Ron Fletcher  Wed, 9 May 2007 18:13:47 +0100
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I live in the market-town of Loughborough, in the heart of England.  I have
played guitars since the mid 1960's.  During the early `90's, I joined an
historical re-enactment group, portraying the English Civil War on summer
weekends.  I felt there was a need for some authentic music at these events
during quieter moments.  I then had an idea that a lute would be the perfect
instrument.  At this time, I had neither heard, nor seen a real lute!  I
borrowed Julian Bream's CD, `The Golden Age of Lute Music' from my local
library and was immediately hooked.  I also found there a book by Ian Harwood
on making a lute and, set about making one for myself.  I had no idea at that
time, there were lutes being made, or played anywhere in the world.

By 1995 I had made my first 7-course lute!  During the first year, I became
frustrated with the few guitar-transcriptions of John Dowland's pieces and
eventually, discovered the Lute-list on the internet.  I will always be
grateful to Rainer aus dem Spring, for his help in getting me started. Since
then, I have made several friends on the lute-list and delved into some
wonderful Elizabethan music, I know most people may never hear.

In 2000, with the help of David van Edwards' on-line lute-building course, I
made a 10-course Hans Frei lute and, a 13-course J.C.Hoffman lute.  I felt I
had had an exceptional privilege to play in small English castles and
manor-houses around England.  My lute-playing attracted welcome interest from
the visiting public.  I have gradually retired from historical re-enactment
and, now mostly play for my wife's pleasure (and a few house-guests) at
home.  The lute-list continues to be a great resource for information and
contact with other lute-players around the world.