YARRA JUNCTION FIDDLERS CONVENTION

The 42nd Yarra Junction Fiddlers’ Convention is done and dusted. A little bit of wet weather wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of all who attended. The music was of an excellent standard and the dancers really kicked up their heels this year. In spite of a few incidents leading up to the actual opening the convention ran smoothly. March 19th-21st 2027 are the dates for next year’s Fiddlers’, so bung ‘em in your diary and we’ll do it all again.

Of course, nothing would happen if not for the tireless efforts of all the volunteers who so generously give of their time and talents to create the atmosphere that Fiddlers’ is famous for. My special thanks go to the members of my team, Bruce, Trish and Liz without whom I could not do this job. Thanks also go to Rod and Judy Jones and Craig Woodward for organising the dances (not my long suit). The whole point of the Fiddlers’ Convention is the participation and contribution of individuals for the benefit of all who attend. My thanks to everyone there.

I feel I need to address the one dark spot on an otherwise fabulous weekend. The Fiddlers’ Convention runs under the auspices of the Camp Eureka Collective and as such we are obliged to comply with their rules regarding camping on their property. This means rules regarding animals, fire regulations and limited access to the buildings are to be followed by all and it is our job to make sure we do. The Collective could remove its imprimatur at any stage and that would spell the end of the Fiddlers’ Convention! If you feel you are unable to comply with the Camp Eureka rules, please stay at home.

Things to think about for next year. The workshops were well attended this year, but I have been approached regarding adding extra instruments to the mix. As we have only a limited number of venues to run these workshops, the only solution is to start early. Maybe a 9:00am start on the Saturday would cover it. Let me know if you have any thoughts on the matter. I am also looking for a new workshop co-ordinator if anybody is interested in putting up their hand. Let me know.

The T-shirt designs for the last three years have been done in house. If you have an artistic bent or just an idea for the design of next year’s T-shirt, let us know about it. You just might score yourself a weekend pass to the festival. Any other merch you might like to see can also be suggested by emailing us. I hope to see many of your faces again at next year’s Fiddlers’ Convention and in the meantime keep on picking’.

Cheers,

 Mark Pottenger