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The Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust
was
formed in October 1968, by a small group of enthusiasts who met to
discuss ways to preserve the 4/20 Wurlitzer pipe organ in the
Odeon Theatre, formerly the Paramount Theatre, in Manchester.
During the years that followed regular concerts and shows were
presented at the Odeon and also at the Gaumont, with its 4/14
Wurlitzer, featuring famous British and overseas artists.
The LTOT produced over 24 LPs during this period
and launched the career of many a young organist, including Nigel
Ogden and David Shepherd.
The spring of 1971 saw the acceptance of Farney
Wurlitzer of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in the USA and Richard
Simonton in the roles of Vice Presidents of the Trust.
The final concert featuring the Wurlitzer at the
Odeon was on Sunday the 8th. of July 1973.
Fund raising concerts
were continuing across the road in the Gaumont Theatre, but its
future was short lived, for it was announced that the Gaumont
would close and be demolished.
The Trust decided that it would put
in a bid for the Organ, which was subsequently accepted. The
closing concert at the Gaumont was the 27th. of January 1974. Not
only did the Trust now have two Wurlitzer's, but it had also
rescued the Christie organ from the Pyramid/Odeon, Sale and was
involved in the restoration of the Willis Organ at Tatton Park,
Knutsford.
In 1977 the ex. Odeon Wurlitzer was opened in the
Free Trade Hall, Manchester, where it remained until 1997, when it
was decided that the Free Trade Hall was to be demolished behind
its original façade and be developed into a luxury hotel. During
this time the Wurlitzer was featured by many organists from the
US, Australia, and Europe. It has been broadcast many times, was
an integral part of two Manchester International Organ Festivals and
continued its production of LPs,
cassettes and CDs, on this instrument right up to
the removal date in 1997.
We are pleased that this fine 4/20
Wurlitzer is now installed in the Great Hall of Stockport Town
Hall, opened in November 1999, some 4 miles from Manchester City
Centre, where its popularity goes from strength to strength.
The ex. Gaumont Wurlitzer was for eight years
installed in the Baronial Hall, of Granada Studios Tour,
Manchester, where it was featured most days of the week to the
visitors on the Tour and also for the Trust’s bi-monthly shows.
The installation at this venue was a great success.
Following the closure of the Granada Studios Tour,
the Wurlitzer was removed and placed in storage for seven years.
The Organ has now
been sold to Folly Farm, a major leisure complex in South Wales.
The organ has been installed in record time and was opened by John
Mann on Saturday 2nd May 2009. It is reported that the
installation is a great success and acclaimed by those at the
opening presentation.
The ex. Odeon, Sale Christie was placed in the
Assembly Hall, of the Blue Coat School, Oldham, Lancashire in 1982. In 2008 the school requested that the organ be removed. This
was done in October 2008, the organ has been donated to the Lowe house
Trust, St Helens, The organ, complete with its two consoles has been
completely refurbished and is now installed in St Mary's Church, Lowe
House,
St Helen's. A fantastic installation acclaimed by many. The
Christie was featured as part of the Lancastrian Theater Organ
Trust's 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2018.
In 1997 the Trust managed, at the eleventh hour,
to rescue the 3/6 Compton from the Davenport Theatre, Stockport.
For
many years the Trust had the ambition of owning suitable premises
as a base for the Trust and a place to install a theatre organ.
In
2002 the Trust purchased an unused Sunday school annex in Peel
Green, Eccles, Manchester, and transformed it into the first
unique Theatre Organ Heritage Centre and Museum opening in 2006.
Unfortunately
after 20 years, the Heritage Centre and Museum closed in July 2026
Click
here for full details from 2002 to the closing in 2026 Theatre Organ Heritage Centre
Following
the closure of the Heritage Centre, the Trust will now concentrate
on the fabulous 4/20, Publics 1 Wurlitzer, installed in the
ballroom of Stockport Town Hall.
The Trust is a registered charity. All it's
officers and officials offer their time freely and voluntarily.
Please help us to continue to be at the very forefront of Theatre
Organ Preservation world-wide, by becoming a member, supporting
our presentations, giving practical help if possible and by making
direct donations, and where
appropriate through the Gift Aid scheme.
More information on our Sales Items, Souvenirs
and Concert details, is available on this Web site
We hope you enjoy
browsing through our Website and find something of interest. The preservation
of these fine examples of our Theatre Organ Heritage, is well
worth supporting.
The
future continuance of The Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust, and the
preservation of the Stockport Wurlitzer, is in the hands of a very
small group of enthusiasts who are keen to attract new
members/volunteers to secure the future of the Trust.
If you are interested
in becoming part of our team, whether it be practical, technical,
or indeed to help at our presentations and events at Stockport
Town Hall, contact the Trust's secretary on secretary@ltot.org.uk
leave your details and we will get back to you. Or log onto the
download website page for further information.
The Wurlitzer concert ready - Stockport Town
Hall
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