On the road with EGCS

From the vast splendour of Hereford cathedral to the intimate hilltop setting of Hoarwithy Chapellry, EGCS ‘on tour’ enjoyed a variety of settings in which they could display their versatility. The cathedral provided wonderful acoustics (as long as you didn't hum the note!) for a glorious Evensong on Friday, and the Ross Baptist Church hosted our Saturday night performance of some favourites from our repertoire, including Zadok, madrigals and the Messiah. As the last notes of the Hallelujah chorus resounded around the gem of a chapel in Hoarwithy, we were reminded why we were there: for the sheer joy of singing.

The slightly faded splendour of the Green Dragon in the centre of Hereford provided comfortable rooms, a full English, and a convenient base from which to explore the city.

Each day, our driver Sam collected us in the red coach and transported us through the English countryside at its best. He was undeterred by signs about weak bridges or narrow, impassable lanes and was widely considered to be wOOnderful…!

A choir tour gives us an opportunity not only to enjoy singing, but also to get to know other members of the choir who you might previously have known only as ‘one of the basses.’

The programme of activities planned by the committee included a guided cathedral tour, a visit to Westons cider farm, and a stopover at Tintern Abbey on the way home. A final lunch at the 17th century Cottage of Comfort allowed us a well-earned rest.

No tour happens without the occasional hitch. The only one worth reporting was outside our control. Intruders entered the hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning and tried to force entry into a choir member's bedroom. They got out onto the fire escape and tried hammering their way though the window.

Our source (who wishes to remain anonymous) managed to scare them off by raising his voice. Rumours that he threatened to sing Pastime with Good Company to them if they refused to leave have yet to be confirmed.

A big thank you to Helen, David, Alistair, Andrew and Richard (the Tour Committee); Richard, for his inspirational conducting; Buster, the organist; and everyone else who helped in their own way to contribute to an unforgettable weekend.

Jane Lamb