K.A.S Buffet at Somerhill

In a county famed for its architecturally and historically interesting buildings, Somerhill ranks high. Turner’s superb 1811 painting shows it standing on the wonderful hilltop setting much as John Thorpe had planned it.

This house, built between 1611 and 1613 (rainwater heads) for the Earl of Clanricarde whose wife had been widowed by two eminent men, Sir Philip Sidney and the Earl of Essex. Our third K.A.S. Christmas gathering, attended by 112 members, was held here on 5th December, in the warm and welcoming library (previously three rooms). It was pleasant to meet old friends and make some new ones in such a setting.

During pre-luncheon drinks we were entertained to music by two musicians from the Tarleton Jig, an early music group. These talented young men, in costume, took time to answer the many questions we had whilst they were playing.

After a satisfying buffet lunch, the duo gave us an all too short recital of mainly 17th. to 18th. century songs and music for various early instruments, most of which were fine modern copies. Before each item one of the players gave a witty introduction with a brief history of each instrument. The cittern was flat and oval-shaped with a soft mellow tone played extensively from the 16th century until the introduction of the guitar in the late 17th century. This, accompanied by the recorder, makes a lively background for singing. Of particular interest was the hurdy gurdy, known in England as the cymbal in the 17th century. A four-stringed instrument with a resin wheel and a small keyboard, which being portable was used mainly for folk dancing at fairs. Played as early as the 12th century it survived until mid-Victorian times.

The various bagpipes proved no less interesting and their appeal is worldwide, being played from Northern India to Ireland. The musicians played the Border pipes, which have a more mellow tone than the Scots war pipes. Unusual were the 18th century Gaelic uilleann or Union pipes with air being pumped in, using both elbows. An altogether rewarding finale to the fine Christmas gathering and highly successful organisation by Mrs. Margaret Lawrence, was a visit to two particularly interesting local churches at Tudeley and Capel, escorted by Mr. Don Coast.