Christine's Blog

Wee Alice Crompton: What day is it today, Chrissie? Me: Hmm, let's check our Tour Book. So if we are on our way to Durham, it must be Tuesday.  We set off from Scotland in the morning after another wonderful breakfast. The merits of the haggis and black pudding and the secret ingredient in the porridge (whisky) were yet again the subject of conversation. We arrived in Durham some 3 hours later, having been entertained/educated on the way by David Thomas telling us interesting facts about South Australian connections to the Northumbrian Saints, including Cuthbert, Wilfred, Chad and Bede, the Holy Isle and Lindisfarne. Time for a quick lunch with the recently arrived Rev Jenny Wilson. It was great to hear her call my name across the forecourt of the Cathedral.  We then sorted our music, robed and went in for rehearsal. Here is a picture of the rehearsal.  Tonight we sang Anthony Hunt Versicles and Responses, with Andrew as Cantor. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimitt...

A little like the restaurant industry in Australia, Monday is traditionally a quieter day for churches, after Sunday. Or so it seems to me. And in Scotland today we have spent less time in church and more time at play. This morning we had another marvelous breakfast followed by a walk to Edinburgh Castle. It is quite a stroll. With a big hill to climb. A very big hill.  But we made it. And have the photo to prove it. Edinburgh Castle We had a lovely random character called Wayne who stopped to take this photo for us of our whole tour group of 58 (I think) at present, outside Edinburgh Castle. The Director of Fun, Coby Mellor then negotiated ticket prices for us. I ended up with Josie Koerner and six kids as one family ticket. We named ourselves after my Clan name, Clan Ross. I had the wee ones, Sophie and Alice Crompton, Charlie and Miranda Wells, Alex B and Ellie C. John Wells did threaten to leave rapidly and head for Paris...  ...

Dear Reader We have been in Scotland for about 36 hours thus far. Or fewer, actually, although we have done quite a bit really.  After leaving Dubai we headed off on the shorter of our long haul flights. I had discovered a lovely movie on the long leg, and recommended it to my colleagues, a number of whom watched it simultaneously. We can all recommend What We Did on our Holiday. Poignant and funny. Once we landed in Glasgow it only took a short time to clear customs and we were on our way by coach to Edinburgh, with David at the wheel. I was very pleased to see the cases containing robes and music arrive off the carousel, and can confirm that they are all here. We checked into the Hilton Hotel in Edinburgh, which is just around the corner from St Mary's Cathedral, where we have sung today. Some of the party even have a Cathedral view from their windows.  A walk to the main shopping street saw the purchase of crates for the music and SIM cards for phones...

Safely in the UK. Just had a full Scots' breakfast and we now head off for first sing.  I promise a proper post later today. 

We are safely in Dubai. Apart from some travel sickness all are well. Thanks to so many family and friends who came to see us off. Matilda was a hit.

Dear Reader As the old song goes, All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go.  Well, nearly. There are a few last minute jobs to go. Christmas has been sung. Through this blessed season we have been overwhelmed with the love and support shown to us by the Cathedral community, our families and our friends. Thank you. I have cleaned the fridge, washed the sheets, changed the beds and descaled the coffee machine in readiness for the house sitters.  My house looks like a departure lounge, with the Robes and Music Cases as well as my own. They are in order, Amadeus, Bruckner, Byrd, Darke, Howells, Orlovich and Sculthorpe. Named by their occupants.  In a little over seven hours, it will be off to the airport. Dear Reader, please forgive any errors I make in my foray back into the world of blogging. It has been nearly four years since last I wrote regularly. Leave us a comment, tell us what is happening back at home, give us your weather reports. All of t...

. Charlie, as youngest chorister, brought the Baby Jesus to the Crib After Christmas Day service, with The Dean sporting his Tour Scarf The Boss sorts her music Panorama of my lounge room The cases