We are very sorry to announce the sudden death on 25th February 2025 of our Treasurer, Peter Macklin.
Peter was born and brought up in Devizes, started playing the recorder at the age of 5, and continued throughout his life. In his earlier life he was involved in organizing and playing in festivals and playing-events in and around his home town.
After he came to Devon, he became involved with the Devon branch of the Society of Recorder Players (he was our Treasurer and Membership Secretary), the Exeter Recorder Orchestra and a smaller group, Pinwood Pipes.
He was a skilled player and was happy to play any part, which he always did with great enthusiasm.
I remember his telling us of how, as a small child, he would walk around the house playing his recorder, to his mother’s annoyance. Often when watching him play, his animation and obvious enjoyment reminded me of that small child!
Peter was also involved in the Shaftsbury Theatre in Dawlish and became Chairman of Devon Performing Arts Festival, but was soon drawn into acting as Treasurer. In all his activities, he willingly gave his time and skills as an accountant and organizer.
Peter’s sound judgement, cheerful disposition and hearty laugh made him a wonderful person to be with, and made any tricky situation so much easier to negotiate.
The Branch Chairman is Ben Westley, who can be contacted by email:
The Secretary is Lucy Marsland, who can be contacted by email:
The Treasurer is Wendy Barritt, who can be contacted by email:
Our Musical Director is Amanda Haste who can be contacted by email:
Amanda is an experienced musician who has tutored and led courses at all levels. She also has an extensive academic background and has lived, studied and worked in the UK and France.
Amanda is primarily a flute and saxophone player, performer and teacher, and a comparative newcomer to the recorder world, but is enjoying this new instrument and its challenges. She has been running the Sidmouth u3a Recorder Group since 2022, and enjoys exploring new repertoire.
The plan is for Amanda to conduct five half-day meetings over the year, plus we will have two visiting conductors, one for a recorder orchestra day, so that we can play a wider repertoire and make a wonderful sound! And we are looking at an additional meeting in July. For more details please see our Programme page.
Membership fees for 2025 – 2026:
Member: £55
Household: £70
Youth under 30 or in full time education: £20
Sessional fees For all participants:
Half-day meetings: Branch members, £5; Visitors, £10
Full-day meetings: Branch members, £5; Visitors, £20
Please see here for details of our venue