Snape

Some time ago I decided to book ahead for a performance of "The Messiah" at Snape Maltings, a little pre-Christmas treat for us.

Up the A12 to the Suffolk food Hall for lunch, with the spectacular open views of the Orwell Bridge...

Then it was on to Snape Maltings where the light was fading fast, it being the shortest day.

We were staying in Aldeburgh, so we drove on to our hotel.  The concert was a delight - so many tunes familiar even to those of us with no musical knowledge.  However, my heart sank when I saw that the chap sitting behind us had a bag of sweets.  And, yes, he thought it was fine to annoy everyone around him by rustling. Time for my best glare I thought, and it worked.  The fact that he and his partner did not return after the interval perhaps tells us something.

In front was an elderly gent who obviously knew the piece well.  We reached the Hallelujah Chorus and he was the first to rise to his feet, followed by most of the audience.  There was something thrilling in standing for that music, a kind of affirmation of traditional community.  We enjoyed the whole thing.

And, finally a pair of children's jumpers knitted from a mystery yarn thrust into my hands with a part finished cardigan at Spinners and Weavers.  These should keep someone warm.