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Hooghuys Fairground Organ.

Watts fairground organ

John wrote: "... The Late Melville Watts 1913 Louis Hooghuys Belgian Fairground Organ of 84 keys. Mounted on a surplus 1975 Ford Truck. Sept 1979 at Priors Lodge, Bream. Brian Oliver of Coleford maintained this organ and took it to many Charity Shows all over the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas for many years. The 2nd picture I took in April 1978. The Organ was made in Grammont, Belgium, for a Childrens Pony Roundabout. It has Brass drum & cymbals,castanets,wood block, 12 registers(stops) &,harmonique flute ... The Hooghuys Organ was bequeathed to Melville's son, Andrew,who sold it to a friend of Brian Oliver, so it is in good hands".

Mr Watts' vehicles are due to be auctioned in August 2012: "... A fascinating collection of vintage vehicles from the Estate of the late Mr Melville Watts O.B.E. J.P., will be (were) exhibited on Chorley's stand at the Gloucestershire Motor Show over the weekend of 9th and 10th June (2012). ... There will be many Rolls Royces, including Mr Watts' 1965 Silver Cloud, which will certainly not be the odd one out with its much cherished plate ODD 11. Some 24 years its senior, built in 1921, the canary yellow Overland Tourer from America will also be displayed – converted to right- hand drive, it was often seen in and around Lydney at the many fêtes and country shows Mr Watts attended. In the midst of these wonderful exhibits will be a gem to fire up the passions of everyone attending the Show – the 1939 Leyland Cub fire engine. In 1965 it was advertised for sale by tender in The South Wales Argus newspaper and Mr Watts sent in the winning bid and collected it from Newport Fire Station in July 1965. The fire engine was often seen at children's birthday parties and Simon, Melville Watts' son, has many happy memories of such events ...".

Overland car

John wrote: "... The Overland is of American decent but this one was built by Willys Overland Crossley in the Crossley Plant in Stockport. It was sold new by Hardacres Garage when they were in Lydney High St. with right hand drive !!! The Picture shows the 1922 Overland at Priors Lodge in Sept 1991 with Melville and my wife June".

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