Performing on stage at WOMAD 
taken from the floor of the trailer, at last the sun is out!
The full extent of the mud. Some people actually enjoy this!?!Tuesday 31 July 2007
a few more photos
Performing on stage at WOMAD taken from the floor of the trailer, at last the sun is out! The full extent of the mud. Some people actually enjoy this!?!
The end of the tour
I'm now relaxing at home, recovering from the craziness of touring for a month. It's incredible how tiring the whole travelling thing can be. It's taking me a few days to recover.
The show in London last Wednesday was fantastic, with the YZWs on top form as a group of Zulu girls had come to see them perform, so they added extra touches especially for them! They even had the whole 'groupie' thing to contend with at the stage door afterwards, which wasn't very helpful when we had a strict time limit to load the coach!
The next morning we were off through torrential rain to Leamington Spa and the group performed a great Gospel concert in the evening at St Paul's. A satellite navigational error left HR stuck in traffic, meaning I had to present the evening. But that was quite nice, as after all it is my church. The YZWs were very excited that there was a full drum kit to play on and much of the next morning was spent 'jamming' at the front of church.
Friday night was Banbury, performing Thula Sizwe in a beautiful domed church with great acoustics. There was a great turn-out and good atmosphere. Saturday saw us back in Leamington for the final musical show and that too was very well-attended. It was brilliant to see so many of my friends there and I think a good time was had by all. The shields were auctioned off afterwards and proved very popular.
And then the final day... 'WOMAD' (or should that be woMUD?) near Cirencester. It was our last show and also the last day of a four day festival in a field of mud. We were escorted from the coach in a trailer on the back of a tractor through the sludgy muddy tracks to the stage and then back again afterwards. The crowds loved the YZWs and for some it was the highlight of the festival. At least it was sunny and quite warm. Thankfully one of my favourite Zulu Warriors was gallant enough to lend me his gumboots so I didn't have to walk through the depths of what looked like melted Dairy Milk. I was exhausted and mud was the last thing I wanted to contend with... That one single act of lending me boots has guaranteed a lifetime of trips to SPAR when we get back to SA!
So now they've gone. And I've still got various Zulu anthems going round and round my head at all hours of the day and night. Don't know how long it will take to get them out! For about 3 days last week I was walking round as white as a sheet, with eyes stinging like I was about to burst into tears, my ears affecting my balance and generally suffering with dysglycaemia... not a happy situation. But I'm much better now I'm back with the sunshine out and Harry Potter nearly finished... a few more days of R&R should see me right again!
Monday 23 July 2007
Up to Date
Ok so now we're back to real time, up to date and I feel that I've achieved something today in getting my blog in order.
We're into the last week of the tour. A week today the group will fly home to SA and I'll drive back to Bidford for a well-earned rest before rejoining them 3 weeks later. It will be a bit weird not having them around actually, you do really become a little (or not so little in our case) family on tour, with all the manoevering around.
On Wednesday we'll be staying in Hackney, where we were hosted before, at least there's no rooming to be organised there, everyone can go back to their old rooms! We're performing at St Mary's Church, Edgeware Rd, so if you are in London, come along.
Then it's the final leg of the tour. Up to Leamington, where people are staying with St Paul's host families (thank you!) and repaying the favour with a Gospel concert at St Paul's (7.30pm), a Banbury show and then back to Royal Spa Centre for a grande finale evening. Sunday sees us heading to a final choir performance in Malmesbury for the WOMAD festival (hopefully dry and not flooded!) The end is in sight!
We're into the last week of the tour. A week today the group will fly home to SA and I'll drive back to Bidford for a well-earned rest before rejoining them 3 weeks later. It will be a bit weird not having them around actually, you do really become a little (or not so little in our case) family on tour, with all the manoevering around.
On Wednesday we'll be staying in Hackney, where we were hosted before, at least there's no rooming to be organised there, everyone can go back to their old rooms! We're performing at St Mary's Church, Edgeware Rd, so if you are in London, come along.
Then it's the final leg of the tour. Up to Leamington, where people are staying with St Paul's host families (thank you!) and repaying the favour with a Gospel concert at St Paul's (7.30pm), a Banbury show and then back to Royal Spa Centre for a grande finale evening. Sunday sees us heading to a final choir performance in Malmesbury for the WOMAD festival (hopefully dry and not flooded!) The end is in sight!
CATCH UP - Durham
Friday 20th the group performed in Glasgow to a smaller gathering than usual. Then we all stayed together in the Eurohostel, an interesting experience. We ventured to KFC after the show and I've never seen so many police out on patrol. But then there was a MASSIVE queue outside Waterstones for the new Harry Potter so maybe they were being careful that nothing untoward happened there. Glasgow has lots of shops, but reminded me of Birmingham in many ways...Saturday morning saw us heading down to Durham, to stay in St Chad's College. Having studied at John's College (next door), it was great to be a bit nostalgic, although there wasn't much time to wander. I went for dinner with D&H, my best friends and former housemates who happened to have stayed around. Was great to catch up and to even video-conference with our other housemate down near London (long live Harvey C! - great memories, we never change!)
The YZWs were initally grumpy at having to carry their luggage in the rain across Kingsgate bridge and up onto the Bailey, as the coach was too big to get closer, but they chilled out playing pool and watching a Mr Bean special evening on Paramount. (hours and hours, I guess almost every single episode..)
All too soon it was time to pack up and move down to Telford. I didn't get chance to even visit John's, but I doubt it's changed much since I was last there 5 years ago, not much else looked different...
Shetland Photos!
Above you'll see the view over Lerwick Harbour, followed by the Vikings and their accordionist and finally a (rather dimly lit) Zulu meets Viking photo from the Civic Centre.
CATCH UP - SHETLAND
Thursday 19th July
It’s all downhill from here…
I’m now back in Scotland, having left the others in a coach heading towards the northern tip of the British Isles. They weren’t too keen on having to be on 5 different ferries today (4 small trips and the mammoth one overnight) but they’ll cope. I’m not sure we had enough travel-sickness tablets to cover them all, but there you go.
I’m now even dreaming ‘Thula Sizwe’, very disconcerting. I’ve watched the show any which way I can (from the audience, backstage, in the wings, foyer, outside…). It’s still a great show, although slightly trying when it’s in my dreams too… Am looking forward to the final night in Leamington Spa, as it will be doubly good as all my friends will be there to see it too!
The trip to the Shetlands was an overwhelming success. Thanks to the organisational genius that is ‘From Shetland with Love’, the co-ordinators Mona and Iain and their merry band of Shetlandian helpers, they managed to pull of a major production with full houses every night. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming to us, and exceedingly generous.
As part of the trip, the YZW were special guests at a civic reception at the town hall. As it was Nelson Mandela’s 89th Birthday yesterday, there was even a cake and a TV camera crew, ready to beam the ceremony back home to SABC or, failing that, over to Scotland. The YZW triumphed as usual with the drums, stick-fighting and battle cries. This time they got to meet the Vikings in the form of a local troupe who responded with their traditional songs (and accordion playing!). Our Zulu ‘Chief’ presented the Viking Jaral with a shield, with as much pomp and ceremony as we could muster. In return he received a Viking shield to take back to the Zulu Nation. It was a very entertaining ceremony and history was in the making as the warriors from as far South as you can get met the warriors from as far North (almost) as you can get.
It seems that not much happens on Shetland, these concerts are the highlight of the summer. Mind you, I read the local paper and the majority of the articles were about road traffic accidents, dangerous driving etc. It’s a dangerous place on the roads. Or not much else happens that’s newsworthy. There are an inordinate number of dead animals on the road as you travel about. Apparently even the sheep cause problems during one season when they munch on magic mushrooms and stray into the paths of oncoming vehicles. The sheep in Voxter (where we stayed) this morning were lying around on the ‘beach’ at the edge of the loch. (I thought they were supposed to eat grass, not ‘sun-bathe’).
On the way to the airport Iain gave me a brief guided tour of the sights. We passed the biggest freshwater loch on the island, which has an island in the middle of it where a Viking princess was buried and so it’s an important place. So the concept of burying princesses on islands in the middle of lakes is not a new one then…
The group will join me tomorrow in Glasgow for a choir performance before we head down to Durham, where my university days’ nostalgia will kick in for sure. I’ve not been back in over 5 years and we’re staying in the college next door to mine. Happy days.
It’s all downhill from here…
I’m now back in Scotland, having left the others in a coach heading towards the northern tip of the British Isles. They weren’t too keen on having to be on 5 different ferries today (4 small trips and the mammoth one overnight) but they’ll cope. I’m not sure we had enough travel-sickness tablets to cover them all, but there you go.
I’m now even dreaming ‘Thula Sizwe’, very disconcerting. I’ve watched the show any which way I can (from the audience, backstage, in the wings, foyer, outside…). It’s still a great show, although slightly trying when it’s in my dreams too… Am looking forward to the final night in Leamington Spa, as it will be doubly good as all my friends will be there to see it too!
The trip to the Shetlands was an overwhelming success. Thanks to the organisational genius that is ‘From Shetland with Love’, the co-ordinators Mona and Iain and their merry band of Shetlandian helpers, they managed to pull of a major production with full houses every night. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming to us, and exceedingly generous.
As part of the trip, the YZW were special guests at a civic reception at the town hall. As it was Nelson Mandela’s 89th Birthday yesterday, there was even a cake and a TV camera crew, ready to beam the ceremony back home to SABC or, failing that, over to Scotland. The YZW triumphed as usual with the drums, stick-fighting and battle cries. This time they got to meet the Vikings in the form of a local troupe who responded with their traditional songs (and accordion playing!). Our Zulu ‘Chief’ presented the Viking Jaral with a shield, with as much pomp and ceremony as we could muster. In return he received a Viking shield to take back to the Zulu Nation. It was a very entertaining ceremony and history was in the making as the warriors from as far South as you can get met the warriors from as far North (almost) as you can get.
It seems that not much happens on Shetland, these concerts are the highlight of the summer. Mind you, I read the local paper and the majority of the articles were about road traffic accidents, dangerous driving etc. It’s a dangerous place on the roads. Or not much else happens that’s newsworthy. There are an inordinate number of dead animals on the road as you travel about. Apparently even the sheep cause problems during one season when they munch on magic mushrooms and stray into the paths of oncoming vehicles. The sheep in Voxter (where we stayed) this morning were lying around on the ‘beach’ at the edge of the loch. (I thought they were supposed to eat grass, not ‘sun-bathe’).
On the way to the airport Iain gave me a brief guided tour of the sights. We passed the biggest freshwater loch on the island, which has an island in the middle of it where a Viking princess was buried and so it’s an important place. So the concept of burying princesses on islands in the middle of lakes is not a new one then…
The group will join me tomorrow in Glasgow for a choir performance before we head down to Durham, where my university days’ nostalgia will kick in for sure. I’ve not been back in over 5 years and we’re staying in the college next door to mine. Happy days.
CATCH UP - Sat 14th JULY
Even deeper into Scotland – Saturday 14th July
We’re now in Brechin, an exceedingly small place somewhere on the way to Aberdeen. But it has a Cathedral and is therefore a city. A city that is not prepared for coaches evidently as it took us a while to find somewhere to stop where the coach was not blocking or getting stuck itself, having already had one near miss in Alloa…
At least, the sun is out again and it’s almost warm. Tomorrow I’m flying up to the Shetland Isles, which is possibly within the Arctic Circle, and therefore cold and foggy. Great. If the plane can’t land then it brings me back to Aberdeen apparently. Fun fun fun. Am praying for a clear day.
We’re now in Brechin, an exceedingly small place somewhere on the way to Aberdeen. But it has a Cathedral and is therefore a city. A city that is not prepared for coaches evidently as it took us a while to find somewhere to stop where the coach was not blocking or getting stuck itself, having already had one near miss in Alloa…
At least, the sun is out again and it’s almost warm. Tomorrow I’m flying up to the Shetland Isles, which is possibly within the Arctic Circle, and therefore cold and foggy. Great. If the plane can’t land then it brings me back to Aberdeen apparently. Fun fun fun. Am praying for a clear day.
CATCH UP - FROM 13th JULY
Scotland 1 – Friday 13th July
I’m writing this after the Stirling show, as people are still milling about at the University Halls of Residence and so I thought I’d be productive with the time before I tell them all to go to bed!
Tonight’s show was excellent and very well-attended. It was kind of strange to be back in the Albert Halls, as only a few years ago I had been to a great wedding reception there (hello Conor and Mhairi, where are you now?!) where the speeches were before the food, thus leading to a lot of drunken comments as the champagne for the toasts went straight to our hungry heads! But there was none of that this evening, although there was a lot of stomping and loud singing.
I had been impressed by the amount of sunshine that Stirling had enjoyed today, but true to form the rain has set in this evening and it sounds like it’s here for the night. So I am reassured about the rumours that it rains a fair bit up here and I do actually need to take my raincoat out with me…
I travelled separately to the group yesterday, arriving by train whereas they came on coaches. One group had been in London at the Centre for Social Justice in Westminster to help HR collect an award, which they did in style apparently. The other group had spent the night in Glasgow, braving the locals in a back-packer style hostel place… (needless to say they were confined to their rooms.) I haven’t travelled long distance by Virgin Rail for a very long time and I was delighted to discover that I could actually watch DVDs on my laptop on the way up, which meant the journey passed quickly.
I’m writing this after the Stirling show, as people are still milling about at the University Halls of Residence and so I thought I’d be productive with the time before I tell them all to go to bed!
Tonight’s show was excellent and very well-attended. It was kind of strange to be back in the Albert Halls, as only a few years ago I had been to a great wedding reception there (hello Conor and Mhairi, where are you now?!) where the speeches were before the food, thus leading to a lot of drunken comments as the champagne for the toasts went straight to our hungry heads! But there was none of that this evening, although there was a lot of stomping and loud singing.
I had been impressed by the amount of sunshine that Stirling had enjoyed today, but true to form the rain has set in this evening and it sounds like it’s here for the night. So I am reassured about the rumours that it rains a fair bit up here and I do actually need to take my raincoat out with me…
I travelled separately to the group yesterday, arriving by train whereas they came on coaches. One group had been in London at the Centre for Social Justice in Westminster to help HR collect an award, which they did in style apparently. The other group had spent the night in Glasgow, braving the locals in a back-packer style hostel place… (needless to say they were confined to their rooms.) I haven’t travelled long distance by Virgin Rail for a very long time and I was delighted to discover that I could actually watch DVDs on my laptop on the way up, which meant the journey passed quickly.
Telford
After a lot of travelling, we've finally come to rest briefly in the 'new town' that is Telford. The floods haven't hit too badly here, although there is now a small ocean between us and London (our next destination) but as we're not heading there till Wednesday I won't worry too much yet. It was incredible to see the pictures on TV last night of my home area underwater (Evesham being just 5 mins away from Bidford, which was also badly hit). Madness.
Anyway, the YZWs are performing tonight in Oakengates Theatre, Telford. Come along if you're around. the more the merrier... It's a fairly laid-back day before, the group has gone swimming now and then tomorrow is the only day in the schedule where there is absolutely NOTHING planned. nice. The rain may put paid to some host family plans but you never know what we could get up to...
One thing that has been great has been staying with host families and getting to know different people. I've worked out that during this tour I will have slept in 15 different beds in one month, and I don't know how many power showers I've tested. Everyone along the way has been so welcoming and hospitable and entertained us brilliantly. If any host family people read this, THANK YOU! The Zulus sometimes get a bit nervous about staying somewhere strange and new and having to talk about themselves, but they've all managed well. There are 6 of us currently staying here together, not much chance of resting as we're all talking all the time, and the boys are playing with new cellphones they bought cheap in Durham.
As promised, here are the previous entries I wrote, plus some photos, I've finally found somewhere to link up and transfer the information! Enjoy...
Anyway, the YZWs are performing tonight in Oakengates Theatre, Telford. Come along if you're around. the more the merrier... It's a fairly laid-back day before, the group has gone swimming now and then tomorrow is the only day in the schedule where there is absolutely NOTHING planned. nice. The rain may put paid to some host family plans but you never know what we could get up to...
One thing that has been great has been staying with host families and getting to know different people. I've worked out that during this tour I will have slept in 15 different beds in one month, and I don't know how many power showers I've tested. Everyone along the way has been so welcoming and hospitable and entertained us brilliantly. If any host family people read this, THANK YOU! The Zulus sometimes get a bit nervous about staying somewhere strange and new and having to talk about themselves, but they've all managed well. There are 6 of us currently staying here together, not much chance of resting as we're all talking all the time, and the boys are playing with new cellphones they bought cheap in Durham.
As promised, here are the previous entries I wrote, plus some photos, I've finally found somewhere to link up and transfer the information! Enjoy...
Friday 20 July 2007
Glasgow
I'm now in Glasgow using the nastiest computer keyboard in the world, so am not writing much. Shetland was fantastic, more to follow...
Tonight we play a hall here and then it's off to good old Durham...
the journey down the country has begun...
Tonight we play a hall here and then it's off to good old Durham...
the journey down the country has begun...
Sunday 15 July 2007
half way to Norway...
(Note to self... I've written 2 blog entries on the first 2 days in Scotland, but they are on my other computer and can't transfer here... they'll follow soon... keep up!)
I'm writing this entry from sun-baked Shetland where I arrived this morning through the mist over the North Sea. As I compose this, the rest of the YZW party are enjoying/experiencing, what is for many of them their first voyage by sea, a 12 hour ferry crossing from Aberdeen to Lerwick. My flight lasted 1 hour. It was smooth and easy. I'll be the one to pick up the pieces tomorrow morning for the over-tired Zulus when they arrive at 7am, which is fine.
Last night the group performed in Brechin city hall. Apparently that hall hasn't seen so many people in it for a long time, according to the locals. The performance was sold out and pretty much everyone turned up too. Another great performance on a slightly smaller stage. Despite the informal wager that I'd made with Joe the coach driver, no-one fell through the stage. It looked a bit dated and we wondered if it could withstand 26 stomping Zulus, but it did us proud... I had visions of having to remove Mdu, Siya, Sizwe and Nathi from the basement, but thankfully they didn't come into being and everyone is still alive and well (well, they were when they got on the boat in any case... )
Another highlight were the incredible Scottish strawberries. After dinner there was still a fridge-ful left and they were amazing, so fresh and juicy and big and red... Fruit... how I've missed it... The guys have been treated to Scottish delicacies of steak pie, vegetable soup (Zulus don't do soup for some reason) and more steak pie. Which is nice, but not for someone who shouldn't eat refined carbs, trans-fats etc etc... My body was crying out for those strawberries, but I was disappointed that I couldn't quite manage to finish off a whole punnet... (which, incidentally, is really good for you, the humble strawberry being an official 'superfood', with antibacterial and antiviral properties) Never underestimate the power of a simple soft fruit, especially when it's grown locally. Delicious!
But anyway, back to Shetland. It's great up here. It feels like I'm in another world. We had to stop at a 'level crossing' which was actually for the runway as a plane took off. Great. Then there was a drive up to Lerwick through some amazing countryside with sea all around. Did you know there are hardly any trees on Shetland? (interesting fact number 1) and that despite their cuddly appearance, Shetland ponies are actually quite mean (fact number 2). The things you learn when you go to work in Africa, eh?!?
Yesterday it was so foggy we were unsure I'd make it, as the plane would have had to return to Aberdeen (not Bergen in Norway, as I'd hoped), but today the sun has burnt through and I reckon it's the hottest day I've enjoyed in the UK since I came over here. My massive and warm coat has been slung into the corner of my room. I imagine I may have to use it before too long though.
There are about 9000 families on the Island (or Islands really). The YZWs will perform a Gospel Choir Concert and 2 'Thula Sizwe' shows plus workshops for the local kids. I've just been to investigate one of the venues. It's big and it's nice. Should be good. The Shetlanders know how to build nice venues, I hope they'll appreciate the Zulu invasion. I don't think anything could prepare them for it... Even us just being here and wandering round will turn heads. There's not many Zulus on Shetland (not until 7am tomorrow in any case!)
I'm writing this entry from sun-baked Shetland where I arrived this morning through the mist over the North Sea. As I compose this, the rest of the YZW party are enjoying/experiencing, what is for many of them their first voyage by sea, a 12 hour ferry crossing from Aberdeen to Lerwick. My flight lasted 1 hour. It was smooth and easy. I'll be the one to pick up the pieces tomorrow morning for the over-tired Zulus when they arrive at 7am, which is fine.
Last night the group performed in Brechin city hall. Apparently that hall hasn't seen so many people in it for a long time, according to the locals. The performance was sold out and pretty much everyone turned up too. Another great performance on a slightly smaller stage. Despite the informal wager that I'd made with Joe the coach driver, no-one fell through the stage. It looked a bit dated and we wondered if it could withstand 26 stomping Zulus, but it did us proud... I had visions of having to remove Mdu, Siya, Sizwe and Nathi from the basement, but thankfully they didn't come into being and everyone is still alive and well (well, they were when they got on the boat in any case... )
Another highlight were the incredible Scottish strawberries. After dinner there was still a fridge-ful left and they were amazing, so fresh and juicy and big and red... Fruit... how I've missed it... The guys have been treated to Scottish delicacies of steak pie, vegetable soup (Zulus don't do soup for some reason) and more steak pie. Which is nice, but not for someone who shouldn't eat refined carbs, trans-fats etc etc... My body was crying out for those strawberries, but I was disappointed that I couldn't quite manage to finish off a whole punnet... (which, incidentally, is really good for you, the humble strawberry being an official 'superfood', with antibacterial and antiviral properties) Never underestimate the power of a simple soft fruit, especially when it's grown locally. Delicious!
But anyway, back to Shetland. It's great up here. It feels like I'm in another world. We had to stop at a 'level crossing' which was actually for the runway as a plane took off. Great. Then there was a drive up to Lerwick through some amazing countryside with sea all around. Did you know there are hardly any trees on Shetland? (interesting fact number 1) and that despite their cuddly appearance, Shetland ponies are actually quite mean (fact number 2). The things you learn when you go to work in Africa, eh?!?
Yesterday it was so foggy we were unsure I'd make it, as the plane would have had to return to Aberdeen (not Bergen in Norway, as I'd hoped), but today the sun has burnt through and I reckon it's the hottest day I've enjoyed in the UK since I came over here. My massive and warm coat has been slung into the corner of my room. I imagine I may have to use it before too long though.
There are about 9000 families on the Island (or Islands really). The YZWs will perform a Gospel Choir Concert and 2 'Thula Sizwe' shows plus workshops for the local kids. I've just been to investigate one of the venues. It's big and it's nice. Should be good. The Shetlanders know how to build nice venues, I hope they'll appreciate the Zulu invasion. I don't think anything could prepare them for it... Even us just being here and wandering round will turn heads. There's not many Zulus on Shetland (not until 7am tomorrow in any case!)
Wednesday 11 July 2007
Off to Scotland
Today, most of the YZWs headed to London with HR to pick up an award for her from the Centre for Social Justice at Westminster (might make it into the papers). The rest headed for Glasgow. I stayed with my family for a lovely day together.
Tomorrow I head up north and we all meet up in Stirling. Then the Scottish leg of the tour begins in earnest! I'm looking forward to discovering more about North of the Border, having only been once myself. I'm hoping that the Scottish hospitality exceeds the wonderful welcome we've already received in England. Not sure when my next entry will be but I'll be back soon enough!
Tomorrow I head up north and we all meet up in Stirling. Then the Scottish leg of the tour begins in earnest! I'm looking forward to discovering more about North of the Border, having only been once myself. I'm hoping that the Scottish hospitality exceeds the wonderful welcome we've already received in England. Not sure when my next entry will be but I'll be back soon enough!
publicity
We were in 'The London Paper' and 'London Lite' last Tuesday (4th july?), well to be more precise, Jude was. But it was all about the Zulus he was partying with, and that was us.
Bigger article in this week's 'HELLO' magazine (issue978, 17July 2007). see page 59. Not the best pictures but the write-up isn't bad. Check it out...
Bigger article in this week's 'HELLO' magazine (issue978, 17July 2007). see page 59. Not the best pictures but the write-up isn't bad. Check it out...
the craziness continues...
The show in Rugby on Monday night was excellent, I hear. I took the evening off to try and recover some of my voice. On Tuesday I rescued the giraffes from Oxford and was a general packhorse with Mum's car, transporting various items of unwanted or 'not needed now' kit around Warwickshire!
The show last night in Rugby went ok, it was one of those evenings when things just seemed to go wrong backstage. We had cast members feeling ill, being ill, miscommunications, and the like. I'm still battling something (maybe just exhaustion) but it leaves me moody and easily annoyed (which is quite unlike me actually), despite the fact I managed to go a whole 24 hours without having to consume a sandwich* (thank goodness!!) For someone who tries to avoid eating bread, the tour is proving to be a trial....
* this word is not a good one to use around the YZW, already a case of 'familiarity breeds contempt'!
Today, however, I am taking a day off. It's little G's Birthday and we've got a family lunch to celebrate. My Mum finishes her job too today so it's a double celebration! Am looking forward to relaxing slightly before hitting the road again tomorrow, when we're all reuniting in Stirling.
The show last night in Rugby went ok, it was one of those evenings when things just seemed to go wrong backstage. We had cast members feeling ill, being ill, miscommunications, and the like. I'm still battling something (maybe just exhaustion) but it leaves me moody and easily annoyed (which is quite unlike me actually), despite the fact I managed to go a whole 24 hours without having to consume a sandwich* (thank goodness!!) For someone who tries to avoid eating bread, the tour is proving to be a trial....
* this word is not a good one to use around the YZW, already a case of 'familiarity breeds contempt'!
Today, however, I am taking a day off. It's little G's Birthday and we've got a family lunch to celebrate. My Mum finishes her job too today so it's a double celebration! Am looking forward to relaxing slightly before hitting the road again tomorrow, when we're all reuniting in Stirling.
Monday 9 July 2007
Back in Bidford
Weymouth is cool. Have never been there before. Was even cooler because our host family lived in a beautiful house with a classic English country garden (lots of roses) with fabulous views over the bay of Dorset. We could sit inside (out of the wind!) and watch windsurfers, waterskiers and jetskiers enjoying the water and even monitoring the galleons that were sailing in and out of the harbour. Weymouth will be hosting sailing events for Olympics in 2012, watch out for it...
Sunday morning and we headed to Weymouth Baptist Church for the YZW to perform. With HR detained in London by closures due to the Tour de France (those pesky French!), I was called upon to speak and to introduce the work of GGA and the YZWs to the congregation. But it was all fine and they sang as beautifully as ever.
We then returned to our host families and we particularly enjoyed a traditional Sunday lunch, snooze, walk along the beach AND an exciting Wimbledon tennis final. What more could one ask for on a sunny Sunday afternoon!?!
The evening performance was at a place called Waterside, conveniently just down the hill from where we were staying. The place was mostly filled with residents from the caravan park, plus Rotarians who were hosting us, but as usual the group was well-received and people had a chance to stock up on beadwork, soapstone hippos and the like. Sadly the giraffes have dwindled in number. We had to leave a box of 'disabled' carved giraffes in Oxford and the rest seem to have met a similar fate in transit...
Now I'm briefly back in Bidford. Feeling a bit rubbish from a cold that has developed into silly cough and rapidly disappearing voice. Am hoping to recover before Scotland, but the trip up there beckons and it's going to have to be a rapid recovery! The problem is, it's very difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat the proper foods when one is running around all over the place and that will have messed up my immune system, along with the rock 'n' roll events such as Mr Law's little party last week, which knock my blood sugar balance for six. Wonder if it's possible to detox on tour...
Tomorrow I'm on a rescue mission for those disabled giraffes in Oxford before another gig in Rugby, but driving myself around, instead of sitting in a coach, is great. I get to choose the music for one!
Sunday morning and we headed to Weymouth Baptist Church for the YZW to perform. With HR detained in London by closures due to the Tour de France (those pesky French!), I was called upon to speak and to introduce the work of GGA and the YZWs to the congregation. But it was all fine and they sang as beautifully as ever.
We then returned to our host families and we particularly enjoyed a traditional Sunday lunch, snooze, walk along the beach AND an exciting Wimbledon tennis final. What more could one ask for on a sunny Sunday afternoon!?!
The evening performance was at a place called Waterside, conveniently just down the hill from where we were staying. The place was mostly filled with residents from the caravan park, plus Rotarians who were hosting us, but as usual the group was well-received and people had a chance to stock up on beadwork, soapstone hippos and the like. Sadly the giraffes have dwindled in number. We had to leave a box of 'disabled' carved giraffes in Oxford and the rest seem to have met a similar fate in transit...
Now I'm briefly back in Bidford. Feeling a bit rubbish from a cold that has developed into silly cough and rapidly disappearing voice. Am hoping to recover before Scotland, but the trip up there beckons and it's going to have to be a rapid recovery! The problem is, it's very difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat the proper foods when one is running around all over the place and that will have messed up my immune system, along with the rock 'n' roll events such as Mr Law's little party last week, which knock my blood sugar balance for six. Wonder if it's possible to detox on tour...
Tomorrow I'm on a rescue mission for those disabled giraffes in Oxford before another gig in Rugby, but driving myself around, instead of sitting in a coach, is great. I get to choose the music for one!
Saturday 7 July 2007
the provincial leg...
On Wednesday night the YZW performed to a packed school theatre at Cokethorpe School near Oxford. The school were excellent hosts, it's a great place. It's in the middle of nowhere but they've got an internet Costa coffee on site! On Thursday lunchtime, the choir sang in the quad next to the dining room and a large crowd of kids and staff assembled and were were uplifted and inspired by their music.
You could tell immediately who was in the crew though - whilst YZWs bellowed out their melodies and harmonies to an appreciative audience, several of us, who are travelling with the choir, were engrossed in checking email instead. (It's not that we don't think they are brilliant... ;-) )
And then it was a coach ride down to Brighton, arriving in the early Friday evening drizzle...
Have been staying with my old housemate and friend Jane, been great to catch up with her and a few more friends down here.
On Friday the group performed at a beach front bar, although they were battling against strong winds and sand, which seemed to get everywhere! Before they sang, they had a photoshoot for the press on the pebbly beach that is Brighton with the old burnt-out pier in the background. (no sandy shores here like they are used to at the Indian Ocean!)
Got some great shots too. (to follow)
ITV sent someone to film the street performance, we watched the news later but it didn't seem to appear, unless it was on a later edition. If anyone saw them on Meridien, please let me know...
The Oxford performance had been great, and the Brighton performance was even better. These guys are improving an already brilliant show with every session. The acoustics and set-up in The Old Market were excellent for the singing and stomping.
For the second time, I had to open the show by speaking briefly about the work in Africa. This meant I got to wear a beautiful Zulu outfit and get lots of compliments; and I had to put my headteacher assembly experience to good use. I also read the part of the narrator, although I am off-stage and with a microphone at that point. I got to watch the show from the wings on this occasion and it's a great place to be. The choir who are off-stage join in as backing singers for those on stage, adding to the richness of the performance. Little C and S, our 2 smallest performers, and I were bopping along to the songs, by the end of the tour I'll have learnt a lot of the Zulu songs and will have improved on my dancing! (not sure about the high-kicks though, especially in my dress!! Although, it's easy enough for the Zulus...)
And this morning we're off again, this time to Weymouth. It sounds near, but I fear it may be fairly far in a coach! The sun has finally made an appearance though, and looks set to stay until Monday, which is a welcome change from all the ridiculous rain we've had to endure of late. But I'm tired and I'm rapidly developing a cold. :(
On Monday we'll be back up in the Midlands, performing in Rugby for 2 nights. More then from my parents' computer!
You could tell immediately who was in the crew though - whilst YZWs bellowed out their melodies and harmonies to an appreciative audience, several of us, who are travelling with the choir, were engrossed in checking email instead. (It's not that we don't think they are brilliant... ;-) )
And then it was a coach ride down to Brighton, arriving in the early Friday evening drizzle...
Have been staying with my old housemate and friend Jane, been great to catch up with her and a few more friends down here.
On Friday the group performed at a beach front bar, although they were battling against strong winds and sand, which seemed to get everywhere! Before they sang, they had a photoshoot for the press on the pebbly beach that is Brighton with the old burnt-out pier in the background. (no sandy shores here like they are used to at the Indian Ocean!)
Got some great shots too. (to follow)
ITV sent someone to film the street performance, we watched the news later but it didn't seem to appear, unless it was on a later edition. If anyone saw them on Meridien, please let me know...
The Oxford performance had been great, and the Brighton performance was even better. These guys are improving an already brilliant show with every session. The acoustics and set-up in The Old Market were excellent for the singing and stomping.
For the second time, I had to open the show by speaking briefly about the work in Africa. This meant I got to wear a beautiful Zulu outfit and get lots of compliments; and I had to put my headteacher assembly experience to good use. I also read the part of the narrator, although I am off-stage and with a microphone at that point. I got to watch the show from the wings on this occasion and it's a great place to be. The choir who are off-stage join in as backing singers for those on stage, adding to the richness of the performance. Little C and S, our 2 smallest performers, and I were bopping along to the songs, by the end of the tour I'll have learnt a lot of the Zulu songs and will have improved on my dancing! (not sure about the high-kicks though, especially in my dress!! Although, it's easy enough for the Zulus...)
And this morning we're off again, this time to Weymouth. It sounds near, but I fear it may be fairly far in a coach! The sun has finally made an appearance though, and looks set to stay until Monday, which is a welcome change from all the ridiculous rain we've had to endure of late. But I'm tired and I'm rapidly developing a cold. :(
On Monday we'll be back up in the Midlands, performing in Rugby for 2 nights. More then from my parents' computer!
Wednesday 4 July 2007
leaving London
We're now near Oxford, as I said earlier. Am updating while I can!
Performing here this evening, finally the sun is out ;-) It's nice to be out of London for a while.
Tomorrow we're down to Brighton for 2 days, then Weymouth. Am looking forward to catching up with my Brighton crew (and will hopefully get internet access again there!)
If you've not arranged to come and see the show. DO SO NOW!
Performing here this evening, finally the sun is out ;-) It's nice to be out of London for a while.
Tomorrow we're down to Brighton for 2 days, then Weymouth. Am looking forward to catching up with my Brighton crew (and will hopefully get internet access again there!)
If you've not arranged to come and see the show. DO SO NOW!
just a few of us out celebrating...
To celebrate the success of the first Thula Sizwe performance, Jude Law invited the group to a trendy West End club called Kabaret (although I've no idea where it was as we were whisked off there in cars from Clapham and then whisked home again afterwards!). We had to have passwords to get in to the place past the extreme security.
Top bloke Jude had arranged for 'God's Golden Acre' to be piped round the room on the lights (see photo and green bits on the wall - my mind's gone as to what to call it!) so that everyone knew we were 'in the house'... but then it was announced too...
We got to sit and party in the VIP lounge section, rubbing shoulders with not only Jude, but also the likes of Cat Deeley and Will Young. At once point, Timberland and his troupe of mean looking bouncers popped into the club, but as I don't really know what he looks like, I'm not sure I'd even notice him in Tesco... There was one of their crew with a tea-towel over his head, maybe it was him?!?
In any case, we had an amazing time and even HR, the director, was on the dance floor! And she can dance like the best of us!
It was great to be VIPs for once, to have the bouncers being nice to us, but then blocking the crazy crowd of women who were desperate to get to Jude. The poor bloke was at risk of getting mobbed. It's a mad life! But at least we didn't get hassled by paparazzi (they're not allowed in!) Despite the mad women, the company was great and everyone had a night to remember....
THIS is the rock and roll lifestyle (thankfully we had Tuesday off to sleep and recover!)
to continue the story...
So the earlier post I'd already written, here's the continuation...
So we were in Central London on Sunday, singing for the 10K runners. The stage happened to be outside a Welsh congregation church and the minister came out to complain about the drums. He was won over though and invited the group in to sing at the 11am service and the congregation (of 4) were totally blown away by the amazing singing and gave us pretty much all the change they had on them that day!
Sunday afternoon saw us on the scenic route through central London heading for Richmond, where the YZWs performed at a special BBQ organised by Richmond Golf Club. Very posh and very lucky that the rain moved on before we got there as the lawns had been flooded in the morning. We spent the night with host families in and around the beautiful area of Richmond.
On Monday we spent the morning being entertained and fed back at the Golf Club, a proper English brunch, it was much appreciated, despite the fact most had been fed at home too! Then we headed straight to Clapham Grand for the evening's performance of Thula Sizwe, the first full show in London.
Quite a lot of people turned up, possibly spurred on by the thought of getting a photo or autograph from Jude (for a donation to GGA, of course!) and the show was amazing. Watching the group perform on a proper stage with all the lights and mics etc was outstanding. It's like having 27 children at the school play ;-)
A highlight for some, so far, was the aftershow party that Jude threw for us at a trendy nightclub. that deserves an entry on its own...
So we were in Central London on Sunday, singing for the 10K runners. The stage happened to be outside a Welsh congregation church and the minister came out to complain about the drums. He was won over though and invited the group in to sing at the 11am service and the congregation (of 4) were totally blown away by the amazing singing and gave us pretty much all the change they had on them that day!
Sunday afternoon saw us on the scenic route through central London heading for Richmond, where the YZWs performed at a special BBQ organised by Richmond Golf Club. Very posh and very lucky that the rain moved on before we got there as the lawns had been flooded in the morning. We spent the night with host families in and around the beautiful area of Richmond.
On Monday we spent the morning being entertained and fed back at the Golf Club, a proper English brunch, it was much appreciated, despite the fact most had been fed at home too! Then we headed straight to Clapham Grand for the evening's performance of Thula Sizwe, the first full show in London.
Quite a lot of people turned up, possibly spurred on by the thought of getting a photo or autograph from Jude (for a donation to GGA, of course!) and the show was amazing. Watching the group perform on a proper stage with all the lights and mics etc was outstanding. It's like having 27 children at the school play ;-)
A highlight for some, so far, was the aftershow party that Jude threw for us at a trendy nightclub. that deserves an entry on its own...
Some photos..
We're now near Oxford in a lovely school, with lovely fast internet connection! ;-)
here are a couple of photos, taken at the Rootsville festival in Birmingham. My camera is not so good indoors so I've been focussing on the outdoor pictures...
YZW UK TOUR – and so it begins…
We’re now getting stuck into the UK tour. The best word to describe it so far is ‘hectic’, which is a very popular South African word. And the Young Zulu Warriors are certainly leaving lasting impressions on those who come across them.
The crazy rock and roll lifestyle is certainly challenging. We’ve been staying in a secret location in Hackney, annoyingly far from the tube and in a position that none of the coach drivers have been able to find without assistance. We’re learning to live and sleep surrounded by suitcases of costumes, shields, sticks and boxes of merchandise… good job it’s a secure building.
Last Friday they arrived from South Africa to a London hit by the security alerts, which made crossing town easier as most people seemed to have stayed away. After a brief rest they launched into a performance at an exhibition at Earls Court, which was extremely well received. They moved straight from there to the official launch party at South Africa House in Trafalgar Square.
This was a very classy affair, taking place in a beautiful reception room. The event was well attended and the choir performed a selection of songs to rapturous applause. Jude Law was in attendance, much to the delight of many women present and it was great to catch up with him and with lots of former volunteers.
Then the late nights began, with us not getting back to the hostel until 1am and having to unload the whole coach. Fun fun fun…
Saturday saw us heading up the M1 in terrible rain and bad traffic to the Rootsville Festival at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. Due to various factors we were late, but thanks to torrential downpours the schedule was running late too. They performed an hour-long set under the railway arches to an appreciative crowd, most of whom had been loitering about all day drinking beer, and were impressed by the traditional skins costumes, high kicks and drumming.
Then it was back to London arriving once again late in the evening. Sunday morning we headed into Central London to support Tally (the UK Tour co-ordinator) as she ran a 10K race. Despite the drizzle the group successfully encouraged and motivated the runners at the half way mark. I was amazed at how many people were running, a seemingly never-ending wall of people running straight towards us.
The crazy rock and roll lifestyle is certainly challenging. We’ve been staying in a secret location in Hackney, annoyingly far from the tube and in a position that none of the coach drivers have been able to find without assistance. We’re learning to live and sleep surrounded by suitcases of costumes, shields, sticks and boxes of merchandise… good job it’s a secure building.
Last Friday they arrived from South Africa to a London hit by the security alerts, which made crossing town easier as most people seemed to have stayed away. After a brief rest they launched into a performance at an exhibition at Earls Court, which was extremely well received. They moved straight from there to the official launch party at South Africa House in Trafalgar Square.
This was a very classy affair, taking place in a beautiful reception room. The event was well attended and the choir performed a selection of songs to rapturous applause. Jude Law was in attendance, much to the delight of many women present and it was great to catch up with him and with lots of former volunteers.
Then the late nights began, with us not getting back to the hostel until 1am and having to unload the whole coach. Fun fun fun…
Saturday saw us heading up the M1 in terrible rain and bad traffic to the Rootsville Festival at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. Due to various factors we were late, but thanks to torrential downpours the schedule was running late too. They performed an hour-long set under the railway arches to an appreciative crowd, most of whom had been loitering about all day drinking beer, and were impressed by the traditional skins costumes, high kicks and drumming.
Then it was back to London arriving once again late in the evening. Sunday morning we headed into Central London to support Tally (the UK Tour co-ordinator) as she ran a 10K race. Despite the drizzle the group successfully encouraged and motivated the runners at the half way mark. I was amazed at how many people were running, a seemingly never-ending wall of people running straight towards us.
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