An informal group of guitar lovers

We’re an informal, friendly group of guitar lovers, mostly classical players but not exclusively so. Whether you play, sing, or simply love listening, you’re welcome here! Our members range from beginners to seasoned musicians, and even those who don’t play at all but enjoy the music and company.

There’s no rigid agenda — we like to keep things relaxed and spontaneous. At our monthly meetings, members or guests can play a piece (or a few!) in turn. Not in the mood to perform? No problem — you can just listen and enjoy. Sometimes, someone brings along a new ensemble arrangement and we’ll read it through together for fun.

Anyone, of any age, gender, or ability, with even the slightest interest in the guitar. Some of us play other instruments or sing, and we love mixing things up with duets and collaborations.

Please contact us to let us know you are attending. However, if you just show up on the night you will be just as welcome to attend. There is not fee for your first attendance, but we do collect £8 per meeting thereafter. All proceeds are donated to Lauderdale House.

A brief history of our society

Back in the mid-1980s, Rose Andresier and Murray Gordon (the then musical director at Lauderdale House) started something special, our Guitar Society!

From small ensembles to award-winning performances, we’ve been making music together for decades.

Highlights include:

  • Early duos like Hugh and Vicky Campbell bringing structure to our playing

  • Stephen Kenyon leading us to joint 1st prize at the first Guitar Orchestra Competition at Cecil Sharp House

  • Showcasing talented groups like the Janimar Trio, Concordia Guitar Duo, and many more

For over 20 years, we also performed three times a year for Phab in Temple Fortune, bringing music to a community of able-bodied and disabled friends alike, a tradition born from a chance garden-side meeting between Sheryle Deane and one of the Phab organisers.

Many of our musicians are still part of our story today. Here’s to the music, the memories, and the people who made it happen.

Dennis Cooke has studiously continued to chair the society since Sheryle’s departure and is supported by Alan Jones (treasurer) and more recently by an informal committee including Steve Watson, Nick Hartley, Stuart McGowan and Avron Goss.

Over 40 years later we still meet every second Wednesday of the month.