...A wonderful, uplifting Madrigal reunion...
Friday, 21 October 2011
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Afterthoughts...
It was a good event and thank you very much for organising it…..Just back from the journey…it took over 4 ½ hours as Junction 25 of the M5 is shut today, with massive tail-backs on all approach roads. Will P
Well my dears thank you so much for yesterday afternoon, what a wonderful day… what a success, and the singing, well perhaps, not quite as tight as Yugoslavia, but considering 40 years have passed and our voices have changed, if I say it myself, I thought it sounded pretty good. Even Brian looked amazed. My own voice is shot! I had Quincy in the spring and subsequently have had a sore throat all summer, so I really wasn't on form. Today I can hardly speak - Michael, my husband is having a peaceful day. Everyone seemed just as I remembered them. Chris Fisher, Will Pedley, Steve Mason, Nick Claire, David Fayle, Belinda, Sue & Sarah I could name them all, just as they were all that time ago. I was disappointed a few more didn't come, Sarah Homyer, Cynthia Dare and sad Linda wasn't there….Brian seemed quite overwhelmed yesterday. All these middle aged woman kissing a cuddling him, I hope it wasn't too much. There if he remembers it should give him some joy. Amanda
I am sorry I did not get to speak to you yesterday and I really wanted to get to thank you for organising the reunion yesterday. Having only been at Woodroffe for 2 years and not in the madrigal group, I hadn't thought of being a member of the Association before and it was pure serendipity that brought me there on Saturday.
I was coming to Lyme to visit my mother and contacted Heather just to see if she was around for a walk and catch- up. She encouraged me to come to the event and it was such an unexpected pleasure to meet so many again after so many years. Then to be so lucky as to win the raffle was a complete and wonderful surprise! …So although I know you didn't actually invite me, it is thanks to your organising the afternoon event that I ended up there and I am very grateful. I hope it was a success from your point of view and that all is well with you. Shelagh Weekes (Née Patterson)
The reunion was everything I hoped it would be and it was glorious to sing again and to be standing next to my old partner in crime, Sue. It was also marvellous to see the delight on Brian Manners' face as he realised how many of his old group still knew what they were doing. I can't claim to be among them, but loved it anyway. I only wish we'd had longer for it all and more time to both sing and socialise….I'd like to suggest that we don't leave it for 10 years, but rather five, or even two! I would do it every year! And next time, maybe we can arrange a meal to follow the singing...then we could really have a chance to catch up properly….Meanwhile, I am back in the Netherlands now, and getting my nose back to the grindstone. Nevertheless, I shall remember this last weekend with very special fondness and really hope we can meet up again before too long...even if it isn't for madrigals.Val
Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the Madrigal Reunion on Saturday afternoon. It went so well and everyone there really enjoyed it and was so grateful to be part of it. I could barely sing the School Song for the lump in my throat!…I am dying to see the film footage that was shot - I will put my name down for a copy of the DVD when it becomes available….I think Brian was absolutely thrilled and it was lovely for us to be able to give him something back for everything he did for us. Gilly
Thank you so much for organizing the event which proved to be very enjoyable in catching up with people and reminiscing over the past.The icing on the cake certainly proved to be the performances of our past repertoire under the skilled and talented direction of Brian Manners….It's amazing that the memory still functions after all this time! Hilary G
Just a brief email to say a big thank you for all the hard work that you put in to the reunion and also for your hospitality. It was really most enjoyable. We should sing together more often!!! John L
I hope all went well at the weekend reunion and would have loved to have been part of it – we had a great time in Thailand with my step daughter and youngest grandchild who is now two, returning home late on Sunday night. Mike G
Dear Adrian. Thank you so much for organising the reunion with the Madrigal Group. It was a wonderful get together. …It was very moving seeing Burr and to be conducted by him at 81, and in a fairly frail state. We all did so well with our parts and it was amazing how they have been committed to memory and resurrected after 42 years….Higgy who kept the Altos together is now lazing on a beach in Greece….Juliet very much enjoyed seeing you in the evening and looks forward to a meeting of the select 'One Alpha' club in the future.
She would also like to be in touch with Catherine Marchbank and Robert Pitfield if you know their whereabouts ? Love Viv B
Well my dears thank you so much for yesterday afternoon, what a wonderful day… what a success, and the singing, well perhaps, not quite as tight as Yugoslavia, but considering 40 years have passed and our voices have changed, if I say it myself, I thought it sounded pretty good. Even Brian looked amazed. My own voice is shot! I had Quincy in the spring and subsequently have had a sore throat all summer, so I really wasn't on form. Today I can hardly speak - Michael, my husband is having a peaceful day. Everyone seemed just as I remembered them. Chris Fisher, Will Pedley, Steve Mason, Nick Claire, David Fayle, Belinda, Sue & Sarah I could name them all, just as they were all that time ago. I was disappointed a few more didn't come, Sarah Homyer, Cynthia Dare and sad Linda wasn't there….Brian seemed quite overwhelmed yesterday. All these middle aged woman kissing a cuddling him, I hope it wasn't too much. There if he remembers it should give him some joy. Amanda
I am sorry I did not get to speak to you yesterday and I really wanted to get to thank you for organising the reunion yesterday. Having only been at Woodroffe for 2 years and not in the madrigal group, I hadn't thought of being a member of the Association before and it was pure serendipity that brought me there on Saturday.
I was coming to Lyme to visit my mother and contacted Heather just to see if she was around for a walk and catch- up. She encouraged me to come to the event and it was such an unexpected pleasure to meet so many again after so many years. Then to be so lucky as to win the raffle was a complete and wonderful surprise! …So although I know you didn't actually invite me, it is thanks to your organising the afternoon event that I ended up there and I am very grateful. I hope it was a success from your point of view and that all is well with you. Shelagh Weekes (Née Patterson)
The reunion was everything I hoped it would be and it was glorious to sing again and to be standing next to my old partner in crime, Sue. It was also marvellous to see the delight on Brian Manners' face as he realised how many of his old group still knew what they were doing. I can't claim to be among them, but loved it anyway. I only wish we'd had longer for it all and more time to both sing and socialise….I'd like to suggest that we don't leave it for 10 years, but rather five, or even two! I would do it every year! And next time, maybe we can arrange a meal to follow the singing...then we could really have a chance to catch up properly….Meanwhile, I am back in the Netherlands now, and getting my nose back to the grindstone. Nevertheless, I shall remember this last weekend with very special fondness and really hope we can meet up again before too long...even if it isn't for madrigals.Val
Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the Madrigal Reunion on Saturday afternoon. It went so well and everyone there really enjoyed it and was so grateful to be part of it. I could barely sing the School Song for the lump in my throat!…I am dying to see the film footage that was shot - I will put my name down for a copy of the DVD when it becomes available….I think Brian was absolutely thrilled and it was lovely for us to be able to give him something back for everything he did for us. Gilly
Thank you so much for organizing the event which proved to be very enjoyable in catching up with people and reminiscing over the past.The icing on the cake certainly proved to be the performances of our past repertoire under the skilled and talented direction of Brian Manners….It's amazing that the memory still functions after all this time! Hilary G
Just a brief email to say a big thank you for all the hard work that you put in to the reunion and also for your hospitality. It was really most enjoyable. We should sing together more often!!! John L
I hope all went well at the weekend reunion and would have loved to have been part of it – we had a great time in Thailand with my step daughter and youngest grandchild who is now two, returning home late on Sunday night. Mike G
Dear Adrian. Thank you so much for organising the reunion with the Madrigal Group. It was a wonderful get together. …It was very moving seeing Burr and to be conducted by him at 81, and in a fairly frail state. We all did so well with our parts and it was amazing how they have been committed to memory and resurrected after 42 years….Higgy who kept the Altos together is now lazing on a beach in Greece….Juliet very much enjoyed seeing you in the evening and looks forward to a meeting of the select 'One Alpha' club in the future.
She would also like to be in touch with Catherine Marchbank and Robert Pitfield if you know their whereabouts ? Love Viv B
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Well, it happened
Well done to 31 (out of a possible 52) madrigal attenders at the reunion. Plus our VIP conductor, Brian, of course.
More reports will follow but for now I wanted to post the apologies for absence messages below. Adrian
Originally I had been intending to come to the reunion (Sheena had talked me into it when she and Dave came for my 60th party after my daughter had tracked her down, a long story!!) and my daughter and I had planned to come for a long weekend, but since the beginning of June I have been dividing my time between here in Sussex and Ely as my mother is terminally ill. She has been on the verge of leaving us since the end of August, but is still just about with us, so as things stand, I can't see me getting to Lyme now. It would have been good to see everyone, though I certainly wouldn't have been able to join in much with the singing, too many cigarettes over the years for that….I have just been looking at the blog - did I really have such dark hair then!! Great to read about what people have been up to. I will see if I can put something together about my doings….I hope the reunion goes well and I look forward to reading about it on the blog. Caroline Lewcock
Interesting to see some (very) old familiar names and some not so familiar ones (probably several years younger than me)….I did attend a reunion once before, and found no-one of my era there. I found this a rather strange and uncomfortable experience which, to be honest, I'm not keen to repeat. However, I do wish everyone on your list and others yet to be found all the very best. Best regards, John Wall
Apologies for being unable to make the reunion today. Unfortunately it was not possible to get down today. Hope all went well and you managed to get a good crowd.
Best regards, John Evans
So sorry not to be with you this weekend. Hope it goes really well. However, we are wondering about being down in Lyme the last weekend of November (26-27). You around then???…Andy Parnham
Thanks for this – unfortunately we are away until the 16th and I cannot attend. Looking forward to the half century reunion though! Mike Groves
Cynthia Dare rang to say her parents’ health was poor and she was unable to get away.
I am very sorry but I am not going to be able to come to Lyme this week-end. I have snagged my back and I am finding that car travel does it no good at all. I am walking around almost normally, but I drove to Bournemouth yesterday and when I got out of the car I thought I was going to seize up. So it will be better for me if I don’t make the trip. It’s a big disappointment for me but I will hope to catch up with you and others on another occasion. Steve Evemy
I know for definite that I won’t be able to come in October, but it would be lovely to know how it all goes, so will look forward to that, and thanks for the blog….Best wishes, Joy Pitman
I am definitely intending to come and will email people. However, I do have M.E. which makes things very trying. If I'm not there it will only be because I'm not well enough...I'm not trying to sound vague, and I will be there if I possibly can be, rest assured. How many do you think are coming? [Later] … I doubt I shall make it though. Not too bright at the moment, but if I'm up to it I'll come. If not, I do hope it all goes well for you and you all have a wonderful time. Whatever, I'm so grateful for the email addresses and the chance to catch up with old friends, like Carol and Janie and Joy….All the best, Love Trudesx (Richards)
I shan't be able to attend but please send my good wishes to the Madrigal Group (as was). Also to Brian Manners whom I remember very fondly and to Mr Coates, my former English Lit teacher. All the very best and I look forward to hearing about the meeting and what everybody is up to. Andi Broom
Thanks for the music, although unfortunately I won't be able to sing it with you all on Saturday, as there's no way I can get away from Spain and work at this time of year.
I'm sure you'll all have a great time and I'll think of you happily together again in Lyme….Will you be posting photos of the event on the blog? I hope so, as I'd love to see them.Yours, Jenni Jones
I am very sorry, but really dont think I can make it to the reunion. I have recently had to take charge of my sister’s children (she died) and my mother ..... so very little time to spare for anything!…I hope its a good reunion - do give my regards to all me old mates….
take care, Philippa Roe
Thank you for your kind invitation. It is with regret that due to commitments I cannot join you. Hope you have a wonderful time…I’ll be thinking of you. Linda Mason
More reports will follow but for now I wanted to post the apologies for absence messages below. Adrian
Originally I had been intending to come to the reunion (Sheena had talked me into it when she and Dave came for my 60th party after my daughter had tracked her down, a long story!!) and my daughter and I had planned to come for a long weekend, but since the beginning of June I have been dividing my time between here in Sussex and Ely as my mother is terminally ill. She has been on the verge of leaving us since the end of August, but is still just about with us, so as things stand, I can't see me getting to Lyme now. It would have been good to see everyone, though I certainly wouldn't have been able to join in much with the singing, too many cigarettes over the years for that….I have just been looking at the blog - did I really have such dark hair then!! Great to read about what people have been up to. I will see if I can put something together about my doings….I hope the reunion goes well and I look forward to reading about it on the blog. Caroline Lewcock
Interesting to see some (very) old familiar names and some not so familiar ones (probably several years younger than me)….I did attend a reunion once before, and found no-one of my era there. I found this a rather strange and uncomfortable experience which, to be honest, I'm not keen to repeat. However, I do wish everyone on your list and others yet to be found all the very best. Best regards, John Wall
Apologies for being unable to make the reunion today. Unfortunately it was not possible to get down today. Hope all went well and you managed to get a good crowd.
Best regards, John Evans
So sorry not to be with you this weekend. Hope it goes really well. However, we are wondering about being down in Lyme the last weekend of November (26-27). You around then???…Andy Parnham
Thanks for this – unfortunately we are away until the 16th and I cannot attend. Looking forward to the half century reunion though! Mike Groves
Cynthia Dare rang to say her parents’ health was poor and she was unable to get away.
I am very sorry but I am not going to be able to come to Lyme this week-end. I have snagged my back and I am finding that car travel does it no good at all. I am walking around almost normally, but I drove to Bournemouth yesterday and when I got out of the car I thought I was going to seize up. So it will be better for me if I don’t make the trip. It’s a big disappointment for me but I will hope to catch up with you and others on another occasion. Steve Evemy
I know for definite that I won’t be able to come in October, but it would be lovely to know how it all goes, so will look forward to that, and thanks for the blog….Best wishes, Joy Pitman
I am definitely intending to come and will email people. However, I do have M.E. which makes things very trying. If I'm not there it will only be because I'm not well enough...I'm not trying to sound vague, and I will be there if I possibly can be, rest assured. How many do you think are coming? [Later] … I doubt I shall make it though. Not too bright at the moment, but if I'm up to it I'll come. If not, I do hope it all goes well for you and you all have a wonderful time. Whatever, I'm so grateful for the email addresses and the chance to catch up with old friends, like Carol and Janie and Joy….All the best, Love Trudesx (Richards)
I shan't be able to attend but please send my good wishes to the Madrigal Group (as was). Also to Brian Manners whom I remember very fondly and to Mr Coates, my former English Lit teacher. All the very best and I look forward to hearing about the meeting and what everybody is up to. Andi Broom
Thanks for the music, although unfortunately I won't be able to sing it with you all on Saturday, as there's no way I can get away from Spain and work at this time of year.
I'm sure you'll all have a great time and I'll think of you happily together again in Lyme….Will you be posting photos of the event on the blog? I hope so, as I'd love to see them.Yours, Jenni Jones
I am very sorry, but really dont think I can make it to the reunion. I have recently had to take charge of my sister’s children (she died) and my mother ..... so very little time to spare for anything!…I hope its a good reunion - do give my regards to all me old mates….
take care, Philippa Roe
Thank you for your kind invitation. It is with regret that due to commitments I cannot join you. Hope you have a wonderful time…I’ll be thinking of you. Linda Mason
Monday, 10 October 2011
Steve Mason's photos selection 1
Cafe stop
Dave atop Belgrade castle gate
Lapad
Lapad yacht sunset
Ljubelj border crossing
Steve Mason's photos selection 2
Mastrovic statue at Split
Memorial visit
Mozart House
Our spot at Lapad
Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik
Salzburg flower stalls
Salzburg skyline
Serbian guide
St Mark's Venice
Venice scene
Zadar waterfront
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Kind offer of accommodation
I can offer accommodation for 2, same room separate beds, in Hawkchurch. Julia
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