I’m really excited because I’ve just realised we’ll be having a longer Flutewise Academy next weekend than I thought. It will be an hour longer because the clocks go back. Isn’t that just brilliant?! I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone.

I haven’t posted for ages, I know. It’s been quite  busy time – or maybe I’m just finding everything takes longer. Each magazine seems to take more out of me. It’s been over 21 years and I have a feeling I’m starting to run out of steam. I was pleased with this magazine. It was hard work and had problems (as always – there is always a different, unexpected problem with each magazine – this one – or actually two this time – were both down to the print company), but the end result is quite pleasing with a briliant cover. Since it’s been out I’ve had about 4 people saying how much they like it – FOUR! Not a lot. And only 14 people have entered the competition. So that’s why I’m starting to think is it worth all the work and effort we put into it?

But then we have our events – and they are so brilliant! I’m getting excited about our course at Ovingdean in a couple of weeks. I’ve managed to book some fantastic people to come and work with us. All the course members are in for a very special time. It will be good to be back at Ovingdean again, it’s quite sometime since we’ve been there.

I started a flute choir here in sunny Portslade, at our Town Hall. It wasn’t hugely attended, but I started, so that’s pretty important and I feel confident that numbers will grow. I was extremely thrilled that one of my old students came along. Sonia now lives in Italy and was over visiting her parents. I taught her during the smae years as I taught Philippe Barnes. They were fabulous years, with amazing young flute players who reached superb standards of playing. I feel so very lucky to still be in contact with them. Sonia came along for tea and a chat before flute choir and brought me some beautiful flowers and a huge box of chocolates. During flute choir I took her on a trip down memory lane and we warmed up to some of the pieces she played on a Saturday morning at muisc school with me – March of the Sacrecrows and Brian Boru’s March. Great stuff. We then started Zig Zag Zoo. I think whale noises will be heard in Italy next week.

I’ve spent a bit of time recently on a new activity – ukulele playing. My ukulele is a beautiful pink one. I was inspired to get one from Jonathan Myall recently after I went to an Ian Anderson gig in Worthing. Ian was brilliant as usual. The second half of the show opened with Fancy Toys, who are a really unique band and you should check them out. They use a ukulele. It’s great fun.

This week I’m off on holiday for a few days to sunny Somerset I think. If you read this, do leave a message.