Last month we promised to be able to report 'real progress on the ground'. I'm delighted to report that this is indeed the case, and moreover not only on the ground but also on all levels at the Troxy

11th July was the red letter day when - after an unimaginable amount of preparation and planning  - the builders moved in and started to execute the building work. This is not a simple case of builders moving onto an empty site and starting work. The Troxy is an operating building and the work  - at times unavoidably invasive - needs to be dovetailed around the use of the building. 

By the time you read this, both organ will be connected to the auditorium - old brickwork knocked out and new swell shutter openings created. Previously demolished walls have been reinstated and, on the Main chamber side, the existing chambers reduced slightly in size in order to avoid dead ends that absorb sounds.

We will endeavour to keep you visually in the know through the picture gallery on this website - See 'Chamber news' - which is updated as new things happen. 

From the perspective of the project team, being able to see plans brought to life is, even at this early stage, deeply satisfying.

Appeal for support: On another tack, we have started the detail planning work for the power supply to the two blowers and to the console. This will be taken from the theatre's main switch room and we are working on a cunning plan to minimise the costs of expensive armoured cable needed. Incidentally, if any member is willing to donate either cable materials or finance (part or in all) the cabling costs, this would be a very useful way of supporting the project. If you are interested, please contact me by email john.abson@cinema-organs.org.uk  to discuss technical details of the materials we need. 

You will also notice that, the Troxy Fuel Gauge continues to move upwards albeit at this point rather slowly - at the time of writing we have over £166,000 'in the tank'. None the less, only 18% of COS members have contributed - our deep thanks to this select group, but if you are in the other 82% and would like to hear the Trocadero Wurlitzer playing at the Troxy, now is the time to support us. Donations can attract 25% Gift Aid - a good way of getting government support for this project of national importance!

The big message is that we still need funds - a really good way of supporting the project is to consider donating by standing order, an arrangement which can be terminated at any time should you wish. The knowledge that we have a steady inflow of funds is a tremendous boost, and even the most modest monthly amount helps greatly.

John Abson

T2T Project Leader

Robert Rowley, Graham Noble and John Abson renovating shutters