In loving memory of my dad, Ron Hammond. 1923 - 2002

The Kingsway Hadleigh interior taken soon after opening in 1935. Photo Salisbury Photo Press

[Update to the Restoration section added 28/01/05]

The small town of Hadleigh in Essex used to boast a prestigious super-cinema called the Kingsway. Built in 1935 it featured the usual splendour and fittings of the 30s picture palace, including a Compton organ. The cinema was demolished in around 1968 and the organ has now been relocated to a barn in Rochford. This site is dedicated to the organ, a typical example of its day, and will include history, details, recordings and photographs spanning the last 67 years. It is of particular interest to me as Hadleigh was my old home town and my Father used to play the organ when it was still in the Kingsway building.

AUTUMN CONCERT 2006
I am delighted to say that we are holding a concert at the barn on September 30th at 3pm. This will feature organist Simon Martin and myself, Peter Hammond on the organ. The programme will consist of a variety of popular tunes which will show off the organ’s capabilities.
Tickets available from Charles Tabor - 01702 545730 or Tim Wardley - 01268 757291.
Enquiries also to me - peter@hws.org.uk

This site may change quite frequently. Please make sure you refresh the main frame sections (right-click on the text and select ‘refresh’) in order to ensure you have the latest version.