Federation of Guitar Societies

Inaugral Meeting

Held on Monday 23rd June 2003 at Goddards on Leith Hill, Surrey and hosted by Greenwood Classical Guitar Society.

See here some pictures from the event.

A Lutyens house with its own skittle alley, a Gertrude Jekyll garden, trays loaded with food, a beautiful summer's day, and then an evening recital by Amanda Cook. All this might offer too many diversions to allow much serious discussion about the future of guitar societies. However, on the threateningly inauspicious date of Friday 13 June 2003, delegates from seven guitar societies and from the Lute Society met at Goddards on Leith Hill to explore the benefits of closer alliance.

All present were supportive of the formation of a federation of guitar societies. Each society operates in its own distinct way, placing emphasis on different activities. That distinctiveness must not be abandoned. However, there is a vast area of common ground, common problems, and much scope for shared solutions. Although our focus was primarily on the classical guitar, a federation should also recognise closely related instruments such as the lute, mandolin and flamenco guitar.

We felt that societies could, together, more effectively raise the profile of the guitar, and in particular stimulate interest amongst younger people. Various means were discussed including: arranging UK tours, particularly for new of overseas artists; offering events for schools; promoting competitions; promoting each others events; and helping to establish new societies in districts lacking representation. The need is for a network enabling societies to offer mutual support - in the interest of promoting the classical guitar and related instruments, and providing a source of help and advice to enthusiasts.