Today was our “dumb” day at Durham, which means that we did not sing, but did get to see a goodly bit of northeast England today. We experienced the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where St. Aidan came from Iona to found a monastery. We were told in no uncertain terms that we were to leave by 12:30 or risk being cut off by the tides. My brothers and sisters in Christ, it was a tough choice. Teacher in-service next week, or communing with nature on a holy island? Getting back on that bus barely won out, and I think that was because my husband and daughter got on the bus before I had a chance to convince them to stay behind.
From there we went to Alnwick gardens and castle. (Warning: nerdy English history stuff following.) The castle has been the seat of the Percy family—currently headed by the 12th Duke of Northumberland—since the 14th century. If you are the kind of nerd who loves Shakespeare’s history plays, you will have heard of the Percys. Hotspur, from Henry IV, pt. 1, was Henry Percy. (Nerdy stuff over, you may relax.) The gardens and the castle grounds are just delicious and as romantic as one could hope for. The high point, however, for me and for my family was the poison garden: a small garden wherein every plant could, in some way, kill you. It was fascinating. Even more fascinating was the difference between the “good students” (Kell, Steven, Annabelle, Maddie, Karoline) and the goth folks, who looked like they might be taking notes for future reference. Then off to Barter Bookstore, a used bookstore in an old train station run by a former Memphian! I bought a truly beautiful hardcover copy of Christopher Isherwood’s Goodbye to Berlin.
Back to Durham, where Steven and I were permitted to dine with my daughter and other young ones on the trip, which was a complete delight. Middle-aged folks like to bemoan the state of young people—always on their phones, don’t want to work, and other nonsense. Don’t believe it. That’s one of the things I love about these choir residencies; we so rarely get to spend much time together where we aren’t singing, and I treasure the time spent with folks that I don’t see every day.
So all in all, as spiritually rewarding a day, albeit in a different fashion, as one could hope for.
All the choir reports have been such fun to read. Thanks to all
A most memorable day! Thanks for taking time to share.
I am living vicariously once again through you all. Love it!!! Keep the reports coming. As for the garden, any pictures? I could use a few new recipes 😅😅😅😅
Keep on keeping us up to date. Love your posts.
Thank you Kell! Enjoyed this.
Our young ones are an absolute delight!!
Thanks for detailed, fun writing, Kell!!!
Thank you Kell. What an interesting time and location s. I think I would have opted for Lindisfarne! Stay safe and thanks again.