SINGING on LUNDY 22 – 29 Aug 2015
The first Songways singing week on Lundy was a truly memorable week, full of fun, the beauty of the natural world and sheer joy. Led by Jane, the group of 25 singers enjoyed a rich variety of songs during the week, including rousing sea shanties, evocative folk songs, a haunting song about the selkies (seals transformed into human form in folklore), uplifting South African, Zimbabwean and gospel choruses, songs of stillness and peace, Paterson the Puffin (a fun poem by Andrew McLeod set to music by Jane) and several of Jane’s own songs, inspired by the natural world and by Lundy itself.
During the week, we sang in many different places around the island, bringing a strong sense of place to many of the songs. We sang in the Church, the houses in which we stayed, the Tavern, and at the top of the Old Light as the sun set, and Jane led singing walks to sing on the sheltered East side, in the stillness of the VC Quarry, and in the bracing wind at the South West point beside the Anthony Gormley sculpture. We were delighted to be invited to give an informal concert in the Church on our last day and to support the St Helen’s Church Centre Appeal. We also enjoyed free time to walk, sketch or relax and relished excellent and hearty dinners in the Tavern. Sincere thanks to all the singers and to all the island staff for looking after us so well.
“The whole experience was amazing”
“Loved Lundy, loved the singing … a wonderful week”
“An enriching experience in so many ways”
“All expectations were surpassed”