Meet the Staff of The Harp Centre of Wales

ALLAN SHIERS – Chief Harp Maker

Allan Shiers learnt his craft from John Weston Thomas nearly 40 years ago, and has been making harps ever since.

John Weston Thomas practically single-handedly saved the Welsh harp making industry from extinction in the 1960’s and this legacy has continued with Allan.

Born in Cardiff, Allan moved with his family to the tiny village of Capel Dewi near Llandysul where he hand-crafted harps from his converted mill, always with the concern that his precious skills may well die out if he didn’t do something about it – thus, Telynau Teifi, The Harp Centre of Wales was created.

Not only is Allan a fountain of knowledge for all things harp related, he is a skilled guitar player, singer, raconteur and fanatical about his 500 AJS 1954 18S motorbike!!

WENDY EVANS – Business Manager

Wendy has been involved with the company since 2004 when the plan for setting up a harp manufacturing unit was still the early stages. Allan and Wendy initially worked together from Allan’s mill and since those days, Wendy has been at the forefront of the company’s growth and development. In her role, Welsh speaker Wendy is responsible for the finances, HR and forward planning of the company as well as maintaining an active role within the Sales Team.

Wendy’s other passions are farming, rugby and attending Welsh shows with her award winning flock of sheep.

RICHARD JONES – Senior Harp Maker

Richard has been building harps since 2005 and now uses his previous incarnation as a teacher to pass his skills onto the apprentice harp makers in the workshop. Another one of our Welsh speakers, Richard spends his days away from the workshop on his farm where he and his American wife farm goats, producing their own milk, cheese and goat’s milk soap.

BEN DAVIES – Production Manager

Ben is an avid sailor and living in New Quay, he spends his spare time literally messing about with boats!

Ben's role as Production manager involves the day to day tracking of harp parts, both timber and metal, through the process as each harp is made. He is also responsible for the production of components for the tuning levers, bridge pins and tuning levers as well as liaising with the Woodwork Department for the machining of the timber used.

JUSTINE DODD – Sales and Marketing Manager

Mum of three Justine has been part of the team since September 2007. Her role initially involved working with the local community, organising local concerts and workshops for school children and teachers alike. Now Justine handles our website as well as Facebook, Twitter and in-house production of our videos. In her spare time, she enjoys horse riding and helping her husband Chris in his stained glass studio.

SARAH REYNOLDS-SMITH – Harp Sales

Sarah joined the company in 2010 in a Receptionist/Researcher role and has quickly progressed to be an integral part of the Sales Team. Sarah is our dedicated Pedal Harp Sales member as well as providing a link between harp sales and hires in Ireland. A keen baker and gardener, Sarah enjoys walking her two dogs and spending time with husband Roger as well as their growing collection of grandchildren!

MARK SHARP – Harp Assembly

Mark hails from the North of England and has relocated here in rural West Wales after answering an advertisement for ‘Harp Makers of the Future’! Mark fought off competition from many other applicants from all over the world for the role, and is now a vital part of the harp production team. A keen runner, Mark also tunes pianos in his spare time and has achieved Grade 8 in cello.

SILVER MOONLIGHT – Harp Apprentice

No, it’s not a mistake – we really do have a harp maker called Silver! Silver is the most recent of harp making recruits, having started in the metalwork department in January 2011 before moving into the woodwork department. Silver is a skilled carver and a qualified engineer. He also produces a range of Shamanic crafts from his home, a converted barn, and has just published a book.

SUE BERRY – Resident Harpist

Sue has been part of the team since May 2011, but has been connected with The Harp Centre of Wales for much longer. An established pianist and church organist, Sue fell in love with the harp when she attended a First Aid course held at the Centre, and has been collecting them ever since! Sue’s role includes tuning and playing in the harps as well as organising workshops and harp demonstrations.

PHIL DAVIES – Production Volunteer

Local lad Phil has been a voluntary member of the team since  2007. Phil joined the team as part of Justine’s Community work with the local Stroke Association. Despite suffering a number of after effects caused by his stroke, Phil is a valued member of our team and can always be relied upon to provide the latest football scores from his beloved Swansea Football Club!