Tour Report 2020

Back: Tours 2020 - 2016 

Blackburn Cathedral - February 2020 

The choir paid a return visit to Blackburn Cathedral, where we were made very welcome by the staff and clergy.  As with our last visit, we were pleased to see Bishop Philip preside on Saturday evening.  Canon Pailing continued on Sunday.

On Saturday morning as everyone found their way via the station, hotel and car park, having just recovered from Storm Ciara causing floods in Blackburn, we were faced with Storm Dennis.  But we were warm and dry in the Song School.  Whilst we were disappointed not to have John Naylor as our conductor, we did welcome back William Nicholson and were put through our paces by our Guest Conductor Shaun Turnbull, the Assistant Director of Music at Blackburn.

The weather did not improve through Saturday – just as well that the Premier Inn is just a few yards away but a drive home to West Lancashire and Skipton proved difficult for two members.  No more weather stories – remember it is Lancashire, where the cotton industry thrived on its wet climate!

We were privileged to perform the world premiere of the Communion Service in C by Andrew Mildinhall, who had travelled from Norfolk to experience the performance.  The message came through that he was very pleased, as were the Cathedral, as they enjoyed the change from the usual music and were impressed by the challenge which we had set ourselves.  Another challenge was the Responses (Jackson).  Whilst we had used these on a previous visit, the new members and those changing sides were not as familiar with them.  I can only say that next time they will be perfect!  The choice of introits and anthems/motets suited us perfectly, but we did rise to glory in the Haydn Insanae et Vanae Curae (as frantic and futile anxieties invade our minds) to conclude our weekend.  The experience of singing an introit from behind the screen is wonderful.  It sets such an atmosphere to the service.  The acoustics in Blackburn are some of the best and Shaun helped us to work with these and enjoy them.

It is always a pleasure to meet our OU friends at these occasions.  Whilst we take the singing very seriously, it is also a social occasion.  A group of people had a Saturday meal together at The Postal Order [Wetherspoons pub] – a good opportunity to get together and chat and get up-to-date with news.  We also have ‘groupies’: our supporters are an integral part of the party.  On many occasions they are our only congregation but, despite the weather, we had good congregations in Blackburn, who were very appreciative that we took our time to enhance their worship and the Blackburn’s strong music tradition.  Just as an extra fact, there are 7 choirs at Blackburn.  I don’t think that we have ever heard such a performance as the reading of the lesson by Zak on Sunday morning… wonderful and such a tribute to the diverse cultures in Blackburn.

After fond farewells, we all went our different ways after Sunday evensong, tired but satisfied and looking forward to our next meeting in Edinburgh, when we can have another ‘bash’ at the Mildinhall… can’t wait!

The photos should help you remember your visit to the home of Blackburn Rovers and the not too far away Burnley FC.  Oh, and not forgetting Preston North End and the home of Kathleen Ferrier who had her first singing lessons in the cathedral.

Pamela SV Coates MA 

OUCC Tours cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions:

Edinburgh Cathedral April 2020 and

Ripon Cathedral August 2020 

Back: Tours 2020 - 2016