Portobello’s Fun Fiddle at 20!

Based at the Wash House, Fun Fiddle offers groups and lessons to adults and children of all ages. Over the years we have built strong friendships and connections, both within the organisation, and amongst local community, playing for many events such as street parties, local festivals, end of term at the schools, Porty Market, and busking on the prom.  This year has been filled with celebration as it’s been 20 years since Fun Fiddle started as a wee group back in 2003.

I invited fiddlers to write something for this blog, capturing what being part of Fun Fiddle has meant to them over this twentieth year, and here’s what people had to say:

‘Fun Fiddle is as inclusive as it is successful. Some of the players are very accomplished, some beginners; all are welcome in an enterprise that is fully and warmly embedded in its local community. I remind myself frequently that I am astonishingly lucky to have such a thing happening just down the road.’ (Michael)

What I have loved over the last year has been playing with other people on a Thursday evening. As well as practicing this offers opportunities for listening to each other and I think improves how we play together! Our anniversary ceilidh at the Wash House was fabulous fun. Can't believe how long we have been going.  Playing in the community has been great; at the Towerbank ceilidh, Mentone Street party and the Porty Market! I have, and continue to, build warm and lovely friendships with people.  It has also been so lovely to welcome new people who want to play; the young people joining us and the new beginners as well as more experienced players. 

‘It's great to have the opportunity to play with a group of enthusiastic musicians lead by outstanding teachers. I especially enjoy playing at local events and watching everyone dancing to our music. It's also fantastic therapy: I feel as high as a kite after each session.’ (David) 

I have found the tutored sessions particularly good over the past year. Once every four weeks; how lucky are we?! Also would like to note the workshop led by Marie Campbell on Pulse.  She gave a tip which, despite playing for a few years now, I had never thought about .... the left fingers lead and the bow will follow ... I think Ros said to me a long time ago ...it's about getting the tune under your fingers; so very true from both wonderful teachers. I have tried to incorporate this into my practicing and playing. We are so lucky to now have Sarah Hoy as part of the teaching team; her father [the late Derek Hoy, accomplished fiddler], would be so very proud of her.  Special thanks to Roy; our wonderful guitarist. Having him accompanying us is absolutely fantastic, keeping us steady and adding to the depth of the tunes which is so encouraging. 

Finally, but most importantly, very special thanks to Gica for continuing her commitment to Fun Fiddle in Portobello. Without you, Gica, we wouldn't be Fun Fiddle!’

Loraine

You can find out more about us at www.funfiddle.co.uk