Saturday 16th October
One thing I can say with a degree of qualification, life is not dull!. Although bleary-eyed from the insomnia of the previous night, I was still able to enjoy autumnal Buxton in its role as holiday destination. The beauty is that unlike an unfamiliar place, I know my way around with confidence, but, this time, through the eyes of a contented holiday maker!
Sunday 17th October
I had just one “chauffeuring” assignment yesterday whose talk on the history and possible future of fascism was both fascinating and somewhat thought provoking. There was little time between arriving back at my hotel, and, changing into formal evening wear for THE OPERA DINNER, in the magnificently restored Assembly Rooms, surely a major jewel in Buxton’s Crown. Originally, as mentioned previously, scheduled to be the first private event here, this celebration was well worth the wait until this weekend. And apart from the occasional mask, there was no evidence of a pandemic.
I don’t think that I have attended an occasion quite like this. Dressing up in black tie attire, is something that I am well used to, even if fixing the black tie was more challenging than I remember, and necessitating the assistance of a passing guest! I missed the drinks reception altogether, but that was more of a blessing considering that alcohol is no longer a pleasure, and soft drinks are sugar-laden. Fizzy water is my one size fits all tipple these days! My table companions, I assume, were glad of my wine allocation!
I am not quite sure what my starter consisted of. It was, however, free of the increasing number of foods to which I am developing an intolerance, and gave the taste buds some pleasant exercise. Not sure of the nutritional value however. Our plates were cleared efficiently by our waiters. The entertainment began, two opera singers at the top of their game performing four or five well known arias or songs from the shows. This heralded the main course, which although parsimonious in portion size, was delicious and actually, more filling than I expected it would be.
More magnificent musical entertainment which was received, justifiably, with well oiled enthusiasm! By this time, we had all purchased raffle tickets, one of this evening’s raison d’etre events. It was a good prize, three diamonds with the opportunity to have them fashioned into an item of the winner’s choice. The draw would take place after dessert, and, despite my “generous?” investment, I (nor anybody at my table) would win!
Monday 18th October
Coffee followed dessert, then the prize draw, very generously provided by a well established local jeweller. Then, the charity auction. There were wonderful prizes, again courtesy of well known people/organisations. I considered two prizes, a top of the range night at The Crescent, and a personal tour of Chatsworth, for two with the Duke of Devonshire as tour guide. My cautious instincts kicked in and actually resisted the temptation to bid! It’s amazing, the effect of fizzy water!
Tuesday 19th October
All of a sudden, this star studded gala Opera Dinner was drawing to a close. I forgot to mention that TV personality Charles Hanson of Bargain Hunt fame was the auctioneer whose eye contact I avoided at all costs! And I try not to watch Bargain Hunt!
I made my way to my lovely fourth floor room, for once, not being the last to leave the party. It was a superb evening, well worth the struggle with the bow tie! Would the whirring of the air extraction fan in the bathroom as well as the half-hourly chimes of the Town Hall clock sabotage a by now much needed sleep? No chance! I almost did sleep for England!
Breakfast in the beautifully laid out dining room with linen tablecloths, serviettes, fine white china with elegant cutlery and glassware would be a final treat of the weekend. Service was courteous, efficient and extremely pleasant.
Soon, I was back at St. John’s Church for Sung Eucharist. I took my place at the mixing desk, which for some reason, was lifeless. Yep, it had been unplugged!
I returned to The Crescent firstly to pick up the luggage I had left there, and to have coffee with a church colleague with whom I enjoy a social warm beverage after most services. Then, I would join my neighbour over the road for a lunch which he had prepared specially, unknown to me. (I should check my messages more often)
In the evening, it was back to St. John’s for the first post-lockdown Buxton Musical Society concert of choral and orchestral works by Haydn and Mozart. Excellent it was, too. And apart from a few masks here and there, one felt as if the pandemic was confined to history. Except that, on Monday afternoon, a message on my NHS App. informed me that sometime during Saturday, I had become close enough to a covid carrier as to be required to answer an online questionnaire. Thankfully, I was told that I don’t need to self isolate, but advised to get a PCR test, although this was not compulsory. I did a thorough Lateral Flow Test at home in the evening which I was relieved to find, proved negative. Nevertheless, my evening felt disrupted. I am, indeed staying home all week as a precaution, but will venture out on Saturday for my booster jab.
It is now Tuesday afternoon. YouTube is providing a wonderful compilation of classical music and creative videos. All very impressive.
As you can see, I started writing on Saturday and only finished writing today, Tuesday.
Many thanks for reading, David 00.26hrs Wednesday 20th October.
David's Cruise 