The choir I sing with, the London Bulgarian Choir, hasn't had an away gig this year. We're delighted, then, to be invited to celebrate Midsummer with a concert in Martock, Somerset. The event is being organised by the mother of one of our singers, Brenda, in the village's vast yet atmospheric All Saints Church.
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| Poster for our concert, in front of the local bank |
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| En route to the concert |
It's a scorching weekend, and donning our costume of opaque black tights, long black skirts and thick wool aprons, adds a sweat factor all its own. But Brenda has galvanised an army of support and the church is packed with curious locals, from WI jam-making types to the music fans who are more used to seeing jazz performances in this venue.
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| Our men make merry in Martock |
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| Midsummer maidens |
I'm staying with John and Jacky, friends from London who happen to have moved from the big smoke to this very village. They live in a gorgeous cottage with creaky floors and mullioned windows and chickens at the end of their beautiful country garden.
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| John and Jacky |
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This way to the chooks
The morning after the concert we all meet at Brenda's house for breakfast and a leisurely stroll into the fields nearby.
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| Somerset, looking pretty level |
It takes a special person to welcome all-comers; an even more remarkable one to say, “All back to mine!” to an entire choir. Brenda doesn't fuss about the fact that her garden has become a campsite, or that there are 10 people in line for the loo. Nevertheless, eventually, it's really time to let her have her house back, and we make for a local hill, which boasts a mock Stonehenge, a war monument and expansive views over Martock and its surroundings.
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| A very English view |
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| A very multi-cultural crew |
The local hill also boasts a pub with great food and ale, which we fall into with great delight. Only after we've sung, of course.
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