Discovering Musical Joy
One of the joys of England as a country is discovering obscure museums dedicated to unusual subjects tucked away in odd corners of small country towns. One example of this is the Amersham Fair Organ Museum, the existence of which I only found out about in September 2006, when I picked up a flyer at the Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre. From the outside, the Museum looks like all the other anonymous units with which it shares an industrial estate but to go inside on an operating day is to be exposed to musical joy: the sound of seven fairground organs (not all at the same time, I assure you!) These masterpieces of musical engineering are put through their paces once a month for the aural delight of visitors and, believe me, they are loud! But did anyone mind? Of course not! The three Mensans (including me) who discovered this delightful place on 5th November definitely did not mind.
The Museum is one man's private collection and, as well as the monthly open days, tea and wonderful home-made cakes are provided - and are highly recommended! Admission is free but voluntary donations are requested.
We certainly enjoyed ourselves and are keen to return some other time - will you join us on our next visit?
by Richard Allen