I had a choice of Frittenden or Ditchling last night. Never been to a Ditchling session before, so decided to give it a go and pootled on down to "The Bull".

Wow! Very different to any of the singarounds or open mics I've been to so far. Loads of musicians, most of them in a completely different league to anything I could aspire to reach, but very welcoming and relaxed, too. A great mix of fiddles, guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis, and various wind instruments. A melodeon. No bodhrans! No idea how many musicians were there but must have been well over 20...possibly pushing 30 as I kept noticing new people away from the main circle. Loud (as most people joined in most things), exciting, and a really wide variety of music and songs. I just loved it!

Will Fly was there, as was Ian Chisholm, who made my new guitar. I had the pleasure of playing (or just sitting and holding quite a lot of the time...must learn to pick stuff up "on the fly" better) his "Number 34" guitar for the evening...the 3rd one of his I've tried, all lovely to play.

I also tried out the bouzouki of the bloke sitting on my left and was absolutely astonished at the action and tone...it was the nicest of the mandola/ octave mando/ bouzouki family I've ever held, by a long chalk. I looked at the headstock in the dim light and could discern a small "Manson" on there....YES! it was an early Andy Manson instrument. The owner said he'd bought it second hand a few years back....it must be worth a fair bit now: I'd be terrified to take it to a session, TBH.

So thanks for a great evening Ian, Will & Co...I'll be back next month.