To be a flute-maker is to be an endangered species. Flute-makers in Scotland go back to the 17thcentury but now there is only one left. George’s flutes are in demand across the world so what makes them so special? He is an expert in woodwork, a silversmith and also makes his own tools. In the last 4
Coming from a family of musicians and singers, I was attracted to the sound of the wooden flute and began to play when I was sixteen. That was about the same time as taking up an apprenticeship in engineering. Both became real passions, and the combination led me to make my first flute at about the age of 27.
Most flutes at that time were from the 19th century and beyond repair so I was aware of the demand for new simple-system wooden flutes. On completing my engineering studies, I spent some time with a company in Germany which made recorders. I developed skills in making woodwind instruments and became acquainted with different types of wood.
Written by
Yanhua Ou
In early February 2026 a small group gathered at Waterperry House in Oxfordshire, England, to investigate a simple proposition: “The ecological crisis is both a physical crisis and a spiritual one. Addressing it requires a new level of consciousness, where we understand that we belong
Writing
Verena’s professional work involved translating Dutch, German, French and English. At Art in Action, the School’s large arts festival, she and her husband used to organise the section for Russian Arts where Robert developed a love of icons. Later she took the next step in learning how to write icons
Serving as a paramedic in London during Covid left Pat exhausted. So he decided to take some time out – and cycle from London to Melbourne! 18 months and 13,000 miles later he describes his journey. Read on to hear his adventures. Pat has attended philosophy classes both in London and Australia.
