Thistle Society Trip to see the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra at the Sage Theatre, Gateshead, 8th March 2008

by Janet Miles, Friday, 4th April 2008

On Saturday 8 March 2008, members and friends gathered at Margaret Rowe's house to board the coach. It was raining a little, but that certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirits as we were all there for one thing and that was to have a jolly good weekend at Gateshead.

We set off at 9.30am giving ourselves plenty of time to get to Gateshead. Our first stop was on M65, a very nice place called Junction 12 Mill Shop , where some of us had a little breakfast and others managed a little bit of retail therapy. We continued our journey and our next stop was at the beautiful town of Ripon where we had lunch. We arrived at Legacy Hotel Gateshead at 3.30pm and we just had time for a quick freshen up before our evening meal which was in the hotel restaurant and I have to say was delightful!!

After our nice relaxing meal we were off to the Theatre - our first job was to meet Margaret Henderson's cousin who she had not seen for many years. Her cousin was also bringing some friends and family with her from Alnmouth to join our party. We all took our seats, very good seats may I add, thanks to Kathleen's promptness in booking. The concert began, and you just couldn't stop your hands from clapping or feet from tapping. A very memorable moment for me, and I would think for many who attended, was when they played Highland Cathedral - it was so be so beautifully done, it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Also played was a new "Traditional Scottish Air" The Old Water Mill compiled by the Orchestra's musical conductor John Mason MBE FSA Scot. Again magnificent, you closed your eyes and you where in heaven. There where so many delightful moments, I could simply go on forever.

We eventually got back to our hotel around 10.45pm, some decided to go to bed, but others decided to finish off the magical evening with a "wee dram".

On Sunday we were all up bright and early, as we were calling at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle on our way home. We had a guided tour of the museum, and a light lunch before making our way back to Wigan. Arriving back at 5.30pm everyone said their goodbyes, but we all agreed it had been an absolutely memorable weekend.

We will be going to Harrogate next year, so if you are interested at all, please contact Kathleen 01942 861539, Margaret 01942 247403 or Janet on 01257 424533. The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra