Verdi's Requiem

What a fantastic performance this was. I had left it late to buy tickets and so was stuck at the back of the south aisle, but with the help of a TV monitor I was able to see much of the action. The standard of the choir and orchestra, ably held together by conductor Philip Reed, was consistently high in this non-stop 90 minute production. The soprano and mezzo have the better parts and Rita Cullis and Valerie Reid certainly lived up to expectations. Tenor John Hudson and Bass Graeme Danby completed the sublime trios and quartets. Listen to the stunning Libera Me yourself via http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc3O9M5L-yg

Mayor's Dinner

At 8.40 am yesterday the Mayor's secretary telephoned me. I already had the prospect of a speech to deliver at Mayor-Making in the morning, in the face of a painfully re-opened ribcage injury, and was looking forward to not having to make any speeches at the Mayor's dinner in the evening. For once I would be able to relax and enjoy the food and wine I had willingly paid for.

"Hello Paul, It's Jenny. I've got a problem." Not with an absent speaker for this evening I thought - I'd already had to replace one who let me down.

"I need an accompanist for Father Peter and his brother who are singing at the dinner."

My heart sunk, knowing how very good their regular accompanist is. I'd rather make a speech.

"I couldn't possibly do that Jenny, especially at short notice."

"Of course you could. Everyone says what a good pianist you are."

"That's all very nice, but I really don't think I could do it."

And so the conversation went on, with my eventually agreeing to try out the music with Father Peter in a morning break in the proceedings, just to confirm that I would be incapable. I thought I was, but Father Peter seemed happy (maybe he thought I was better than no one) and I took the music home to practise, instead of catching up with a pile of work.

At about 11pm, at the end of a very sober dinner, I got up and did my Les Dawson impersonation which seemed to satisfy both singers and audience.

I waived my fee - the lengths I'll go to to save Council costs...

New Town Council Chairman

Fellow Abbeygate Town Councillor Richard Rout, seen signing his declaration of office yesterday evening, is the new Chairman of Bury St Edmunds Town Council. The new Vice-Chairman is Town Councillor Clive Springett (Moreton Hall).

What's happening this week in Abbeygate Street?

Guess? Or watch this space?

Beating The Retreat

The Mayor does walkabout during a short delay to the start...

The Royal Air Force band in immaculate step (and note)...

An RAF rescue helicopter swoops low...

The band march off to loud applause, signalling the ending of another superb opening of the Bury St Edmunds Festival. (I'm looking forward to the Verdi Requiem on Saturday.)

Better than my singing

Nice blogging

No prizes issued, except maybe to an anonymous commenter whom I could not identify. Just be thankful you didn't have to put up with endless pictures of me and Mrs F with our glasses of wine - or me in swimming gear.

No prizes either to my 10,000th viewer, but thanks to all who have loyally stuck with my meanderings in the last year.