Publicity Column

Sam Wilkinson Vice-Chair

When the Editor gave me the deadline for this column, I said to myself ‘is it that time again?’. I’ve normally got some thoughts brewing, but this time I hadn’t come up with anything. Days passed… and still nothing. I spent a week or so waiting for some inspiration, and then we received a very touching email from a member. As I’ve previously mentioned, HarmonicaUK has interacted with its members more than ever during the past year or so, and in previous months we have received many messages of appreciation. The weekly messages from the Chair (and others in the Executive Committee) have also been warmly welcomed and we are getting lots of positive feedback regarding the new-look Harmonica World magazine. So, on behalf of HarmonicaUK, I need to say a really BIG thank you to everyone for bearing with us, and to everyone that has supported our weekly programme of events, as well as attending the festivals. It’s clear to me that we now have a thriving harmonica community! Now back to the email. The sender gives an account of their harmonica playing over the years and mentions joining HarmonicaUK (then National Harmonica League) nearly ten years ago - ‘what a treasure I found’ are his words. His last paragraph sums up the feelings that come across in other messages of support. “I actually started this email with the intention of expressing my gratitude and appreciation to all of you for the good work you are doing. I just love the Friday Social Coffee Meeting and I hope that will carry on for years. Think of all the Saturday Workshops, how many different issues, and all the jolly participants from all over England and also the rest of the world. It is marvellous.”

Once again, thank you!

HarmonicaUK Lockdown Sessions - Playing/singing solo Part 1 - Jason Ricci