Na Píobairí Uilleann

Chairman, NPU

An Píobaire

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9 3 15 20130712 15 ~ SOUTH DOWNS UILLEANN PIPERS ~ T HE INAUGURAL TIONÓL of the South Downs Uilleann Pipers took place on St.Patrick’s Week- end Saturday 15th March with Neillidh Mulligan doing us the honour of coming over to take classes during the day and to play at our evening concert. There were fourteen pipers attending from as far away as Wales, London and Milton Keynes. Everyone was left with some fantastic insights into advancing their skill on the pipes. During the lunch break Rick Lines en- tertained the Tionól with a collection of piping 78s played on a wind-up Gramo- phone. It was both humbling and inspir- ing to hear the stunning technique of the old pipers such as Tom Ennis and Patsy Touhey. For the evening concert the audience was treated to a splendid variety of acts: Sarah Malleson and Robin Middleton played some delightful tunes on flute and piano respectively, Steve Turner, SDUP’s finest, did a fantastic job of introducing the pipes to a novice audience and gave a splendid rendition of some piping classics. This was followed by a tidy set of slides and polkas from the Kerry tradition with Frances Marriott and Rowan Marriott on fiddle with Ashley Jones on Tenor Banjo. For his set Neillidh’s was playing a gorgeous B set and his skill and charm were a winning combination for everyone. His choice of tunes, some of which he dedicated, gave a fantastic insight into the range of the Uilleann pipes for an audience many of whom came from St.Mary’s congregation and who had never heard the pipes played. Special sessions had been arranged in two local pubs, The Five Bells on Friday and the Queen’s Head on Saturday. Despite the clash with St. Patrick’s Day both were well attended by excellent musicians. A very big vote of thanks to the Rev. David Beale for the use of the Church and facilities, and the won- derful people of West Chiltington who provided a full house and who gave an enthusiastic response to the the music on offer. It was gratifying that SDUP was able to make a substantial donation to the Church Credit for the success of the event must go to Mar- tin Littleboy, ably assisted by sidekicks Steve Turner and Chris Walker. Needless to say Martin’s wife Ali was an essential part of the every aspect of the week- end. Perhaps the other notable feature of the day was the fantastic food provided by Cakes Galore, a fan- tastic lunch, amazing interval refreshments at the concert, all were wonderful. Book early for next year’s Tionól as we have been promised bacon and I can’t wait to see what they do with that! Chris Walker. Back Row; Ashley Jones; Andy Tabona; Sarah Malleson; Martin Littleboy; Steve Turner; Phil Garrod & Rick Lines. Front : Will Flewett; Chris Walker; Andy Hodgkinson; Neillidh Mulligan; Jed Dawson; Jenny Harrison & Andy Parrish. Chris Walker

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