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Up to the late 1960s, live organ music had been regarded mainly as the province of churches or lavish ballrooms, such the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.

Grand old organs may also have been found in the plushest of cinemas and, often, more modest versions would also appear on the street or in fairgrounds but one thing was for sure – it would have been an extremely rare sight to find a organ sitting in anyone’s parlour or living room.

From the 1970s onward, however, that situation was to rapidly change.

Suddenly, with the advent of electronic organs and keyboards, thousands of homes, which previously had little hope of even successfully accommodating a standard upright piano – not to mention a grand piano or organ – were now able to open their doors to these new compact electronic versions.

Enthusiasts, who in the past could only dream about tinkling the ivories of those beautiful old instruments, were to be given the chance to brush up on their skills in their own living room. And, before long, the interest in electronic organs and keyboards had really taken off, with clubs and societies springing up all over the country.

This new movement was encouraged by leading organ manufacturer The Hammond Organ Company, which offered advice and sponsorship to local organ societies.

Derby, it seems, was no exception to getting involved in this mini musical revolution.

In April 1967, the first meeting of the Derby Hammond Organ Society took place in a private house on Burton Road.

It was held in the home of Vincent Doyle, who ran a local garage. He was supported in the venture by Philip Foulds, then owner of the well-known Derby music shop, and Arnold Moreton, a well-regarded local church organist.

News soon spread and their rapidly expanding group soon had to find larger premises to meet. They began renting rooms at the Corporation Hotel which also offered the opportunity for regular recitals.

Professional players, such as Keith Beckenham, Ena Baga and Brian Sharp, were invited to perform and treated their audiences to a selection of light, popular music and music from the shows.

“The society continued to grow in popularity and underwent several changes of venue, moving to the Grandstand, at Derby Racecourse on Nottingham Road, and the Trent Social Club before finally settling at the Carriage and Wagon Club, off Ascot Drive, where it was well supported by the club steward, Tom Barker,” explained Shirley, who became a member of the club around 1978.

“The Hammond organ used for the recitals was supplied by Philip Foulds, who stoically transported it backwards and forwards to the venues, until the move to the Carriage and Wagon, where they had their own organ.”

Arnold Moreton, who had filled the role of chairman for the society for many years, left Derby soon after the club’s move to the C and W. His place was filled by Bob Lane who, with the support of his wife, Alma, as secretary, Philip Foulds as treasurer (and later Tom Nunn), plus the rest of the committee, successfully ran the society for many years.

In the early 1980s, it was decided to create a president for the society and renowned Blackpool tower organist Mike Slater was invited to fill the slot.

“He accepted and offered to play every year at our annual dance without charging any fee,” said Shirley. “He said it was an interesting break from his usual routine and that he enjoyed visiting us.”

For many years, the society remained very lively and vibrant.

“There was a growing interest in organ and keyboard music as people were able to buy and play these instruments in their own homes, as well as enjoy professional recitals,” said Shirley.

“However, when the Hammond Organ Society ceased trading, we decided to change the name to the Derby Keyboard Society. Keyboards were popular among the younger generation and we hoped to encompass a wider group of people.”

For many years, the group thrived. Monthly concerts and social evenings proved popular and the atmosphere was that of a big family, with members taking trips to music festivals and even holidays together.

It was only with the approach of the new Millennium that the society hit a bit of a crossroads of its own.

Membership had been slowly falling as the original wave of interest in the new electronic instruments waned, which led to the need to find a smaller venue.

A move from the Carriage and Wagon Club to the Blue Peter, at Alvaston, provided a temporary reprieve but, by May 2000, the society was faced with finding new premises yet again and some of the concerts organised by members were no longer covering costs.

“It was make or break time,” said Shirley. “Someone had to take up the challenge and make the club successful or it would just go under. I felt that we had shared too much over the years to let it just slip away without a fight.”

So Shirley took up the challenge and, with the support of a number of other members, including acting chairman John Winter, Norman Humphrey, June Reedman and her husband, Harvey, who pitched in to help with everything from morale boosting talks to sewing stage curtains, the society got back on its feet.

A concerted publicity campaign, led by Shirley and June, coupled with creating active links with other organ and keyboard clubs, helped to provide the much-needed boost.

As a result of a public appeal, the newly renamed Derby Organ and Keyboard Club was offered the use of a function room at St George’s Social Centre, in Village Street, Old Normanton, where it still meets twice a month today.

“The club’s chairman, Jack Murphy, and Father Jack and Father Alan were so kind,” said Shirley.

“Jack bent over backwards to assist the society. He created a stage for us, when we needed it, by resting a tough piece of wood on beer crates. The only problem was that, on one occasion, Jack got very close to running out of lemonade behind the bar and the crateful of new drinks was holding up the stage!

“Eventually, vice-chairman Norman Humphrey kindly made some trestles to support the boards which enabled us to hold more events and fund-raising concerts for charity.”

In 2007, Shirley’s valiant efforts to keep the club up and running were rewarded when she was presented with a civic award by Derby Mayor Pauline Latham.

She is very keen to acknowledge the help and support provided by other members over the years but essentially it has been Shirley’s own dedication and her fighting spirit which has kept the club afloat.

She has now taken more of a back seat to make way for younger members but says she is delighted to have seen the club recently celebrate its 40th year and looking firmly set to celebrate many, many more.

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