Committee and our Volunteers

Wendy Wood

Chair 

Dr Wendy Wood FHEA MBACP

Unlike many, I do not have a musical lineage – although my dad and his brothers played harmonicas, there was no real sense of it being more than something to entertain each other in the pub. But when I was a child and listening to them and Larry Adler, I was amazed by the sound. Music, in general, has always been a very important part of my life as a listener. It never occurred to me until three years ago that I could learn to play!
I have been a member of Harmonica UK and playing the harmonica for nearly three years. I am so inspired by the people I meet, not only their talent but also their generosity. I love being part of a community that spans many countries

Simon Joy

Secretary

As the only tremolo player on the committee, Simon is carrying the torch for all the members who play tremolo and double reed instruments. He is using his background of working in health and social care to oversee HarmonicaUK’s commitment to safeguarding and managing risk. He looks forward to meeting members and playing some tunes together. 

Darren Lampon

Treasurer and Vice Chair

I am an accountant, working in manufacturing, although never actually getting my hands dirty, there is something great about creating something tangible. I can’t do it, but I can help.

I played the guitar in bands for many years in the Midlands but have not been involved in making music for a very long time. Realising I wanted something more vocal, I decided on the diatonic harmonica in 2021. I do not like a specific style of music but enjoy the more chordal playing styles requiring 100% tongue blocking.

Lee van Crugten

Membership Secretary

I served 34 years in the military, retiring in 2013 and now enjoying a second career, contently running a private cemetery in Plymouth UK.  With no musical background what so ever, I am currently learning  diatonic harmonica. I have to admit to playing golf more than I play harmonica these days.

Barry Elms

IT

Barry is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist - he plays diatonic, chromatic and tremolo harmonicas, as well as guitar, bass and keyboards. He has been playing the diatonic harmonica since the mid-'90s. Barry plays gigs across Cornwall and Devon, both as a solo act and with the community music group he founded as part of his Community Interest Company. He has previously served on the HarmonicaUK Committee as Editor, Head of Comms, Vice Chair and Chair. 

In addition to being a musician, Barry is a yoga teacher trainer and an IT specialist. He uses his skills and experience in the latter, plus his previous experience on the HarmonicaUK Committee, to continue to support HarmonicaUK in its charitable aims.

Aidan Sheenhan

Outreach Manager

Aidan is a self-employed musician, workshop leader and qualified teacher (PGCE, University of Wales) working via many organisations. He plays a variety of instruments including, harmonicas, button accordions, mandolin, guitar, Irish whistles & flutes, folk percussion and a range of other folk instruments.

He delivers online training and has many Zoom students. He has worked in HM Park teaching inmates, at Army barracks teaching ex-military personnel, in various schools, also with excluded or home-schooled children, Gypsies and Travellers, Polish community in Wales, with asylum seekers and many other groups. Aidan also has a qualification in Counselling. 

Harmonica World team

• Gene Myers - editor
• Steve Pardue - design
• Pip Phillips - advertising

Communications team

• Gary Croad
• Charlotte Oliver
• Joe French
• Gary Newman

Specialist support

• Roger Trobridge - archivist
• Barry Elms - webmaster
• Mike Netherton - health and safety advice