Promoting the Autoharp Spring 2014 across the UK Autoharp Notes

President’s Perspectives Hello Everyone, Welcome to a new autoharping year wherever you are, although by the time you read this we’ll be a good two months and more into 2014. As usual there are plenty of events occurring this year – both those organised by UKA, and those other regular dates, quite apart from whatever else you may be doing locally and privately to continue your autoharp journey. I’m hoping to make every UKA event this year, as well as attending Inside this issue: Sore Fingers Easter Week. And for a very tasty starter we have Mike President’s Perspectives and Rachel Fenton’s Day in Tewkesbury on Saturday 22nd March by Neil Gillard 1 Page 1 Editor’s RamblingsAutoharp Notes to look forward to, where the tutors include Mike himself, Heather by Judy Spindler 2 An ‘Electric ’ Indeed Farrell-Roberts, Guy Padfield and our very own Mountain Laurel prize by Mike Fenton 3 winner, Bob Ebdon – a real A-team to keep us all on our toes! Next The Fable of the Autoharp... by Patrick O’Sullivan 4 on the agenda will be Sore Fingers Easter Week (14th – 19th April) Gargrave Autoharp Festival by Patrick O’Sullivan 6 with the incomparable Karen Mueller and Heather as tutors, before A Heartfelt Thank You attention switches north to Yorkshire at the end of June and a repeat by Drew Smith 9 A Cybermama of UKA’s Gargrave Autoharp Festival (27th to 29th) hosted by Patrick by Nadine Stah White 10 Learning Style... O’Sullivan. This event, in the charming, picturesque and very friendly, by Cathy Britell 10 rural community, only a stone’s throw from the major conurbations An American Autoharper in Britain by Heather Farrell-Roberts 12 of Yorkshire and Lancashire, promises to be even better than the Children In Need Day successful launch in 2013, and will form part of the cultural lead-up to by Sue Edwards 14 Music: Leaving Kingham 16 the Tour De France which is starting locally at the beginning of July. Memories of Joan McNally Various members 17 Then in August it’s back to the lovely and welcoming village of Music: The Dark Island 21 Moniaive in Dumfries and Galloway for the 4th Scottish Autoharp Autoharp Britannia Order Form 22 Suppliers, Performers & Sessions 24 Weekend (8th -10th) run by Nadine Stah White and local autoharpers, Forthcoming Events & Contacts 25 before the final UKA event of the year at East Sheen in SW London on 20th September, hosted by Guy Padfield. Then, of course, there will also WANTED! be the Sore Fingers October Weekend, with Mike Fenton as the main NEWS, ARTICLES, TIPS, tutor, at the end of the month. MUSIC & PHOTOS FOR As for UKA itself, there are definitely going to be some changes THE NEXT ISSUE – COPY DATE 31st MAY this year! While I write this, the Committee, and in particular our Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 2 new webmaster, Joolz, are working on a brand new website which, as well as providing all that our previous one has done, will also allow members to pay their future subscriptions, and to book events, directly online using PayPal. Less happily, Bob Ebdon has had to give up his role as our Events Organiser, which he has held since March 2009, doing a superb job. He will be sadly missed (only, I hope, in that role), and I would like to extend to him the sincere thanks of us all, and especially me, for a demanding, and sometimes thankless, job very well done. Thank you, Bob. Also sadly, later this year Terry Pearson, who has been our Membership Secretary and Treasurer for 7 and 6 years respectively, will be standing down. So if you would like to take on a vital role to help keep UKA developing strongly, please let me know – we might even be able to tailor a role to suit your inclinations and skills because it is always essential to have fresh ideas if we are to continue to thrive. As always, I’d love to hear from you about any aspect of our association, and you can find my contact details in this publication, or on the website. May your autoharp journey continue to be rewarding! See you at some of our events, I hope. Hugs, Neil Editor’s Ramblings After this dismal winter of unrelenting grey skies, record rainfall and disastrous flooding, there are now plenty of optimistic signs. It’s Team GB’s most successful Winter Olympics since 1924, Peggy Seeger’s performance of Quite Early Morning wowed the audience at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards with her autoharp taking centre stage (surely the first time ever at the Royal Albert Hall!) but best of all, the floods have now receded and Tirlebrook Primary School and Tewkesbury town centre are fully open for business, so you won’t even have to wear your wellies! Some months ago, UKA joined FOAOTMAD (Friends of American Old Time Music and Dance) – after all, they do have an autoharp in their logo! We have placed small adverts in their quarterly magazine for both Tewkesbury and Gargrave, and are also providing publicity for autoharp events to their blog which is sent out every few weeks to everyone on their extensive mailing list (see foaotmad.org.uk/wordpress/news). It will be interesting to discover if we get any response, so if you ever get chatting to an old-timer at any of our events, please do inform a member of the committee. Of course the autoharp isn’t just an old-time or bluegrass instrument. As a newish member of the autoharp Facebook group, I’m constantly amazed by the many different musical styles featured by our members and by the events you attend with your ’. I’m always on the lookout for reports so please keep them coming in to Autoharp Notes to share with non-facebook members. I would also like to include CD reviews in future issues, so if you’ve discovered a really great album do let us all know, even if the autoharp features only briefly. And if you haven’t yet bought your copy of Autoharp Britannia, it will be on sale at Tewkesbury or available direct from Neil - see page 22. Finally, a big thank you to all contributors to this issue. The copy date for the next issue is 31st May. Until then, happy ’harping, Judy Spindler Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 3 An ‘Electric Harp’ indeed! by Mike Fenton

While undertaking some research last year at the Colindale Newspaper Library, I happened upon this cutting from Disc Weekly, Disc Weekly, January 15th, 1966 – World Cup Year in England, 900th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, the year Middlesbrough FC played in Division Th ree for the fi rst time ever, and the year I saw Jerry Lee Lewis ten times in a week at two plush Teesside night-spots! I couldn’t resist sending this in to Autoharp Notes. Pinkerton’s Assorted Colours were a quintet from Rugby whose disc Mirror, Mirror on the Decca label reached the Top Ten in the early weeks of the year. Th ey were very much ‘one-shot wonders’ in Hit Parade terms, but they were distinguished by their bright stage apparel (not obvious on black & white TV) and their use of an autoharp, strummed in a very basic way by Samuel Pinkerton Kempe, seen holding the instrument on the photograph. Th e plastic chord bar cover with the twelve buttons gives it away as a German ‘Chord Harp’ from the Hopf factory in Klingenthal, Saxony. I think in the USA will have beaten them in the frantic race to electrify an autoharp, but they may well be the fi rst to have our instrument featured on a Top Ten disc! Only they didn’t appear to know what it was properly called if the cutting is to be believed ! Th e group still exist in the Rugby area - I met up with two of them there several years ago, and there’s still an autoharp in the line-up, although the ‘electric harp’ in the photo was trashed years ago! Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 4

The Fable of the Autoharp in the North by Patrick O’Sullivan

The story so far… An autoharper put his autoharp into its bag, slung the bag over his shoulder and began to travel north. He came to a small and pretty village, took out his autoharp – but he did not play it. He sat on a bench, and put the autoharp on the bench beside him. So, they sat there, the man and his autoharp, until a passer- by passed by. I cannot tell you much about this passer-by – but I can tell you this: he had a very big nose. The passer- by paused, gave a nosy look, and said, ‘That’s a strange looking chili-dryer…’ The autoharper said not a word, packed his autoharp into its bag, slung the bag over his shoulder, and travelled on, north. He can be criticised for this, I know. But I think that his behaviour is understandable. In the circumstances. And he came to a charming town, sat on a bench, took out his autoharp – but he did not play it. He put the autoharp on the bench beside him. And they sat there together, the man and his autoharp, ignoring each other. Until a passer-by passed by. I cannot tell you much about this passer-by – but I can tell you this: he had one eye bigger than the other. The passer-by paused, aimed a beady eye, and said, ‘That’s a strange looking pasta machine…’ And the autoharper sighed, and packed up his autoharp, and travelled, north. Then he came to another pretty town, and – as before – sat and waited, with his autoharp beside him. And there was a bystander. I cannot tell you much about this bystander – but I can tell you this: he needed a Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 5

shave. And the bystander pointed a whiskery chin, and said, ‘That’s a strange looking cheese grater…’ And the autoharper said not a word, not a word. He packed up his autoharp and travelled on, still north. And he came to a very pretty village, with everything you would want, a pub, an old stone church, an old stone bridge over a clear river, a tea shop. And the autoharper took out his autoharp, and put it on the bench beside him. And he waited. And there was a passer-by. I cannot tell you much about this passer-by – but I can tell you this: she had a very good ear. And she said to the autoharper, ‘Are you going to play that autoharp or not?’ And by this he knew that he had finally reached Gargrave, where everyone knows what an autoharp looks like. And they like to hear the autoharp played, in the pub, in the church and in the tea shop. And, of course, in the Gargrave Village Hall. And the autoharper picked up his autoharp, cuddled it to his chest, and played and played and played. Until his fingers bled. Which was not wise. But is understandable. In the circumstances. © Patrick O’Sullivan 2014

Illustrations © Jo Ball and Alan Poxon Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 6 Gargrave Autoharp Festival Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 27, 28, 29, 2014 by Patrick O’Sullivan

Well, after ‘The Fable of the Autoharp’, need I say offer us, there had to be no clash with other UKA more? events, I was told to avoid the dates of the TT races O, all right then… on the Isle of Man, meeting up with Mike Fenton’s The story continued… fan base amongst the caravanners… (The Camping Before the end of the Gargrave Autoharp Festival & Caravanning club holds regular meets on 2013, before our Grand Concert on the Saturday Gargrave’s football pitch – the caravanners, it turns evening had finished, before Mike Fenton had out, are an important part of our target audience.) reluctantly released his spellbound audience… Our And, of course, in order to be part of the Yorkshire friends in Gargrave had asked us to return in 2014. Festival, we had to have a date before the start of the There were arguments for returning, and there Tour de France in July. were arguments against – at the time I wrote a long Everything is now in place for the Gargrave note for the UKA Committee spelling out the pros Autoharp Festival, the weekend of Friday, Saturday, and the cons. And I think that the arguments are Sunday, June 27, 28, 29, 2014. The Grand Depart, well known to us all – first that the UKA is not the actual start of the Tour de France, takes place the strong in the north. But the big argument in favour following weekend – so, yes, it is a bit close, and yes, of returning to Gargrave was that, in 2014, we could I am worried. be part of the Cultural Festival of Grand Depart of Our autoharp tutors are booked… the Tour de France – which has now been rebranded Mike Fenton, with Rachel – Mike will conduct as the Yorkshire Festival, a massive cultural festival one to one sessions in the morning and a whole in the weeks leading up to the start of the Tour de group workshop in the sfternoon. France, 2014, in Leeds, in the first weekend of July. Guy Padfield will lead the beginner groups. So, amongst the first tasks, when we did decide to Nadine White and Ian White will lead two return to Gargrave in 2014, was to establish what the workshops. Yorkshire Festival organisers needed, and to make Heather Farrell-Roberts will lead two advanced sure that we gave it to them. We are now visible on workshops. the Yorkshire Festival web site… All the autoharp tutors will take part in our http://festival.yorkshire.com/events/gargrave- Grand Concert in the evening. autoharp-festival The other vital member of the team is Alan And, actually, I am pleased with what they have Morrison, the hairy harper, a member of UKA who done with the material we supplied. I like the way lives in Yorkshire. In 2013, when I realised that what that the craggy Mike Fenton persona comes across. the Village Hall called a ‘sound system’ was not what But when, in 2014, should we have our Festival you or I would call a sound system, Alan stepped in in Gargrave? Many factors influence the choice of and provided a professional quality system for our weekend – what the Gargrave Village Hall could Grand Concert. And Alan will be there again, on Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 7

Saturday June 28, filling that gap. art group discussed ‘The Fable of the Autoharp’ UKA members who came to Gargrave in 2013 at a meeting and provided the illustrations. One will remember what worked, and what did not work. nice thing is that we have been lent a house in the There was ecstatic feedback on the UKA Facebook middle of Gargrave for that weekend – we can pages at the time. It is a lovely village, in a lovely part put the autoharp tutors in there, and tuck them of the country. I travelled down to the UKA AGM up each night with a mug of cocoa. If you are like in Sherborne, Dorset, in October 2013, to listen to me you are already adding up in your head the more considered thoughts, and to understand what hundreds of pounds worth of help we have already had not worked. The Gargrave Autoharp Festival, received. Even as we speak, Gargrave volunteers are as it has come together, is not one of our cosy UKA distributing our Gargrave Autoharp Festival poster events – though, no doubt, cosiness will occur. around Yorkshire. We are embedded in a busy village centre, we are What are we short of, what do we need? Send shoehorned into a rolling programme of village more autoharpers… events, we are part of a massive cultural festival. Bob Patrick O’Sullivan Ebdon commented on Facebook that we have never February 2014 had so much publicity – we have certainly made the autoharp and our autoharp professionals visible. Some details might not be quite the way we like PS Obsessive narratologists will recognise ‘The them. For example – speaking as someone who Fable of the Autoharp’ as a version of the very old needs his tea – we do not have our own tea-making story of the Sailor and the Oar – except that I have facilities, and simply plug into the Village Hall turned it on its head. events. To balance this, everyone who signs up for In the story the Sailor who is tired of the Sea – or the autoharp classes gets a free ticket to the evening is afraid of the Sea – puts an Oar on his shoulder, Grand Concert. We are not charged for the use of and walks inland, until he meets a passer-by who the Village Hall. has never seen an Oar. The passer-by says, ‘Where The Gargrave community wants to work with are you going with that threshing flail?’ Or some us. The Gargrave dance school lent us the two little such. And so the Sailor knows that he is finally safe ballerinas for the Gargrave Autoharp Festival poster from the Sea. Obsessive narratologists who need photo shoot. Andrew Milne, a local photographer footnotes – are there any other kind? – should and graphic designer, worked for free. The Gargrave contact me directly on [email protected]

Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 9 A HEARTFELT THANK YOU to all in my SORE FINGERS 2013 UK AUTOHARP CLASS !!!! from Drew Smith

Thinking about my time in England and October 2013 Sore Fingers ... and I’d like you to know: that I feel you UK Autoharp folks were all so awesome! I managed to get through all of my 40+ pages of material in the limited amount of time available. You are most dedicated players, and such enthusiasts. I hope my handouts will serve you well... and now that you’ve seen and heard examples of my songs, formulas, exercises and techniques, it’s time do your homework. I may ask questions the next time I see you! Many, many thanks to Heather for arranging to have me cross over the pond, and for printing all the many sets of handout sheets. While I know you have had exemplary autoharp tutors from America for past October SFOWs, I learn that I’m the last American to come over for the October issue of SFOW. of autoharps. Should you want to hear more examples of the lesson Let me say that Old-Time and Bluegrass musicianship songs I’ve used, you should be able to Google for them. at Sore Fingers is top notch and as good as it gets!!! I was BTW, I mention again a website you may find SO beneficial fortunate to have jammed on Friday night with some mighty for finding both song and tune examples: it iswww.Ckuik. fine tutor players, and I’m sure that was responsible for my com and once you master navigating within its website, I being able to be on stage with them and the other tutors think you’ll love it. Should you instead enter the name of who each excel with their instruments. I was so happy we a performer, you can come up with a wide variety of the did my Texas Swing song, “My Window Faces the South,” material he/she has recorded. This is how I sometimes made popular by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. I hope I button up a version of a number I’d like to play. might be able to see a YouTube recorded version of it. This was my absolute first time abroad ... my passport You have all treated me SO WELL at Sore Fingers, and was brand new! Coming to England was definitely on my I am most appreciative for your cards and birthday cake, “bucket list.” Oh boy, did I love it!!! Only trouble is you CDs, and wonderful books on English countryside as well all drive on the wrong side of the road! But thanks to my as British motorcycles. As I churn over in my mind the splendid hosts, Hazel Baxter, and Mike Fenton after SFOW, I many things I have done in England, the views and sights, had no need to drive. Sore Fingers and all the old and new found friends that On Saturday stage, after Heather’s most beautiful I’ve spent time with and played music with, I feel like I’m diatonic tune rendition on her autoharp, I followed with my floating on air. It’s been one of my life’s top highlights! chromatic Southern Mountain version of a song called, “The THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH !!! Cuckoo”. Heather mentioned that it was a good thing for the Hugs to ALL! autoharp program to demonstrate these two differing styles Drew Smith Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 10

A Cybermama by Nadine Stah White

A number of UK Autoharpers have had the pleasure of meeting Cathy Britell in person when she was the tutor at Sore Fingers Week a few years ago or on transatlantic trips to US autoharp events. Many players have benefited from the autoharp learning materials she has generated, including the widely-used beginner’s handbook: ‘It’s an Autoharp!’ Some of us who enjoy using computers to connect with other autoharpers have also come to appreciate Cathy’s thoughtful posts to the Cyberpluckers internet newsgroup. In fact she is more than just a regular contributor to this group - she’s been part of the Cyberpluckers for longer than anyone else currently taking part. Sometimes referred to with affection as ‘Cybermama’, Cathy was one of the four autoharpers who were the founders of the Cyberpluckers autoharp newsgroup in the early years of e-mail and recreational personal computing. The subject of learning music from the page vs. learning ‘by ear’ came up for discussion on the ‘Pluckers, and Cathy posted her ‘take’ on the role of musical notation in learning music for the autoharp. When asked if she’d consider submitting her post to the UKA’s ‘Autoharp Notes’ newsletter, she agreed and then edited and expanded her original comments into the article which follows.

Learning Style, Dots/Lines/Squiggles, and MUSIC by Cathy Britell I was first delighted and inspired by live music at the teaching music and contemplating making my living age of nine, when the Minneapolis Symphony came by reading notes, savoring the joy of playing the great around to the little town where we lived and played symphonic masterpieces and concertos. in the high school gym. I remember sitting down Jump ahead 20 more years, a different career on the floor as close to the violin section as possible, and a family, and I acquired an autoharp, long after and drinking in the music. Then and there, I decided having given up on the idea of playing music for a that I would play in an orchestra, and when the living. I remember going to my first traditional music opportunity came to learn to play the clarinet in the gathering, feeling paralyzed and wondering how in school music program, I was thrilled. the world they figured out which chord to play next Jump ahead 10 years and I was playing in a and how they played all that music without dots and professional symphony, majoring in music in college, squiggles! Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 11

Jump ahead another 25 years, and that they don’t open the booklets unless I’m now enjoying music with my they feel an overwhelming need to do friends, playing autoharp and bass and so. But they really appreciate having the a few other instruments for concerts, materials to help them remember what dances, recordings and fun, teaching we did. So, people often learn aurally others to play, delighting in hearing new whether they thought they could or not, songs and tunes, and translating the but appreciate visual reinforcement. music from my brain to my fingers. The more advanced students always Over all the years and changing want written music, even though many musical orientations, I’ve observed the of them can do just fine without it. following as regards the relationship of humans to Also interestingly, the intermediate/advanced dots and squiggle. classes I’m teaching are generally about hearing • If one is an aural learner, the dots make no interesting possibilities in your head and making sense, and the music comes much easier. them happen on your autoharp. It’s impossible to • If one is a visual learner, as classically trained write that out, obviously, and if you’re encouraging musicians must be, the dots make a lot of sense. people to be original, you don’t want to give them a HOWEVER, the visual learner is condemned recording and say, “This is how you do it”. However, to depend on and be limited by the dots until a lot of people (even advanced players) still need to he/she teaches him/herself to become an aural learn a tune or song on a visual rote basis before they learner as well. can branch out and make it their own. I’ve spent the last three evenings (and look Over the years, I’ve learned to cover all the bases, forward to a few more) preparing handouts for 7 knowing that until you have the ability to hear a tune hours of workshops at an upcoming festival. I always in your head and play it that way on your instrument, include a CD of all the songs taught (after getting you will be making somebody else’s music. That’s permissions from everyone involved). There are OK... that can be very nice and very rewarding too. many visual learners in the AH community. That’s But once you start making the music your own, it why I bothered to get $500 worth of software, learn becomes more fun for you and for the people who are how to use it, and tediously note out all those songs/ listening. tunes with all the little squiggles that are called autoharp tablature. Cathy Britell Interestingly, the beginners get a big booklet and January 2014 19-track CD, and during the workshops I suggest

Website: http://www.larkpoint.com/

For information on Cyberpluckers, email: [email protected] Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 12

The following article appeared in the last issue of Autoharp Quarterly and is re-printed here by kind permission of the magazine’s Editor/Publisher, Pete Daigle An American Autoharper in Britain Nadine Stah White, the driving force behind the UK Autoharp community by Heather Farrell-Roberts

I met Nadine at the first Autoharp class I organised both programme and venue and at Sore Fingers Summer School ( SFSS), did the advance mailing/publicity. We relied Easter 1998. This small American lady on Mike Fenton (and then me and Heather was a bundle of energy, asked SO many Farrell-Roberts) to run workshops. questions and had more enthusiasm than “At that point we weren’t relying on I thought was possible in one person. e-mail, and there was no UKA (UK Little did I know that 15 years later she Autoharps) website. I remember doing huge would be such a good friend and a driving mailings of fliers (lots of stamp licking until force in UK Autoharps. I managed to get some sheets of the very new self In September of 1998 Nadine hosted, and -adhesive postage stamps). At first the mailing list everything else, the first Autoharp Day in the came from Mike’s extensive list of contacts through village of Drayton Oxfordshire. This was so thrilling his school work and autoharp sales. as this was the first EVER! I remember the buzz “UK Autoharps as an organisation came into of excitement and finding that there were more existence in a meeting at Mike Fenton’s house in autoharp players than just the 8 of us at SFSS. But December 1999, so the first official UKA Autoharp let me allow Nadine to tell you about it. Day was in February 2000.” “I had taken early retirement from teaching in 1998 (teaching had been only two days a week at Nadine also started Autoharp Notes, the magazine that point, combines with an Advisory Teacher Post for UK autoharpers, [which] comes out three times for the other three days). My plan at that point was a year. Nadine wrote, edited and everything else for to do some supply (relief) teaching a week but also this magazine, even got it photocopied for UKA use a ‘free’ day a week towards organising stand- members, a huge undertaking but so good for the alone autoharp activities. rest of us to see what others were doing. Gradually “At the first SFSS Mike Fenton thought that it was other people stared to write articles, send photos worth trying to see if folks would come together etc and eventually Ian Lawrance took over as editor for a Saturday event somewhere in the south of [recently superceded by Judy Spindler]. England. I had some event-organising experience UKA now has three Days a year scattered around and was prepared to tackle this challenge. the UK, they are known for good workshops and “So starting in September 1998 – the month lots of fun and then some amazing open stages when I was first ‘free’ of classroom teaching at the end of each day. None of this would be responsibilities – I organised one stand-alone happening with Nadine. Autoharp Day a term for four terms. Each of these Did Nadine stop there? NO! stand-alone days paid for itself (they pretty much After moving to Scotland she set up autoharp had to, because we didn’t have any outside funding). classes in her area, very successful. She also started Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 13

the Scottish Autoharp Weekend, [number four will gentle but persistent encouragement. I did pluck be this August 2014]. Always fun, with great people up the courage and made it to the final!!! I was supporting Nadine. very proud to receive my finalist plaque. She is an Here are a couple of reports about Nadine as a inspiration to many players and gets them out of person, rather than a great organiser. their comfort zone to find they can achieve more.”

First from Sue Edwards: Now Maryann Vagg: “I would like to pay particular tribute to Nadine “Nadine lent me an autoharp after my first class regarding my first experience at MLAG in 2006. at SFSS in 1999 when Mike had none available, she Heather and I went to stay with Carole and Fisk called it her black beauty and without it I would Outwater, who were such welcoming hosts, we probably have come home and never played again. travelled together up to MLAG and I was ready to “When I went to SFSS in 2008, the year my sister enjoy the experience of this great festival! However, Sue Laughton died, Nadine was my roommate and the thought of entering the contest...hmmm, that although dreading going, as it was the first year was maybe too scary? A step too far! there without Sue, she did her utmost to help me “I had found that playing autoharps enabled me through an incredibly emotional and difficult week to write tunes and as I now had my lovely d’Aigle I with such compassion but also left me space... I was keen to share them, yet in a competition? Not could not have asked for better except of course, my being able to speak?! No, no, no. sister.” “Nadine came up with a reassuring plan. ‘Try out Open Stage earlier in the week first, as you can Nadine, without you UKA would not exist and decide to enter the contest on the day. Don’t think many of us would still be playing this strange and of it as a competition, but as a way of putting two beautiful instrument in isolation. So THANK of your pretty tunes on a CD!’ She then added, YOU for everything you have done over the years ‘However, do have four tunes ready in case!’ and are still doing. “Nadine persuaded me to have a go with her Heather Farrell-Roberts

Autoharp Quarterly The International Magazine dedicated to the Autoharp Enthusiast

Find songs, lessons, tips and a variety of information for improving your playing and help you maintain your instrument. Find stories about your favorite players and your favorite places to play, read up on the festivals. The list of what you find here is long.

When you sign up with the Autoharp Quarterly, you become a member rather than a subscriber, and a world of music is waiting for you.

The AQ is published four times a year, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

To become a member and receive printed copies or an online version visit www.autoharpquarterly.com Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 14 Children in Need Day Friday 15th November 2013 by Sue Edwards

As I am rather keen on our ‘wee box ‘o strings’, I have been known from time to time to encourage people to have a go playing – sometimes when giving talks to groups such as the WI, or at fund raising events like Comic Relief or Children in Need! The first time I helped Pudsey was in a bank – they did ask me to play there, as I had shown my first luthier harp to the person who arranged the money transfer for my D’Aigle! She was very struck by the beautiful maple back, and as the bank was going to do fundraising on the CiN day, I went along to play and to see if anyone would pay Pudsey to be able to try my harps! The donations went in with the bank’s total. The following few years I did the same at a building society, but this year I decided to do my own event in our local music store, Music Dynamics. I was given some raffle prizes by paper, but I understand was in the following week, the shop, and added a copy of our CD Autoharp but I did have some taken by a friend!!) Britannia and Bob’s Pick ‘n Mix CD! (plus some At one stage two brothers came in, one with his Thorntons chocs called ‘smiles’) A friend made a (looking for a new case) and they decided to poster for me which was put up in various places, have a jamming session – the brother borrowed a the Town Council office, Cafes, some shops and banjo from the shop! I had Pudsey paw prints put Tourist Information. I was able to get the event on my nails, when getting acrylic ones for the day, publicised on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on Johnny so I was ‘bear fingered’! When playing with a guitar Coppin’s Saturday Folk show too, and announced by and a loud banjo, I needed the picks after all! Stroud FM in their ‘drive time’. Although it was fairly quiet in the shop, people On the day I took 3 harps, Fladmark G/D, did donate, bought raffle tickets and a few had a Schreiber F/C and my D’aigle in A of course! Some quick taster session in playing! The total ended up friends popped in during the day to support the as £70, and I think in a bigger location with earlier event, and I was sent some donations – thank you publicity next time, I will be able to raise more! Jan and Irene! Our local paper sent a photographer, It was fun to do, and I have some ideas for next and I persuaded him to play, whilst I took a photo of year – watch this space! him! (the photo he took was not in the next weeks Sue Edwards Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 15 Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 16

If you would like to hear the tune, there are two links you can click on: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nk7dbhfklxxqkyw/Leaving%20Kingham%20in%20G.MP3 or a shortened link: http://goo.gl/Xybc36 Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 17

The following pages contain members’ tributes to Joan McNally who died so tragically and suddenly last December

FROM NADINE WHITE: by John’s musicianship that I feel so privileged to have evening, and I filed away been there at the start of Joan’s this important piece of love affair with the autoharp. background information I know that I must have about one of my students. seen her at Sore Fingers over Joan McNally clearly was the years, but I first came to being exposed to some very know Joan one year when I fine home-made music in was teaching the beginners’ her household. The questions autoharp class. Heather were, how much of what Farrell-Roberts usually she’d absorbed would she be teaches the beginners, but on able to transfer into playing this occasion Heather was the autoharp? And what finally getting a chance to progress could she make in a join Karen Mueller’s group, single week from a complete while I took on the beginners’ standing start? class in her place. Although I That Beginners’ Autoharp have taught a lot of autoharp class was a group of workshops over the years, this was the first occasion individuals that I recall with great fondness. There when I would have a whole week to work with a was a wide range of previous musical experience, substantial group of beginning players (six in total). ranging from the sole man in the group who had I was keen but also a bit daunted by the prospect, never played an instrument or sung before that however everything was made better by a lot of week, through a gal who was encouraged to leave support from both Heather and Karen... and by the us and go down and join Karen Mueller’s class after class members themselves, who quickly bonded into the second day, because she was already playing well a mutually supportive group. beyond the ‘beginner’s’ level. That year, the Sunday night jam at Kingham A few others in the group had some previous Hill School where folks gather together at the start experience of starting to strum the autoharp. But of Sore Fingers Week seemed a bit quieter than is Joan had borrowed a loaner autoharp to use that sometimes the case. I stood in the bar, discreetly week, never having played the instrument before. casting my eyes over people’s name badges, hoping But it wasn’t long before things started to click for to identify some of the group I’d be teaching the her, and I remember her broad smile as the chord following day. Sure enough, Joan came up to me, sequences started to emerge from that ‘harp. Joan smiling and flashing her name badge, very excited knew the music she wanted to play, and she quickly that she was going to be doing the beginners’ became confident that the autoharp was going to let autoharp class. Joan told me that she sang ‘a bit’ but her do it! didn’t play an instrument. Well, that’s a good start, I Only two of our group had any significant prior thought...but little could I know what was going to experience of old time music... and Joan was one develop. of them. This meant that there was a real gleam in Later that evening, I remember joining in with her eye every time we tackled an Old-Time classic my autoharp on a jam session, sat next to very fine, like ‘You Are My Sunshine’. And a smile that grew adventurous and FAST guitar player, who I realised broader and brighter all the while, as she realised was Joan’s husband, John. I remember him being that she could make the autoharp work for her impressed when I’d managed to keep up and busk behind so many of the songs that she loved. Her along with the group as they switched from Old- songbook of bluegrass and old-time favourites Time music to a fast Irish tune. I was very struck came out and into play quite quickly. I still have a Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 18 copy of her version of the chords for ‘Angel Band’ abundance was a common-sense ‘can-do’ attitude. which the entire group tackled near the end of the This was clear to see in the beginners’ class, where week at her suggestion. Joan had definitely ‘made she made major contributions to the strong sense of the connection’ with the autoharp by the end of the mutual support in the group. But Joan’s insights were week, and was ready to take it further. always helpful. Her clear eye for what was going on I remember the sense of glee and delight in for individuals, where they might be getting ‘stuck’ Joan’s voice and face when she told me and what could help them move forward, she had been able to arrange to take a was invaluable – both in that first group loaner autoharp away with her after the situation and many times afterwards at beginners’ week. Joan and John were Sore Fingers. Time and again, I saw her going to be travelling away on a long make the kind of well-targeted intervention holiday, and she was planned to PLAY which helps things start to moving forwards that ‘harp – thrilled to use this as an again when someone has got ‘stuck’ in their opportunity to consolidate her learning playing. And always there was that smile! . And I remember John’s emotion on I can feel very sad when I think that that Friday evening at the end of the Joan will not have many more years week as he spoke of the way that the ahead to enjoy making music. But my autoharp was unlocking MUSIC for Joan. overwhelming memory will be of her beaming Over the years, I’ve had a chance to see several smile, and the great delight that she took in her members of that very special beginners group go on autoharp. It was a privilege to have been there to and make the autoharp their own, but none more share part of her joy. so than Joan. One of the qualities that she had in Nadine White

FROM NEIL GILLARD: A few months ago I was at one of my regular sessions at the White Horse in Hinton St Mary. It was my turn to perform, and because it was a very well attended evening, and I knew that the host - a very good folk fiddler - enjoys playing along and taking breaks, I launched into Sam Hall. Spectacularly, several others also joined in with the singing, and others played along, most notably a banjo player who was capable of not drowning everyone else out! Half way through the second verse, in through the door came two people, heading for the only free seats in the house. I did a double take - it was Joan and John never before spotted in this neck of the woods except at a UKA Day in Sherborne. Fortunately, I managed to keep going to the end, with Joan and John also joining in the singing. It later transpired that they had not long moved to Warminster (about 20 miles away) and we’re looking for new sessions to attend - and had not expected to see me either. Sadly, although John played brilliantly (as always), Joan was already having problems and did not bring her autoharp. Even more sadly, despite having had a great evening, she was not able to return. But I will never forget her happy smile that evening, and on every other occasion that I had the pleasure to meet her - at many Autoharp and Sore Fingers events, and even at Sidmouth Folk Festival.

FROM MARGARET TAPPENDEN: probably wouldn’t still be going to SFSS. My personal memories of Joan are plentiful, they Last Easter at SFSS we spent lunch breaks sitting began over 4 years ago when I first signed up for the around the music room, playing and singing, Joan’s Easter SFSS. My first impressions of Joan was of a husband joined us with his guitar, it was an amazing quiet, gentle and sharing person, We were both in time. Looking back it was a real and beautiful gift the beginners Autoharp class, I was very nervous that I will always treasure. and definitely lagging behind. Joan, bless her, looked In the evenings at SFSS one could always find over to where I was sitting and whispered, “Don’t Joan jamming away with one group or another, she worry, I’ve been lost for ages, just play air.” After that seemed to have endless energy. first lesson we got together and she explained ‘air’ You will be much missed Joan but never playing, if Joan had not encouraged me that day I forgotten. Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 19

FROM SUE EDWARDS: digital voice recorder, and I was so impressed with I have several memories of Joan and John McNally the quality, even with clashing knives, forks etc, that at various UKA days and at Sorefingers Summer I eventually bought one myself! School, but I would like to share the fun we had The week soon flew by, some brave souls decided when we were in the Singing Class in 2012! Yes, to enter the Student concert – many were already folks, I deserted the autoharp class!! (shock, horror!) in other scratch bands as the singer, but Joan and but as Chris Stuart and Janet Beazley were taking the others took part in a rousing version of ‘Pick a Bale singing class and I had missed the opportunity when of Cotton’, (if my memory is correct?) and there was they were over in 2010, I decided to take part in this a youtube video of this! very popular and crowded group! (35 of us plus 3 In the meantime, one of the class re-wrote ‘Will tutors, as Roland helped Chris and Janet!) The Circle’ to sing to Chris and Janet on the last Joan had already been in one of their workshops afternoon, before presenting them with some gifts in at Didmarton and I know John is a great singer, so a couple of shoe boxes! (Chris frequently suggested with many others from different instrument groups, we buy their CDs so the kids could have new shoes!) I was looking forward to a great week! The timing of our ‘surprise’ version was perfect, Breaking the ice was easy, as we were soon and the whole class witnessed Janet shrieking with prowling around the attic (above a guitar class!) laughter whilst Chris somehow managed to keep making the witches noise ‘eeeee-ee-eeee’ or wolf playing the guitar! The encore was so it could be howling ! - very different voice warm-ups to the ones recorded! used in a choral society! Then we were learning the We want to thank you, Chris and Janet from the 3 close harmony parts of a song to sing to people bottom of our hearts having lunch that day, and changing which key it For this great week you have given, teaching all the was in depending on our voice part and who sang harmony parts. the lead! Actually, with John and a couple of other But we are worried, ‘bout your health Chris, tho’ really low bass singers, Roland soon added a 4th Janet might seem very calm section to the lead, tenor and baritone sections! I But hey you must be, black and blue now, down the did find it strange to think of singing high baritone side of your right arm! above other voices when there was a low lead, or So Janet can you, be more gentle, poor Chris is now tenor above, when the chord was a second inversion! so bruised. Our first public performance was soon And that body you are mauling, needs a brand new approaching, amid the clatter of plates, and the pair of shoes!’ first day we sang ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’. It was a great week with lovely memories, and I Unfortunately, due to some problems with the know Joan and John enjoyed the class as did I and catering staff, not many from the autoharp class everyone else! John and Joan are on the left of the witnessed Joan, John and my efforts!! Later on in the happy group photo below. week, things improved, and one day, Jan Brodie was able to record our group singing – with her Olympus http://youtu.be/pGuZwgqoUqY (Sore Fingers 2012) Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 20

FROM BARBARA PARKINSON: I was pleased to get to know Joan at the autoharp days, and in particular at Sore Fingers. She had such a love of music and was so keen for us autoharpists to join in the evening sessions in the bar and refectory. Her enthusiasm was catching and I have many happy memories of the fun shared, playing into the wee small hours with her and John. We will miss you Joan.

Joan surrounded by her friends at Sore Fingers October Weekend 2011. All photos supplied by Nadine White and Sue Edwards. AND FINALLY, A TRIBUTE FROM MOIRA WIRTZ For those who don’t know me I am Moira Wirtz my ticket office for me she very charmingly agreed who, together with my partner John, run Sore to be Head Cashier. My joy and relief were quite Fingers Summer Schools and, until recently, indescribable because the ticket office had hitherto Didmarton Bluegrass Festival. been my worst headache. With no volunteers It all started at Sore Fingers Week several years wishing to take on such a responsibility, most of ago when a petite blond lady thanked me for making my time was taken up with ticketing and cashiering a lovely name badge for her, saying it was nearly issues thereby causing me to miss virtually the whole right but had John’s name on it instead of her own. festival. In what I now know was typical fashion, when I Joan picked up the procedures, added her own insisted on replacing it, she urged me not to go to recommendations and, over the years, bound the trouble. She understood that sometimes tasks together a strong and reliable team of cashiers who which seem simple often require much more skill ran things with smooth competence. and resource than face value would suggest. Things ran so well under Joan’s calm and Sure enough the administrative pantomime methodical management I hardly had to think about ensuing between the names of John & Joan McNally it during festivities. She had released me to enjoy on a badge could well be mistaken for the origins of so much more of this event into which I invested so a well known Optician’s “Should have gone to” strap much preparation. line. I don’t think I ever did manage to get her badge Joan’s passing coincided with our decision to give right! up running Didmarton. However, if we had decided Following on from that we bumped into John to continue I don’t know how I would have coped and Joan at various gatherings and spent some jovial without her. She was a highly capable lady who times talking about running events. could calmly take on anything presented to her and We discovered Joan was a professional figure make it work pleasurably. in the administrative process of running the large Very much appreciated and sorely missed, I will events held at Kemble Airfield where Didmarton always remember Joan for her kind understanding, Bluegrass Festival is also held. intelligence and hugely valued support. When I half jokingly asked her if she would run Moira Wirtz, SFSS & DBF

Joan’s favourite tune was The Dark Island and we have the publisher’s permission to reprint it on the next page. Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 21

THE DARK ISLAND Writers: Iain MacLachlan & David Silver © 1963 Westminster Music Limited of Suite 2.07, Plaza 535 Kings Road, London SW10 0SZ International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

A(Am)way to the (Em)west ward I’m (C)longing to (G)be, Where the beauties of (Em)heaven un(G)fold by the (D)sea Where the (Am)sweet purple (Em)heather blooms (C)fragrant and (G)free On a hilltop high a(D)bove - The Dark (C)Is(G)land

Chorus Oh, (G)isle of my childhood, I’m (C)dreaming of (G)thee, As the steamer leaves (Em)Oban and (G)passes Ti(D)ree Soon I’ll (Am)capture the (Em)magic that (C)lingers for (G)me When I’m back once more u(D)pon - The Dark (C)Is(G)land

So (Am)gentle the (Em)sea breeze that (C)ripples the (G)bay Where the stream joins the (Em)ocean and (G)young children (D)play On the (Am)strand of pure (Em)silver I’ll (C)welcome each (G)day And I’ll roam forever (D)more - The Dark (C)Is(G)land

True (Am)gems of the (Em)Hebrides (C)bathed in the (G)light Of the mid-summer (Em)dawning that (G) follows the (D)night How I (Am)yearn for the (Em)cries of the (C)seagull in (G)flight As they circle high a(D)bove - The Dark (C)Is(G)land It’s almost here: Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 22 Have you ordered your copy yet? UK AutoharpsUK Autoharp’s FIRST CD FIRST CD ● 21 tracks – contributed by 21 UKA Members including Mike Fenton, Heather Farrell-Roberts, Nadine Stah White, George Haig, Bob Ebdon, and many more ● 6 original compositions, plus old favourites - tunes, songs, old time, bluegrass, folk and swing ● Tunes from Germany, Ireland, Norway, Britain and America Available NOW, also at Autoharp Days Only £10 + p&p See order form below or contact Neil Gillard T: 01963 363816, E: [email protected]

21 tracks – contributed by 21 UKA Members  Please complete the order form below and send your payment to: Mike Fenton,Neil Gillard,Heather 7 Brimble Farrell Cottages, Roberts, Stourton Caundle,Nadine Sturminster Stah Newton, Dorset, DT10 2JS  White, George Haig, Bob Ebdon, plus many more 6 original compositionsOrder Form For UK Autoharps CD – Autoharp Britannia  Old favourites - tunes, songs, SToldRIC time,TLY CASH blue WITH grass, ORDER  folk, swing Name: ______Tunes from Germany, Ireland, Norway, the UK Please reserve ____ Autoharp Britannia CDs @ £10 each total: £ ______ and the USA * I will collect these at Tewkesbury on 22nd March. * ______(name) will collect them for me at Tewkesbury. Available on and after Launch Day - 19th * Please post them to me at: ______October 2013(* delete – atas applicable) the Sherborne ______UKA Day. ______Taking pre-orders now – a steal______at £10 + p&p Post code: ______

See orderPackage form and posting:or ring £1.50 01963 for 1 CD, 363816 £3.65 for up to 6 CDs, (01795 - larger 472214 orders seek after price 19fi rstth October) £ ______TOTAL: cheque/cash (cheques payable to UK Autoharps please) £ ______Do you want to promote the autoharp in your area?

Why not have Mike Fenton, specialist in ‘hands-on’ concerts and workshops for schools, folk clubs, arts centres and village halls, come and do a practical afternoon session and concert evening in your locality?

The cost may not be anywhere near what you might expect, especially if accommodation is on offer. Why not contact Mike to talk about the possibilities?

Also on offer: Mike and Rachel Fenton offer autoharp tuition, one-on-one, in their Herefordshire country cottage, complete with accommodation and meals. Suggested visits are over two days with a one or two night stay. Contact Mike for prices. Mike and Rachel also feature mountain dulcimers in concert E: [email protected] T: 01432 851192 www.harperscraft.com

MikeFentonA4ad.indd 1 10/02/2014 12:34 Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 24

Suppliers of autoharps & autoharp ‘Autoharp-Friendly’ Clubs/Sessions spares/sundries Please help us to update and expand this list by letting us Mike Fenton – Mike is based in Herefordshire but have details of other sessions or clubs in your area. We hope travels to bookings around the UK. Contact Mike on that this is only the start of a long and evolving list! 01432 851192 or email him at: fen.lonesomedove@virgin. DORSET. The Baker Arms in Child Okeford (between net or visit his website www.harperscraft.com Sturminster Newton and Blandford), second Thursday Mike supplies autoharp recordings (including his own) of the month. 8pm. Run by Charles and Sammy Upton. autoharp spares (strings, felt, springs, etc.) and Mainly folk. can supply new Oscar Schmidt autoharps and sometimes DORSET. The Trooper, Stourton Caundle (between secondhand autoharps. Sherborne and Sturminster Newton), 2nd Sunday (mainly Alec Anness – based near Ely, Cambridgeshire. songs) and 4th Sunday (mainly tunes). Both 8pm-ish. Contact Alec on 01353 863442 or email him at John (songs) or Mandy (tunes) Waltham, 01963 362890. [email protected] or visit his website Quite traditional English, but anything folkish goes. www.alecanness.co.uk DORSET. The Plough at Manston (between Sturminster Alec manufactures new autoharps (chromatic or diatonic) Newton and Blandford,), 4th Thursday. 8pm. Run by and supplies spares and a repairs/ restringing service. Dave and Edna. HERTS, Hemel Hempstead, on 1st Tuesday of the month UK-based performers who feature at 8pm. Chris’s Banjo Bash welcomes all old time and the autoharp (available for booking) bluegrass instruments including autoharps. Contact Chris Mike Fenton – (see suppliers of autoharps above). Lawrance for venue details on 01442 215826 or email him Mike, a member of the ‘Autoharp Hall of Fame,’ tours the at [email protected] UK with a programme of workshops and performances Kent, The Barge Pub, Gillingham. Open stage for a wide in primary and secondary schools. He has various range of performance on the first Wednesday of every recordings available and can be booked for autoharp month – sound system with mic and the possibility to workshops and concerts. Contact Mike for details of plug in ’harps with electronic pickups, if desired. Contact performances in your area or to arrange a booking. Heather Farrell-Roberts on 01795 472214. Nadine Stah White – contact at 01988 501077 or London SW17. The Court Session operates on Friday email at [email protected]. Nadine performs and sings nights, except major holidays and mid-summer. At the with the autoharp, folk music from the British Isles and Function Suite, St Boniface Social Club, 185 Mitcham old-time and traditional music from the USA. Nadine’s CD Road, Tooting SW17. [email protected] Here and Now is available direct from her. She also hosts a Shropshire/Mid-Wales border. The Breidden regular monthly meeting of autoharpers in her home near Sessions, monthly on the last Wednesday. A very friendly Whithorn. Contact her for details of the next meeting date and diverse session - anything as long as it’s acoustic. and information about any upcoming autoharp events in At the Breidden Hotel, Middletown on the A458 Scotland, as well as her one-on-one lessons. Shrewsbury/Welshpool road about a mile into Wales. Heather Farrell-Roberts – Contact at 01795 Details: Chris “Yorkie” Bartram 01938 570535 or email 472214 or email [email protected]. Heather’s [email protected] ‘Regulars include several well- CD’s Purple Heather and A Knot of Ribbons are available known folk musicians but there is a fine welcome for total from her. Performance bookings by arrangement. beginners. We meet for friendship not to show off.’ Bob Fish – T: 07463 639029, email [email protected] SOMERSET. The Half Moon at Horsington (near Singer/songwriter and autoharpist, Bob has been in the Wincanton), 1st Wednesday of the month. 8.30pm. music business for most of his life and his claim to fame Richard and Anna, [email protected]. Folk or is that he was lead singer in the hit band DARTS. These anything goes. days Bob is part of two duos, White Doves and Frankie SOMERSET. 3rd Thursday, at Templars Arms, McGuire & Bob Fish. He has taught autoharp in the States Templecombe, 8pm. Booked 10 to 15 minute slots. Peter - CAG (California Autoharp Gathering, MLAG (Mount and Kate Abbott, 01963 32125. Anything acoustic goes. Laurel Autoharp Gathering) in Pennsylvania, CGOTH (Common Ground On The Hill) in Maryland and here in West Yorkshire - Alan Morrison in West Yorkshire Britain at UKA weekend workshops. is organising a regular get together in a local pub. For details please email him: [email protected] George Haig – email [email protected] Winner of Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering 2005 and Winner of Winfield 2007. George offers his unique style with a Scottish flavour. Contact George for performance bookings. Autoharp Notes Spring 2014 Page 25

TEWKESBURY AUTOHARP DAY Saturday 22nd March 2014, from 10.30am Tirlebrook Primary School, Brensham Road, Tewkesbury GL20 8EW (close to Junction 9, M5) Hosted by Mike & Rachel Fenton Workshops include: Beginners Guy Padfield Chromatic Mike Fenton Diatonic Heather Farrell-Roberts

For further details contact Neil or see the website [email protected] www.ukautoharps.org.uk

Autoharp Notes Editor FORTHCOMING EVENTS All contributions for Autoharp Notes are welcome! Please Sore Fingers Summer School send your article/s to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send me hard copy, photographic 13th-18th April 2014 prints (which I can scan and return to you) or phone me Tutors: Karen Mueller & on 01494 721948. Heather Farrell-Roberts Next issue copy date: 31st May. Mr Fix It: Greg Schreiber UKA President Neil Gillard, email [email protected] Gargrave Autoharp Festival T: 01963 363816 27th-29th June 2014 UKA General Enquiries Contact Patrick O’Sullivan For information on the organisation UK Autoharps and or Neil Gillard autoharp-related activity in the UK contact Sue Edwards on 01453 750513 or email [email protected] Scottish Autoharp Weekend UKA Membership Secretary/Treasurer 8th-10th August 2014 For UKA membership information, and to join or renew Hosted by Nadine Stah White your membership contact Terry Pearson on 01329 318122 or email [email protected] East Sheen Autoharp Day UKA Events Organiser 20th September 2014 As this position is currently vacant, Neil is the Hosted by Guy Padfield best person to contact for the time being: email [email protected] Sore Fingers October Weekend T: 01963 363816 End of October 2014 UKA Website Tutor: Mike Fenton www.ukautoharps.org.uk