THE June open meeting of Crediton and District U3A was held at the Boniface Centre in Crediton.

The meeting started a little chaotically as the church car park was full due to a sports day at the local school, so the start was delayed while people hunted around for somewhere to park.

Once all were assembled, a near full house of attendees was treated to a very entertaining talk by Mark Branwell about the evolution of both the Spanish Guitar and the various types and styles of music played on it. 

During the talk, "The Musical Evolution of the Spanish Guitar", he explained how the instrument had had its range extended by its design changes and the addition of various electronic devices from its original acoustic beginnings to the current standard. He illustrated the various different styles of music played on it including the different types of Flamenco music by playing many small selections and ending up with a tune from the Gipsy Kings.

These are a band of Catalan rumba, flamenco, salsa, and pop musicians, founded in 1978 in Arles and Montpellier, in southern France, who perform mostly in Catalan but also mix in Spanish with southern French dialects.

In all, he delivered a very informative and engrossing 45 minutes talk which was much enjoyed by all present. 

Liz Ouldridge (Chair)