A Tribute to Alan Smith

We are sad to announce the sudden death of our former Chairman - Alan Smith.
A renowned auctioneer and senior partner at TW Gaze, Diss, Norfolk, Alan's infectious personality also bubbled through TV screens on Anglia Television - and then as a regular auctioneer on the BBC One programme Bargain Hunt.
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He was much loved by fellow residents of Hoxne, Norfolk where he was a leading light in village activities including the celebrated "Hoxne Breakfast" which was held annually in early October with music provided by one of his fair or street organs.

He toured widely with his collection of instruments which included street organs "De Vondeling" and "Jonker" which he helped lovingly restore. His involvement with The Grange Musical Collection in Suffolk saw them expand in size. Always willing to lend a hand and help others, his generosity supported many in the preservation movement.

Alan took over as Chairman of the MOOS around 2014 and shaped the society to a more friendly and social atmosphere with his regular organised MOOS Meets. He also proposed the ambition of a membership price freeze at £12 for twenty years, which has continued to give members excellent value for money - and meant the society has been left with healthy subscriptions and a strong bank balance.
In 2017, Alan was the driving force behind starting the Diss Organ Festival with our current Chairman Johnny Ling. They established an event which brought mechanical music to the public, attracting thousands of visitors, gaining much praise from local people and the wider enthusiast community.​

Thank you Alan for your immense contribution to the Mechanical Organ Owners Society. We will really miss you in everything we do.

We send our deepest condolences to his wife Carole, his four sons James, Christopher, Richard and Edward - and his grandchildren who he treasured so much.
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James Dundon.
On behalf of the MOOS Committee.