Our story about the threat to the famous Dome Theatre organ struck a major chord with readers and prompted a save of nostalgia.

Tuesday at the Dome was a special occasion for generations of Brightonians.

Before the advent of rock 'n' roll, thousands of youngsters flocked through the doors of the venue for THE variety show of the week.

Many are grandparents, even great grandparents, now and they were dismayed to hear that the organ was in such a poor state of repair.

Although the Dome complex, which also includes the Corn Exchange and Pavilion theatres, is undergoing a multi-million pound restoration, there is no public money to restore the magnificent music-making machine.

Now a public appeal has been launched to raise the £350,000 needed to save the organ, which is crumbling through neglect.

After reading our article, scores of people - many of them pensioners - have been donating their spare cash to the appeal but the amount collected so far only scratches the surface.

The urgent fund-raising drive is called the Douglas Reeve Memorial Appeal after the organist who entertained the masses at the Dome from 1941 until his death in 1999.

Our article sparked fond memories for Colleen Colwell, of North Lane, Portslade, who wrote: "My friend and I often went to Tuesday at the Dome and we met a very young Frankie Vaughan.

"I had a signed photo from him which was on the wall in my home for years. If he was in Brighton I always went and saw him sing. During the war I worked at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and we went dancing at the Dome about twice a week.

"As we worked in the sisters' and nurses' dining room, we had to work late so we used to put our dresses under our uniform, and if we had light stockings, they went under our black ones.

"You can imagine that it was very hot.

"We stripped off our uniforms when we finished work and a gang of us walked along Eastern Road and down Edward Street, straight over to the Dome.

"I only got ten shillings a week which was paid monthly. We never danced when Dougie was playing because he was so good we just stopped and listened.

"I often look back on those war years and how we loved going to the Dome for our dancing. Even though we had the Regent Hall with its specially sprung floor, I always preferred the Dome.

"Thanks for your lovely account of the Dome. I hope they can raise the money to have the organ fixed."

Eileen Pearson, of Lawrence Road, Hove, was another regular and regarded the show as very good value for money, with a delightful blend of music, humour and speciality acts.

She said: "The humour was always clean and wholesome but the highlight of the show was always Douglas Reeve at the organ. He was a genius.

"The restoration of the Dome organ to its former glory would be a great bonus to Brighton, especially with so many talented organists in the area. I do hope the restoration will be successful."

Valerie Geering, of Kimberley Road, Brighton, said: "I have very fond memories of Tuesday at the Dome. I had an invalid brother who absolutely loved it.

"Mum and I used to push him down every week and Joyce Reeve, Douglas's wife, would always come and say hello to him. He was really thrilled at that.

"Also, my two girls were in several pantomimes that Douglas Reeve played for."

Dee Green, of Lynton Street, Brighton, was delighted to read that an appeal had been launched to save the organ.

She said: "It should never have been allowed to get this way in the first place.

"As a keen follower and listener to all types of organ music for many years, I have often wondered and tried to find out what had happened to this magnificent machine.

"I well remember Dougie at the seat of the organ, sending its wonderful sounds reverberating around the Dome. Nobody ever achieved his mastery of it. I am so happy that his memory will live on."

Terry Batty, of Cheal Close, Shoreham, was 12 when he first experienced Tuesday at the Dome.

It was 1948 and he remembered being overjoyed at hearing the organ for the first time.

Mr Batty said: "Douglas Reeves' playing was quite wonderful, always using the instrument to its full potential, which gave me so much inspiration "There were several times when Douglas would join the resident pianist William Clark for duets. I remember Harry Worth being one of the visiting performers and seeing a young Bob Monkhouse, who always dressed in black trousers and a red jacket.

"Tuesday at the Dome was a very successful and popular show that offered fun, laughter and music enjoyed by thousands of people for many years."

To make a donation to the appeal, write to Jessica Hepburn at The Douglas Reeve Memorial Appeal, 12a Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE.

By making the donation a gift aid, all the money goes direct to charity.

When charitable donations are not made as gift aids, 28p out of every £1 is taken up in tax.

To make sure this does not happen, include a signed letter saying you want your donation to be treated as gift aid.

Cheques should be made payable to The Brighton Dome Appeal.