On Sunday 15th September local harp makers, Pilgrim Harps, held an Open Day at its workshops in Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone.

Visitors to the Open Day were given tours of the workshops, seeing every stage of the highly skilled process of creating a harp, from crafting the triangular frame out of American Rock Maple, to hand-decorating the finished instrument. Visitors could also try their hand at playing a harp and listen to the instrument being played superbly by Anna Blumire. Anna's father Jerry, one of the founders of Pilgrim Harps, was also at the Open Day demonstrating his hand-painted designs for decorating harps.

Pilgrim Harps, which opened in 1980, is the largest company in the UK to make the pedal harp, producing on average of 150 harps a year, from the small 'Clarsach' model to the medium 'Progress' and large concert harps. Their harps are available to hire from £60 per month and Pilgrim Harps can recommend harp teachers for those wanting to learn to play the instrument.

For more information about Pilgrim Harps or to arrange a visit, call 01342 893242 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Their website can be viewed at www.pilgrimharps.co.uk