Our January visit to Freshwater on the Isle of Wight had so many reasons to be special and even the breakdown of Dave’s car failed to dampen the spirits.
First of all the weather was stunning. The ferry crossing showed the whole area in what can only be described as perfect conditions, the water was like glass and after the wind and rain of the last month what relief it brought.
Secondly, we were looked after like kings by the West Wight Arts Association. From the cottage pie to the walnut cake and rock buns, five hungry men couldn’t ask for more. A mobile phone was left behind in our haste to get the last ferry but that kindly was delivered back to us on the slipway as we were about to board. We received a lovely email from them after the concert:
Onyx set the West Wight alight last night, they were absolutely tremendous and gave an enormous amount of pleasure. We had a packed house and everyone went out beaming.
Thirdly, the sponsorship of the concert by Brian and Barbara Wilson whose Diamond wedding anniversary it was. What a lovely couple and thank you for the wine we received. It’s not often we are given gifts at the end of the recitals but this was so special after having already supported the concert. Incidentally, we played for their Golden wedding anniversary ten years ago and if they will have us we’d love to do their Platinum celebration in ten years’ time!
– We couldn’t be happier!
However, the main reason for this being such a great day is that we returned to where it all began. Freshwater Memorial Hall was the scene of our very first concert way back in 1993. We have been back 4 times and had a few personnel changes over the years (Amos and Dave remain from then) but we’d like to think the group and its ethos is still going strong since that day over 20 years ago.