The North East Theatre Organ Association was formed on the 26th October 1968, when theatre organ enthusiasts Eric Lee, James Alderson and Jack Temple called a meeting of North East members of the Theatre Organ Club to discuss the disappearance of theatre organs from the region’s cinemas* and it was agreed to aim to acquire and preserve a good example of a Wurlitzer organ for the north east region.

Eric contacted well-known Newcastle organist, Con Docherty (who had played for Gaumont British / Rank for many years) and he agreed to accept the title of ‘President’ of the Association, later becoming ‘Patron’ when Nigel Ogden took over as ‘President’.