Arran Concertina Event!

[Dick Glasgow]

Introduction

Inspired by the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the Scandinavian Squeeze In (SSI), the idea grew to start a similar event on Arran.

At the 2004 SSI the idea was launched and so the first Arran Concertina Event (ACE) took place in 2005 on the Isle of Arran, from October 7 - 9.

Impressions of the ACE 2008

The next Arran Concertina Event will be held from 2nd to 5th October 2009.

Cheers
Dick

[Dick Glasgow]

I've just heard from Samantha.

The next Arran Concertina Event will be held from 2nd to 5th October 2009.

Arran Concertina Event 2009
2nd to 5th October 2009

The Arran Concertina Event 2009
Date: 2nd to 5th October 2009

The Arran Concertina event is a relaxed and informal gathering of concertina players of all abilities, and anyone else who is concertina-tolerant. Other instrumentalists and non-players are welcome. The cost of the event is £115 inclusive of accommodation and meals from Friday supper to Monday breakfast. For those not staying at the lodge, the cost is £60 for use of facilities and meals/tea/coffee excluding breakfast.
The main feature of the programme is that there is no programme! Themes and groups will depend entirely on the wishes and abilities of those taking part. This may or may not include “workshops” on song accompaniment, playing for dance, choice of material, particular styles of music or basic harmony or music theory. A popular feature in previous years has been the concertina band, for all systems and all abilities. Music files (dots or sound) for this will be sent out in advance to those that are interested.

Participants will arrive on the Friday afternoon and check into the lodge. In the evening there will be a relaxed jam session/singaround at a local pub. Saturday will be devoted to informal workshops on themes and subjects suggested by the participants. Local musicians will be invited to an open concert at the bunkhouse in the evening. There will be more music making on Sunday morning, followed by lunch. The weekend is rounded off with a trip to the local open folk session in Brodick on Sunday evening.

How to get here

The low-fare carrier Ryanair flies in to Prestwick Airport. From Prestwick it is about 22km to Ardrossan where you take the ferry to Arran. From Brodick to Kilmory Lodge it is another 20km. An alternative is flying to Glasgow which is about 50 km.
There is a direct rail link from Glasgow via Paisley Gilmour Street and Kilwinning to the ferry terminal at Ardrossan Harbour, and busses connect with each ferry to pass the door of Kilmory Lodge.
Ferry services are provided by Caledonian MacBrayne. To book a car on the ferry call 08705 650000. For ferry times and passenger fare information call 01294 463470.

Kilmory Lodge

Kilmory Lodge is a community owned hostel providing high quality dormitory style accommodation for group activities.
23 beds are provided in two eight-bed bunkrooms, one twin bunk-bedded room, and one three-bed room which is equipped for a disabled person. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, a drying room for outdoor clothing and rehearsal rooms.

Kilmory village

Kilmory village is located at the south-west tip of the Isle of Arran. There is excellent walking and mountain biking in the vicinity, and one of the best sandy beaches on the island is just a short walk away.
Although Kilmory is situated at a peaceful and remote corner of this lovely island, the local bus service from the ferry passes the bunkhouse door.

The Isle of Arran

Arran is situated off the Ayrshire coast in the south west of Scotland and is well protected by the Kintyre peninsula. The warm Gulf Stream gives the island a mild climate, resulting in a wonderful mix of vegetation with even some Mediterranean elements. The scenery offers everything that you can find in the rest of Scotland.

The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including walking and climbing, biking, bird watching, pony-trekking, hang-gliding, canoeing, and quad biking.

There is a wide range of delicious locally produced foodstuffs and beverages, with both a distillery and a brewery on the island. There are excellent local cheeses and a producer of high quality chocolates. Many of the hotels and restaurants offer local produce on their menus.
More on Arran can be found at websites like: www.visitarran.net/, www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/areaarra/ and www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/arran.htm.

How to book:

To reserve your place please write to or email Samantha Payn (Harefield, Shannochie, Isle of Arran, K27 8SJ, with your name and contact details, which system you play (if any!), and detailing your accommodation and dietary requirements. Nearer the time it would be useful to know which ferries you are planning to arrive and leave on so that lifts can be arranged if possible.

Samantha Payn, Harefield, Shannochie, Isle of Arran, KA27 8SJ
Phone:+ 44 (0)1770 820655

The next Arran Concertina Event

Or PM me for Samantha's E-mail address.

Cheers
Dick