Forwarded from "Chiff & Fipple"
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Dear Friends,

We have this sad announcement from Colin Goldie.

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Unfortunately we have to let you know of the sad news that Bernard Overton passed away last week. It was quite unexpected and a shock for many. It happened last Saturday when he was on a weekend break with his wife Margaret. She has been trying to contact family first before making it public.

Many will know Bernard but for those who do not, he together with the help of Finbar Furey introduced for the first time in traditional music, lower keyed whistles, most notably the Low D. It is 40 years this year since he made his first whistle and he never stopped making even up to the last days. Before he started making whistles there were no bands playing the lower keyed whistles and when you look around today there are so many musicians/bands in the world that use these instruments. It is quite unbelievable really and also how many instrument makers have started making these instruments since then. What was started back then, certainly has made a big effect on the sound of the music we hear today. Chances are high that one of your favorite bands uses Low whistles. He will be missed a lot by those who had known him.

The funeral will take place on the 30th of June in Coventry, UK.

Our thoughts are with Margaret, Dawn and David.

Colin and Brigitte

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It's difficult to fatham Bernard Overton's contributions to the music we love. Our best to his friends and family.

Dale
Chiff & Fipple