Our day started in Guildford about 40 mins from our friend’s house. So I planned on staying over the night with Ren.
Ren is a new friend from our Geebung choir. She is doing a house exchange and has room for me on her lounge. Yes …..me couch surfing at my age.
We met up with the the choir and did some street pop ups. One on the church steps.
Me in the white hat. back row
One at the castle.
One at the bandstand.
All 3 attracted a crowd.
We visited the market stalls. And even sampled a gin.
Two sopranos sample Gin. Good for the throat.
Heading back to Godalming where Choirblast is happening it’s a wonder we didn’t start singing on the 6 min train journey.
Lunch at the Pub with a jug of Pimm’s set us up for an afternoon on The Green.
A big area with several stages, lots of food trucks, a bar , coffee van, craft stalls and people scattered around on rugs and fold up chairs
Boards with the times and choir names were scattered around.
The light rain started but on we sat listening to choirs until it was our turn.
We finished quite late but Ren and I walked 20 mins home in rain but feeling very happy with our first big performance. I slept like a baby on my couch !
DAY 2
A sleep in was well deserved and breakfast in the garden was delightful.
Then our big day started. We performed at the The Court. Waiting on the steps in the shade everyone was feeling great. Ready for a 5 performance day!
Free time in between our performances gave us a chance to explore and listen to other choirs.
The NHS choir were beautiful and got a great response from the crowd. The nurses, doctors, support workers all worked on the front line during Covid and are so supported by the community it it is wonderful.
A children’s choir of 6 year olds stole our hearts.
The colourful choir ( not their name ) were so energetic and enthusiastic.
We drew a crowd with our fun numbers , a standing ovation for Come What May from Moulin Rouge.
Then we were performing the final concert. 🎶 We sang our party songs. Our Bangers and Mash up songs that everyone knows and love.
An early start for Ros and David who left Bath for St Ives.
Steve and I sorted our bags and cleared the apartment and were on the road by 9
The next few days we are wandering the Cotswolds. People love this area. There are always debates about which is the cutest villages.
I will run my own survey !
First up Castle Combe. A very small village, it was quiet apart from a few meandering tourists.
This tiny village was used in the movie War Horse and there was a display about this in the local church
I’d heard about Painswick from two people. One was a lecturer in my arts group who lectured for ArtsNational last year. She lives there and recommended a visit.
The second is one of the therapy girls, Donna whose rugby-0playing son played the the region and lived in Painswick.
It’s beautiful. The Main Street is narrow with some lovely shops. The side streets have beautiful houses, an arts centre with a good cafe, a church in a large park with lines of trees. Donna told me 99 trees were planted there.
The local cafe in the arts canteen was buzzing. Lots of lovely local ladies meeting for coffee and lunch. They chatted in what to me sounded like posh English accents and were dressed very ladylike.
The Painswick hotel was recommended for afternoon tea…… and is as lovely as it looked – but we had cute villages to see.
Painswick Hotel
Next stop Nailsworth. A lovely Main Street.
Studeley Castle and Gardens sounded great so we drove down narrow lanes to get there only to find out it was closed. We’ll have to come back.
It was time for Stow on the Wold. Our room for two nights is in The Porch – reported to be the oldest inn in England. Well I’m not sure if that fact, but it’s old. Up and down steps, low doorways, beams, old lights, dark common rooms but very comfortable rooms. Ours overlooked the small park opposite.
Porch House
We walked up the Main Street to the town square. Beautiful old honey coloured buildings. Lots of city shops, including a 3 story antique shop. So much in there. So well organised! My friend Ginetta would love it.
Steve heading for the antique centre. And the car.
I found the town library. Modern looking inside a very old building. I think this village might be right up there with the best of the Cotswolds. Certainly consider this as a base for exploring the area.
The gardens of the Cotswolds are renowned. Mondays most are closed so we missed the famous Rococo gardens in Painswick and Studeley. Today we stoped at the old market town of Burton and bought a few things. And headed for Bourton Gardens.
The beautiful house was closed to the public but the gardens are open
The house and a small section of the garden.
We loved it. The white garden was stunning, and the way the garden was laid out was fascinating.
Another thing that is common to many UK gardens is the over planting. In Australia we tend to plant more sparingly. Here it almost looks crowded.
Nearby was the railway museum. Naturally Steve wanted to visit there. By luck the old steam train was about to leave.
The old steam train
Finally got to Studeley house and gardens. It was important during the reign of Henry V111 and is now maintained by the present owner and its priority is living in harmony with the animals of the world. Hence the elephants in the gardens
Our second day of wandering the Cotswolds took us up to Broadway – probably one of the best for a base with it’s lovely pubs, restaurants, shops etc. – very pretty place. It was hosting an arts festival when we were there. Lots of painters in the streets.
Broadway
Then Bourton Upon Water. Again soooo pretty but suffering a little from tourists so losing its small village feel
Bourton Upon Water
Burford a lovely medieval village. Chipping Norton home to the car man …… Jeremy Clarkson.
Then into Oxford. Very grand buildings, very crowded. Full of students flying around in their gowns. It’s exam time and they must wear their gown with a flower on the lapel.
I went to an Art Society lecture at Magdalen College. Similar to my ArtsNational lectures. It was great meeting people from Oxford who follow the arts.
Jo Watson the lecturer.
And our final morning was spent at the lovely Oxford Botanical Gardens. A very interesting garden with an excellent’Plants as medicine ‘ section. Well labelled. And a literary section
The literary table. You are invited to sit , reflect and write something. A lovely idea.
At the end of the day a beautiful lunch in a small village pub on our way back to Bill and Marie France in Rusper.
Our big day started with two pop up performances in the bust Sunday crowds of Bath.
People must wonder who are these people singing in the streets. Dressed in Soul Song t shirts and occasionally chanting Aussie Aussie Aussie. Which I find a bit embarrassing. We’re not a sporting team!
But it does identify us as Australians. And then people are interested!
We had two shows today. 2pm and 7pm. They didn’t attract the crowds that Brighton did but went off very well. And we had fun.
The choir travelled today. On the bus by 9 we left in drizzly rain. We are supposed to be doing several pop up performances but if it rains there will be no audience.
First stop was for a Bansky street art ! A busy artist his work pops up everywhere.
Banksy in Bristol
Off to the Clifton suspension bridge. The hardy climbers went down 130 steps to a cave to view the bridge from a different angle. But I was happy up top.
We lined up along the wall and did two songs for a small but appreciative audience!
Back on the bus to the centre of Bristol and another bit of Banksy street art
We walked towards the river and set up for a pop up concert but it rained. So along the wharf for lunch and a wine.
We tried again after lunch and succeeded.
The highlight of the day was going to St Stephen’s Cathedral. we had been invited uk join a local choir for a concert in the cathedral.
They made us so welcome. their musical director. Beth is from Brisbane but living in Bristol. Our Musical Dircector Jac is from this area but lives in Brisbane.
They made contact and set up this joint concert.
We rehearsed the song we were to sing together ‘What the World Needs Now’ It sounds great. And the choir. – all women were so friendly.
Each one of us received a hand written post card from one of the choir. What a thoughtful thing to do.
We also were treated to a cream sherry. Delicious and were told it is medical. Good for singers throat.
The concert started and we sat in the church and listened.
They sang about 5 songs. Then our turn.
The acoustics in the church were beautiful. I’m sure it enhanced our singing.
We finished with our joint song. What a great experience. I think this will be a highlight of our tour.
Back on to the bus to Bath and a few photo opportunities. The Royal Crescent is as i remember from 1976. Very elegant. Though the grass was under construction. A Robbie Williams concert is coming up so they were constructing the stage.
We walked as a raggedy group towards the city centre. Passing the Jane Austen Centre. It’s the 250th Anniversary for Jane and there are special celebrations everywhere
A group of girls emerged all dressed in period costumes which is a better sight than some of the hens groups we have seen around Brighton and now Bath.
Some outrageous and sometimes tacky dress ups have been spotted!
It was more Gin o’ clock so we found a great gin bar and tried a few of the gin combinations. We paid for 1 but after awhile the waitress appeared with a trio of different gins and a bottle of tonic.
I’m a little behind with my blogging! It’s been super busy. Making our way towards our next stop we covered some beautiful coast line.
Port Isaac home to Doc Martin.
We walked up hill and down stairs to get to Tintagel Castle. Built in 1230. It’s on the coast and was the seat of the Cornish kings.
Further on the coast we stopped at
Ilfracombe harbourVerity: Virtue & Justice. Sculpture by Damien Hirst.
We spent the next night at Minehead. This is the start point of the great Coastal Walk and was featured in the movie The Salt Path.
The next morning was clear as we drove to Bath. It’s beautiful countryside. Green. Fields defined by hedges , narrow roads , little villages. Stopped at Cheddar. Home to the Cheddar Cheese! Naturally we bought some. We found our village in Bath and met Ros and David in the Main Street having coffee!
We were able to check in around 1 and found the apartment was perfect for the four of us. A few stairs! But a very convenient location- just near the hall where our first work shop was held.
A quick lunch with a few of the soul singers and Ros and I headed off to the a capella workshop. We left David and Steve to do the laundry!
David & Steve with the laundry bags. With Jac our musical director!
The workshop was fabulous. We worked on two songs with Laura, a local choir MD. She was beautiful. So encouraging and so good at directing us. We learned Little Shop of Horrors and Bring Him Home from Les Miserables. It was a joy.
After working hard all afternoon we then walking into the main city and did a few pop ups.
Some our Soul Song buddies.
Trying to attract a crowd to promote our two concerts on Saturday. We were singing up a storm. And feeling cold. Even though it should be summer.
Singers getting organised. Rugby supporters crossing the bridge to the grounds. Walking through supporters smoke!
Our final pop up was at the entrance to Pulteney Bridge There was a huge Rugby match between Bath and rivals Bristol from just down the road! The pubs were pumping? The crowds out in their blue, black and white supporters jerseys. We set up at the entrance to the bridge and even attracted a small crowd.
Dinner was a well deserved jug of Sangria and tapas! then a walk home to bed. After a long catch up with Ros and David.
I was keen to visit Padstow. It’s reported to be a lovely seaside town with a few famous inhabitants. One being Rick Stein.
He grew up in the area and now has a huge presence in the town. There are 4 restaurants, a cafe , fish & chippery, cooking school and several accommodation places.
I wondered if he was subject to criticism by locals. Apparently not. I think they appreciate that he attracts people to the town who spend £ not just at his venues.
Travelling up from Lyme Regis we called into Plymouth. Steve has been researching his grandfather who was in the navy and was at one point in Plymouth.
It has an impressive naval heritage and some wonderful historic districts and of course award winning museums and water attractions. Drakes island sits off the coast and the old waterfront building have been restored into apartments, cafes, a museum and trips by ferry around the harbour.
Finding apartments in small towns down by the water is always a challenge but we’re getting very good. Our flat for the night is right by the harbour in a small square called Drang. The Drang apartments are great. Ours, no 1 was so good I could have stayed a week. they all have stairs but Martha the young woman in the bar next door where you collect the key whisked the bag up the stairs in a flash. I just pack an overnight bag with about 2 days clothes and essentials. Works better than taking a bag out each night.
We settled in and returned to the bar for a drink. Sitting in the afternoon sun was a great way to people watch.
The small gallery in the square Drang Gallery had a Bansksy and David Hirst
We took a passeggiata or maybe a promenade here in England around the small harbour soaking up the sights and sounds. Lots of ice cream, fish & chips, seagulls, boats bobbing and people sitting in bars.
Arriving at Rick’s The Seafood restaurant isn’t so impressive. It’s opposite a car park. Though the building is very attractive.
Inside it’s a beautiful space. Art works on the walks, great lighting, a central bar which separates the large room.
They had a special’ 50 years’ menu. For £69 for 4 courses. But though it looked good it didn’t have what we felt like.
We opted for sashimi and scallops as starters. Both sensational.
I then had grilled Bass on a bed of spinach with Burre Blanc sauce Steve had a type of fish stew. S I’m beautiful. Just don’t convert £ to Aus$. It’s frightening how much it all costs.
A nightcap back at the bar next to our place has us chatting to the couple who own it and the apartments. Perfect day.
We decided to head towards the beach. In summer they come alive with ’sunbathers’ But summer is struggling this year.
It rained most of the way.
But as we arrived at Lyme Regis the sun struggled out.
This is a lovely area of Devon and with its dramatic coastline is known as the Jurassic Coast.
Picture in the window of the Lyme Regis gallery.
We were able to walk in the afternoon sun / it doesn’t get dark until around 9pm.
We visited the Jane Austen gardens which sit above the little harbour and Cobb Beach. They have a sculpture walk to enjoy along with the views.
We saw a statue in honour of Mary Anning an English fossil collector dealer and palaeontologist she discovered two rare dinosaur fossils.
The views along the coast were stunning.
The swim cabins.
There were a few hardy souls swimming, standup paddle boarding and sailing. With a 9pm sunset people enjoy activities for hours after work. If only the weather were warmer.
Visiting seaside towns is unmistakable. The smells …..fish and chips in the air, people queuing for ice cream, the sea gulls crying out, kids struggling to play on the pebble beaches , a few oldies camped outside their beach cabin out of the breeze hoping for some sun.
Postcards in the stands outside the shops, the beautiful iron lights with scrolls of shells.
Little boats competing for a spot in the harbour.
The architecture is very English
We walked for quite awhile stretching our legs – especially up the steep paths off the gardens perched above the town and harbour.
It was nice to sit and rest on the mosaic bench. I think I’ll design one for our garden at home.
Time for a G&T then dinner of fish at a restaurant on the sea front.
What better way to discover an area than to be with people who live there and really love it.
Bill, is originally from Australia and Marie France is French though has lived in the UK for many years.
They packed us into Bill’s two door Mercedes soft top and off we went.
Rocky came with us today and ‘sang’ along to the opera playing on the radio!
We drove through the South Downs and luckily the sun was out. It looked so beautiful with all its shades of green. Marie France used to come over from France and ride a pony through the area. A wonderful carefree childhood.
We went to their golf club which has an hotel on site. It’s also where MF does her aqua class and Pilates. Bill plays golf weekly and tennis 3 times a week. They are both very fit. And are about 9 years older than me!!
By now it was time for lunch so we stopped at one of the many little country pubs, The Dragon for lunch. It’s what is known as a gastro pub. No, you don’t get gastro. You get beautiful food!
We sat in the sun in the garden and I enjoyed my first English Pimms.
It’s famous for its world class opera set in beautiful grounds with atmosphere to match.
People traditionally dress in evening wear and dinner suits. But these days it is acceptable to wear other options!
Our hosts Bill and Marie France have been attending Glyndebourne for many years. In fact MF showed me a picture of herself there for her 40th birthday.
We set off early …. First stop was for Rocky their wire haired dachshund who was going to ‘day care’ as he’s a new puppy and can’t be left for long periods and we were going to be gone hours!
We arrived as the gates opened. All in Bills plan to secure a well located picnic table – in the sun and out of the wind.
All ages are represented! Not just the ‘older’ opera lovers. It’s a real occasion. You arrive early to secure a picnic spot. Bill knows how to find the best spots! You get a table and bring all your own picnic food and drinks.
We enjoyed a few glasses of champagne and nibbles before strolling the grounds….. and for me people watching.
We entered the main room of the old house which founder John Christie built in 1935.
Our friends Ros – in the choir with me and husband David joined us and we made our way around the opera house and into our seats.
It’s a new looking building with every seat enjoying a good view. We were in the dress circle. Some of us in the front row and David and Ros just 2 rows back.
The first two acts were wonderful. A more modern production than I’ve seen before with a superb young cast.
Interval came and is 1.5 hrs long allowing you to return to your picnic area ( or one of the restaurants on site) and enjoy some food and wine.
MF provided us with a delicious picnic. She had everything prepared and packed cleverly in glass jars! Bill had beautiful French wines. How spoilt we are.
We had gazpacho, followed by a prawn salad and finished with a deconstructed strawberry cheese cake. Just wonderful.
The bells rang and we returned to the theatre.
One of my favourite dresses of the night. A long jacket, silk and embellished.
I spotted men in heavy brocade jackets, sparkly dresses, bare strapless gowns ( they must have been so cold) and lots of wraps being put to good use.
The sun was shining but it was cold!
The second half was highly entertaining, lots of funny subtitles helped, though with the superb acting you knew what was going on!
It all finished around 8 and even exiting the grounds it was easy to do. So well organised.
What a fantastic night. Definitely a dream come true.
The day started early with a pop up performance for our choir. Today at the Brighton Bandstand.
Yesterday we attracted a great crowd of people who joined in clapping along, singing and even dancing. We were at the Brighton Pier.
Our friends who live in Brighton came along to support. It was great to see Lou and her friends. We have made so many lovely friends through our swimming holiday and several live here. The owner Simon’s wife Lou arrived with her kids and a few friends.
They wore their sparkly clothes. Jac, our director, was envious of the sparkly jacket one of the girls had on. Especially as Jac’s bag had gone missing from her flight over and all her props for our Fringe show were in her bag !
I quickly asked Lou if Jac could borrow the jacket. Next minute….
The girls shared their sparkle with Jac
My friend Yves came along today with partner Liz and his little boy. Two year old Laurie liked the singing so much he joined me on stage. He was humming along with great enthusiasm.
Laurie joined in….
Next stop was a shopping centre. The acoustics were great and again lots of people joined in.
Particularly popular was our moveable version of Love Is in the Air.
Singing about Love riding the escalator
Third stop was in the gardens at the Royal Pavilion.
Friend Yves we met at a swim trek.
A big day. The Saturday crowds were surging! There were hens parties all over town, kids licking ice creams, buskers playing on every street corner. People were getting used up seeing us…… the Aussie singers.
Steve went off to Lewes to check out the castle …. And the brewery. It’s only 25 minutes away. I went back with Ros to her apartment ( we left our air BnB this morning )as we needed to rest before tonight’s BIG concert.
Excitement mounted. The sound check went well. We had a frozen margarita to calm the nerves and then ….., the doors opened, the crowd arrived. Six of my friends arrived keen to join the fun.
And away we went. Our Bangers and Mashup concert was a huge hit. The crowd danced and clapped, joined in the singing 🎶 and enjoyed the bar!
200 people joining in You’re the Voice
Finishing around 10.30 we drove back to our friends Bill and Marie France about 35 minutes away.
A big night followed by a big sleep in!
After a slow start the next day e enjoyed our friend’s garden.
They are having an open garden and garden party soon so it’s looking great. A lot of love has gone into this garden.
We’ll enjoy our few days here before heading v off towards Bath for the next Fringe concert. 🎶
frans travel tales 