Associate's Spring Weekend
To be held at Hawkstone Hall. Shropshire - Friday 20 April to Sunday 22 April 2012
I write this as a postscript to Jeremy's outline (on the Home page of the website) of the musical treats that are in store for us at Hawkstone Hall. For the ad hoc singing at the Saturday evening party I am bringing a selection of the songs, many from the National Song Book, which we used to sing at my village school in Essex, e.g. the Drunken Sailor (Mode 1), Marie's Wedding (Mode 7), Dashing away with the Smoothing Iron, and lots more songs now out of fashion.
For those of you who do not know Hawkstone Hall from when we were last there in February 2010, it is an early 18th century Grade I listed Georgian mansion set in extensive gardens and parkland with lovely views over the rolling hills of Shropshire, 14 miles north of Shrewsbury. Since 1926 Hawkstone Hall has been owned by the Redemptorists of the London Province, who now run it as an international centre for personal and spiritual renewal.
The magnificent reception rooms will be at our disposal, and the extensive gardens will be at their best for our recreation. We shall sing our services in the (heated) chapel, which was added on in 1934. With the encouragement of Bishop Mark Davies, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, we are going to advertise this weekend in the diocesan website and parishes in the Shrewsbury diocese, so that local people may join us. The directors will be giving particular encouragement to anyone unfamiliar with the chant as well as to experienced singers.
Accommodation.
This is all modern with central heating. All rooms are single with a wash basin, and there are plenty of bathrooms very close. There are lifts to the bedrooms, and the entire house is comfortable and heated, with wheelchair access throughout apart from a few steps into two of the smaller conference rooms. The house is non-smoking.
Travel.
The Hall is approached along a ¾ mile drive from the village of Marchamley on the A442 Whitchurch to Telford road, 2 miles north of Hodnet. There is plenty of space for car parking.
Shrewsbury is the nearest railway station from which taxis go to Hawkstone Hall. The cost is £14 if you book with 'Sue' on 01743 350350 (Her taxi is called '350'). If you tell us at what time you expect to arrive at Shrewsbury, and what train you aim to catch after lunch on the Sunday, we will try to arrange for shared taxis. The same applies to Wellington station, where the taxi driver is 'Rashir'; his number is 07976 814443 and the fare is £20. There is no extra charge in either case for more than one passenger. Do book rail tickets well in advance; they are far cheaper than booking on the day. The closest coach station is at Telford, where there is also a taxi service, but I have no information about fares. There will be tea at the house on the Friday after 4pm, and I anticipate lunch on the Sunday will be at 12.30.
Non – residents are most welcome for the whole or part of the time. The booking slip quotes the cost, including meals and refreshment, for the whole of Saturday. Please ask for cost of attendance at other times. As this is deep country there is not much accommodation nearby.
Cost.
The prices quoted in the booking slip include music, tuition and all expenses incurred by the Schola in arranging the weekend. Wine at meals and all bar drinks are not included. We shall bring a supply of wine and soft drinks for sale at the party, with meals, and at the bar.
Bursaries. Please note: Bursaries are given by the Schola to assist students and others in need. Please apply.
Cancellations.
The organisation of weekends involves the Schola in overheads to cover the cost of providing music, travel and accommodation for the Director, cantors and chaplains, any speakers and considerable administrative expenses. If you cancel your booking the overheads element cannot normally be refunded. Any refund due for accommodation is determined by our contract with Hawkstone Hall. If you let us know by Saturday 31st March, the accommodation charge (only) can be refunded. After 31st March there can be no refund. You can insure against this risk.
It would be helpful if you could please telephone 01223 263063 (St.Benedict's) or e-mail them at
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to let them know that your application is in the post so that in case of postal delays we will be sure to know that you are coming.
With my best wishes to you all. Do come ! I much look forward to seeing you.
Grey Macartney Chairman
For a booking form please contact the Schola via the Contact Us page. Please book by March 15th 2012.
Canterbury Gregorian Music Society
Day of Chant in Canterbury 24th March 2012 10.00-5.30
Workshop on First Vespers of Nativity of the BVM from English Mediaeval sources, the Worcester Antiphoner and the Hereford Breviary. To be led by Philip Duffy of the Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge at St. Thomas's Catholic Church Canterbury. Talks around the music and the context plus singing for beginners and the more confident.
Further details: www.gregoriansociety.wordpress.com
The Rudgate Singers
The group was formed in 1996 and although they are based in York they draw their singers from all over the north of England and Scotland. They usually sing together five times a year at specially arranged services, mainly in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire with their focus being Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Roman Rite).
They can be heard during the usual Extraordinary Form Mass at 6.30pm on the third Sunday of the month at the English Martyrs' Church York. They also sing annually in Brinkburn Priory, Northumberland and at the Carols by Candlelight service at St Mary's Bishopgate, York.
In 2002 the Schola Cantorum was formed to sing the chant at their main events, at Mass at the English Martyrs' Church and also to sing Compline or Vespers every week at the church of St Mary's Bishophill, York.
Anyone who wishes join them in orderto sing traditional church music in its original liturgical setting is made very welcome.
Please contact Mike Forbester on 01904 341853 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Further details can be found on http://www.rudgatesingers.co.uk
Gregorian Chant in Leeds
Schola Gregoriana of Leeds
Meets on the 2nd Saturday in the month (with the exception of April and August) in the University Chaplaincy. (Rehearsal 2.00 - Mass at 4.00) under the musical directorship of Michael Murphy.
All are welcome - no previous experience necessary.
Please contact me via the contact page for further information.
Associates Autumn Weekend in 2012
19-21 October 2012 - Hinsley Hall, Leeds, Yorkshire.
We are in the process of arranging our Autumn weekend to be held at Hinsley Hall, Leeds which is situated only a mile and a half from Leeds railway station. The bus routes X84 and 1 link the railway station and Hinsley Hall so this should prove to be a convenient location for anyone who wishes to travel by public transport.
As usual further details will follow as soon as they are available.
