"A Victorian Disco"

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A couple of posts back I mentioned that I have loads of unfinished projects sitting around in little boxes. Well one that needs quite a bit of work is my Symphonion Musical Box.

Now I bought this many years ago in a very sorry state, but the mechanical part was complete and playing. It also came with 30 odd discs. What it really needed was a smart new case as the previous owner had enclosed it in a square oak box when he discovered the original was full of woodworm.

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It is a Model 30 with twin combs playing in “Sublime Harmonie”.

It plays 13 3/8” discs from the discs numbered range 6000-6747.

“Sublime Harmonie” refers to a musical effect that relies on the slight dissonance created when two notes of ostensibly the same pitch are sounded, thus producing a richer and fuller sound.

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A "behind the scenes" view, showing the two combs.

The disc musical box was invented almost simultaneously in London by Ellis Parr, and in Leipzig by Paul Lochmann.

Initially, they worked separately on their inventions, but eventually got together and developed the Symphonion.

The Symphonion company, of Leipzig, began the manufacture of the first practical disc playing musical boxes in 1886.

From the front side of the disc

all you can see are two slits for each note played.

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Some companies punched only one hole producing only one projection on the back.

As it is these projection which pluck the star-wheel, the single projections were prone to snap off.

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In 1889 Paul Wendland an engineer for Symphonion

patented the starwheel which acts as the intermediary

between the tabs on the discs and the combs.

The starwheel had already been in use but this allowed for the horizontal mounting of the combs thereby increasing the acoustic quality of the music. The Symphonion Co. continued to make music boxes until 1914. In 1897 a production plant was established in New Jersey America but it was closed by 1902.

My Symphonion discs have two punched projections.

The second of these was folded over to support the first -

the one that engaged with the star-wheel.

They look like the small letter 'd'.

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I tried to get a close-up for you.

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Soon after Lochmann & Paul started their Leipzig production, two of his staff left and set up the rival Polyphon factory, also in Leipzig, and in 1892 they started production in New Jersey, USA, under the name Regina. Mermod and other Swiss manufacturers joined in, and by about 1900 disc machines were available in tremendous numbers and varieties, with discs up to 850 mm in diameter and including such effects as Sublime Harmonie and bells. Slot machines were made for use in public places, some fitted with automatic disc change. The disc machines were mostly mass-produced; their almost unlimited tune variety resulted in their soon eclipsing the cylinder musical box, being themselves duly eclipsed by the gramophone.

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Punching out a 15 1/2" Regina Disc.

In the 1930s the mechanical instrument industry began a near terminal decline, hit by the increasing availability of radio and gramophone and by the Depression, then by World War II. Most of the old firms closed.

I've popped up a couple of recordings of Symphonion musical boxes here.

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"The Last Grind of Summer"

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"This has to be the first weekend for months and months,

when I have nothing to do."

He said yesterday!

And look what pops up.

Milton Keynes Museum Organ Festival of course!

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Must get the 'old girl' in tune ready for this.

I'm planning to be there on Saturday, weather permitting.

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If you can't wait - there is last years write-up here.

and lots of pictures here.

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Amersham’s Heritage Open Day

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This has to be the first weekend for months and months,

when I have nothing to do.

It's been a busy old Summer with something happening every weekend

and sometimes a clash of dates and events.

This happened on the 12th Sept with

Cookham Downhill Grand Prix.

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Amersham’s Heritage Open Day.

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I chose Amersham, as there is always lots going on, rather than just one main event.

The High Street was closed off except for rides on a 'vintage' bus. Not really Vintage, but just old.

There were people dressed in period costume. I wasn't sure what period - just old I guess.

Then further down the High St., loads and loads of real vintage cars.

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I only show one of them here, because

I particularly liked the background building.

Last year was also a fine day

and there is a write and different pictures (I hope) on my post here

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This is the new Amersham Town Crier, Mark Jones. He was born in Amersham 51 years ago and has lived in and around the town all his life. He can’t think of a better place to live than his home town. Mark states, “For many years people told me that with my naturally loud voice I should be a Town Crier! Well now I can use this “ability” in my new role. It‘s a position that I feel very honoured, privileged and proud to hold.” As Mark is Amersham’s first Town Crier he has had to have an outfit tailored for him by a leading historical costumier based in Nottingham. His uniform is based on a traditional 1750’s design.

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We were so lucky with the weather and it was great to see so many people enjoying the stalls and shows along The Broadway, High Street and in Church Mead.

Plenty to do, see and hear. Music could be heard at five locations which all added to the heritage atmosphere – the Brass Band in the gardens, the Morris Dancers and the Doyle Dancers in the High St., the superb Re-loaded Rhythm and Blues Band and last but not least, a Fairground Organ from the Amersham Museum.

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The Amersham Band was brilliant as usual in the Memorial Gardens; the clowns were hilarious, plus we had Amersham Townswomen’s Guild selling cakes and teas in Market Hall and Seasons selling refreshments in the Gardens.

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You may have noticed that I'm trying out my new bit of software for the pictures.

I don't want to overdo it, but in some cases it does help. That picture of the Morris Men was surrounded by a large area of brick wall and tarmac road. The blended circle round it reduced this.

And here a colourful surround to the clowns.

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This clown above had a toy dog on a pole.

As he pushed it, its legs 'walked' and this giant poodle

was straining at the lead to try and get hold of it.

And of course I couldn't have a day out without one of these.

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Much more on the history of Amersham can be found here.

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No Time for Messing About!

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Wot no pictures?

I haven't been able to load pictures for days!

It's that Picasa messing me about.

I'm all behind now - and forgotten most of what I was going to say.

Now, where were we? Oh, yes.

Now the organ is finished*, I must get started on a new project. I am not one to just sit around.

I actually have a back-log of things to do and it's really a matter of choosing which to do next.

I have dozens of 'things' sitting in cardboard boxes waiting for some "tender loving care". (a bit like me really.)

Musical instruments waiting repair, a lovely 'musical box', clocks by the dozen and then of course there is the quarter full size, live steam, traction engine to finish. I think the sewing ladies call these UFO's. (Unfinished objects.)

Well, I decided on clocks; I have loads of my own to get up and running but brother Adrian has landed me with a lovely English Dial Clock, which he wants to give to Rosemary as part of her Wedding presents.

Like everything else this came in a cardboard box, and unlike most, seemed to be in one piece.

It was not in working order and also needed some repairs to the case.

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I soon had it stripped down and there inside was this lovely Fusee movement.

Hazel thought I said Fishy movement and had to investigate.

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"Can't smell fish here."

"Just dust if you ask me."

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I have to admit, I can't ever remember having seen a movement so dusty.

Took it all to pieces, gave it a good clean and then reassembled it.

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A little clock oil in the right places.

And away she went.

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Now left on test, whilst I look at the repairs needed to the case.

I apologise to those not interested in clocks, but I told Ade I would blog once a week to keep him informed of progress.

*The organ is not completely finished - I still have another 13 pipes to make.

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Flu, Flue and Flew.

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Gosh! Hasn’t the summer gone quick?

I called in at the doctors yesterday to make an appointment

for my six monthly blood pressure check.

I don’t understand all these pressures they use.

I use pounds per square inch.

And when I check the pressure in the organ reservoir,

I use inches of water (on a real water gauge).

The doc. tells me my blood pressure is 140 over 80.

To me that is 140/80 which according to my Maths,

works out at 1.75.

One point seven-five what?

And is that good or bad?

Then I saw this big notice - Flu Jabs this year 2nd & 9th October. Free to all OAP’s and other vulnerable persons. The Flu season is with us again. I wonder what new Flu strain they will dream up this year? We’ve had ‘Bird Flu’ one year, ‘Pig Flu’ the next, how about Elephant Flu?

I was wondering - "If pigs could fly", would they catch ‘Bird Flu’ or ‘Pig Flu’?

Well, I got my appointment for Monday at 4:20 and the receptionist gave me a little reminder card. Monday is only a couple of days away but they like to be helpful to us seniors.

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I can't say I was all that keen on their choice

of those advertising services!

I need cheering up now.

Here’s one of my corny jokes.

A man was walking home alone late one night when he hears a BUMP...BUMP...BUMP... behind him.

Walking faster he looks back, and makes out the image of an upright coffin banging its way down the middle of the street towards him...BUMP... BUMP... BUMP...

Terrified, the man begins to run towards his home, the coffin bouncing quickly behind him ... faster... faster... BUMP...BUMP... BUMP. He runs up to his door, fumbles with his keys, opens the door, rushes in, slams and locks the door behind him. However, the coffin crashes through his door, with the lid of the coffin clapping ...clappity-BUMP... clappity-BUMP... clappity-BUMP...on the heels of the terrified man. Rushing upstairs to the bathroom, the man locks himself in. His heart is pounding; his head is reeling; his breath is coming in sobbing gasps. With a loud CRASH the coffin breaks down the door. Bumping and clapping towards him.

The man screams and reaches for something, anything ... but all he can find is a box of cough drops!

Desperate, he throws the cough drops at the coffin ...... and of course

... the coffin stops!

And as the Chimney Sweep said to the Vicar's wife....

"I'll be up your flue in a minute or two"

....or was it the Lighthouse Keepers wife?

Can't remember - I'm getting past it.

(Angus, they'll get you next year!)

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"Catch a Falling . . . . . "

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Why is it, as soon as the word 'knickers' or 'bra'

is on the front page of the online newspapers,

that the 'Page Hit Rate' rockets?

Although,

to be honest,

I must admit,

I did notice something in yesterdays Torygraph and so did Angus,

but he got in first!

I had this all planned and can't let it go to waste.

"Marks & Spencer has been criticised for selling a £20 'stick-on' bra

that has no straps and should not be worn for more than eight hours."

"Housewife Shirley Moss, of Maidstone, Kent, said the concept was ludicrous.

She said: "It's usually about 12 hours at least before I take a bra off each day.

"So four o'clock in the afternoon, wherever I am......., in the supermarket,......."

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"Catch a Falling Bra and put it in your pocket."

"Save it for a rainy day."

I wondered why so many men were hanging around

at four o'clock in Sainsbury's this afternoon!

Now I know.

Waiting for the 'sticky' to wear off.

Now, a couple of weeks ago I googled 'Life-jackets'

or was it 'Water-wings'?

I can't remember which......

But ! - Blow me down, pick me up and blow me down again!

What have we here?

Don't ask me what it is or what is going on.

I have no idea.

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My Gast is Flabbered

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Thrills and spills in Cookham.

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Well this is what I missed on Sunday.

All over in five minutes.

Not really as I think they have two runs each.

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I still think I did better in going to Amersham Heritage Day.

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"From the Sublime to the Ridiculous!"

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The weather forecast was not very good for Saturday morning, so I loaded the organ into the car on Friday evening. It was just as well as I woke up to rain in the morning.

It eased off at about 10 o’clock but still remained very grey and damp.

I turned up at the small Chiltern village of Winchmore Hill to find hardly a soul around.

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Perhaps they were all in the pub?

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It had stopped raining but it was very wet under-foot as I slithered about trying to get the tent up. The organisers had hired a large marquee and I was invited to play inside that if it rained, but I decided to stick with my own tent……until…..the PA system stopped working properly.

I was then asked to help them out by providing the music in the marquee. So the organ was re-located and 'on with the show' as they say.

“Bottoms” we used to say at work

when electrical things used to ‘give up the ghost’.

Actually B.O.T.T.O.M.S.

“Back Over To The Old Manual System”

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My Manual System.

Well, it wasn’t long before the PA system was sorted and pop music was the order of the day. My organ cannot compete with 112db of sound, so a compromise was reached where we alternately played for ten minutes. They placed a microphone near the organ so my music was played out across the field. The ten minute break also gave me a chance to look around.

Around 1 o’clock it brightened up with blue sky and warm sun. The only problem then, was I was getting too hot turning away under this canvas roof. (I must remember another time to take a short sleeved T-shirt.)

A good day was had by all, especially me, as many people told me they preferred the sound of the little organ, to the Heavy Metal (or whatever it was?)

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What a difference this morning!

‘Wall to wall’ sunshine.

So today I have a choice.

Do I go to Amersham to the Heritage Day events?

Or, do I venture across the water to Cookham Grand Prix?

If you remember I mentioned that Cookham Dean was a-top of Winter Hill with a nice steep slope down to Cookham Rise. Well, on this bit of road is the famous Cookham Gravity Grand Prix. Competitors hurl themselves down this hill in home made carts to raise money for charity.

They go down one at a time against the clock,

and there are lots of clips on YouTube of last years event.

(click on above link for more)

Here's just one - a drivers eye view.

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We do daft things in this neck of the woods.

It sounds fun, but I think it may be Amersham for me.

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"Messing about with your Liver"

A quick (but lengthy) follow-up to Tuesday's post

as I have now located the song I was looking for.

I have also popped up a version here for those of you wanting to hear it.

MESSING ABOUT ON THE RIVER

Josh MacRae

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When the weather is fine, then you know it's a sign

For messing about on the river.

If you take my advice, there's nothing so nice

As messing about on the river.

There are long-boats and short boats and all sorts of craft,

And cruisers and keel boats and some with no draught.

So, take off your coat, go jump in a boat.

Go messing about on the river.

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There are boats made from kits that greet you in bits

For messing about on the river;

Or you might like to scull in a glass-fibre hull,

Just messing about on the river.

There are tillers and rudders and anchors and cleats

And ropes that are sometimes referred to as sheets.

With the wind in your face, there's no finer place

Than messing about on the river

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There are skippers and mates and rowing-club eights

Just messing about on the river.

There are pontoons and trots, and all sorts of knots

For messing about on the river.

With inboards and outboards and dinghies you sail.

The first thing you learn is the right way to bail.

In a one-seat canoe, you're the skipper and crew

When you're messing about on the river.

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There are bridges and locks and moorings and docks

When you're messing about on the river.

There are whirlpools and weirs that you mustn't go near

When messing about on the river.

There are backwater places all hidden from view,

And quaint little islands just waiting for you,

So I'll leave you right now to cast off your bow

To go messing about on the river.

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And now, as a follow-up to "School for Scalpels" last Sunday.

(same tune)

MESSING ABOUT WITH YOUR LIVER.

(M.A.W.Y.L.)

There's whiskey or wine, or vodka is fine, for Messing About With Your Liver,

You can even try hops, or the new alcho pops, for M.A.W.Y.L.,

There's ale of all sorts, there's porter and stout,

There's lager and cider, they're all good no doubt,

But stay off the gin, it will lead to ruin, when you're M.A.W.Y.L.

Your vision gets blurred, and your speech may be slurred, whilst M.A.W.Y.L.,

The road may zig zag, you'll have to blow in the bag, through M.A.W.Y.L.,

Excuse me says the copper, but you've told a whopper,

Eight pints at least, you've had with your feast,

Spend the night in our cell, we'll take your car as well, no more M.A.W.Y.L.

If you drink strong ale, you'll never get stale, whilst M.A.W.Y.L.

Its laxative properties, will put you at ease, whilst M.A.W.Y.L.

With bowels in overdrive, don't get taken short,

Long meetings or car trips are bound to be fraught,

You'll get a rebuke, if you have to puke, through M.A.W.Y.L.

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"Messing About on the River"

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From where I sit, prodding at this keyboard with one finger, I can look out across the Thames and up the hill on the opposite side. That is Winter Hill and is in Berkshire.

Up on top of this hill is Cookham Dean. On the eastern approach to the hill, is Cookham Rise and finally, down at river level is Cookham Village where I once lived.

Years ago it was quite a round trip to either Marlow bridge or Cookham bridge to get across to Winter Hill. Today we have a footbridge added to the side of the old Great Western Railway Bridge.

Saturday found me crossing here on the way to ‘suss out’ the goings on at Cookham Regatta. As I crossed I managed to catch the ‘ Magna-Carta’, a floating hotel, on it’s way upstream from London to Henley. A week on here will put you back a ‘pretty penny’ but for some reason seems to be priced in American dollars!

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Here’s a holiday for you Jan?

I have walked the tow path to Cookham many, many times over the last forty odd years and gazed at the expensive mansions back on the Buckinghamshire side.

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A favourite of mine - the Thames Slipper launch.

This regatta thing was all a bit of fun really,

mainly larking about in rafts, canoes and things called ‘Dragon Boats’.

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I have to admit I was not greatly enthused,

so I sought out the beer tent,

and then went in search of some old friends.

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I met up also with two friend from my ‘working’ days, Chris with one of his old Wolseley‘s and Howard who had brought along a couple of his vintage motorbikes.

There was a very good turn out of vintage vehicles considering it was called a Regatta.

The one that really caught my eye - and camera - was this huge American automobile!

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Complete with an American style snack.

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Later in the afternoon was the usual ‘Duck Race’.

£5 a ticket - £100 First prize.

Loads of yellow plastic ducks thrown in the river at the start.

First past the post takes the money.

A slight snag this year.

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A narrow-boat decides to do a run through and sets the ducks all amok!

No, they didn’t have a re-start.

And if you had spare £20, you could ‘splash out’ on a nicely carved wooden one.

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To finish, another of my favourite Thames boats - a wooden skiff.

I have rowed many miles up and down the river in one of these.

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“School for Scalpels.”

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"Every year, 2,000 young doctors apply for a position at the prestigious London School of Surgery, but only just over 100 are chosen."

Let’s hope they choose those 100, based on merit,

rather than diversity.

"Starting on Monday, 6th September, cameras will follow trainee surgeons as they learn the art of operating on real patients."

Now they tell me it’s an ‘art’ ,

and there was me thinking that it was a skillful science.

In ITV’s new three part documentary series “Surgery School”, cameras follow them as they embark on their first year of surgical training. This Monday, in Episode 1, we meet the first four interns including Rosemary Johns, (here on the right) , the niece of the one and only infamous, Uncle Bernard.

These trainee butchers, sorry - doctors, have studied medicine for five years before deciding to specialise in surgery.

In this first year of surgical training they have to combine busy shifts in A& E, with getting as much experience as they can in the operating theatre, without exceeding the interfering eu’s “Working Hours Directive.”

In this first episode, 26-year-old Rosemary is late for an operation and misses a crucial procedure. (Takes after her Uncle! ). Whilst inexperienced Nicola comes close to tears when a tough start means she cannot finish an operation, and Andrew must decide if he wants to follow in his father's footsteps or whether he is not ‘cut out’ for surgery!

With pale set face and head bent low

The nervous women stands.

“I cannot do the deed!” she cries

And the knife drops from her hand.

“Alas!” she cries, “I must!”

And the knife again she feels,

And as the tears roll down her cheeks

…..The onion then she peels!

I'm sorry Rose, but Uncle Bernard will not be watching.

There are three reasons.

I can't bare to watch 'medical programs,

10:35pm is a bit late for me!

And I don't have a Television.

But for any who do get the blood lust,

the first program is on Monday 6th September.

10:35 pm on ITV1

"Surgery School"

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A "History Lesson" (Repeat)

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I thought I might treat myself to a 'day off' blogging.

So I have dug out the 'History Lesson'

from last year which may be new to some?

September 3rd 1620

In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers decided to sail off to the New World. They sailed out of Southampton, England on the 3rd of September in two small ships called the “Mayflower“ and the “Speedwell”. It was not long after that the “Speedwell” began to leak and they had to put into Plymouth where it was decided to ‘go it alone’ in the “Mayflower”. She left alone, for the New World three days later.

September 3rd 1728

Mathew Boulton was born in Birmingham.

He was an English manufacturer and business partner of Scottish engineer James Watt. In the final quarter of the 18th century the partnership installed hundreds of Boulton & Watt steam engines , which were a great advance on the state of the art, making possible the mechanisation of factories and mills.

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In 1752 September 3rd did not exist!

In 1751 an Act was passed, which stated that in order to bring England into line with the Continent, the day following the 2nd of September 1752 was to be called the 14th of September.

September 3rd 1802

“Earth has not anything to show more fair;

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty.”

Upon Westminster Bridge - Wordsworth

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September 3rd 1939

Seventy-one years ago today, at 11.15 on a warm Sunday morning, the whole country fell silent to hear the prime minister deliver the most momentous announcement ever broadcast.

That morning, Britain had delivered a final note to Hitler, threatening war unless he agreed before 11 o'clock to withdraw his troops from Poland.

Then, the awful words: 'I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently this country is at war with Germany.'

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September 3rd 1942

Slap band in the middle of World War II, this little fellow was born.

He weighed in at an amazing 8lb 3oz and it is interesting to note that the condition of his buttocks was described as ‘satisfactory’.

Well, I have to report that he has put on a few extra pounds,

but I can happily state that after many years of excellent service,

the buttocks are still ’satisfactory’!

PS I hope you don't mind a repeat?

I just couldn't think of anything new!

I'll try harder next year.

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"Stop! This is getting very Silly."

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I was looking for "Off to Work we'll go"

but

this was all I had.

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Never mind, it'll have to do.

And as so many of you admired my dwarf tomato men,

I thought you may like this.

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"He ho. He ho.

It's in the soup we go.

We'll simmer and sweat,

Until we get B.O.

B.O. B.O. B.O!"

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That's me - with the turquoise cap!

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