Big Changes Coming. Dale Bids Adieu.

Friends,

I write to let you know that I’ve been working with Blayne Chastain of the Irish Flute Store toward the mutual goal of having him become the new owner of the Chiff & Fipple domain name and this board. We’ve reached an agreement, and that transition is underway.

From my end, there are two reasons for stepping away from ownership of C&F. First, for the past 20+ years, I’ve devoted more and more of my time to poetry. I now own and operate, along with a team of editors, several literary journals. My involvement in C&F has steadily declined—which is why some of you may have no idea who I am! (Although, for reasons to weird and wonderful to get into, my literary publishing efforts started as a spin-off of this board.)

Second, my technical knowledge and ability to maintain the board are no longer up to the task. They never were, really. The board runs on phpBB, a platform that is fading in favor of newer ones. The board’s sheer size and age, combined with my limited understanding of databases, mean I simply can’t keep the board running as it needs to.

Blayne, a long-time member of the board, has the skill and the vision to carry C&F forward. He and I have had many conversations, and I’m confident he will not only keep the board going but also nurture it as a true online community. He has an excellent sense of the history and “vibe” of the board. There will be changes, as there must be, but I trust him to honor C&F’s legacy as a storied gathering place for trad musicians. In fact, I turned down approaches from other businesses precisely because I didn’t share the same confidence in them. Blayne will update you as this transition unfolds—so stay tuned.

I’ll pop in now and then. But as I look toward turning 70 next year, I reflect with joy and gratitude on my years with C&F. I’ve made many friends, and I believe both the original website and this forum have been useful and enjoyable to countless players. Perhaps, in some small way, they even enriched the trad music scene. I’m proud of C&F, and proud of all of you—especially the long-time members who’ve contributed so much. This community has enriched my life.

My special thanks go to Jason Novak (Nanohedron, now retired) and Ben Hall, who have moderated the board faithfully for many years. Ben, still here, is a true pal, and I’ll always be grateful.

May the tunes, the laughter, and the friendships we’ve shared here carry on in every corner of the world where a whistle, flute, or fiddle is lifted. And yes, even the pipes—which aren’t lifted, of course, but set across the lap while the piper does that strange arm-pumping with the squeezy thing.

Farewell and blessings—and keep the music alive, here and in your hearts.

With love,

Dale
The Undisputed King of Internet Tinwhistle Journalism
aboard DaleForceOne, August 2025

A huge thank you, Dale! C&F was already a venerable community when I first arrived about 13 years ago, and it has remained my go-to place on the internet for flute chat. You’ve done a massive service and built a wonderful community, and I can’t overstate my appreciation for it. I don’t personally like modern social media, so C&F is the only place where I “hang out” online . Knowing that it will have a future in the capable hands of Blayne Chastain is very encouraging!

So thanks again for the years of fun, and may there be many more!

Thanks for creating such a meaningful gathering place for the international flute community and all your years of dedication. Wishing you all the best on your new journeys!
Sincerely,
Russ

Dale: Music has always been of the most importance to me. I am rather old, but am still on stage with my current band. One of the instrument sets I play on stage are whistles - from low to high. My first Celtic Americana band was born in the very early 2000’s. Hammer dulcimer was my main instrument, but I soon became enamored of whistles. At an early concert in that era, a solo performer, who played during our intermission, came to me at the end of the concert. She said how much she had enjoyed our music. I asked her how she liked the whistle work, and she said I faked iTrad really well. Ouch. When she introduced herself, it became obvious that I had heard of her before - as an excellent harp, flute, and whistle teacher. Thus began a friendship, and my formal whistle education. For many years, I travelled a definitely long distance to take lessons from her. A few years before the pandemic took its toll, she told me that I did not fake it anymore. From her, that was huge praise…

During this time period, I learned about C&F. I ended up spending quite a lot of hours in these hallowed C&F Halls. And I learned so much, and met so many interesting and knowledgeable people. Post-pandemic, I have continued to visit the site, quite often, but have not often posted. Hopefully, Blayne’s continuation of the C&F magic will allow the friendships, humor, information, and general vibes of the place to prosper, continue, and grow.

Thank you, Dale. Personally, and professionally, you have helped me on quite a number occasions. I salute you, Sir. Be safe and well. It can be a jungle, out there.
Byll

Dale friend for more than a quarter of a century. You gave head start to a huge number of whistle players and makers. I’m one and very indebted to you. You once told my daughter her dad would be a famous whistle maker. I almost believed that for a while.
Blayne is a great choice!
Mack