About UK Autoharps

There is a growing community of UK autoharpers who are interested in playing, attending workshops, meeting other players, and learning more about the instrument.

Founded in 2001, UK Autoharps has drawn together the skills, interest and enthusiasm of many individuals to ensure that a range of autoharp-related activity continues to develop in this country.

The aim of UK Autoharps is to promote the knowledge of and interest in the Autoharp and to help and encourage the development and playing skills of all the members.

As a member of UK Autoharps, you will:

· Pay a reduced admission fee for all UK Autoharps events.

· Receive news of workshops, performances and other events.

· Receive ‘Autoharp Notes’, the UK Autoharps newsletter.

· Have a chance to say what you would like to see happen.

Non-members:

· Can attend UK Autoharps events, by paying the non-member fee for the day.

· Can receive information by post or e-mail – send us your contact details.

· Can check this Website for details of most upcoming events (some are only open to members).

· Can join UK Autoharps!

For the Year 2008, Individual Membership is £12.00 and Family Membership is £17.00
Your first UK Autoharp Day will save the cost of joining !

For more information, Contact UK Autoharps

UK Autoharps (UKA) Facts and Figures

The society exists to promote the playing and enjoyment of the Autoharp

Membership fees help to ensue that UKA will continue to offer a range of events, activities, and services to its members and to anyone interested in the Autoharp including :-

· UK Autoharp Days

- with workshops and performances by local and international autoharpists – activities for all levels of experience and interest in the instrument.

- UK members attend at a special reduced fee

· Social (Members Only) workshops

- organised to help more experienced players develop their skills

· Contact with other UK autoharpists

- at events and through membership network

· The UK Autoharp Website

- a resource for anyone interested in the Autoharp. The site is regularly updated and provides a valuable portal into the world of Autoharping, with links to many other worldwide sites which specialise in Autoharp news and events.

· Loaner Autoharps

- Good quality Autoharps are available by arrangement to use at UK Autoharp days, and on short term loan to individuals who are new to the instrument.

· Autoharp Notes

- The newsletter of UK Autoharps, with reports, feature articles, news, songs and tunes.

· Support for other Events

- “Autoharp Taster Days” for absolute beginners, and “Sore Fingers Summer School Week” for all levels of experience.

Suppliers of Autoharps, spares, repair services and sundries

Mike Fenton – Based in Ross on Wye – Hereford – supplies Autoharps recordings, new Oscar Schmidt autoharps, second hand autoharps, and Autoharp spares (strings, felts, springs etc) Mike also provides a comprehensive Autoharp workshop for schools.

Tele 01989 762307

E Mail fen.lonesomedove@virgin.net Web site: www.harperscraft.com

Chris Younger – Based Nr Towcester – Northamptonshire – Supplies Oscar Schmidt autoharp spares, and spares for “Luthier” autoharps. Chris offers a repair or alterations for Autoharps (a discounted rate for UKA Members) as well as making new autoharps.

Tele 01327 830476

E Mail chrisyounger@amserve.com

Alec Anness – based nr Ely – Cambridgeshire – Manufactures new Autoharps (Chromatic or Diatonic) and supplies Spares and a repairs/restringing service.

Tele 01353 863442

E Mail Alec.anness@homecall.co.uk and at www.alecanness.co.uk

UK based Autoharp Performers, Tutors and Specialists

Heather Farrell-Roberts – contact Heather for performance bookings or to obtain a copy of her CD Purple Heather. Heather was second at Mountain Laurel in 2004

Tele 01634 819863 E Mail heather@farrell.roberts.freeserve.co.uk

Mike Fenton – A member of the “Autoharp Hall of Fame”. Mike tours the UK with a programme of workshops and performances in Primary and Secondary schools. He can be booked for autoharp workshops and concerts. Contact Mike for details of performances, school bookings and copies of his many CD’s.

Tele 01989 762307 E Mail fen.lonesomedove@virgin.net

Bob Fish – Singer/Songwriter and autoharpist. Contact Bob for performance bookings – his new CD is due for release in 2006

E Mail bob.electricfish@virgin.net

George Haig – Winner of Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering and runner up at Winfield 2005, George offers his unique style with a Scottish flavour, contact George for performance bookings

E Mail george.haig@amserve.com

Nadine Stah White – Based in Galloway Nadine performs and sings with the Autoharp folk music from the British Isles, and Old Time and Traditional music from the USA. Contact Nadine for bookings, one to one lessons or to obtain her CD “Here and Now”

E Mail Nadine@ifwtech.co.uk

UK Autoharps – Main Contacts

UK Autoharps – President

Heather Farrell – Roberts

Tele - 01634 819863

E Mail - heather@farrell-roberts.freeserve.co.uk

UK Autoharps – Vice President

Maryann Vagg

Tele - 01449 673364

E Mail maryannvagg@hotmail.com

UK Autoharps – Membership Secretary

Terry Pearson