Ashley Allerton is the Branch Chairman and Secretary. If you would like any further information, please contact him by email () or phone (07725 093160).
Our Treasurer is Peter Macklin (Email: ).
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