Issue - meetings

i.          Alexandra Palace Organ Appeal – Roger Tucker (attached)

ii.         Alexandra Palace Amateur Ice Skating Club – Mike Tarpey (tabled)

i.          Presentation by Roger Tucker, Alexandra Palace Organ Appeal

The Committee received the presentation on the Alexandra Palace Organ Appeal, introduced by Mr Tucker.  In response to questions about how the organ had been vandalised during the First World War, Mr Tucker explained that the Palace had been used for the demobilisation of soldiers and during this time soldiers had taken pipes from the organ and thrown them from a moving train to celebrate ending their time fighting in the war.  The organ was not played again until 1929 and was later dismantled during the Second World War when the window of the Great Hall was blown-out. 

In response to further questions from the Committee Mr Tucker explained that components of the organ were stored by a company called Willis in Liverpool although some were damaged and would have to be re-made.  The Organ Appeal raised funds for repairs which were organised through a contract between the organ builder and Alexandra Palace.

Mr Tucker referred members to the “Finest Concert organ in Europe” booklet available from the Organ Appeal.

Basic membership to the Alexandra Palace Organ Appeal was £15.

RESOLVED

That the presentation be noted.

ii.         Presentation by Mike Tarpey, Alexandra Palace Amateur Ice Skating Club

Mr Tarpey tabled a presentation on the Alexandra Palace Amateur Ice Skating Club, which promoted the sporting and social aspects of ice-skating and was affiliated to the National Ice Skating Association (NISA).  The Club consisted of approximately 1000 members and organisers arranged and managed NISA exams for ice skaters all over the U.K.   Mr Tarpey highlighted the lack of investment in ice skating in the country.  Despite this a number of young skaters from the Club had won medals in national competitions.  The Club held sessions for adult skaters on Sundays as well as master-classes with high profile skaters.  Committee Members were reminded of the Christmas Ice Spectacular, Oz on Ice, from 18 -21 December 2009. 

In response to a question on whether having an Olympic sized ice rink would benefit the Club, Mr Tarpey stated that if the building was large enough to accommodate an Olympic sized rink the Club could enter and host higher levels of competitions.  However, Mr Tarpey emphasised that this would not be cost effective because an Olympic sized rink would only be used for 5 or 6 days a year.

Rebecca Kane, Managing Director – Alexandra Palace Trading Limited, informed the Committee that use of the ice rink noticeably increased when the temporary ice rink first started trading at Christmas (2005/6) and when ITV started screening Dancing on Ice (Jan 2006).

RESOLVED

That the presentation be noted.