The day Leeds said farewell to a part of the city's cinema heritage

This photo will be a familiar to a generation of cinema-goers in Leeds.
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The Wurlitzer organ was based in the Odeon Cinema on The Headrow in the city centre for more than 35 years.

Indeed the three-manual, 19-rank organ, the only one of of its type in use in a British cinema, had become one of radio's most frequent broadcasters.

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24 photos to take you back to Leeds in 1968
Arnold Loxam seated at the Wurlitzer organ in the Odeon Cinema.Arnold Loxam seated at the Wurlitzer organ in the Odeon Cinema.
Arnold Loxam seated at the Wurlitzer organ in the Odeon Cinema.
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But it was set for retirement in July 1968 after being bought by an organ enthusiast who wanted to preserve it in its original state.

The three-manual, 19-rank organ, which is the only one of of its type in use in a British cinema, was Found a new home at the High Wycombe Organ Centre in Buckinghamshire.

The organ's farewell performance was a sad occasion for Arnold Loxam, the man who over the past seven years had been its partner in many performances.

Mr Loxam, who boasted more than 20 years of organ broadcasting, made countless appearances in radio programmes with the Wurlitzer which made its swan song on the 'Sit Down and Sing' series on Radio Leeds.

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The organ was then dismantled and taken to its new home High Wycombe where it was due to be rebuilt in its original condition.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE WURLITZER ORGAN IN THE ODEON? Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN*****************

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