We are delighted to announce that the North West Player Piano Association (NWPPA) has recently merged with the Player Piano Group (PPG) in order to provide a more effective coverage of the UK. It is intended that the combined society will integrate the best traditions and practices of the NWPPA and PPG, and the programme of meetings (both in-person and internet-based) already reflects this.
The NWPPA was originally founded in 1972 by the late Walter Williams, with activities and members principally in the Manchester area later expanding to cover the North, Scotland and Wales. However, there were many who were members of both groups, whose aims and activities were very similar. With 21st century communication technologies increasingly breaking down geographical barriers, it is now timely for the two societies to join forces and face the challenges and opportunities this greatly changed world presents.
For the present time, the NWPPA website will remain functional as it contains the legacy of video clips, technical information and all 118 editions of the Journal – all freely available and accessible at pianola.org.uk
We now look to the future, with the merged memberships working together to ensure a continued interest in, and promotion of, the world of the Player Piano, and continuing to enjoy the companionship that comes with this most absorbing hobby.