Hammers (and pluckers) in the Sticks, or how we went to Glastonbury
Neil Corbett, Nonsuch Club's Newsletter Editor

Well, Butleigh near Glastonbury actually. Over the end of May bank holiday (1996), we descended on Dove Workshops - birthplace of half of Nonsuch's dulcimers, for a camping weekend. Well some of us camped anyway! Some cheats stayed in assorted other dwellings and some came by day.

The general rule was music by day and food and jokes by night. Geoff Smith led the clever clogs in learning an arrangement of his composition, while Roger Frood did his usual sterling services in bringing on the beginners.

Out in the back workshop, with a view over the fields to Glastonbury Tor, a few intrepid souls learned Mountain Dulcimer the traditional way from Andrea Preston, ably supported by husband Mike on the banjo. (Yes, we did have banjo jokes).

Others pottered around Roger's workshop looking at machinery and bits of dulcimers, including an almost complete chromatic Silkie to a new design. Plenty of evidence here of Roger's precision working.

Back in the house, Bron conjured up superb food accompanied by the Froods' superb collection of CD's of European music, people wandered in and out making cups of tea and reading the papers. (and washing up!) Meanwhile pheasants strutted around the yard, while a motley gang sat on the grass for an impromptu tune session. Friends dropped in from Bristol, Sutton Coldfield and Dallas Texas (really!).

After dinner we sat round in the warmth of the wood burning stove (it was that chilly spell) and talked and laughed.

Are you getting the picture by now? Not so much a workshop, more a lovely relaxing house party.

A few more things you ought to know:
Geoff Smith is a superb pasta cook
He is also a rotten joke teller!
Geoff and the group in the main workshop had a hard time learning a difficult piece but everyone was delighted when they performed it on the Monday afternoon. A not very good tape is available for those who want to swank.
Mark "Attacco" Allen turns out to be a neat zither player
It's a long way to the pub!
Roger is invincible at 3D noughts and crosses.
Your MD plectrum / strummer makes a huge difference to the sound
Kathy & Neil Corbett are spartan campers and never touch a drop.
Next year? You bet!