British Bluegrass Music Association 10th Anniversary

By Tom Travis On 3 November 2000, The British Bluegrass Music Association became 10 years old. In tracing the beginnings of our British bluegrass music community, I think most will agree that it actually started with the first Edale Bluegrass Music Festival in 1976. Thanks to the efforts of Steve Read and friends, who organised that event, a focal point was created for the music in Britain and a base on which to build. It was those early pilgrimages to the English Peaks that enabled the exchange of address and telephone details, the forging of long-held friendships and the formation of a rudimentary national bluegrass network. With the formation of the BBMA in 1990, that network came of age and began to mature. Now, thanks to the selfless efforts of the volunteers who - for no other reason than their shared love of the music and the lifestyle it provides - contribute their valuable time and energy, our association continues to thrive. If you need proof that altruism is alive and well and living in Britain, then look no further than the good people who help run the BBMA. For all its twenty years plus in the making, the BBMA remains fragile and constantly in need of support from people who recognise its true value as a vital resource in the development of Bluegrass Music in Britain. One immediate area for concern involves our long serving BBN editor, Robert Clinton, and advertising manager Brenda Hopkin who will be retiring in the New Year. We now need to replace these valuable people to ensure that our main means of communication, BBN, continues in the healthy state that it has enjoyed whilst in their tenure. It will prove hard, but rewarding, work for some dedicated members out there. For the love of Bluegrass in Britain let's hear from you. In the meantime thanks to those who already put something back into the music - you're invaluable. Tom Travis, Chairman, BBMA Late news: 2nd December: one-time Chairman John Sheldon, being now retired, has offered to be (and been approved as) the new BBN Editor. His wife Jackie will be the new Advertising Manager.    1st Dec 2000