A great gig this weekend at Mells Church, what a fantastic space, followed by drinks reception at the Talbot pub next door.  Thanks Mark and Kate for making us so welcome and of course Mrs Inch at the Church, what a treasure.  I'm still looking for a new violin, I've tried about fifty violins since I started looking, but haven't quite found the one that goes PING.  I've just spent the week with a Joseph Hel which was utterly enormous, a massive sound, the complete opposite of my old English viola.  It felt a bit like arriving at a party with a slightly hysterical friend, and working very hard to keep her under control all night.  Probably just more of an orchestral instrument. 
Found this gem: http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=12923
"Posted on February 28, 2010 at 01:11 AM My violin teacher in the late 1950s, Laurence Turner, had a Strad as his main instrument but he also had a Joseph Hel which he used as leader of the Halle Orchestra under Barbirolli.
Laurence said that in some ways he preferred his Hel. I now know what he means as the typical Hel sound is very clear, projects well, is untemperemental, and can be easier to play as it speaks instantly and can be therefore more efficiently monitored."
So here I am, still playing my little ancient Italian, found at an auction many years ago, and the good news is it's sounding better and better.  I even used it for band practice on Friday... Tumbleweed Jim - our next gig is for Acoustic Plus at the Cheese and Grain, Frome on May 21st... Anything could happen.