Thiron Gardais, France

Dave was invited to participate in a concert, to be held in an 11th Century Abbey in the small town of Thiron Gardais, in Central France. This request came through a Scottish Clarsach player, Patricia Roberts, who is based in Stirling.

Dave, Patricia and second clarsach player, Lorna Swan, travelled out to Thiron Gardais for a couple fo days, to allow some preparation time, some practice time and a little time following the performance to relax.

The concert included clarsach, guitar, fiddle, singing, highland bagpipes, small-pipes and whistles, plus some occasional French explanations. All this was done by three individuals.

The concert was in aid of the restoration fund for the abbey, which has been undergoing a fairly lengthy period of updating. The concert took place inside the abbey and was recorded by top quality French recording artists and produced on DVD.

As a bonus, a local artist also made some hand skethces of each performer, which were passed over as a gift following the concert.

Many connections were made whilst there, including contacts within the Scottish / French Association (The Auld Alliance) and some other related bodies. It is hoped that these connections can be developed further over the coming years and future concerts may also possibly follow.