Birmingham Trip March 2025 - A further update, amended dates and Itinerary.
We can now confirm a visit to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and both Cathedrals between the 10th and 13th March (N.B. amended dates) with an invitation to visit Coventry Cathedral on the return journey. Here is the provisional plan for our trip.
The dates have been chosen to coincide with a visit by Nathan Laube from the Eastman School in New York who will be giving the Master Class. Members may remember Nathan gave the inaugural recital on the new Canterbury Cathedral Organ and is now tutoring Charles Francis who will also have an input and give a recital at St Chad's during our visit.
My thanks to those who have already indicated interest. However as a result of recent replies I am not pursuing group travel or accommodation. Additionally I feel there should be an obligation to attend all the scheduled events organised to show courtesy to our hosts but there may be some flexibility depending on circumstances. As you can see our visit allows for free time.
Regarding travel there is a good regular rail service from Euston with a journey time of approximately an hour and a quarter and there are many accommodation options in the city and its environs at various rates. I myself have booked at the following hotel in the St Paul's district mentioned in the itinerary. I tram stop away from the two cathedrals!
Ihttps://www.saintpaulshouse.com
I would advise you to book early but ensure you have insurance which covers cancellation. For those considering rail travel. It would appear it’s too early to book at present and typically advance tickets usually go on sale only 12 weeks ahead. That said please remember you will need a flexible ticket to allow for our ‘stop over’ in Coventry on the return journey and a choice of travel time. The best type is the Off-Peak Return but please check the regulations. More info at https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/ticket-types/off-peak-train-tickets
Here are some links giving information about the Conservatoire, St Chad's and Coventry Cathedral:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/music/departments/keyboard/organ
https://www.stchadscathedral.org.uk/cathedral/music/
https://npor.org.uk/survey/N07508 (Coventry)
I HAVE AREADY HAD A NUMBER OF MEMBERS COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO ATTENDING AND PLACES ARE GOING FAST SO DON'T DELAY IF YOU HOPE TO JOIN US. ONLY 15 PLACES AVAILABLE!
