The society grew from strength to strength, and members were encouraged to play the organ. Weekly meetings being held every Sunday morning, so that work on the organ could be carried out or just to sit and talk and drink tea or coffee. Monthly members concerts were also arranged by members to entertain anyone interested.
The Society over the years engaged several well known organists including Reginald Dixon on two occasions, Ron Curtis, Doreen Chadwick, and Rippon Cathedral organist Ron Perrin and his choir.
Due to the success of these concerts the Rank organisatsion became interested and put on some shows themselves. With guest organists such as Jess Yates, Folley Bates and Douglas Reeve from the Dome Brighton.
Phil Kelsall of the Tower Ballroom Blackpool gave our final concert On The 28th March 1982 exactly 50 years to the day the Odeon opened.
Eventually the news came through that the theatre was going to close and be turned into a bingo hall. The organ was purchased by the society and was removed some time after closure.
After a period of negotiation with Sunderland council it was decided to install the organ in Ryhope Community centre, located at the junction of Black Road and Ryhope Street.
Concerts are held on a regular basis, usually about six or seven times a year.
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