Any other UK harpers out there?

[lyn-boundy]

I’ve only just discovered this site and I’d love to chat to lever harpers of all ages etc but it would be especially nice to ‘meet’ other harpers who are close in age, location and/or experience to me. I live in Devon, am in my 50s, female and have been playing for just over a year. I’d also love to get to know anyone who might be thinking about going to the Keziah Thomas harp retreat some time in the next year or two (I believe it’s usually in July) and might like some company when they get there. I would love to go but am reluctant to do so when I won’t know anyone else there.

I’m currently playing a harpsicle but am in the process of having a gorgeous 34 string lever harp made to my own design which I’m incredibly excited about. Hoping that should be ready some time next month.

[andee-craig]

Hi Lyn,
I’m originally from the US but I live in Leeds now. A bit far from you, but if you’re ever in the area, let me know! I’m in my 40s and have been playing lever harp for 15 years. There are quite a few of us up north and we hold monthly play-togethers. I’m secretary of the Transpennine branch of the Clarsach Society. Google the Clarsach Society and see if there is a branch near you and you are sure to meet some other harpers a bit closer to you.

[lyn-boundy]

Hi Andee! How lovely to hear from another UK harper.

I’m so envious of you having a proper group of other harpers nearby. I have my delightful tutor to talk to about harps in general and also, now and then, the fabulous luthier who is making my new harp but I long to be able to compare notes with other beginners (not that you are one of those but it’s still very good to ‘meet’ you).

The Clarsach Society does have a South West branch but it is centred in Bristol, which is still a long way for me to get to any events they hold (I’m a bit restricted because of disability) though I am determined to make the effort to get to something at some point and it would be so nice to know somebody else who was there- though, having said that, I’m constantly googling for harp events anywhere in the country but never find any even that close. The idea of a monthly play-together sounds amazing.

Do you know if the CS has any plans ever to have a forum so that we can get to chat with other UK players? There are one or two of the bigger events that I would love to go to but it would be so good to chat to one or two other newbies who are also thinking of it.

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to reply to my post. I was beginning to think I was the only harper this side of the Atlantic!

[andee-craig]

A forum would be a nice idea–I can suggest it at our next committee meeting. I googled after I replied to you and realized your branch centered in Bristol, but perhaps there are other members closer to you? I’m no longer a beginner, that’s true, but I don’t forget what it feels like to be a beginner so feel free to ask me anything, chat, etc.

[lyn-boundy]

Thank you Andee. The harpers I’ve met so far have certainly been a friendly bunch. I’ll keep an eye on the CS to see how you get on with the forum suggestion.

[emma-graham]

Hi Lyn. Whereabouts in Devon are you? I’m just outside Exeter!!! I’m a professional harpist and teacher but I have lots of adult pupils learning the lever harp. If you are around Exeter on the 11th March there is an afternoon of harping at the Devon Performing Arts Festival. Morley harps will be exhibiting harps and music etc. Many of my older pupils will be taking part so do feel free to come along and say hi and meet us all. Details of the festival are here.
http://www.dpaf.org.uk/wp/

[lyn-boundy]

I was so excited to see your message, Emma! I’m in Plymouth (wave) and frequently come up to Exeter to visit friends. I had absolutely no idea about the harping afternoon at the DPAF so I’ll be studying the website closely and will do my best to get there – it sounds like just the kind of thing I’ve been looking for. If I do make it I’ll be sure to look you and your students up. Thank you so much for the info.

[phill-w]

Hello! I’m a UK harper as well. I live in West Yorkshire ( Bingley – not that you’ve likely heard of it) and work in Leeds. My mum lives in Exeter so I go down to Devon a lot, sometimes with harp!

[andee-craig]

Hi there phill!

[phill-w]

Hi Andee – that is a great picture of you playing the clarsach you’ve just posted on Facebook and secondly, are you doing anything for Harpists for Peace this year? I am hoping to!

Sorry for derailing the thread everyone!

[andee-craig]

Thank you! I can’t figure out how to add a pic on my profile here….I could do something for Harpists for Peace…what day does it fall on?

[lyn-boundy]

Hi Phill! Lovely to ‘meet’ you! Of course I’ve heard of Bingley – my Mum was from Castleford near Leeds though she moved to Devon when she married and I’ve lived here all my life but I’ve always felt a large chunk of Yorkshire in my blood. I also have family in Exeter.

Please derail all you like and tell us newbies more about Harps for Peace – I know nothing about it (though I’m about to start Googling frantically) and I’d love to be involved if it was possible.

[phill-w]

Hi Lyn! Strange coincidence – I was in Castleford earlier today!!

Harpists for Peace – Sun 21st April 2013. The idea is to play for an hour. Because the harp’s relaxing, it’s supposed to encourage people to think about peace: http://www.harpistsforpeace.com/

Last year we were away so I just took one of my lever harps and played where we were with a notice next to me saying it was for the peace event. Fortunately I didn’t get moved on!

I know there’s an idea of inviting local MPs but I very much doubt mine would be receptive to this idea AT ALL so I’m not too concerned about that. I think it would be great fun to play with someone else and we could both do a few bits and then a few bits together.

[lyn-boundy]

To be honest, I’m not convinced having my MP present would make me feel very peaceful at all but I do like the general idea. Not sure I’m fit for anyone else to hear yet but maybe next year.

[phill-w]

Lyn – what you said about your MP made me smile – mine is the fool who came out with the idea that disabled people are worth less than non disabled so I’m not keen on having him anywhere near me! But, I do think the idea is a good one. Sure we can’t tempt you to Yorkshire to join us?

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