Southern Counties Organ Festival

Devizes Town Council were more than happy for us to use their facility and so, for the past two years (this year will be our third) we have been enjoying this beautiful level area close to the town centre.

We do try to get a varied selection of organs to attend and, bearing in mind that it is a ‘free event’ (i.e.where no-one gets paid for appearing) have succeeded so far.

We have a core of regular exhibitors without whom there would be no event, so a very big ‘Thank You’ must go to those who support us year on year.

So why choose Devizes? ( I can hear some folk saying ‘Where?’ )

Well, as I live close to the town that became a major factor as I can just pop into the Town Hall to speak to those concerned with the hire of The Large Green, and this does make it convenient. Also, Devizes has good links to the major road networks of the south and west, is only some ten miles from the M4, has a direct link via the A417 to the M5 and is in itself a bustling market town with interesting architecture and amenities. For example, those of you who know anything about road steam transport will have heard of Brown and May: their works was situated some 300 yards from where SCOF is held and some of their original workers cottages still stand to this day and are occupied. The works site is, however, covered by a huge Morrison’s store.

And then there’s the Legend of The Moonraker....

Several towns in Wiltshire lay claim to this piece of social ‘history’, but it would seem that Devizes has probably the most realistic claim to the story, which, if you’re interested, goes as follows (if you’re not, then please go to ‘Other Attractions’ below!)

“Back in the days of the excise men, there was an illicit trade of gin and other spirits being smuggled through Wiltshire, the idea being to avoid the draconian taxes levied on such things. The excise men (Revenue Men would be another description) were the scourge of the country and had made many successful prosecutions with regard to the smuggling. The locals were in the process of moving this illicit liquor when they learned of the ‘Revenoo’ being in the area, so they put the glass bottles, called Bellarmines (and from which the name ‘The Bell’ for public houses is reputed to come) into the local duck pond, The Crammer, until the Revenoo had gone. But the tax gatherers weren’t as stupid as people thought and waited until the locals believed the coast was clear and, with a hay rake, they began to retrieve their spirits from The Crammer. The Revenoo swept down on them and demanded to know what they were doing. “We’m tryin’ to rake that gurt cheese outa the pond” came the reply, and indeed, there appeared to be a big cheese floating on the surface. It was, of course, a reflection of the moon. Laughing at the stupidity of yokels, the Revenoo rode off, empty handed, but making fun of the idiotic peasants. But the peasants got their liqour back so who was the more stupid?”

Other attractions in and around Devizes are the Kennet and Avon canal, with it's famous flight of locks at Caen Hill to the west of the town and The Wharf; Wadworth's Brewery is close by; the Market Place with several old coaching inns; The Shambles, one of the oldest covered market areas in Wiltshire; two pedestrianised shopping areas, The Brittox and The Little Brittox. The Bear Inn is reputed to have its front door step at the same height above sea level as the top of Salisbury Cathedral spire.... The Large Green istelf has mature trees around three sides providing shade....or shelter!... as the weather dictates. Immediately behind The Large Green is Devizes Sports Centre, with its swimming pool and gym for those who feel energetic.

So, if you’re looking for something a little different come and see us....you’ll be made very welcome. We can be found on The Large Green, Southbroom Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5BN. SCOF is always the first weekend of June.

Contact details are for myself:

[email protected] 07866055207

Alan Roberts February 2018