Chipping Campden

Last night we enjoyed an English Pub meal at "The Eight Bells". We couldn't eat until 8:00 because there's lots of visitors in town for the Music Festival. Each night a different performance happens at St James Church; Andrew Lloyd Webber was present at the first night and I think each night's performance is of a very high standard. Will we be able to get tickets? We headed to bed, convinced that, because we were so tired, we'd sleep soundly all night. But alas at 3:30am the batteries were fully charged and the body ready to go. Allan couldn't turn his brain off and has been going ever since, but unlike the ever ready bunny, his batteries began to run out. We have had a very slow day wandering around this beautiful town, taking in the beauty of the honey coloured stone houses which have stood for centuries, sagging and crooked but charming.

Graham and Ammie arrived on the bus from Stratford upon Avon just as Allan was beginning to konk out. How wonderful to be with our dear friends again. Can't wait to start the walk now. We did another turn around town and then headed to St James church so Ammie could take some photos. What a treat we had. Remember I was wondering if we could get tickets for the concert? I think we went one better, we sat in on the rehearsal FOR FREE! We listened to Sarah Connolly, a mezzo soprano singing with the Academy Orchestra. Wow, what a voice, and the orchestra sounded magnificent in the church. It was really interesting to observe the interaction between the conductor and the musicians. We concluded that they were a very knowledgeable and talented group. We spent an hour listening to Masque et Bergamasques Op.112; Nuits d'ete Op.7; and Symphony no.3 in A minor op.56. And by the way, The Independent newspaper in Britain says that Sarah Connolly is unrivalled: simply the best, most exciting, most galvanising performer we have today. How good is that!

 

The Bantan Tea Rooms sit right opposite the market place where the marker indicating the beginning and end of the Cotswolds Way has been erected.

The back of the Bantan Tea Rooms shows the detailed way these building are constructed.