For the benefit of harpers I should point out that access to the club-room in the Elephant & Castle is much easier than the steep stairs we had to contend with at the Lewes Arms. There is also an external fire escape with access from the street, which means that large instruments won't necessarily have to be carried through the bar. The new club-room is much larger, with a high ceiling and superb acoustics.

My only worry about bringing harps up the stairs is that the Angel of Death, who lives half-way up them, may ask for a quick twangle. Here, thanks to Will Fly, is a picture of her with Alan Day earlier this year.

Valmai (Lewes)