Maureen was baptised here!

Today was the recce for the Singing Walk. We are four on the team for 30 walkers/singers who will complete a 5 mile circular route from Gilsland. One of our team, Alison, knows all there is to know about Gilsland, although she says her husband knows more than she does! She will be on hand with the local knowledge in between the stops for songs.

Gilsland Spa is a large hotel on the hill above the village. It was built as a hotel, but has been used as a hospital twice in its career. Once was in WWII when pregnant women from the west end of Newcastle were brought here to give birth. They came during the last month of pregnancy, gave birth and stayed up to 6 weeks to keep them safe from the bombing and to provide good food and clean air.

Many of the new babies were baptised in the tiny parish church, near to the hotel. One of the movers and shakers of the Walking Festival, Maureen, was one such baby. She will have her birthday (can't say how many years) just before the festival begins. Here she is beside the font, which you will note is also a war memorial for Gilsland.

It was muddy but sunny. I noted that a set of steps could be very dangerous and promptly slipped on them, landing heavily on the right side of my back and my right shoulder (remember Freddy, who has been a bit quieter lately?) I have a cracking bruise, but I'll not be showing it to anyone........

I was home with 5 minutes to change and down a cup of tea before heading to choir. We are making progress with the Faroese song, but it's not easy. It was the last rehearsal of our first term, and Kat organised tea/coffee and scones for us. We have 25 singing regularly which I think is terrific for a small rural choir.

Time to switch off for the long weekend. I'm looking forward to it.