Books and Music

Second-hand Items

We hold a collection of second-hand periodicals, books and music which are available in return for a donation to BOA funds.

The latest selections available can be viewed by downloading this PDF file for periodicals or this PDF file for music. The sheet music may be browsed at Windsor Parish Church during organ events held there or by contacting John Halsey to arrange a special visit.

John should also be contacted to enquire about specific items and to arrange delivery.

Other Publications

The following items have been published by the Berkshire Organists' Association or individual members.

The Organ in Reading Town Hall

Edited by Philip Bowcock and Peter Marr

A collection of essays on the historic Father Willis organ in Reading Town Hall which was reopened in 2000 following complete restoration by Harrison & Harrison. Published by the Berkshire Organists' Association.

"...as excellent on 'background' as it is on the organ itself,..." - Organists' Review

"A most interesting and highly recommended publication." - Organ Club Journal

2nd edition, 104pp, 180mm x 230mm, b&w photos. ISBN 0 946021 02 3

Price £5.00 plus £2.50 UK postage. For more information or to order a copy, please email . Copies are also on sale at Reading Town Hall following organ recitals.

Tickets for concerts, including recitals on the Father Willis organ, at the Reading Town Hall Concert Hall can be obtained from the What's On Reading Website or the box office on (0118) 960 6060.

Console Commentary

Tales and observations of an Organ Tuner's Assistant

A small book by Ken Gaines; quite different to the usual organ-related books - not technical, not about tuning, music, nor organists as such and not authoritative. It is a sample collection of anecdotes and observations, some humorous, some less so and some cautionary. These were accumulated during 25 years as a seasonal organ tuner's assistant.

Foreword by Jonathan Holl. Some of the material appeared in The Berkshire Organist between 2012 and 2019.

"...a lovely addition to anyone's organ book collection ... ideal size for slipping into your pocket."
- Guy Russell, retired Tonal Director of Nicholson & Co. Ltd, organ builders

66pp, 120mm x 180mm, colour photos. ISBN 978-1-3999-1138-2

This book is available for purchase by phoning 0118 948 3332. The price for a single copy is £6.80 (£7.80 incl p&p). Other quantities quoted for. Concessionary price to BOA members: £6.30 (£7.30 incl p&p).

Music in Nineteenth-Century Reading: A Family History

Gordon Cox

Music in nineteenth-century Reading was dominated by three generations of the Binfield family, including Richard Binfield and his daughter Hannah who were the organists of St Lawrence's church between 1804 and 1880. The book tells the family's history for the first time. It is published by Scallop Shell Press.

46pp, 175mm x 245mm, colour and b&w photos. ISBN 978-0-9935512-91

Price £10 plus £1.50 postage. Available from Gordon Cox, 0118 986 8963, or gordoncox50@gmail.com