On Saturday we were up early to present a concert at the Music Academy for students of the academy and music schools in the area. We then rushed to Saldus to appear on Saldus Radio to publicise the concerts for that afternoon and evening. The afternoon concert was for the music students of the school and for members of the Latvian Symphonic Youth Band. For the evening concert in Ventspils we had started to settle down to performing in Latvia, we spoke clearer and slotted in more visual "gags". We were glad to find that most Latvians speak at least a little English. We all even started to speak some Latvian which seemed to be appreciated. Paul said confidently "Loti, Liels Paldies" (Thank you very very much) Ian out-did Paul with "Muchos Loti Liels Paldies". It was a great thrill for me to play in the church in Drusti on the Sunday, my family's home town. Members of the family had helped to organise the concerts and afterwards provided a meal in the local school. A lady came to me and said she remembered my mother and Grandma from 55 years ago. She used to stay with my Grandma whilst attending school as a girl. Now was an oppurtunity, at the request of my Grandma to visit the cemetery where a number of my relatives lay. On Monday we enjoyed a concert in the School 100, just outside Riga, the response here was great, we were asked to return for 3 encores and gave 100's of autographs. That evening we rehearsed for two hours, aware that the end of the tour was coming and the final big concert was looming. Most of Tuesday was free for individual practice and some tourist activities. Paul and Ian in particular wanted to buy gifts for wives of only a few weeks. At 4pm we reheased and prepared for the big night. We were particularly charmed by the hand bell audience call which rang to the strains of Wagner's Tannhauser. This hall is beautiful, decorated with gold leaf and magnificent chandeliers. Latvian TV recorded the concert and interviewed us for a major arts programme. After the concert many of my family and friends gave many flowers and we were happy to present gifts to the organisers Janis Purins and from the British Council Daina Ostrovska. The sponsors of the tour really excelled themselves. The British Council publicised and provided considerable funds to put on the tour. The posters were provided by Jelgavas tipografija and the microbus driven by Willis Boy by AVIS. The service and support from British Airways was superb, they even announced the tour en route! John Powell |