.... the bells were tolling at lunchtime today at the National Carillion as George Howe, Canberra's longest-serving Carillionist, played his last recital. George (now in his mid 80s) has given more than 1200 recitals over 32 years, averaging about 40 per year. Today's hour-long recital, which included Christmas carols and other popular music, seemed like a good incentive to pack a picnic lunch to eat in the shade of the trees beside the lake. We enjoyed the music, the fresh air, the cool breeze off the lake and the scenery. I hope you will too.
Kings Avenue Bridge
The National Carillion - which was a gift from the British Government - on Aspen Island. It's a very popular site for weddings, and today was no exception.
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Black Mountain Tower in the distance.
Looking towards Commonwealth Park
The National Library
13 comments:
Hi Alice.What a coincidence! Having just read your blog about George and his playing the Carillion, came a news item on ABC News 24 of exactly your story. What a shame Mr George Howe's wonderful talent, playing this very interesting instrument, will be lost. But after 33 years, very understandable. I wonder if there is a replacement, - do you know please? New Year Greetings to you and all. Susieq.
Susie - the Carillion bells certainly won't be silent as George was one of six regular carillionists in Canberra. The other five, all women, will continue to serenade us for many years to come.
Best wishes for the New Year to you.
How wonderful to imagine those Spring breezes as the music rang out across the lake!!
What a fascinating talent and wonderful career---I know you wish him well as he retires, and he'll be remembered for a long, long time.
Hope your Christmas was lovely, and my best wishes for a Happy New Year!!
rachel
How lovely!!! But OMG - How GREEN is Canberra in December??!!! Never seen before i am sure!!!
What an idyllic way to spend a few hours - shady trees, cool breezes, green grass, peaceful water, good food, great company and beautiful music.
We are enjoying 42ºF/5.5ºC on this New Year's morning. Positively balmy compared to this time last week!
We wish you a year filled with God's rich blessings, dear friends.
Loved the views of Canberra - Happy New year to you and Happy Anniversary.
I have enjoyed the opportunity over the years to hear the Carrillion (often on my bike passing by at the right time) - its wonderful music. Good luck to George in his retirement, but we need this music form to continue. Lovely photo's of a great Australian Icon. Happy New Year!
Dear Alice ~~ I so enjoyed your story and photos of the Carillion
bells. Lovely story and I hope the ladies will continue, now that George has retired after so many years.
I popped over to wish you a very Happy Birthday today. I hope you are having a lovely day for it. Happy belated anniversary to you and your husband too. Finally a very Happy New Year with good health, love and peace in 2011. Take care my friend,Love, Merle.
Good Morning Dear Frances..... Thank you for your comment, it is so good to be getting into the swing of blogging again.
Loved your pictures, blue skies and warm sunshine, Oh, how they are longed for... but, minute by minute our days have started to lengthen and there are other signs too that I have noticed since the snow has cleared... the leaf tips of daffodils, snowdrops and peonies are pushing their way up through the soil.... the season is beginning to change.
Frances, I see that today is your birthday. John and I wish you the happiest of days and good health in the year ahead. Also we send our bestest wishes to you and Richard for a ‘Happy New Year’. Marion
Oh, My Dear! I'm chiming in again to say that I've thought of you often during this time of such devastation and fright. You're in my thoughts and prayers that everyone you love and care about is safe and well.
My heartfelt sympathy and good thoughts to your valiant country in this time of mourning and recovery.
rachel
What an amazing fellow,still playing at 80. It must have been nice to listen to while having a picnic. canberra always looks so clean and well organised.
Happy new year to you and your family. I've finally come out of hibernation and just wanted to say THANK YOU for the emails sent. I hope this finds you well.Love the wedding photo below- l have so much to catch up on. It is nice to see the beautiful flower photos after the cold winter we've had here. :) I love the gazanias and poppies. Take care.
Alice, Dear!!
Please let us know how you are---I can only hope that you and your lovely home and gardens were spared in the great storm, and that you were AWAY on one of your trips when the weather was so bad.
I just hope and pray for the best for you, Dear Friend, and that you're safe and well, and that all you love and care about are, as well.
rachel
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