17/08/2026
On the 8th August, Russell & Sarah went down to Sussex, for a Dadswell family gathering to remember Russell's Grandma Greta, who sadly passed away in November last year.
Greta was a very important part of the Organeriam when it was in the ownership of Russell's Grandad, Roger. She often sorted all the Organeriam bookings, applying to attend steam rallies, she had a collection of novelty tins, a Cadbury collection and an egg cup collection that went alongside the Organeriam, playing the organ when Roger needed a break, sorting breakfast, lunch and dinner in the caravan for the weekends away with the organ (often with a cooked breakfast when Russell was away with them, Russell often wondered if the reason he was taken to so many rallies was so his Grandad could have a cooked breakfast and not just cereal 🤔), putting up with Roger, often taking up the kitchen table with bits of fairground equipment he was painting, or trying to guess the answer to Grandads notorious phrase, "guess what I've brought today?"
After chatting with family we don't often see, a few games with everyone and fish and chips, Russell brought out a surprise for Grandad Roger, his old street organ 'Dunphy'. Roger was so pleased to be able to play the organ again, which brought a few tears to the eye for both Roger and Russell. It was great to see him enjoying himself, whistling along to the tunes while the rest of us listened on.
Some of Russell's cousins had a go at playing the organ and soon learnt it's not as easy as Russell and Roger make it look, but like most things, it just takes practice.
Finally, Russell noticed some of the signs that had been fitted to the shed door, that Roger had painted for some of the many bits and bobs he's owned in his time, it was great to see them on display and not just hidden in a box.
