When last we met Bob and I were just leaving Welsh Wales ... we called in to see Diane and Bryan Ansell once more and then had a few delightful days with Jo and Mike before picking back up with the tour and our only house concert this tour. I knew it would be fabulous, as Helen Watson had raved about the place and the people and how much she enjoyed playing at Vanya and Graham’s wonderful home on the Staffordshire moors. She wasn’t wrong. They made us feel not just at home but as if we were part of their family - a truly delightful experience. Graham is the cook of the house and provided us with a scrumptious fish pie after sound check ... oh yes I think we’ll be back!
Beautiful Biddulph from Christine Collister on Vimeo.
The following morning Vanya gave us the tour of the “Reindeer Hut” ... wow!
Staffordshire Moors Reindeer Hut! from Christine Collister on Vimeo.
Bob took our car and drove off to Heathrow where he’d be flying to Dubai the next day - ah bless. Rob and I left in Rob’s thankfully fixed Kia and made our way to New Cut Arts in Halesworth Suffolk - twas a very long way!
I’ve played here once before ... a few years ago now and remembered the place well. We had a delightful crowd attend and enjoyed fabulous food before the show - hurrah. Rob wooed the audience with a short set before our first half. The whole evening was a joy! Thanks Halesworth.
New Cut Arts Halesworth from Christine Collister on Vimeo.
We’d arranged to stay at Martin and Pam Dury’s once more which meant a rather long drive after the show ... we expected it to take 2 and half to three hours. It actually took 3 hours 40 minutes! The junction with the A12 and the M25 was closed - with no forewarning . After following diversion signs, 20 minutes later we ended up back at the same junction! Argh! Not much fun when you’re already tired. C’est la vie.
We had a good, long, lie-in and headed for Marlborough mid afternoon arriving with plenty of time to roam the very Christmassy streets and enjoy the lovely atmosphere of the town. It was the first time we felt truly cold ... breath misty in the chilled air.
I was convinced I knew where the venue was but found out otherwise when the place I thought it was at, was firmly and clearly closed. So from being early, we fast approached being very late - eek! Eventually, after several panicked phone calls and asking a number of unsuspecting passersby ... we found it! Phew.
Andrew Bumphrey is a very successful Architect in the area and also happens to be a delightful promoter of, mostly acoustic music. He also doubles as sound man and artist liaison. All of which he does brilliantly. His lovely wife provided us all with delicious food before the show: nourishing beef stew and the crispiest baked spuds ever! Yum.
We were supported this evening by singer songwriter Steve Skaithe who worked with a fabulous female multi instrumentalist ... they worked beautifully together and went down well with the sell-out crowd! Yay. It’s always a thrill to play to a packed house. there were a number of friendly faces in the audience again which added to the excitement: Rob and Jo Selbourne from Prebendal, Phil and Pat Chappell, as well as Martin and Pam Dury. Bless them all! I hope it’s not too long before we can come back and do it again!
Marvelous Marlborough from Christine Collister on Vimeo.
Rob drove off back to Cardiff while I got a lift back to Martin and Pam’s where we enjoyed yet more party food and another late, late night. We were all invited back to Phil and Pat’s for brunch on Sunday ... gorgeous ... followed by a wonderful walk in the woods nearby where we spied a fair few possible lovely homes for Rob for when he’s rich and famous!
A walk on the wildside from Christine Collister on Vimeo.
Later on Martin and Pam dropped me off near Heathrow to pick up the car where Bob had left it a few days previously ... complicated? Too much information? Ho-hum. I got back to their lovely home one last time and enjoyed a delicious Sunday roast, complete with their gorgeous company - I am blessed! They have been without doubt, the most accommodating and generous hosts - to say I am grateful just doesn’t cover it. Thanks guys you’re the best!
I’ll be back with the final 3 shows in a week or 2 and to wish you all a happy Christmas xx
Take care till then ... try and keep wrapped up warm against this freezing weather and thanks as ever for dropping by.
Much love
Christine xx
