Friday Noon; We started on time and the sun was shining, but it didn't last! The usual crawl at the Dartford Crossing, followed by heavy traffic as we headed North, meant that the journey took longer than expected. However, an excellent evening meal at our very nice hotel, followed by a brief visit to the bar, sent us happily to bed.          Saturday morning and afternoon; After a hearty breakfast, we all piled on the coach for the 'cultural interlude' that David Rance had arranged for us. First a visit to Rufford Abbey Country Park. Once an isolated community of Cistertian monks, then a grand country house, (111rooms and 40 staircases!), it is now a ruin set in a magnificent park. This was followed by lunch at an excellent fish restaurant, before a visit to the Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre. Then back to the hotel to change for the day's main event.                                                                                                                                                                           Saturday Evening; St Mary's Church, Eastwood, to meet our hosts, Eastwood Colliery MVC. The church was a complete surprise - its traditional tower dominates the surrounding houses, but the church behind it is modern and replaces the original one which burnt down. After an excellent tea, laid on by our hosts, the concert was sung in the main body of the church, which had a very good acoustic and before a packed audience, which included local dignitaries. Everyone agreed that it was an excellent concert and our programme was particularly well received. Then back to our hotel for a little liquid refreshment and, together with some of the Eastwood Choir, another concert!                                                                                           Sunday Morning; After an early breakfast, we checked out of our hotel and headed for Newark-on-Trent and the Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalene, where we were to sing in a Eucharist for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, with the church choir. A magnificent church and a lovely service with a down-to-earth sermon from their Bishop. This was followed by a champagne reception and a chat with the congregation. Then a couple of hours to explore Newark and grab a bite to eat, before heading for home..........                                        This was certainly a weekend to remember!