Everybody was lovely and friendly, and even the soloists gave us a wave on the last night.  Who can forget those very hard and uncomfortable seats in the Usher hall – but what a huge venue and warm welcome from Scotland. Then Middlesbrough where the drills were still going up to the last moment fixing doors and locks etc, along with the smell of fresh paint everywhere.  What a fantastic upgrade to the venue.  Comfy seats for the choir (full marks) and even a big changing room (despite the climb up the stairs) and free tea and coffee for us. And then Sheffield – again a rousing performance by one and all.  The sun shone again and thankfully Philip and David escaped their nasty car crash unharmed.  And true performers still came and carried on singing.

We are now mentally turning off the German and tuning in our French for the Damnation of Faust next week.  Do come along.