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The Old Light
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From the top of the Old Light
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Gannet’s Bay on the East side
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The beautifully restored church
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The landing bay
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The village
Jane explains some of Lundy’s magic:
Lundy has no cars, so from the moment you step onto the island, life moves at walking pace. Only three miles long & half a mile wide, it is a place of immense natural beauty & amazing contrasts. I first visited Lundy with my family twenty years ago and fell in love with the island. We have returned many times and are still discovering new delights.
My favourite place is the top of the Old Light, where we will gather to sing with a 360 degree view of the whole island… magical at any time of the day. We will sing in the church, the tavern & the houses in which we will stay. I will also lead singing walks to sing in wonderful spots around the island including the atmospheric VC Quarry on the sheltered East side.
Lundy’s beauty, community and way of life make a world apart. Join us for a truly memorable week.
Please note:
- You will need good walking shoes or boots and waterproofs.
- You will need to be physically mobile to enjoy the island to the full.
- There is a half mile uphill walk from the jetty to the village when you arrive. Your main luggage will be delivered to your accommodation but you will need to walk up with your hand luggage.
- The Old Light has 147 steep steps and we will sing at the top!
More about Lundy
REPERTOIRE
The repertoire will include songs from a wide range of harmony singing traditions, including original songs by Jane inspired by Lundy, evocative English and Celtic folk songs, American harmony songs, songs of the sea, South African choruses. Many of the songs will reflect the natural beauty of the island. Songs will be taught by ear with some scores provided.
TYPICAL DAY
We will typically sing together each morning, have afternoons free and sing again for an hour or so before or after dinner. The singing will include singing walks, taking our songs to some of the beautiful sheltered spots around the island, and we will give an informal concert in the Church on the Thursday afternoon. We will be flexible to make the most of the weather, to give you the chance to join some of the Warden events if you wish to and to have time to walk, relax and enjoy the peace and freedom of the island. There will be one free day during the week and our departure day, Saturday 4 July, will also be a free day.
TUTOR
Jane Harris is an experienced choir leader and Director of Songways, based in Bath, UK. Jane teaches by ear and loves to explore songs in different ways to enrich and deepen the singing experience. She has a clear, inclusive and enabling teaching style, uncovers the best in singers’ voices and draws people together with heartfelt, resonant singing. Jane includes vocal technique and voice development all her singing sessions.
Jane also plays the violin, which she will use to introduce some of the songs. She has a rich, vibrant voice and has released an album of her own songs, inspired by the natural world – One touch of nature. Jane performs with her own vocal group, Rolling Harmony.
A brilliant choir leader – always patient, positive and encouraging
Superb choice of songs & inspirational leadership
ACCOMMODATION
All 23 self-catering properties on the island are run by the Landmark Trust, a charity that rescues important buildings that would otherwise be lost and gives them new life as exceptional places to stay. The Landmark Trust has managed Lundy for 50 years, restoring the buildings & infrastructure, all in a distinctive way.
We will stay in Old House South, Government House, The Quarters, Old House North, Bramble Villa East, Bramble Villa West, the Radio Room and Old Light Cottage. As with all Landmarks, every Lundy property is simply but elegantly furnished in a way that reflects its individuality. Historic paintings and photographs are carefully selected, as are the small libraries in the bookcases. There are no televisions or Wifi in the properties and the electric supply is usually turned off between midnight and 6am. There is some mobile phone coverage around the island and limited public Wifi is accessible in the church.
FOOD
The Marisco Tavern serves excellent food. We will eat there on the Saturday, Sunday & Friday evenings, which is included in the singing retreat. Monday to Thursday evening meal arrangements will be flexible – you can choose to eat in the Tavern or cook in your own house or cottage. Breakfasts and lunches will be self-catering or you can visit the Tavern. The island shop is excellent.
GETTING TO LUNDY
During the summer season, the Island’s own supply ship and ferry, the MS Oldenburg departs several times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe. Our sailings will be:
Saturday 27 June | Depart from Ilfracombe at 10am (Check in at Lundy Shore Office 9am)
Saturday 4 July | Arrive back at Bideford at 8:30pm
Please note:
- You will need to book your own boat ticket by calling the Lundy Shore Office (01271) 863636. Timetable and ticket prices | Further MS Oldenburg information
- You will need to make your own way to Ilfracombe for the boat. You may choose to stay overnight on Friday 26 June to be ready for the 9am check-in at the Shore Office.
- The Lundy Shore Office can recommend suitable parking arrangements for your car in Ilfracombe while you are on Lundy.
- On Saturday 4 July, a coach will be provided by the Landmark Trust to transport you from Bideford back to Ilfracombe. You will need to book the coach when you book your boat ticket.
- If the boat is cancelled due to weather conditions, transport is likely to be by helicopter from Hartland Point, with a supplement payable. Further details
MORE INFORMATION about staying on Lundy
REVIEW of the 2024 Songways Singing on Lundy week
