Day 8 - Touring York and the Beverly Ringers

Today began with a walk through the streets of York to York Minster - easily one the most beautiful places I've ever scene. York is a charming city. Walking through the streets of the city center feels as if you've traveled back in time - narrow streets lined with cafes and shops. Again pictures can not do it justice - but I've posted a few to try to give you a sense of everything. At York Minster we broke into two groups for guided tours and a history lesson on the Minster, the architecture and the amazing stained glass windows - including a very cool "bellmaker's window". After about a 90 minute tour, we were on our own for lunch and independent time in York. Some stayed at the Minster to explore the lower crypts or the towers. Others went in search of pieces of the ancient walls surrounding the city. Many explored the shops in the area. I'm getting tons of pictures from everyone - its taking me a little time to sort through them all, but I'll post what I can. By 3:30 PM we were back on the bus and headed to the small town of Beverly and St. Margaret's Church where we were met by members of the Beverly Ringers. They of course had tea, coffee and biscuits waiting for us. After a short break we unloaded our equipment to set up for a short rehearsal (in preparation of Thursday's concert at St. Paul's Cathedral). Before we started the rehearsal we were treated to a quick tour of St. Margaret's. One of their key points of interest is a sculpture of a white rabbit in coat tails that is the inspiration for the drawings in Lewis Carrol's "Alice in Wonderland". Several of us then climbed the 80 steps up a very narrow spiral staircase to the bell tower ringing room where we received a quick lesson on tower change ringing - fascinating! A few more steps up and we were in the tower room with the actual bells. A few more steps (130 in total) and we were on the roof of the bell tower. The problem with going up is that you have to come all the way back down - a little scary on the narrow spiral staircase with a few dark spaces! After rehearsing a little more than an hour, we had the best treat of the trip so far - the Beverly Ringers performed for us in the traditional Yorkshire style of off-the-table ringing. Several of us took video that we will try to post to YouTube soon. I'll let you know when it's up. What an amazing sight! None of us had ever seen anything like it. They were wonderful! I'm trying to think how to describe in a way that will make sense to you - but I'm not coming up with anything. You'll just have to wait until we have a chance to post the video - sorry. Next - we joined the Beverly Ringers at the Tiger Inn for dinner, drinks and social time before making the drive back to York for the night. All in all, a very good day!

More to add - Gillian Penn has started a trend of 'self portrait' photos. The photo below is one I took of Gillian showing David her technique on the roof of the Bell Tour in Beverly. You can see by the photo that we were all having fun with this. We've also become very good at loading and unloading the truck for rehearsals and performances. Another photo (left) shows our "bass train" on its way to be loaded back in the truck.

Day 7 - Melrose & York - A Travel Day

Our group outside Melrose Abby. We're smiling because we've finally seen some sun! The tower bell at Melrose Abby The "Border Piper" serenading us with "Rock Around the Clock" (yes - really!) as we cross the Scotland/England border. We left Edinburgh at 8:30 this morning and began the long journey to York - with a few quick stops along the way. This is our first long trip on the bus since the trip began, but Graeme (our bus driver) has stocked the cooler with bottled water and soft drinks, available to the group for only 60 pence each - very reasonable. Most settle in with IPods, books or puzzles (or take a nap) to pass the time. Joyce, our tour manager, keeps a running commentary on the history of the UK and important land marks that we pass. Our first stop on the trip leads us to Melrose Abby - a border abby that is mostly in ruins. Its a beautiful pink stone with tons of history. After a brief introduction from one of the Abby guides, we explore on our own for about an hour. Then back on the bus to continue on our way to York. Next, we make a brief photo stop at the Scotland/England border (Keith Rowland lets out a big sigh of relief - its good to be home!). There we meet the "Border Piper" who serenades the crowds. As we are boarding the bus to continue our journey, he breaks into "Rock Around the Clock" - and we thought it sounded strange on bells! We continue the drive through the rolling hills of England - dotted with sheep and cattle and covered alternately with pine trees and heather. A truly beautiful site that can not be captured one camera - I tried and the photos pale in comparison to the real thing. I wish I could share it with you! Another brief stop at a small portion of the Hadrian Wall - built across a 70+ mile stretch of the UK when it was part of the Roman Empire. Joyce tells us that you can sometimes see a Roman Centurian still patrolling the ruins. Next - a service stop for lunch and then back on the bus for the final two hours to York. Upon our arrival in York, we race through the streets of Your to the Minster in hopes of making the 4:00 PM Evensong Service. A few make it before the doors are closed - but most of us are left outside to just hear a wonderful serman and closing hymn. The Minster is on our tour schedule for tomorrow, so we head back to the hotel to settle in and have a group dinner. Tomorrow we tour York and then travel to Beverly to see true York-style off-the-table ringing and socialize with some fellow ringers here in the UK. We will play a few songs for them as well. Oh - I almost forgot. Malcolm Wilson sent this link to a wonderful video on YouTube of our performance of his "Amazing Grace" at Dunblane Cathedral. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTGqcP1MM7w More tomorrow!

Day 6 - Windy, Rainy & Cold Edinburgh

Advocate's Close - a small alley off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh St. Giles Cathedral - a group from the Bay Area was performing during our visit. One of the beautiful stained glass windows at St. Giles. The day began at 8:30 - weather 50 degrees (F), a light drizzle and a whipping wind. The group was meeting Robyn, our guide for the day, for a walking tour of Edinburgh. Robyn arrived in full Scottish regalia - kilt, jacket, knee socks and bagpipe included. The tour began with a walk up a long and winding hill, against the wind. The first stop was the Grassmarket, which was the site of public hangings of protestants who refused to renounce their faith. Next we moved on to St. Giles Cathedral, making several stops along the way to hear Robyn's colorful and verbose stories. St. Giles features stunning stained glass windows and a beautiful pipe organ. The walk continued down the Royal Mile - more wonderful stories from our guide and stops at the numerous alleys (closes & wynds) along the way. We then walked back up the Mile to Edinburgh Castle. If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings - picture Minus Tirith - this is what comes to mind when I see Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding area. Winding lanes circling through the city center to the castle at the top. Edinburgh Castle plays host to the annual Tattoo - an amazing display of pipe and drum bands throughout the summer months. When we arrived, they were beginning to set up for this year's Tattoo. As the group left the Castle at the end of our tour, a white stretch limo pulled into the castle courtyard carrying a bride to her wedding reception taking place in the Castle's Great Hall. She and her bridal party were escorted to the reception by a major piper - a very grand vision. After the tour everyone was on their own for lunch and independent shopping & sightseeing. Many returned to the hotel to catch up on sleep. Here are some of the sights and experiences that group members have shared with me....

• Several ringers bought mini bagpipes so they can begin learning to pipe
• A group of women held a breast cancer walk. They all wore pink plaid caps with the theme "Moonwalk for Cancer". Barbara Wilson, on the tour with her daughter Tracy Peterson, was given one of the hats by a participant which she plans to give to a friend fighting breast cancer.
• Several researched family history and discovered that they are part of a Scottish Clan.

We all came together again at the hotel for a group dinner to share our experiences for the day. During dinner, I've passed on the thoughts and good wishes from those of you that have posted comments - thank you - it is always good to have words from home.

Now - several of us are relaxing in the hotel bar - all helping me write today's installment. A small group has gone out to take the "Tour of the Dead" a ghost tour through Edinburgh's graveyards.

We leave Edinburgh tomorrow morning at 8:30 and head to York. We will be there two days before moving on to London.

Keep your comments coming - we love hearing from you. I'll post pictures soon - I'm working on getting some pics from others in the group and technology is getting in our way. Check back later for the visuals!

Day 5 - First day of Sightseeing & Concert 2

Performing at Greyfriars Kirk Classic David Davidson

William Wallace Monument as seen from Stirling Castle Stirling Castle

Shannon - Our guide at Stirling Castle The group at the beginning of our tour

Finally the ringers get a break. We say goodbye to Dunblane and head to Stirling for a visit to Stirling Castle - the first opportunity for those of us ringing to do something other than ring, sleep or eat.

Stirling Castle is beautiful and a wonderful presentation. We have our own private tour guide - Shannon. A very Scottish girl with amazing enthusiasm for the history she shares with us. It is a cold and windy day (yes it's June - but we're bundled in jeans, sweatshirts and coats), and Shannon moves us through the castle grounds giving us the important highlights and pointing out the "must-see" features of the site. It is obvious that a great deal of work has been, and is still being done to present a top quality historical exhibit.

After the morning in Stirling, we head on to Edinburgh for a quick lunch in the Castle district (great fish and chips!) and then check in to our hotel (again very quickly) before we load into our second concert site - Greyfriar's Kirk. We have become much better at the load-in process - the bass train is well organized now! After load-in, we have a short rehearsal, addressing the mistakes of our first concert, then another quick meal and change to concert dress.

Our second concert is an improvement over the first ( a trend I hope we continue through Paris), but rainy weather has provided us a small audience. Tonight our audience includes some interesting listeners. Two traveled 300 miles just to hear us perform. One plays in what she tells us is the only Scottish bell choir not affiliated with a church. We also have friends of Jeanne Jessup - one of our group - Malcolm Robinson and his wife who have brought a friend fr0m India direct from the airport. Their Indian friend has never heard handbells and is entranced. Tonight we have an intermission (interval in Scotland) and several of the audience come into the choir asking questions and looking curiously at bells and music.

We are loaded and back at the hotel by 10:00 pm UK time. We are all looking forward to tomorrow - no ringing on the schedule. A free day after a short guided walking tour through Edinburgh. We are all in need of some rest and relaxation after 5 packed days.

Day 4 - Our first concert - Dunblane Cathedral

Group shot at Dunblane Cathedral Our piper for Amazing Grace at Dunblane "backstage" at Dunblane Cathedral

Moving pews in the Cathedral to make room. Dunblane Cathedral - site of our first concert Loading in to the Cathedral

After more rehearsal and lunch at Queen Victoria School, all our equipment is packed up and moved to Dunblane Cathedral - the site of our first concert. Our hosts are Malcolm Wilson (his Amazing Grace is on our program) and Lisbeth Wilson.

We bid a sad farewell to Queen Victoria School. While we have been there less than two days, it feels comfortable and safe and we are on our way to that scary unknown of our first concert site. It is a massive undertaking, packing and loading 7 octaves plus 5 octaves of bells, and 7-octaves plus 3 octaves of chimes, and tables, foam, covers, etc. We all know we will get better as we go - but this first time is a bit frantic.

All equipment is moved to Dunblane Cathedral. An unexpected surprise - Carl Wiltse is waiting for us when we arrive. After moving several pews out of the way (people are always amazed by the willingness of handbell ringers to help!) - we rehearse more, break for afternoon tea (of course! - we're used to it now), more rehearsal, then back to the hotel for a very quick dinner and change into our concert. Everyone has an odd combination of jet-lag-induced fatigue and opening nite jitters. We are all wondering what effect this will have on our performance.

We are back at the Cathedral for a quick rehearsal with the bagpiper for Amazing Grace (WOW!!! He's Amazing!) and concert time arrives soon. We have a small, but enthralled, audience. Everyone in the group has the typical first-time mistakes that never happened in rehearsal. The one's where you think "where did that just come from?!" But we also have some wonderful moments. Our performances of Arnold Sherman's "Song of Peace" and Malcolm's "Amazing Grace" moves many in the audience (and a few in the choir) to tears. We still have a lot to work on - but overall - a success.

Concert one is under our belt - now we're really moving!

Day 3 - Rehearsals at Queen Victoria's School

The library at the Queen Victoria School where tea and lunch were served daily Rehearsal

The rhododendrons outside the hotel in Dunblane

The past 3 days have been very busy. Thanks to all who have posted comments. It's great to see that you are reading the posts and following our trip.

After two days of travel troubles (Leslie Lewis, who joined our group a day late, was also delayed coming out of Newark, but only 4-hours this time), we settled into rehearsals. I must say - the people of Dunblane were so accommodating and gracious to us during our stay. Rehearsals took place at the Queen Victoria School - a boarding school for the children of Scottish soldiers stationed away from home. We spent about 2 1/2 days in their school auditorium rehearsing. During that time, they served us tea 3 times, lunch twice and showed us a wonderful video about the history of the school. Tea is my morning beverage of choice - and no one does tea like those in the UK! Of course, it's always served with wonderful biscuits - my favorites are the chocolate mint - wonderful! The school has been wonderful. Our only regret is not having the opportunity to play a concert for the students (or the chance to hear their acclaimed pipe and drum band).

While we were rehearsing, five of our non-ringing participants joined our bus driver (Graeme) and tour guide (Joyce) on a trip to Perth and a Scottish distillery. They tell me the trip there provided views of some stunning Scottish country-side and that Joyce & Graeme kept a running commentary providing details and tidbits about the area and its history. They have promised pictures which I will post soon.

Tomorrow is our first concert. Rehearsals have gone very well. David has spent much time on all those little musical details that are his specialty! I just hope we remember them all during the performance tomorrow!

I've included some pics of the wonderful hotel in Dunblane - it has the look of an old Scottish castle. It was once a spa. The rhododendrons surrounding the property are in full bloom and provide wonderful scenery for morning walks.

More about our first concert in the next post...

Day 2 - Glasgow & Dunblane

The view from our Hotel in Dunblane Setting up the rehearsal space We finally landed in Glasgow shortly after 1:00 pm today (that's 8:00 AM EDT) - very tired, with a long day still ahead. After passing through customs and gathering the group and our baggage together, we met our tour manager and bus driver - Joyce & Graeme. And - surprise - the 8 who missed our flight were already in Glasgow waiting for us to arrive - two minus their luggage. We soon loaded the bus, made arrangements for missing luggage to be delivered to the hotel in Dunblane, and hit the road around 2:30 PM. We made a quick stop for a snack and pulled into our hotel in Dunblane about 4:20 PM. But, no time for rest yet, we had a rehearsal in 40 minutes! Everyone checked into their rooms, grabbed music, mallets and gloves from suitcases and got back on the bus to head to the school that will be our rehearsal home for the next two days. By the time we set up all the tables, bells, and other equipment, it was almost 6:00 PM. David showed some mercy and didn't work us too hard - we read through about 1/2 of our music in the next hour and returned to the hotel by 7:15 PM for dinner. The rehearsal went very well - considering what we had all been through in the past day. But, the hard work starts tomorrow - rehearsals from 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM with breaks for lunch and dinner. We have much to do with our first concert only 2 days away! I'll post more after we are out of rehearsals and seeing the sites. Feel free to post your own comments or send questions for the group.