“Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to”……Bristol and Bath.

‘Twas a fine Thursday in September when two coaches made their way from the far west of Cornwall, stopping every so often to pick up choristers and supporters of Mousehole Male Voice Choir until having passed Chiverton and Longrock respectively, we picked up speed to head towards our destination in Bristol, or “the far north” as it is known in Mousehole! After a smooth ride with a break for refreshments at Cornwall Services and a quiz along the way, we reached The Bristol Hotel in the late afternoon and settled in before venturing out in search of sustenance and lubrication. After the immediate need for food was taken care of, a good number of the choir then gravitated to The Shakespeare, a public house next door to the hotel and an impromptu concert ensued to the delight of locals who had just popped in for a swift half and of supporters on a similar mission, both those who travelled with us and others who had travelled independently to join us on the tour from as far away as Warrington. Eventually, after multiple reminders to save some voice for the official events, the evening concluded with a growing certainty that this tour was shaping up to be an absolute “belter”.

Friday 13th was a free day with members of the group enjoying many of the local sights including “Banksys” and in particular, a chance to look around SS Great Britain and the associated museum which was a popular choice.

In the evening, we again boarded the coach to travel to Stoke Gifford where we shared a concert with our hosts the Bristol MVC. Bristol were conducted by Jo Sculin and accompanied by Clair Hiles whilst Mousehole were conducted mostly by Stephen Lawry but also once by assistant MD David Williams and were accompanied by David Ceredig-Evans. Soloists Charles Parke, Graham Warren and David Williams featured in “I Will Rise” during the second half. The concert concluded with two pieces by the combined choirs – “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, conducted by Stephen and “Morte Christe” led by Jo.

After an excellent concert in a lovely venue we made our way to the clubhouse of Aretians RFC where the room booked for the afterglow had been double-booked for a party which was already in full-swing but both choirs adapted with good humour and although the second bar was smaller, a good time was had by all.

Our second full day, Saturday 14th was somewhat busier as we were able to do a 50 minute recital in Wells Cathedral. This truly magnificent building with the most amazing acoustics made for an occasion which will be remembered as a highlight of the entire singing careers of the choir members.

Time was pressing and after this wonderful but all too brief stop we were back on the bus to make our way to Bath where we were to share a concert with our old friends Mendip Male Voice Choir led by MD Kate Courage and accompanied by Dominic Irving who was performing his first concert with the choir. The venue was Weston all Saints Church which was newly out of a major refurbishment programme and a lovely place to sing. For this concert which also featured “I Will Rise”, we also had “Slow Me Down, Lord” for which David Ceredig-Evans ventured away from the keyboard to sing the solo part. The concert concluded with “American Trilogy” by the combined choirs.

After another excellent concert, the afterglow took place in the church hall where again, an excellent spread of refreshments had been laid on by our host choir.

All too soon, we reached Sunday and time to pack up and return home but not before a rendition of “Rachie” in the hotel foyer.

Everyone agreed that this had been a fabulous tour but only because of the hard work put in in advance and by the good company we enjoyed and therefore our sincere thanks go to (in no particular order):

Stephen Lawry – MD.

David Williams – Assistant MD and soloist.

Annette Turton – Accompanist during rehearsals.

David Caredig-Evans – Accompanist on tour, soloist and coach A marshal.

John Findlay – Tour arranger.

Vance Webster – Assistant tour arranger.

Graham Warren – Choir Marshal.

Tim James – Mr “behind the scenes” (choir secretary).

Rodney Ward – coach B marshal.

Staff of Bristol Hotel for their wonderful hospitality and incredible breakfast buffets.

Bristol MVC and Mendip MVC for their hospitality and company – we hope to see you all again soon!

Managements of St Michael’s Centre Stoke Gifford, Wells Cathedral and Weston All Saints Church.

Roselyn Coaches.

All our lovely wives, partners and supporters.

Roll on the next one!!

Bristol MVC on stage