Essex Branch
We have held our first face to face meeting at St George’s Church Hall in Brentwood on 4 September, when 15 Branch members turned up to enjoy the sound of real music. Our AGM took place on Monday 6 September, it was short and lively. The existing Branch committee existing of Madeline, Liz, Christine, Annelies and Janet has been reelected and we have one new member: Peter Walker.
On 5 February 2022 we much enjoyed a playing day with Ian Wilson as our guest conductor. We rehearsed a number of pieces, including Schein, Handel, Philips and the Pearls of Essex. We ended up with a mini-concert for ourselves.
On Sunday 7 August 12 members of the Essex Branch played in the courtyard of Ingatestone Hall, following on with our tradition. We much enjoyed it as we did the cream tea afterwards.
On 1st October The Essex Branch received a pastoral visit from Michael Graham, which was much enjoyed.
On Saturday 4 March 2023 we enjoyed a well-attended playing day with Helen Hooker.
Unfortunately we had to cancel our playing day on Saturday 3 June 2023, with Andrew Challinger as our conductor for reasons of ill health. However, we are very pleased that Sue Handscombe replaced him as our guest conductor and gave us a most enjoyable day with many challenges and lots of laughter.
On 6 August 13 of our members played in Ingatestone Hall as has been the tradition for many years and afterwards we enjoyed a cream tea.
On 22 August we sadly said farewell at the funeral service of Derek Duck who passed away on 8 August 2023. He had been a member of the Branch and served on the Committee as treasurer for many years. He was much liked because of his kindness and helpfulness to all of us, and in particular to new members and his astute observations about all things financial.
On 5 October 2024 a smaller than usual group of Essex SRP members joined a very worthwhile playing day with guest conductor Liz Alexander (local Suffolk musician, recorder player, singer, composer and music teacher). We especially enjoyed playing Liz’s own arrangements and compositions.
Our meeting on December 7 unfortunately has had to be cancelled because of the weather conditions.
Our next meeting date is Saturday January 4 2025 with the following programme:
Rutter (Nicki’s arrangement) Jesus Child SAATBGb PDFs circulated
Corelli Pastorale SAT(B)Gb ms
Pennick A Carol Suite SopSSAATTBB Hawthorns RA92
Meeting dates in 2025: February 1, March 1, March 22 (Ian Wilson), April 5, May 3, June 7 and July 5
THE SOCIETY OF RECORDER PLAYERS
Saturday March 22, 2025, St. George’s Church Hall, Ongar Road, Brentwood CM15 9EE
It is with great pleasure that we will welcome Ian Wilson to conduct a playing day at Essex SRP Branch on 22 March 2025.
Coffee and welcome from 10:00 Morning session 10:30 am to 1 pmAfternoon session 2 pm to 4:30 pm (including a short tea break)
There is a small car park at the hall and kerbside parking nearby. There is easy access from the M25 (J28) and the A12. Brentwood Station is about 1.5 miles away and Shenfield Station about 2 miles – taxis available at both.
Tea and coffee will be provided. Bring your own packed lunch.
Please contact us ( or 079 293 292 70 for further information.
The Society of Recorder Players Essex Branch Playing Day Saturday 22 March 2025.
Essex Branch Members £10; other guests £15. Please pay by bank transfer if possible (sort code 54 21 25, account no 25 92 5725) Reference MC + your surname) or by cheque payable to Society of Recorder Players Essex Branch and return at a meeting or to Liz Day, 3 Oakleigh Park Drive, Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 1RP
Application Form:
Name __________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________
Postcode ___________________________________________________
Tel No ___________________________________________________Email ___________________________________________________
The Essex Branch will organise a SRP workshop “Crossing the Boundaries” with Helen Hooker on 15 November 2025!
Details to follow.