Thanks for all the encouragement - once I've mastered it I'll try it out at a session or two and see what the reaction is.

Tootler:
"Controlling intonation was a real issue, however. It is much more wayward than a recorder. The slightest degree of over or under blowing had the pitch wandering, ..."
How true! I can get all the notes no problem but getting them in tune is the tricky bit. I love the sound though so will definitely persevere.

Mo the caller
I've been to the Audlem Monday night session a few times - good session isn't it? Mostly I've just sat and listened but have played whistle a bit too. I tend to play only Irish tunes at sessions but do know a lot of Playford stuff so will give it a go once I've mastered the dratted thing. Mondays aren't good for me because I have a rehearsal in Shrewsbury and, although it finishes at 9.30, by the time I get to Audlem everyone would be going home. Worth going there though on non-rehearsal nights if there are a lot of people playing early music as that is my favourite.