Why not banish memories of grey skies, wind and rain and look forward to a convivial weekend of concertina playing, meeting friends, music, concert, ceilidh, sessions, Black Sheep bitter, walks, the comfort of Grinton Lodge and fantastic scenery - what more could one want!! As usual, everything will be centred on Grinton Lodge (a former shooting lodge) which is now a Youth Hostel, based just outside Reeth, in the picturesque setting of Swaledale. The venue is excellent for our purposes and we are made to feel very welcome. All accommodation is in bunk rooms (bedding provided) and meals are included for those in bunks (with or without the Friday evening meal which will be served at 7.30pm).

Campervans and tents are also welcome but, because the dining room is relatively small, campers are asked to use the self-catering kitchen. There are also many B&Bs in the area if you would like more comfort/privacy - please let me know if you’d like a list. You are welcome to bring your own alcohol to the ceilidh but not to consume at Grinton Lodge.

Friday consists of a walk in the afternoon (for those who can make it), a meal at 7.30 pm and informal sessions in the evening - a chance to unwind after your journey, play a few tunes and meet friends old and new. I will also put on a couple of kegs of Black Sheep! There will be workshops on Saturday and Sunday, a mini-concert on Saturday featuring Pauline de Snoo, Stuart Estell and friends, a ceilidh on the Saturday evening, featuring ‘spots’ from participants, and a farewell concert on Sunday afternoon, including tutors’ ‘spots’. The ceilidh & concert will be held at Reeth Memorial Hall. Families and friends are welcome too - they may enjoy the area’s many craft shops, tearooms and outstanding walks.

The line up of tutors is as good as ever. We’re pleased to welcome back Alistair Anderson (English): “Alistair’s Tunes”, “Tunes & Styles of Will Atkinson” and “Developing Technique on the English Concertina” and Michael Hebbert (Duet): “Liberating the Left Hand”, “ Slow Airs from Around the World” and “Busking Master Class”. This year I’m also delighted to welcome Kate McNamara (Anglo). Kate, who lives in Co. Clare, is a young student of Mary MacNamara’s and comes highly recommended by Mary. She will lead workshops on “East Clare Style”, “How to Play Irish Music on the Anglo” and “Appropriate Use of Ornamentation in Traditional Irish Music”. You can listen to her wonderful playing on the “Anglo International” 3 CD set. Stuart Estell is also going to be joining the tutors this year and will give a workshop on “Serving the Song” and, of course, our team of regular tutors will also be there: Harry Scurfield (Anglo): Anglo Technique, “Heart and Art in Music” and “Old & Unusual Recordings” (please let me know if you have any and I’ll advise Harry); Paul Walker (Anglo & English): “Waltzes and Minuets”, “Has your Playing reached a Plateau?” and “A Performance based on ‘In C’ by Terry Riley” and Pauline de Snoo (English): “Playing Classical Music” and “How to Study Complex Musical Phrases”. 0nce again our part playing specialists will be Carolyn Wade who will conduct “The Band” and Dave Ball who will be leading “Playing in Parts” and “Just the Two of You - Playing in Pairs”.

Youth Hostel prices have risen again and I have had to reflect this in the fees. As I am busier than ever this year, I would very much appreciate receiving booking forms, deposits, balances, any odd requests etc in good time. Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries - I look forward to seeing you there!

Jane Edwards
63 Wrenbeck Drive
Otley  LS21 2BP
Great Britain

Tel: +44 (0) 1943 463804

NEW E-mail: wrenbeck@onetel.net

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