The main things this month have been the removal of the Diaphone resonators for remitering and the 2-rank Main windchest (Tuba / Diapason) for restoration. The Trocadero chamber height was quite lofty, whilst the Troxy is lower at a still very respectable 11' 6", but not tall enough for the longest of the 16' wooden Diaphone resonators. We looked into other solutions (digging holes in the floor, cutting holes in the ceiling etc.), but in the end we decided that straightening and remitering three of the lowest pipes, and angling three of the remainder, was the best solution. All the pipes will be refinished and we expect, once in their proper place will look very much as they did when the organ first opened at the Troc. 

Another very successful venture was the presentation by Richard Hills and myself of a lecture at Gresham College, close to Chancery Lane in central London. Entitled 'From Trocadero to Troxy, a tradition returns', it depicted in parallel the history of the the Trocadero, the Troxy and the Hyams family who built the two theatres, as well the information about the project. With 90 attendees it reached out to interested people who might otherwise not come to an organ concert. This is a clear indication that there is plenty of interest in the cinema organ and the history surrounding it, if we are prepared to find and tap the right vein. If you are interested in the lecture, both the lecture transcript, presentation and a full length video are available on the Gresham College website, www.gresham.ac.uk .

We are in middle of finalising the contract details for the building work, and by next month hope to have some very positive news to report on this front.

You will also notice that, thanks to your efforts, the Troxy Fuel Gauge continues to move upwards - at the time of writing we have over £164,000 'in the tank'. We received a grant from the Idlewild Trust for £2000 towards the Diaphone work, and have a further grant application in the pipeline for which we - as always - remain hopeful. The continued inflow of donations is both needed and very welcome, and as always, our sincere thanks to all who have donated.

John Abson

T2T Project Manager