SUMMER TOUR TO CAMBRIDGE AND ELY – March 2013 Update.
Arrangements are now well in hand for the choir tour to Cambridge and Ely.
Val Middleton our Tour Manager has provided a little more information to whet the
appetite for the trip.
The Accommodation
St John’s College celebrated its 500th Anniversary in 2011. It is the largest of the Oxford and
Cambridge Colleges by area. St John's has magnificent gardens and extends onto the famous
Cambridge Backs beyond the River Cam, with its courts connected by the beautiful Bridge of
Sighs, the Main Gate of the College however, leads right into the heart of the city. The
recently refurbished guest rooms, situated in North Court and Third Court, accommodate
students during Term. Both twin and single rooms are available and all are en suite, rooms
are serviced daily.
The Rehearsal Venues
St John’s Divinity Theatre, Saturday, 20th July
After over 3 years of planning, archaeological excavation, restoration and refurbishment
work, the Divinity School opened last year. We shall be holding our rehearsals in the
magnificent lecture theatre.
St John’s Chapel, Sunday morning, 21st July
The existing Chapel was built between 1866 - 69. The design owes much to the Decorated or
'middle pointed' period, which was then almost universally held to be the only correct style
for all ecclesiastical buildings. George Gilbert Scott, who was the architect, was one of the
strongest advocates of this view. The chapel is regarded as one of the finest and most
successful Gothic Revival chapels in the country.
The College Reception and Dinner
Queens’ College, the Old Hall, Friday 20th July at 7pm
This is the original dining hall of the college, used by Fellows and students for over 500
years. It is part of the Old Court which richly reflects the plan of manor court houses of the
15th century. The interior is richly decorated and above the Tudor fireplace are tiles
attributed to William Morris. Following a reception, a three course dinner will be served.
Queen’s College is a short walk from St John’s.
Ely Cathedral, Sunday, July21st at 5.15pm
Work on the present Cathedral began in the 11th century and the monastic church became
a cathedral in 1109.The monastery at Ely was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Ely suffered
less than many other monasteries, but some statues were destroyed together with carvings
and stained glass.
You can still come if you are interested providing you make your own arrangements to get
to Cambridge:
If you would like to join us in Cambridge, we can still reserve rooms in St John’s and places
at the Queen’s College dinner; alternatively you can make your own arrangements and still
take part in the rehearsals and concert led by David Hill. A full itinerary, rehearsal in Leeds
schedule and music to follow.