No more until I get home as you have to pay for wirelss here.
NY was fabulous- now in Chicago and it is minus about 10 degress and snowing. BBRRRR!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, 8th December
I'm back in London now , having caught the bus on Friday from Durham. It took all day as there was an accident on the motorway, which meant I missed my connection at Victoria coach Station to Canary Wharf. finally gotn here at 7p.m. and as Ernie was totally jet-lagged, I treated myself to my first (and last) lot of English fish and chips and retired early to bed with my book.
The previous few days had been hectic. I ended up staying in the Palace Green university Library all afternoon on Tuesday as the music section was fascinating including 70 shelves of Hymn books in the Pratt Green collection.
Then on Wednesday I went up to Newcastle-upon-Tyne by train and across the river to the Sage at Gateshead. http://www.thesagegateshead.org/
The Sage Gateshead is an international home for music and musical discovery, bringing about a widespread and long-term enrichment of the musical life of the North of England. Its inclusive approach enables all performance, learning and participation programmes to be constantly inspired and supported by each other .It is primarily a live music venue. The local, national and international concert programme runs all year round. It incorporates all kinds of music ranging from acoustic, indie, country, world, folk, jazz, electronic and dance to classical music, including concerts by Northern Sinfonia, orchestra of The Sage Gateshead.
Its Learning and Participation programs are pioneering a fresh approach to musical discovery that enables everyone to become involved in, stimulated and excited by music - no matter what their age or ability. The eight strategic programmes are: Early Years, Work with Schools, Vocal and Instrumental Learning, Practitioner Development, Community Music, Further and Higher Education, Resources, and Music in the Workplace.
I came to the venue primarily to look at the innovative library service
* Explore Music
http://www.thesagegateshead.org/about/explore_music.aspx
ExploreMusic makes it easy to find out more about any aspect of music you experience at performances and workshops within The Sage Gateshead as well as providing the key services and resources outlined below:
1.Local independent music information
2.Lending and reference library
The previous few days had been hectic. I ended up staying in the Palace Green university Library all afternoon on Tuesday as the music section was fascinating including 70 shelves of Hymn books in the Pratt Green collection.
Then on Wednesday I went up to Newcastle-upon-Tyne by train and across the river to the Sage at Gateshead. http://www.thesagegateshead.org/
The Sage Gateshead is an amazing home for live music designed by Lord Foster on a landmark waterfront site, consisting of outstanding performance spaces of acoustic excellence (Hall One and Hall Two), Northern Rock Foundation Hall for rehearsal and performance, a twenty-five room Music Education Centre, ExploreMusic (a music information resource centre run by Gateshead Libraries and Arts in the Joan and Margaret Halbert Space), *
The Barbour Room (a sunny entertainment room), plus four bars, The Michael Straker Café and a brasserie. You can visit the building free - up to 14 hours a day. The spectacular Concourse has river views of the Tyne and Gateshead Millennium Bridges, BALTIC and the NewcastleGateshead Quays.
The Sage Gateshead is an international home for music and musical discovery, bringing about a widespread and long-term enrichment of the musical life of the North of England. Its inclusive approach enables all performance, learning and participation programmes to be constantly inspired and supported by each other .It is primarily a live music venue. The local, national and international concert programme runs all year round. It incorporates all kinds of music ranging from acoustic, indie, country, world, folk, jazz, electronic and dance to classical music, including concerts by Northern Sinfonia, orchestra of The Sage Gateshead.
Its Learning and Participation programs are pioneering a fresh approach to musical discovery that enables everyone to become involved in, stimulated and excited by music - no matter what their age or ability. The eight strategic programmes are: Early Years, Work with Schools, Vocal and Instrumental Learning, Practitioner Development, Community Music, Further and Higher Education, Resources, and Music in the Workplace.
I came to the venue primarily to look at the innovative library service
* Explore Music
http://www.thesagegateshead.org/about/explore_music.aspx
ExploreMusic makes it easy to find out more about any aspect of music you experience at performances and workshops within The Sage Gateshead as well as providing the key services and resources outlined below:
1.Local independent music information
2.Lending and reference library
3.Hi Tech services
- 18 PCs with free internet access and office applications
- Music software - Sibelius, Cubasis, Reason, Soundforge and Acid
Free training for all music software plus basic IT and internet skills - Access to specialist websites such as Grove Music Online, Classical Music and Naxos Audio Libraries
- Online communities for The Sage Gateshead's concerts and workshops including live web chats, discussion forums, photo galleries, video archives and more
- CD listening posts to preview upcoming artists at The Sage Gateshead and DVD viewing stations to discover more about The Sage Gateshead's projects
4. Exposed:
Presented in partnership with ExploreMusic, 'exposed:' is a series of events to help you find out more about a theme of our programme. Look out for events flagged as exposed: throughout our What's On section. ExploreMusic will be hosting a number of talks and exclusive interviews to contextualise these concerts along with free live performances, podcasts featuring key performers, workshops and family events.
All services are free of charge. Membership of Gateshead Library Service is open to everyone across the North East and Cumbria .
What an amazing and worthwhile experience this was . I was shown around by Rachel Peacock, Reference and Information Manager, Libraries and Arts, Gateshead Council , the new Manager of Explore Music, Tom and his assistant Maggie. It was a most enlightening three hours and confirmed my opinion that if the City of Sydney were to set up a public music library, this would be an excellent example of the way to go about it . I will say more about this in my report, but on-line services are the way of the future and my visit here gave justification to this. Many thanks to Rachel, Tom and Maggie for giving me the opportunity to visit and also to Julia Mitford, the former ExploreMusic Manager , who is now living in Sydney , and made all this possible.
THURSDAY saw me back in Newcastle ...
Overnight there had been a heavy snowfall and my friend Barbara and I tramped gingerly through the snow and ice ,the kilometre to the Railway Station in Durham. Barbara had to go to a funeral in Sheffield two hours away and was worried about any interruptions to the train services because of the bad weather. However, it was not a real problem as there were delays but they were not severe.
Barbara had organized for me to meet a friend of hers ,Tony Durcan, Head of Culture, Libraries and Lifelong Learning at Newcastle City Council . He had invited me to join various councillors and heads of culture from 'core UK cities' on a tour of the unfinished new Central Library . Tony met me for a cup of coffee first, and we were joined by the people from Bristol and Sheffield at the Theatre Royal and then made our way to the building site office, where we were kitted out with boots , helmets and yellow jackets. There was still thick snow on much of the ground as well as sluch and ice so walking anywhere was treacherous. We made it to the library and I have never been so cold in all my life, as of course, there was no heating . However, the treat in store made up for any uncomfortable moments , as the new library promises to be a leading public library building in the world , in my opinion.
Ian Kennedy, lead architect on the project, said:
"We wanted the City Library to be a symbol of creative design and a model of 21st century library facilities. "It will provide broad access to knowledge and other cultural resources and it will celebrate lifelong learning and social inclusion."
"It will be a delight to use, visit and pass by, inspiring local, civic and regional pride."
http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/librariesnewcitylibrary?opendocument#countdown
The library and its surroundings , due to open in June 2009 will contain the following features :
- A new main entrance on New Bridge Street, making the library highly visible from the Monument, as well as an entrance from Princess Square.
- A large atrium that will allow natural light to flood the building. The building itself is made of a large amount of glass and the windows have beautiful designs on them.
- A range of existing and new facilities over six floors, with a main staircase that will lead visitors on a 'journey' to the top of the building, which will include a platform with views across the city.
- Separate areas for children and young people, informal seating and quiet study areas, a 200-seat performance space and meeting rooms for use by community groups.
- Improvements to Princess Square to create a vibrant urban square and wider pavements and tree-planting along New Bridge Street and John Dobson Street.
- Environmentally friendly features such as low-energy heating and cooling systems, harvesting of rain water and use of renewable energy sources
Some other interesting facts
- the issuing and return of items will be totally self service. (RFID)
- there will be service points (triangles ,not desks) where librarians will be based to help with enquiries and library staff will also 'float'
- Non-fiction will be on the ground floor
- Local Studies will occupy a large amount of the top floor with a view over the city (eat your heart out Marie and Liz)
- Each floor will be of a different colour.
There is much more I could say, but I will leave it until I return home . Can I just say that this library will be fantastic and thanks so much to Tony for giving me the opportunity to see it. I will need to come back and see how it is operating in a few years ! SadlyI won't be able to show anything quite as exciting if you come to Sydney. (yet?)
Thursday evening I spent my last night with Geoff and Julie and their children for dinner and on Friday morning Barbara and I caught a taxi to the bus station where I said my fond farewells to her and the lovely city.
THE WEEKEND
I went down to Surrey to my friends, Lynette and Bob and went to Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral . Very good , except a bit disappointing that David flood, the Director of Music was not there. However, his assistant , John Robinson, did an excellent job. Went out for a Chinese meal on Saturday night after a glass of French champagne at home.
Sunday morning dawned cold and frosty and back to St Michael's Croydon to sing for the last time. In the afternoon we sang at a Masonic Carol Service , as Bob has become a mason, and then went to a christmas celebration dinner for the Masonic choir. A most enjoyable evening.
Now I am back in Woolwich and Ernie and I are off to meet a friend for dinner in the City. the next two days will see me saying my last goodbyes to the Uk and packing my things to go to NY on Thursday morning.
As my little blue laptop has decided not to work I may not be as efficient with my blog, from now on. However, I will be home in two weeks, so it won't be as imperative.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, 2nd December
It's been a week since I wrote as one way and another ,I have been very busy.
Last Wednesday I set off on the train for skipton, via Leeds, a journey of about two and a half hours, across the Pennines. My friends, Sharon and John were there to meet me , in cold rainy weather. We drove back to their home in Blacko near Nelson via a lunch and shopping stop at one of the big retail marketing places , which supposedly sells things marked down or at factory prices. the place was packed, but I did manage to buy a nice evening skirt from Marks and Spencer's for just £20 (half price) as I have a posh Christmas 'do' to attend this Sunday. Things are not cheap here , so this will be my only clothes purchase, unless some miracle occurs. We also called in at Barrowford Branch Library.
Then we headed off home for a quiet evening in and a lovely dinner.
On Thursday I went out with Sharon to visit a friend and then her 90 year old aunt while john did his voluntary work at the hospice. Sharon dropped me at the Burnley Library , as they have a designated Music Library started by a benefactor Edward Stocks Massey who was at the time the choirmaster at St Luke's Church, Brierfield in the late 19th century. The Massey family, well known in the area, were cotton manufacturers and later brewers and founders of the Massey Brewery in Burnley. Edward was born at Hawks House in Brierfield and had a keen interest in music. The Stocks Massey Bequest music library in Burnley reflects Edwards interest in music.
http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries/services/mandd/index.asp
According to the bequest this library has to be allocated certain funds every year and so is still maintained. they have open access scores and CD's in a separate room on the first floor (other audio-visual material is also housed there. I was able t talk to two of the staff , Jane morris and Marie Lord, who kindly provided me with photocopies of the history of the library and other information. A very profitable and unexpected visit.
In the afternoon we went to visit my ex-husbands family in Burnley and it was lovely to see his Mum and sister and her family , if only briefly.
Then we went out to dinner with sharon's brother, Tony , and his wife Helen at the Sycamore Arms , a new pub near Lowerhouse cricket ground. Ernie and Tony went to school together and started work in local governement on the same day. Went back to Tony and Helen's for a nightcap.
Friday john took me to a local Heritage Centre for a look around and before I knew it , it was time to go for the train back to Durham.
The weekend was fantastic with Geoff and Julie and their children coming round in the afternoon for champagne and nibbles , as it was Millie's 7th birthday the day before. We also 'staged' and Enid Blyton play from a yearbook Barbara had found ! Geoff took the part of Mr Muddle and us girls played the ladies.
Barbara and I then trooped off through frosty weather down the back public footpath to the Cathedral for the Advent Carol Serice , which was stunning. The Service began in darkenss and gradually the Cathedral came to light as the service progressed. Barbara and I then retired to a Victorian pub , called 'the Vic ' and with coal fires and original fittings etc.
On Sunday we went with friends of hers, Liz and Roger to Richmond , North yorks for the day . A wonderful town with a castle etc. Frosty but clear weather and the temperature was just above or below freezing. We had a 'cream tea' at the Kings Head hotel, to finish off the day.
Yesterday , I spent getting my hair cut etc and visiting the library, of course and as the weather was foul - cold and rainy, I went home reasonably early. Went to Durham singers again last night and this time I was allowed to join in !
Today has dawned bright and snow is on the ground. I'm off now to the Cathedral and the Palace Library Green Muisc Library which is part of the University.
the next two days a re going to be very exciting as I will be going to Newcastle to see ExploreMusic at the Sage and on Thursday I am being treated to a tour of the new Newcastle Public Library which is yet to be complete. The Library Manager is a friend of Barbara's and I am being included in a tour of councillors etc from other areas of the UK. This library will be a landmark institution when it opens and so I feel extremely priveleged. all this just seems to ahve fallen in my lap.
Sadly, then I go back to London on Friday.
Last Wednesday I set off on the train for skipton, via Leeds, a journey of about two and a half hours, across the Pennines. My friends, Sharon and John were there to meet me , in cold rainy weather. We drove back to their home in Blacko near Nelson via a lunch and shopping stop at one of the big retail marketing places , which supposedly sells things marked down or at factory prices. the place was packed, but I did manage to buy a nice evening skirt from Marks and Spencer's for just £20 (half price) as I have a posh Christmas 'do' to attend this Sunday. Things are not cheap here , so this will be my only clothes purchase, unless some miracle occurs. We also called in at Barrowford Branch Library.
Then we headed off home for a quiet evening in and a lovely dinner.
On Thursday I went out with Sharon to visit a friend and then her 90 year old aunt while john did his voluntary work at the hospice. Sharon dropped me at the Burnley Library , as they have a designated Music Library started by a benefactor Edward Stocks Massey who was at the time the choirmaster at St Luke's Church, Brierfield in the late 19th century. The Massey family, well known in the area, were cotton manufacturers and later brewers and founders of the Massey Brewery in Burnley. Edward was born at Hawks House in Brierfield and had a keen interest in music. The Stocks Massey Bequest music library in Burnley reflects Edwards interest in music.
http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries/services/mandd/index.asp
According to the bequest this library has to be allocated certain funds every year and so is still maintained. they have open access scores and CD's in a separate room on the first floor (other audio-visual material is also housed there. I was able t talk to two of the staff , Jane morris and Marie Lord, who kindly provided me with photocopies of the history of the library and other information. A very profitable and unexpected visit.
In the afternoon we went to visit my ex-husbands family in Burnley and it was lovely to see his Mum and sister and her family , if only briefly.
Then we went out to dinner with sharon's brother, Tony , and his wife Helen at the Sycamore Arms , a new pub near Lowerhouse cricket ground. Ernie and Tony went to school together and started work in local governement on the same day. Went back to Tony and Helen's for a nightcap.
Friday john took me to a local Heritage Centre for a look around and before I knew it , it was time to go for the train back to Durham.
The weekend was fantastic with Geoff and Julie and their children coming round in the afternoon for champagne and nibbles , as it was Millie's 7th birthday the day before. We also 'staged' and Enid Blyton play from a yearbook Barbara had found ! Geoff took the part of Mr Muddle and us girls played the ladies.
Barbara and I then trooped off through frosty weather down the back public footpath to the Cathedral for the Advent Carol Serice , which was stunning. The Service began in darkenss and gradually the Cathedral came to light as the service progressed. Barbara and I then retired to a Victorian pub , called 'the Vic ' and with coal fires and original fittings etc.
On Sunday we went with friends of hers, Liz and Roger to Richmond , North yorks for the day . A wonderful town with a castle etc. Frosty but clear weather and the temperature was just above or below freezing. We had a 'cream tea' at the Kings Head hotel, to finish off the day.
Yesterday , I spent getting my hair cut etc and visiting the library, of course and as the weather was foul - cold and rainy, I went home reasonably early. Went to Durham singers again last night and this time I was allowed to join in !
Today has dawned bright and snow is on the ground. I'm off now to the Cathedral and the Palace Library Green Muisc Library which is part of the University.
the next two days a re going to be very exciting as I will be going to Newcastle to see ExploreMusic at the Sage and on Thursday I am being treated to a tour of the new Newcastle Public Library which is yet to be complete. The Library Manager is a friend of Barbara's and I am being included in a tour of councillors etc from other areas of the UK. This library will be a landmark institution when it opens and so I feel extremely priveleged. all this just seems to ahve fallen in my lap.
Sadly, then I go back to London on Friday.
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