"I think I almost
prefer it when the sky is grey and moody," I say.
"Yes, I know
what you mean."
You can't help but
think of Wordsworth and the way nature in this part of the world both spooked and
inspired him.
We are enjoying a
lovely lunch and looking at the view from the dining room at Rydal Hall. As ever, we are really well looked
after. The food is sublime, the bedrooms and common rooms spotless and
tastefully decorated and the staff efficient, effective and caring. They're busy
but they always find time for a chat.
We've been before. Read about our previous visit here.
It was slightly different experience as
it was summer then and we were very fortunate with the weather. Yet this autumn
visit is just as enchanting.
On Saturday afternoon
we take a break. I stay behind to chat to one of the ladies who works at the house.
All of the others go off on various walks.
I've suddenly realised there is a very strong connection between Rydal
and some research I'm doing. But where does the time go? After what feels like a few moments there are voices
in the entrance hall, and cake and teas as well, of course.
"Relaxing
walk, you said? We've done six miles and we were actually singing on the uphill
bit. I need cake!"
And we sing and
sing, of course.
Jeff puts us through
our paces. "We're plugging the gaps," he says. Indeed, we try out quite
a few pieces that are considerably different from what we normally do. Great
fun and rather beautiful, in fact. Our music
reading skills are thoroughly exercised. That's good, though.
There is more
singing on Friday evening as John and Paul (no, not the Liverpool lads but two
of our very own basses) entertain us with their guitars and voices, soon to be joined
by Ella and Marilyn. On Saturday evening Marilyn leads us in a sing-song of various
Beatles' and Abba songs.
After dinner on Saturday we put
on a mini-performance for the only other two guests at Rydal. We're just outside
the office so the staff – who are still there at past eight o'clock – can hear
us too. We include one song we've only just learnt – and it works!
As ever it is mainly
about the singing. As well, there is always something very companionable about singing
with a choir. You're with a bunch of people you trust and you're working together
to perfect something. Egos disappear.
There are several
extras, though, when you come to Rydal: the lovely surroundings, the beautiful
old house, the generous hospitality, delicious food, a pleasant drive home and
of course – cake!
