Here is a report from one of our younger memebrswho attended the residential weekend at Kilve in October 2017 :-
My name is Steph, I am 13 years old and have been to West Country Concertina Players October Weekend at Kilve in Somerset twice with the help of a Bursary from the club.
I play the English concertina. The first time I went to Kilve I was the only young person and I was an absolute beginner and was loaned an instrument by the club, but I felt very welcomed and learnt lots and even came away with my own instrument!
This year, I went into the English Concertina ensemble group. Our tutor Sally taught us several tunes in different parts which we played to everyone at the showcase session on Sunday afternoon when each group demonstrates what they have learnt. Everyone is so kind, helpful and supportive. The weekend is amazing and filled with lots of laughs as well as learning and I would recommend it to anyone of any age who is interested.
There must be more young people who would like a chance to learn to play the Concertina if they knew about the opportunity. It would be great to have a group of young people playing concertinas together and learning some good tunes from the Oldies!