Peter Parkinson was instrumental in popularising the electronic organ on the North Shore in the early days of the meteoric rise of these wonderful instruments. Peter, as I recall, has a degree in music from the Manchester Conservatory of Music and made good use of his training to demonstrate the capabilities of these instruments and thereby engender massive enthusiasm for the genre. Peter Parkinson in the early days worked with Roger Smith at Mainline Music in Takapuna and the writer got to know him quite well whilst working with him for a couple of years in the late 1990's. In recent years Peter has reverted to the piano but I guess the heady days of the late 1970's and early to mid-1980's will remain with him forever. Peter also acted as a volunteer social worker helping problem children sort themselves out - a side of Peter that people are probably unaware of. Last time I met Peter, in 2008, he was living down country and writing a book about his family history - another facet of Peter is his literary skills. Let's hope Peter will return to the music scene at some stage as his talent is undoubted and I still enjoy playing his LP "Don't Blame Me" (digitised and transferred to my iPod of course!).
Club Xmas Party 1982 with Peter Parkinson doing the honours on the organ Whilst Margaret Van Urk and husband Fred look-on on the right of the photo.
Club Xmas Party 1982 with Joy, Ngaire Lonergan and former Club Secretary, Ailsa Hinton on the right. Hmm, another dress-up job by the looks of it. Nice costumes ladies!
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