Having missed several summer schools over the past few years I managed to attend the 2008 summer school at St Gabriel’s Conference Centre, Ditchingham. St Gabriel’s was a wonderfully tranquil place with comfortable accommodation and excellent home cooked food. The staff were friendly and helpful and ensured that our every need was met.

As usual it was a very busy week crammed with playing and a range of activities. The tuition was excellent for both playing classes and pipe making and the daily assembly gave an opportunity for everyone to play a wide range of music in a large group. Evening activities were organised and an afternoon outing to Bressingham to visit the beautiful gardens was an added bonus.

I have returned determined to mark next year’s summer school at Bawtry near Doncaster in my diary to ensure that I do not miss out again on this wonderful event.