Ottevanger's Omphaloskeptic Outpost

[Papy Oli]

14 years after the first, The Bells of Christmas got a second outing on Friday, and went down very well. It's a tiny thing, but I still think it's got some quality about it.

Performance venue, this grand and elegant place: http://www.english-church-architecture.net/suffolk%20l/long%20melford/long_melford.htm

about which the fun fact is quickest shown via screenshot from Wikipedia :

A lovely venue, Luke.

The Lady Chapel at the back was gorgeous too. Turned up at the end of a service when I visited a few years ago. Got offered coffee and biscuits even though I was a "tourist" from just a few miles up the road and wasn't there for the service. Ended up having a chat with the vicar as well, who had advised me not to miss the Lady Chapel.

[Karl Henning]

We hope things are going as well as they can with your wife and family!

Merry Christmas

And so say I.

[Luke]

A lovely venue, Luke.

The Lady Chapel at the back was gorgeous too. Turned up at the end of a service when I visited a few years ago. Got offered coffee and biscuits even though I was a "tourist" from just a few miles up the road and wasn't there for the service. Ended up having a chat with the vicar as well, who had advised me not to miss the Lady Chapel.

It's the annual venue for my school's Nine Lessons and Carols service, always a memorable occasion which begins frosty and early with a few hours frozen rehearsal. Before the service the kids have their lunch in the Lady Chapel which is usually even colder. I guess the vicar you met is Matthew, who was particularly complimentary about The Bells of Christmas

[Luke]

And so say I.

Thank you both. Very difficult at the moment, the treatment she had in hospital is making her suffer badly, in numerous ways. But at least I am on holiday now.

[Spotted Horses]

Thank you both. Very difficult at the moment, the treatment she had in hospital is making her suffer badly, in numerous ways. But at least I am on holiday now.

Very sorry to hear of your family's grave difficulties. I admire your ability to function under such circumstances.

[Florestan]

And so say I.

Me too.

[(poco) Sforzando]

Me too.

And I.

[Luke]

Thanks all. This Christmas feels like no other, that's the only way I can put it. More meaningful even than usual.

...even though I was a "tourist" from just a few miles up the road...

I hadn't realised you live locally to me!

[Papy Oli]

Thanks all. This Christmas feels like no other, that's the only way I can put it. More meaningful even than usual.

I hadn't realised you live locally to me!

Firstly let me join the others' wishes for you and your family, Luke.

I lived in Mid Suffolk from 98 to 2018. A "Slow Martian" as it were 

Now quite more Northern 

[Luke]

I lived in Mid Suffolk from 98 to 2018. A "Slow Martian" as it were 

Ah, Tippett country!

[Papy Oli]

Ah, Tippett country!

Ah, had to look it up.

Sadly, my geographical overlap with Tippett has not helped to unlock his works to me     

[Luke]

Wetherden was the second place I visited for my book, and being there and seeing Tippett's childhood haunts did strengthen feelings I already had, about the roots of his music in archetype and images from early youth. I loved his music already, very deeply. Wetherden just reinforced this even more profoundly.

[Florestan]

Wetherden was the second place I visited for my book, and being there and seeing Tippett's childhood haunts did strengthen feelings I already had, about the roots of his music in archetype and images from early youth. I loved his music already, very deeply. Wetherden just reinforced this even more profoundly.

The child is father to the man.

[Luke]

Tippett's childhood home, across the fields.

[Iota]

Thanks all. This Christmas feels like no other, that's the only way I can put it. More meaningful even than usual.

The very best to you and your wife, Luke. I hope you find some moments of relief and peace over the holidays.

[Luke]

Unfortunately it's not been easy at all for her/us, and an ambulance has just taken her back to the hospital. Once again I'm sitting in the car park waiting to be told which ward she has been taken to.

[Karl Henning]

Unfortunately it's not been easy at all for her/us, and an ambulance has just taken her back to the hospital. Once again I'm sitting in the car park waiting to be told which ward she has been taken to.

Warmest vibes!

[Florestan]

Warmest vibes!

+ 1

[prémont]

Warmest vibes!

From me too.

[Cato]

Oh my!  Not what we were hoping to hear!


Is it typical in England to be confined in the parking lot, while a loved one is admitted?  That is not what happens here: there is always a waiting area in the hospital.


Best Wishes and Prayers that she will still be on the road to a cure!