Plaque unveiling at John Compton's house

[Lucien Nunes]

A few weeks ago I was lucky to be able to attend the installation, by Ealing Civic Society, of a plaque at the former home of John Compton in Audley Road, Ealing. An event was held at the nearby Church of the Ascension (CoA) where talks and demonstrations were given, food was laid on and much lively discussion ensued. Amongst the guests were Anita Compton and Suzy Perkins (John Compton's granddaughters) along with other family members, ex-Compton men John Hatton, Doug Litchfield and Ian Bell, Compton cognoscenti from around the country, organists, dignitaries and representatives from various societies.

After the plaque was unveiled, the group assembled in the church to hear an introduction by Rev Simon Reed of the CoA, talks by Kelvin Meredith on the history of the firm, Ian Bell on Compton's pipe organs, Anita Compton on her grandfather as a person and myself on the Electrone. Richard Hills played a selection of pieces on the church's own Electrone model 347, which is based on what we believe is their original prewar Electrone Model II console and might qualify for the title of 'oldest British-made electric church organ still in use'. We showed the Compton factory film and the church's organist Lee Dewsnap played the 347 while we ate and chatted. I spent much of the afternoon showing people the innards of the generator cabinet and waving around bits of dismantled generator to explain how it works.

It was, as it happened, my first day off after about 30 consecutive days work. I could not think of a more enjoyable way to have spent it, thanks to the dedication of Ealing Civic Society's Dr. Robert Gurd and his colleagues who masterminded the project. Below are some pics of the first part of the day, the unveiling of the plaque itself. More to follow...

Lucien