Belper Recorders Group (BRG)

BELPER Recorders Group (BRG) was recently presented with an £800 cheque by DCC Cllr Peter Makin, at a group meeting held in Strutt’s Centre, Derby Road, Belper.

The group first formed in 2014 following an earlier Spring workshop that year.  Verity Thompson became the Musical Director, and has led regular meetings from then onwards.  Membership has increased over the years, from nine to 17 and the group is open to new members and performance opportunities.

Councillor Peter Makin - who also has responsibility for Belper - is allocated an annual fund which he uses to support projects in his division. The money comes from the Members Community Leadership Scheme.

Last Christmas he visited the group’s Friends and Family performance and subsequently agreed to award Belper Recorders Group with a grant towards the cost of purchasing a Great Bass Recorder.  He said: “When I first came to your Christmas event, I had memories of school days, which wasn’t all that brilliant.  But what you do is fantastic. It really is. I was so impressed – and that is sincerely meant. I want to thank all of you for the pleasure that you bring to all the local residents with the high standard of music.”

Chairperson Jasmine Wetton said: “We are extremely grateful for this substantial grant, which will help us to purchase our new instrument.  A Great Bass recorder will give members the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of recorder playing, enable us to widen our repertoire and therefore reach a wider audience.”

MD Verity Thompson said:  “The group is very keen to fully realise the potential of becoming a recorder ensemble and adding a Great Bass helps achieve that aim. It will also help to develop our players’ skills. I feel privileged to work with people who are committed to continually challenge themselves.”

Belper Recorders Group meet every fortnight at Strutt’s Centre, Derby Road, Belper, DE56 1UU.  Forthcoming events include a Tudor recorders workshop led by Society of Recorder Players (SRP) conductor Moira Usher, on Saturday May 11, 10.30am to 4.30pm, £12 per ticket. BRG is also playing at Duffield Arts Festival and Belper’s Larks in the Parks later this year.

For further details on events, or to book for the SRP Tudor workshop, please visit the group’s Facebook page – or contact Marianne Hulse on 01332 781 991.

(Photo taken by Richard Palmer)

 

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