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.
Ashley Allerton is the Branch Chairman and Secretary. If you would like any further information, please contact him by email () or phone (07725 093160).
Following Peter Macklin’s passing, the Treasurer role will be handled by Ashley Allerton, until a permanent replacement can be found.
The banch has been in existence since the 1950s, started at the instigation of Brian Crispin, who with his wife Sally, was responsible for running the branch for many years. Sadly both have now moved on.
Eric Chapman was our Musical Director until 2000, and sadly has since also moved on. We have not had a Musical Director since, but have had many excellent visiting conductors. Nevertheless we have been concerned about the viability of the branch, though interest has increased recently.
However, Amanda Haste has now generously agreed to be our MD for the next year. Some people locally may already know her from her work with u3a.
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 fee for 2024 – 2025: £55
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