Seasonal Soiree

Imagine the setting, an old French farmhouse, a blazing log fire, a grand piano in the corner, the minstrel's gallery amongst the beams above and seasonal decorations all around. That is what greeted us when we arrived at our friends Sue and Mark's house last evening. They are a couple like us with many diverse interests but in particular they are musical. They both play the cello, sing in a choir and Sue has singing lessons.

The seasonal scene was soon populated by an international gathering of their friends who were either performing or audience. We were neither, we were staff, helping to serve drinks and lovely food which punctuated the evening. We were treated to carols in French, Dutch and English, serious peaces from Sue's Dutch singing teacher assisted by various pupils some of whom gave us some more light hearted performances. The evening culminated with a recital by two brothers who play the violin and cello in the orchestra with Sue and Mark. They are both very young men but very accomplished.

Call us old fashioned romantics if you like but we love these sort of evenings where people participate and don't just observe.

Sorry no photos, we forgot our camera and the "official" photographer complained that the mood lighting was insufficient for her to take reasonable photos with her phone!!