"York Winter Warmer"

Indeed it was!  (except for the weather!)  Having attended Launde for the first time last year, and found it tremendously stimulating and motivating, I attended the York meet with much anticipation, which was justified, and more!  I was too late applying for accommodation, but was able to travel up each day.  Perhaps another time I will be able to stay, it looks very comfortable.  Anyway, I was made very welcome by Ken and Sandra, and on the first morning, I was quickly involved, by Jenny, in rehearsing for the performance at York Minster. This was an exciting experience, which I really enjoyed, and it seemed to appeal to those who stopped to listen in the Minster.  (Apologies to Liz Law, who got her feet wet, travelling in my borrowed car!  the car has now been fixed, so I hope your feet have dried out!)

The atmosphere at Ascot Lodge was very relaxed, friendly and welcoming, and I enjoyed getting to know more names and recognising faces.  The hammered dulcimer workshops with Christie Burns were, for me at least, extremely helpful, stimulating and encouraging.  She is a very talented player, and brings great enthusiasm to her playing, and to her workshops, giving attention to the individual as well as the group as a whole.  I've managed to remember the tunes she taught us, and am trying to practise them every day. (Never the same two days running!)  My husband tells me I have learnt new techniques since York, so thanks must be to Christie, for the variety in her choice of tunes, and her ability to portray how they should sound, in a manner to which we lesser mortals were able to apply ourselves.

Having obtained a copy of the Easy Peasy Tune Book, as suggested by Jenny, I practised from the book as often as I could, and so I was really able to enjoy playing during the evening session on the Saturday.  With at least 20 of us squeezed into the dining room, it was quite an experience to play along with so many of you, who make such a wonderful sound.  I am so glad I was able to participate.  I think the Nonsuch Tune made the evening for me.

It was altogether a great week-end, and I would just like to thank Jenny, Sandra and Ken, and Liz and Christie for their workshops, which were so beneficial, and to everyone for being so friendly. I look forward to meeting up with you again, and sharing more music and ideas.  And if anyone lives anywhere near the north, and has not attended the northern York meet, I would highly recommend it!!