The Burtey Fen Collection
Nicholas Pitts BEM
is
joint
owner of The Burtey Fen
Collection
Nicholas Pitts began taking an interest in pipe organs at the age of 7 after
becoming a member of Spalding Parish Church Choir. For 5 years he had piano
lessons with Colin Martin FRCO and continued with lessons on the organ up until
he went to Bede College, Durham to study Teacher Training. Whilst at Durham he
had organ lessons with the Assistant Organist at Durham Cathedral - Alan Thurlow.
He has been Organist and Choirmaster of
Spalding Parish Church since April 1981,
and in recent years has developed an interest in playing different styles of
music on Cinema Organs.
Nicholas, usually known as Nick, has always been interested in the mechanics of the organ, and learnt
most of his organ building knowledge by hands-on experience under the guidance
of Geoff Parker of Holbeach. He has rebuilt a number of local church organs, and
currently tunes and maintains 48 instruments in South Lincolnshire.
After acquiring the ex Tunbridge Wells Compton and the ex Regent Ipswich /
Gaumont Exeter Wurlitzer, his organ building skills now extend to Cinema Organs. The organs at
The Burtey Fen Collection
have been fully restored by Nick, and are maintained to the highest
standard.
In 2012 Nick was awarded the British Empire Medal for his contribution to the community of Spalding, in particular for his work as Director of Music at St. Mary and St. Nicholas Parish Church in Spalding - a post he has held for 38 years.