FYI

Ladies and Gentlemen , we would like to announce the formation of the South Downs Uilleann Pipers (SDUP) as it was decided that it would be useful to create an informal club/focus for uilleann pipers, and those interested in the pipes, in the South/South East of England. Our objectives are very similar to those of SWAUP, and we hope the activities of both groups will be complementary and serve to develop an interest in uilleann piping across the South (Coast) of England.

We plan initially to meet on the first Saturday of each month in West Sussex, and our first gathering will take place on Saturday 7th January 2012 starting at 1130 am. We have secured the use of a dedicated room(1130-1800) at The Maypole Inn at Yapton (Maypole Lane, Yapton, Arundel, BN180DP). The pub is located in the village of Yapton which lies just South of the main A27 about 3.5 miles from Arundel.

The format for gatherings will be informal and we hope to attract a wide spread of pipers of all levels of experience and ability,including beginners, and even those simply interested in the pipes and traditional Irish music. We plan for each meeting to include opportunities fortuition, group playing, and an informal ‘Pipers’ Chair’ to provide individuals with the opportunity to perform for their peers. Steve Turner (pipesofireland.com) has kindly agreed to make his reedmaking expertise available to the group and to provide tuition, in particular for those starting out on the pipes. The pub, which serves food throughout the afternoon, will be charging us £25 for the use of the room and we shall request a contribution from attendees at each meeting to cover this modest cost.

Although we are based in West Sussex we would of course welcome visiting pipers from any region and hope occasionally to welcome some ‘top names’ from Ireland in particular. Discussions are ‘ongoing’ as to whether it will be possible to organise an annual Tionol in due course.

We do hope you will be able to support this new initiative. If you have the opportunity to pass on this e-mail, or the information contained in it, to any other pipers in your area that would be much appreciated.

For more info contact : martali(AT)littleboy.go-plus.net

At just a bit over 100 miles nice and local for me

Hello,

I think this new association has great potential to serve and support pipers in the south and south-east UK. We visited the pub on Saturday and there is a very spacious and comfortable bowling alley where the association will meet, and the pub seems nice, and does real ales too. If I remember correctly, the pub already holds acoustic nights, so is used to musicians.

Here's hoping for a good first meeting in January.

Steve

Just wanted to thank the organisers of the inaugural meeting of the South Down Pipers Club for a great day of music yesterday. We had a good turnout of 10 pipers, playing to a high standard indeed. Lots of great tunes played together and solo, great conversation and exchange of experience, and instruction for newer players. I definitely look forward to attending these meetings as often as I can.

Cheers and well done!
Rick

Hi, just back from the Febuary meet. It was a fantasic and welcoming day, especially as i don't play uilleann pipes, but needed to know more about how to play in an irish style.

A big thanks to the organisers. Hope to see you all again soon,

Dave R

meeting this saturday?

anyone going from Reading or Berkshire?

Another great meeting this month. Lots of tunes to learn.....managed to break my fear of reels a bit as well.

Nice to meet John from Berkshire


Dave