk. The mill itself generated the electricity for the blower.

1987: Jim Crampton passed away leaving the Wurlitzer to its next owner Michael Hunt, who placed it into storage, awaiting a suitable venue.

1999: The Singing Hills golf course was created in 1992, with the Pavilion Clubhouse custom built to accommodate the Wurlitzer. Michael Wooldridge opened the Wurlitzer.