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Early History
The society’s forerunner, "The Verwood & District
Organ Society" was formed in 1994 after a handful of enthusiasts agreed
there would be enough support to form a new society, without adversely affecting
four others which existed within a fifteen mile radius of Verwood.
 A
committee was formed and the organist Chris Powell was invited to play the
inaugural concert in March 1995. The society grew at a surprising rate &
very soon had a capacity membership of 220, with an average 40 names on a
waiting list ever since. At the 2001 AGM the name was changed to The Verwood
Organ & Keyboard Society.
In recent years Verwood, has been recognised as the fastest
growing area in Europe, from a village of twelve hundred inhabitants to a town
of ten times that number. (visit the History
Section for more information). This has resulted in several developments
including a new £3m Community Centre now known as the "Verwood HUB",
within which is the Merrifield Theatre containing tiered seating for 300 people,
a large stage with state of the art lighting and audio equipment, a licensed bar
and refreshment area etc
The societies initial venue was the "Verwood Memorial
Hall", but with the opening of the Verwood HUB, the Society ran a series of
concerts at the new venue over a period of several months during 2007. Members
were given a chance at the 2008 AGM to express their preference of venue for
future concerts. This resulted in a two to one vote in favour of relocating from
the "Memorial Hall" to the new theatre at the "HUB". (Select
here for a location map)
With the larger venue there is no longer a waiting list and concerts are now
open to the general public - space permitting. The Society prides itself on
being a 'Happy Society' that draws it's strength by working together as a
friendly Committee - a point that has been noted and commented upon many times
by visiting artistes.
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The
original Verwood and TLX Community website.
