ToursIn 1996 the choir ventured abroad for the first time, to Epsom's twin-town Chantilly, near Paris. Since then, a long summer weekend 'tour' has become part of the programme and the Society has most recently visited Reims, Ypres, Cologne and Boulogne Boulogne 2014Written by Janet James Well, what a disciplined lot we are! Everyone was at the coach on time and we set off exactly at 8.30. Consequently we arrived in time for an earlier train and got to the hotel before we were expected.
Our first appointment was the group meal, and once again we were all on time and were seated by 7.30. We all realise that the French do not hurry over meals, but the first course did not arrive until 8.25, and so it went on, with the coffee appearing just before 11.00 pm. Nobody had any complaints about the food, it was well presented and greatly appreciated. By 10 o'clock the next morning we were in the cathedral for our two-hour rehearsal and were allowed out just before noon. Then we headed to the many eating houses for a hearty lunch.
We also visited the place where Napoleon had massed some 60,000 troops with the same intention. The tour took us through the extensive area where fish was processed, and we learned that most was imported as the local catch would not have kept the factories supplied. Findus was the big firm and was returning much of its processing back to France.
The next morning we were again in the cathedral, this time to sing at the appropriate time during mass. We sang a few numbers at the end of the service, and again these were well received. The bells rang out to interrupt us, though, which did not please Robin. Afterwards it was off for another hearty lunch before joining the coach for our uneventful trip home. By this time the driver had overcome the heater problem! A good time was had by all! |
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