Busy Bath 🎶🎶🎶

June 9, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

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.

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

Verity: 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.

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.

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.

Rick Stein’s Padstow

June 8, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

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.

Heading for the Beach

June 5, 2025June 5, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

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.

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.

Getting to know Sussex

June 4, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 1 Comment

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.

Glyndebourne an Opera Spectacular

June 3, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

I’ve always wanted to go to an opera at Glyndebourne. It’s an opera house set in the Sussex countryside.

https://www.glyndebourne.com/about-us/introduction-to-glyndebourne/

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 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.

Soul Song Choir at the Brighton Fringe

June 2, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

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….

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.

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.

Third stop was in the gardens at the Royal Pavilion.

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. 🎶

Farley House with Friends

May 31, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

Have you seen the movie Lee ? Starring Kate Winslet as American Lee Miller the former model, then America photojournalist during WW2.

It’s a fascinating story I first heard from her son Antony Penrose when he came to Australia with ArtsNational ( former ADFAS). Last year the film was released.

Lee married Roland Penrose and they lived in Farley House in East Sussex. They led amazing lives. Friends with the artistic community of the day, Picasso was a frequent visitor to their house along with Man Ray.

Before we headed to Chiddingly our friend Bill Murie met us at Swim Trek headquarters. For those who follow along you’ll know Steve and I have done about 8 swim treks over the years. Check back in the blog and you’ll read about them.

Bill we met in Galapagos with Alex also from this area. Alex gave up law and like Lee Miller became a photojournalist working in Mexico City. in some very dangerous places. She’s an amazing young woman. In the blog when I first met her I described her as a whip smart lawyer!

The Sea Lanes pool in the beach in Brighton.

We met up with Simon Murie, Bills son at SeaLanes an amazing complex in the beach. It has a heated pool and several ‘cabins’ for office headquarters, a yoga studio, restaurant, bar, massage areas and little nooks and crannies to sit out of the wind. It’s a credit to Simon and another partner to work with the Council to develop this leisure hub.

Alongside Bill and Simon Murie at SwimTrek Headquarters.

After a tour with Simon we headed off to Farley House to meet Alex and Bills friend Adrian.

As you can see the skies were grey and it was very chilly!

The house tour was great. But no Photos allowed. So go onto the website https://www.farleyshouseandgallery.co.uk/people/lee-miller/

The house was an eclectic mix of art works and travel memorabilia. A Picasso tile roughly grouted in above the stove !

Many art works by artist friends and lee’s husband Roland Penrose a surrealist painter.

There is also a gallery of Lees photos along with photos by Man Ray of their decadent summers spent in the South of France before the war.

The garden is filled with sculptures.

Two hours immersion into the life of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose sent us hungry to The Gun. Yet another old country pub.

A great first day in the UK. Let’s hope the weather improves! We are singing on Brighton Pier tomorrow!

Brighton UK turns on the Sun….

May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

We’ve been hearing about the miserable weather in Brighton but today the sun is out. What a lovely welcome.

The flight from Singapore was in 2 sections 7 hours to Abu Dhabi a stop for an hour and a half. Stretch the legs then a bigger flight – 7 hours. Bonus. I slept.

Arriving into London with blue skies was a treat. It’s always exciting looking out the window down onto the Thames.

We caught the train into London and then the National rail train to Brighton. Stopping for coffee we were surprised at the costs! ( an outrageous $19. For 2 coffees! ) at Heathrow , got cash, started the eSIM and we were in Brighton by 11.

It’s so old world ‘English seaside’ vibe. Lots of people. The smell of fish and chips. Lots of dogs and a ton of people down by the pebbly waterfront eating fish and chips and licking ice cream.

We had a bite to eat in a great cafe then walked. And walked. I’d read about an area called North Laine. It’s an area of traffic free streets with outdoor stalls, lots of quirky shops, cafes, vape shops, cannabis outlets, boho and homewares. All together. Great fun.

We saw the area with lots of tents including the Spiegeltent for Fringe Festival shows.

There’s not as many posters around advertising Fringe events. despite this our show on Saturday night is a sell out.

Crossing Edward St. the main thoroughfare we walked the Lanes. Full of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Down to Marine Pde passing the Wagner Theatre where our ‘Bangers and Mash ups ‘ show is on Saturday night. It’s sold out! Amazing. I have 5 friends from this area coming along.

A quick visit to Sainsbury the supermarket for a few supplies to carry the five short blocks back to the air BnB.

Into our flat. Ground floor , facing the ocean, it’s one of the many painted terrace houses that line this road.

It’s one big room decorated with antiques, two big squishy lounges A grand piano and an iron poster bed.

It’s perfect. I love it and could stay a week. And it was less expensive than a hotel.

Our gorgeous friend Yves called in around 6.30 – yes we managed a little snooze to conquer the long travel day.

He suggested dinner at a great little place in the Lanes with a glass of wine first.

We spent so much time catching up that I forgot a photo! We met Yves back in 2013 in a swim trek in Sardinia. We’ve since caught up over many swims. Particularly the long swims Steve has done with our friends Chris, Ben and Dan

If you scroll back in my posts you’ll see our swims together. A memorable one for all the wrong reasons in Hong Kong harbour …

Yves also organised our swim trek to Vanuatu where he was born, with a group of our Brisbane friends. So, we did have lots to talk about.

We ate curry and drank red wine and at 11pm that night fell into the 4 poster iron bed.

🎶🎶 Singing Tour – a Swimming Tour: Starting in Singapore.

May 27, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

We decided on an overnight in Singapore. To break the journey. Is it worth it ?

I am starting to love my visits to Singapore. Having recently been with Pete and 5 year old Ollie I feel I’m getting to know it a little.

We stayed at Capri by Fraser. In Chinatown Square a block from the Mecure where we stayed last time. I love this area. Lots of good food markets, interesting little streets and with the train you can get everywhere quickly.

The taxi from the airport was quick and efficient and we were in the hotel in 45 mins. Cost $31.

Drummed the bags , a quick change into some cooler clothes and off to the Lau Pa Sat food markets with its infamous Satay Street. Always busy it’s great for a quick meal under fans ……with a big beer. Also a major people watching place. There are piles of plates on every table, amazing smells and locals hunched over

Our hotel is great but we don’t usually include breakfast. We like to go out away from buffet breakfasts. We went to a cafe nearby m. Had a great coffee and watched the passing parade on their way to work. They all wear comfortable shoes and the girls often carry a little portable fan.

At first I thought one girl had an ice cream. But it was a little battery run fan. It looked funny. Can’t say I blame her. It’s very steamy.

I wanted to walk around some of the quiet narrow streets of China Town. We discovered a little oasis of greenery. Very quiet and a bit different to the big broad streets with traffic.

Singapore has sorted out lots of problems associated with dense living! They charge a fortune to have a private car on the road so it does limit car traffic. I can’t imagine if they allowed anyone to drive a car. It would be at a standstill.

I had checked before booking that our hotel offered a baggage hold after checkout and then use of showers later in the day. My new best friend at the concierge desk took our bags and we set off walking. It was a little overcast so bearable.

We crossed the river towards Parliament and the arts precinct.

New building vs old on opposite sides of the river

Some beautiful buildings lots of shady trees and places to sit or go inside to some aircon.

I checked out the Fullerton Hotel. It’s a beauty but would cost $$$. Lovely for a visit or a cool drink.

Zig zagging across the walking bridges we went back to the arts area

The Fullerton Hotel with Marina Sands behind it.

Another lovely gallery with a Pagoda exhibition

Statues are everywhere – this outside the Fire Museum.

Lots of walking led to a big thirst so we stopped at Clarke Quay for lunch. A beer and prawns by the water under a fan. Perfect.

We’re now at the airport. Being early to a flight in no problem in Singapore. The amazing ‘The Jewel’ is adjacent to Terminal 1&2 and easy to access from terminal 3 , it is the perfect place to spend time.

There is a great big waterfall in the centre with lots of seating. Not too comfortable as people would lie down. I certainly wanted to!

I was here 6 weeks ago with son Peter and grandson Ollie and he did the dinosaur hunt.

The attraction for kids this month young and old is Mario Kart.

Now the big flight to London. Lucky we’re in business! Soul Song choir here I come.

Visiting Georgetown : Penang

April 9, 2025 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

I first came to Penang with my sister, her husband at the time who worked in KL and Clare my beautiful niece. She was about 1 at the time. She’s now 46!

So it was ages ago.

Needless to say Georgetown has changed. It’s big and spread out to an area called Gurney where there are big apartment blocks. Huge glossy shopping plazas and no one swimming in the oceans. There are signs for stinging jellyfish.

We walked straight to the Upside Down Museum just as the storm hit.

Perfect timing for this quirky museum. You step into rooms that are perfectly staged with everything upside down. Each room has an attendant who positions you and then takes photos on your own camera.

We spent an hour there. It cost about 100ringgit. about $30

Money well spent. When we came out with big smiles on our faces the storm had passed and we started wandering the surrounding street toward the jetty area.

Some cool street art in the Beach Rd area.

We stopped for a delicious gelato and found the Armenian area. Known for its great little shops and interested side streets. I bought a little umbrella and another fan.

We slowly wound our way towards Chew Jetty.

Past the Fire station.

We walked out along one jetty area. Such an interesting place to live. It was quiet and clean with water lapping against the pylons.

Caught a local napping.

Then onto Chew Jetty. People live and run little businesses from their front terrace. You just want to support them all. The jetty is open all day to visitors who wander up and Fien past true little terrace houses. So kind of them to share their lives with us tourists.

Crossing back into the myriad of streets we walked and walked. Pete got hungry and stopped for a few samosas at a stall in little India.

Onto the Red Garden food court. I must say our 5 year old is a trooper. We walked 11,000 steps this afternoon and he didn’t complain. He just chatters away asking questions about what he’s seeing.

Huge array of food stalls. Our little seafood monster had grilled prawn, octopus and crab. I forgot to mention he demolished a stingray last night!