Fiddle Faddle’s ‘old time’ fancy

EACH Thursday morning, the sound of fiddles fills Murwillumbah’s old CWA Hall, marking another rehearsal for Fiddle Faddle, a community band united by a love of old-time music.

Founded before the 2017 floods, Phil Eizenberg and Louise Bally set out to support struggling self-taught local musicians by opening an all-inclusive, all-instrument jam session for anyone interested.

The group has since evolved into a band of passionate string players dedicated to old-time music recorded before the advent of radio.

The current Fiddle Faddle lineup is a multicultural mix, with members from Polish, English, Italian and South African backgrounds, who gather each Thursday morning at the Murwillumbah hall.

Over time, the jam session has grown into a well-known community band, performing at local country shows and bush dances across the valley.

Their next public appearance will be on March 2, when they perform at the Tweed Seniors Festival opening ceremony.

Most members are aged between 60 and 70, though Eizenberg describes the group as “eternally youthful”.

A former professional guitar player and instrument repairer, Eizenberg’s own journey with the fiddle began after restoring an antique violin.

He describes the instrument’s emotional quality as “uplifting, toe-tapping and joyous”.

“It inspires motion and dancing and crosses all cultural barriers,” Eizenberg said.

Traditional fiddle tunes often carry themes of war, sadness and celebration, with many tracing their roots to Irish, English and Scottish traditions.

For Eizenberg, however, the band is about more than music.

Each session includes a generous morning tea and time for conversation, laughter and connection.

“It supports mental and physical health for everyone and provides great social interaction,” he said.

Fiddle Faddle donates any money raised from local performances to Palliative Care Wedgetail Retreat.