St http://www.stbartholomews.ie Bartholomew’s News May 2007

Choir visit to Llandaff Cathedral

On Tuesday 10 April at the sights, sounds and smells of both Arms Park and ungodly hour of 5:00am, the downtown Cardiff. Cardiff’s the impressive Millennium choir set off on their travels to claim to fame and unique sell- Stadium, and across the road Llandaff. This year, Malcolm ing point appears to be that it from . The ac- asked four singers associated is “Europe’s youngest capi- commodation was very cen- with St Patrick’s cathedral tal”. Need I say much more? tral and boasted of a “buffet choir to attend. Victor Wil- Upon my return from style” breakfast of fried food liams, Matthew Day, Roger my fi rst evening’s entertain- and a late night bar. Some Pickett and I would like to thank Malcolm and the choir of St Bartholomew’s for wel- coming us four hooligans to the choir for the week. On the boat on the way to Pembroke, the choir were treated to a tour of the bridge of the ship. This was organ- ised by Robin Heather. Back on terra fi rma, some members of the choir travelled in luxury. It was appropriate that Malcolm travelled in the Jaguar of prime-ministerial propor- Rehearsal for Evensong in the Cathedral [Photo: Albert Horan] tions. However, I am sorry to say that the curse of Paul ment I discovered the choir took advantage of these fa- Arbuthnot struck the Renault in various states of undress cilities with aplomb. Megane in which I was trav- on the street outside our ac- Llandaff is a small elling. We managed to get the commodation. The hotel had but perfectly formed village car to a mechanic in Cardiff been evacuated due to the fi re about two miles from Cardiff who appeared to be baffl ed by alarm being activated. Those city centre. The beautiful ca- the fault in the car. who had chosen the sensible thedral boasts an interesting So, we arrived in Car- option of going to bed early mix of architectural styles, in- diff at our accommodation, received their just reward! cluding the Romanesque east minus the car. That evening The hotel itself was end, the Gothic nave and the was spent discovering the situated in the shadow of post-WW2 structure in the 2 St Bartholomew’s News, May 2007

Choir visit to Llandaff (continued) crossing. All bore testament great sense of humour. tour we got to walk through to the fact that every genera- The choir acquitted it- the tunnel to pitch side and tion who has worshipped in self superbly in the execution see the changing rooms of the of the services they players. Special thanks must sang at. A personal go to the tour guide, who had highlight was singing to answer such diffi cult ques- Dyson in D on the tions as “has anyone ever fall- Saturday. The choir en from the top of the stand never lets itself down onto the pitch?” On the tour with this service set- we discovered that when full, ting! However, the the Millennium Stadium be- choir did prove that comes the fourth largest pop- it can handle more ulation centre in Wales. If you subtle music just as can name the other three, I’m The excitement on the fi rst night was thanks to dust (!) in the basement. [Photo: Albert Horan] well with John Tavern- Llandaff cathedral has left er’s setting of “Dum their own individual contribu- transsiset sabbatum” tion to the architecture. and Byrd’s “Second At this point, it is im- Service” amongst the portant to mention that the tour repertoire. worshipping community of On the Friday Llandaff gave the choir a wel- evening we were come seldom seen at other joined by the Assist- cathedrals. Special thanks ant Organist, Peter

Parshall. I The choristers decided not to sing “Ireland’s must thank Call” here. [Photo: Richard Bannister] Peter for in- troducing me to Turk- sure the editor of the news- ish cuisine during the letter will offer a cash prize. trip in a restaurant in (The winner will receive fi ve . The Bay percent off a one way trip to area includes a maze Swansea. The second place of restaurants, cin- will receive the same discount emas and every other on two trips to Swansea - RB). pleasure for the dis- Other attractions visited Some of the group on the bridge of the Isle of cerning gentleman. in the region included Cardiff Inishmore. [Photo: Richard Bannister] I was particularly Castle (former home of the must go to Canon Graham pleased to go on a guided tour Marquis of Bute) and Caer- Holcombe who welcomed us of the Millennium Stadium philly Castle. They showed with open arms and with a during the week. During the that the Cardiff area of Wales St Bartholomew’s News, May 2007 3

Choir visit to Llandaff (continued) Plans is one of marked contrasts. ture of the cathedral is highly Organising a trip for a What other city has a medi- interesting and it is only a 30 group of people can of- minute walk from ten be challenging, and Cardiff city centre. It this year was no excep- is the kind of village tion. one would associate Cardiff is accessi- with rural England ble by both boat and air. with old houses in- Though air is more con- terspersed with tea venient, the ferry was far shops and a post of- better value, all the more fi ce. so when you realise that The area has the combined weight of a stronger links with Cassock, Anthem Book, Nick, Liam, and Ian, who joined us for part of the trip. [Photo: Richard Bannister] St Bartholomew’s and Psalter makes up a than one might sus- very signifi cant portion eval castle across the road pect. Fr Michael trained for of the average airline from an international rugby holy orders in the college of baggage allowance. The and soccer stadium? St Michael in Llandaff along- catch was that we could The last night was side the aforementioned Can- not make a Sunday af- spent in the Hard Rock Café on Holcombe. ternoon return crossing with the unlikely combina- Once again, I must while still keeping our tion of Messrs Day, Williams thank Malcolm and my cho- commitment to sing that and Pickett. This apparently ral colleagues for the good day’s services in the ca- was the fi rst time Mr Pickett humour, excellent singing thedral. Fortunately most had ever visited such of our party were happy an establishment. On to stay the extra night the other hand Mr Once again we Williams claimed to are indebted to Niamh have visited the Hard Harty for her tireless Rock Café in London work in the organisation where he met Cher. and co-ordination of ho- Cher was said to be tel accommodation, and delighted to have met research into places of this musical icon. interest for the Choris- Llandaff was ters to visit. Killian, Ian, Conall, and Albert enjoying a few a delightful place to minutes of respite. [Photo: Richard Bannister] Special thanks are visit. The welcome due to Albert, Bernadette, of the clergy, congregation and friendships that St Bart’s Conall, Ian, Richard, and and community in Llandaff choir trips always produce. Victor, who along with was exceptional, the architec- Paul Arbuthnot Continued on Page 4 4 St Bartholomew’s News, May 2007

Visiting Oakwood Plans (continued) Friday was an early rise for this was the perfect time myself drove the con- for us. We had been reminded of day when other visitors voy of seven cars. the night before that we would slowly surveyed the park, and As usual, the trip more seasoned thrill- was supplemented by seekers could ride the several former choris- main attractions, hop ters; Nick, Clive, Ian, off, and run around and Liam made appear- to the entrance to go ances during the week. again. This would We were also joined by continue until good four of our friends from sense prevailed, or, St Patrick’s Cathedral. in some cases, the The Organ ac- patrons threw up. companiment was sup- The iron-stomached plied by Ivan Fowler Emmet and Killian trying out “Snake River ones among us man- (who had last worked Falls”. [Photo: Richard Bannister] aged two rides on with Malcolm more have to leave at 7:45am to each main roller coaster in the than twenty-fi ve years get to our destination before space of twenty minutes. ago) and Peter Parshall, opening. (Those of us in the The fi rst of these roller now a regular supporter back row had to leave mid- coasters, Megafobia: Thrills of the choir. afternoon to sing Evensong, Beyond Fear, to give it its full This year we also hence the early start - RB). title, was aptly named. Any- had a potential choris- We left the hotel, brimming one suffering from a fear of ter on tour, namely my with excitement. This was large things, as the name sug- own son Alfi e, who kept the day we had been waiting gests, would run a mile from me on my toes, and let for, the day that we me experience what it is would visit Oakwood like to be a choir parent Theme Park: Friday on one of these trips. the 13th! Perhaps not Finally to the the luckiest day to good people of Llandaff ride three roller coast- Cathedral, and Canon ers, but this is exactly Graham Holcombe in what we intended to particular, we thank you do. all for the warmth of After a punish- your welcome and hos- ing two hour drive pitality. We all appreci- Kevin, Jeff, and Rachel enjoying the Pirate (for both car and ated your support and Ship ride. [Photo: Richard Bannister] driver) we managed encouragement through- to arrive just in time for the this twenty-fi ve metre tall out the week. opening of the gates. We hur- wooden monster! For a roller Robin Heather ried to the roller coasters, coaster that only goes up and St Bartholomew’s News, May 2007 5

Visiting Oakwood (continued) down and turns around, I have height, held in place only by themselves in the name of never had so much fun. a harness (a glorifi ed dress) cheap thrills. The next monstrous ride and lots of metal ropes. This Overall, Oakwood was Speed: No Limits. This ride was experienced was far more nausea-inducing by a total of three tre- than Megafobia. Speed in- bles, two altos and a cluded a straight vertical rise, bass. Perhaps it was followed by a straight vertical the £33 price tag for drop, and then a loop and a three people, or there kind of corkscrew turn. This was the small mat- was the most popular ride in ter of not wanting to the amusement park, and so fl y across the theme it had the longest queue, but park at high speed. was worth a twenty-minute Those who did fi nd Brian and Kevin having been “Hydro’d”! the courage [Photo: Albert Horan] to ride were not disappointed. The lived up to its reputation as an sensation of weight- excellent theme park, and the lessness that you feel great weather and thrills were for half a second is in- enjoyed by all. By the end credible (not to men- of the day, the adults’ fi end- tion unnerving - RB), ish plan was complete, as the and the brave ones trebles enjoyed a long and had an added bonus peaceful night’s sleep, while in the hero-worship the gentlemen of the choir en- Adam, Oisin, William, and Alfi e enjoying a round of golf. [Photo: Albert Horan] that they re- ceived from wait. The feeling of dropping the rest of the trebles thirty-fi ve metres in a cou- later on. ple of seconds was unique: The fi nal no- the riders experience reverse table thrill ride was gravity as they plummet to a huge splash ride the ground but are simultane- called Hydro: Water’s ously thrown up against their Revenge. To quote seat. the editor’s view on But there was another this ride, “You might ride which dwarfed these two, as well jump into a Brian, Ethan, and Carl having survived their Vertigo fl ight. [Photo: Albert Horan] both physically and by repu- swimming pool with tation. This was Vertigo. Im- all your clothes on. You prob- joyed a quiet evening in the agine fl ying through the air at ably wouldn’t get as wet doing hotel bar! 128 km/h, from a fi fty metre that.” Four trebles drenched Emmet Kiberd 6 St Bartholomew’s News, May 2007

Pearls of Wisdom Who better to describe a choir This was my Scalectric, bubble machine, trip than the choristers them- second trip and and especially bending down selves? Many thanks to Albert was slightly to go into the cylinder where Horan for compiling this ar- better than my I could play the xylophone ticle. fi rst trip. I en- keys. It was tiring at the end joyed the sing- but good fun and my brother My favourite ing even though there was lots was here also. The music was places on the of practice. I really enjoyed magnifi cent, really good and trip were, fi rst the fi nal night being with all fun and I enjoyed the sing- Cardiff Castle my friends. I made many new ing. This was my second trip for the Win- friends and got to know my which was different and it ter Smoking other friends much better. I was great to have my brother Room, the Peacocks and the remember Oakwood and its with me. Birds of Prey exhibition, sec- many rides. I enjoyed soc- Adam (12) ond for its laser cer better because I am much harp, and third Oakwood Park better at soccer than rugby. I This was my for the bobsleigh, and mini- would like more sweets and fi fth trip and golf. I liked the Pizzas and different Cathedrals not just I liked Wales. going to different restaurants. one. Vertigo is the They were all delicious. Peter (12) best thing you William (11) can do with My favourites your life. I like theme parks. This was my were Oakwood It was fun! I liked the Norman fourth trip, for the roller- Keep in the castle, all the dif- and for me the coasters and ferent rooms and walking on highlight was tree-tops, then the walls. The Stadium was the cool rides Cardiff Castle huge and tall. I enjoyed the called Hydro for the gold in the ceilings, services which were not too and Speed with lots of adren- and Techniquest for the disc long. I liked all the different alin. Next was Techniquest jockey. It was brilliant, real styles and architecture in one where you could try things fun! building. like lifting 500kg and playing Edgar (11) Ethan (13) musical instruments in head- phones. The Millennium Sta- I enjoyed My favourite dium was so big and the seats O a k w o o d was the Millen- were so high to watch the most, then nium Stadium pitch. Ubi Caritas was short Te c h n i q u e s t because I saw but my feet ached from some where I could a really old cup of the longer practices and take pictures and sat where performances. and put them together to the important people sit, we Rupert (11) make a movie. I also liked the could go close to the pitch and St Bartholomew’s News, May 2007 7

Pearls of Wisdom (continued) walk up the tunnels. Next was fun while going from vertical Oakwood Park Cardiff Castle where I saw to horizontal and even more was my fi rst old rooms with such good art, while in free fall. This was choice with slots for bows and arrows and the best music of all the trips. roller coasters good grounds. I also enjoyed There was more selection and called Speed, walking around Cardiff, going my favourite was Dyson in Hydro and to parks and seeing the sights. D. Megafobia. The hotel was I really enjoyed the trip. Carl (13) very good with nice rooms and Oisin (9) a great selection for breakfast. Tree-tops and The trip was well organised I liked all the the Pirate Ship with no waiting around and music. I had were my fa- no uncertainty. three rides on vourites at Kevin (13) Tree-tops and Oakwood. The liked Speed Stadium is big The Millennium and Megafobia and the pitch can be moved. Stadium with also. I got a Speed baseball When it is full it is the fourth its views from cap. I liked the magnetic biggest town in Wales. The the stands was cars at Techniquest. I would Castle is really old and many deadly. Loved like to live in The Holiday families have lived there. My Oakwood with Inn because you could have favourite room was the roof its range of rides, especially whatever breakfast you want, garden at the top with all the Speed, Hydro, and Megafobia. go on the computers and get plants. I liked Thursday’s mu- The hotel was good, as was Sprite and Coke. (Alfi e fell sic the best. having my Dad with me. This asleep during the Dyson in Jeff (9) trip was better and more or- D Magnifi cat. The gentlemen ganised than last time. of the choir are intrigued to This was my Brian (13) know precisely how - RB) fi rst trip and Alfi e (8) better than I Vertigo, verti- expected. I en- go, and vertigo! This is my fi fth joyed Oakwood You’re strapped trip with the where the rides in; you fall for- choir. The Sta- were great. Looking at where wards and hover dium comes to the players change in the Sta- eight feet up in my mind fi rst dium, especially Stephen Ger- the air. Then you’re winched because of its rard, was cool. I touched one up to the sky, and someone association with Wales and of the Welsh rugby players shouts three, two, one, fl y - it is tight and cramped. My jerseys. I also enjoyed visit- but I released on two! Carl and favourite is Oakwood espe- ing my friends in their rooms. Ethan were not ready, so they cially Vertigo where I felt I like singing with the choir. screamed for the fi rst half sec- regret while going up, then Kevin (11) ond. Food was lovely! Cathe- 8 St Bartholomew’s News, May 2007

Pearls of Wisdom (continued) Cardiff Castle dral especially the Jesus in the the peaceful spirituality of On Wednesday, 11th of middle was cool. Techniquest Llandaff location. The com- April we went to visit Car- was good. Science with facts petition between the preacher diff Castle. and experiments. and the bird’s song enter- We saw a giant Nor- Brian (11) tained. The side trips to Rhon- man keep on a hill sur- dda and Caerphilly provided rounded by a moat. The The football and wonderful, if brief, insights rooms we saw in the castle rugby games into Welsh history. are the Winter and Summer were good. The Roger (4) Smoking Rooms, the Ban- Cathedral and queting hall, the Library, the choir stalls, The wonderful Lord Bute’s Bedroom and the music and weather raised the Roof Garden. atmosphere were quiet and the spirits. To- The guide told us that then full of sound. Oakwood tal teamwork the architect of these rooms was great and the food was and the chosen was William Burges. In the very good. The Aqua Centre, music comple- small dining room where Techniquest and the Castle mented the performances bril- the Bute family had their were brilliant. liantly. The singing and pres- meals the ceiling is twenty Hugh (11) entation were brilliant. It was two caret gold from the fi n- a great performance by St. est Welsh gold mines. It is I appreciated Bartholomew’s Choir. I en- valued for insurance at £25 the pleasant at- joyed the food too well in all million. mosphere and the restaurants. The welcome I enjoyed the trip camaraderie of from the Canon was special very much St. Bartholom- and warm. William Doyle ew’s Choir, and Victor (7)

Address Book About

Vicar: Michael Thompson ([email protected]) St Bartholomew’s News is edited 12 Merlyn Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Tel 01-2694813. and typeset by Richard Bannis- Parish Administrator: Fergus McCullough ([email protected]) ter. Submissions for future issues and all enquiries about adver- Offi ce hours are 10:30-3:30, Wednesday to Friday. Tel 01-6688522. tising should be sent to the ad- Organist and Choirmaster: Malcolm Wisener GRSM, FTCL, ARCO dress on the left. The newsletter 122 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Tel 01-6683237. is available by post for a nominal Choir Secretary: Richard Bannister ([email protected]) charge; for further details, con- 186 Pembroke Square, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Tel: 076-6021712. tact the Parish Administrator. A full schedule of serv- Choir Treasurer: Robert Hilliard ([email protected]) ices and events is available on 21 Crannagh Road, Dublin 14. Tel 01-4908676. the diary page of the parish web Choir Events: Robin Heather ([email protected]) site, located at http://www.stbar- 8 Seapoint, Dunbur Lower, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow. Tel 0404-62378. tholomews.ie/services.htm.