Posts Tagged ‘sunshine’

Summer tends to bring the chill-out factor in me.

This has to be the best summer I’ve experienced since returning to the UK over twelve years ago. Consistent days of sunshine have been glorious. They’ve lulled me into a false sense of security in the vain hope they may continue forever! But already the wetter days seem to be returning. Oh well, that’s what we expect from British weather isn’t it?

On a beautiful summer’s evening, on the 31st July, Paul and I (Paul’s my husband for those of you who didn’t know), were invited with a group of twelve friends to go to Highclere Castle to listen to the Battle Proms. The husband of a friend, Tom Bott of High Society Orchestra, was playing in the orchestra so actually knowing one of the musicians personally made the event even more exciting. Hiring a school bus, off we went with picnic baskets, wine, chairs, umbrellas and cagoules. An hour later we off-loaded and went through the gates to the open space where people were already setting up their picnic places. Families, couples both young and old, all enjoying a perfect summer’s evening. Some were dressed formally and others were attired in dinner suits and frocks, with the majority just dressed casually – everyone mingling, laughing and dancing.

The castle stood in its splendour as the perfect backdrop, almost shining in its glory, in the secure knowledge it was being admired by so many people that evening. The highlight for me was when we saluted Carolyn Grace in her LF Mark IX Spitfire as she performed a carefully choreographed display to the orchestra’s opening pieces. This display took place against a sunset going behind a dark cloud, twisting and twirling just like a scene in a film, stunning, even for a non aviation enthusiast like me.

Battle commenced as the big guns came out for a unique performance that gives the concert its name. Beethoven’s Battle Symphony was playing in the background with live firing cannons, infantry musket fire and fireworks. Detonation technology enabled this piece to be performed with the guns firing precisely in time with the original composition and the fireworks display simply took my breath away.
The whole evening provided a complete escape from our normal work routines and stresses. By taking the time out to travel not too far away and enjoying a beautiful evening surrounded by friends was a superb tonic which definitely recharged some flagging batteries. It was a clear reminder to me of how important it is to take time out – no matter what tasks are crying out for our attention.

I hope you have all taken some time out this summer to “smell the roses” as the old saying goes and have recharged your own batteries. Long may the Summer continue!