(There are no) Innocent Bystanders

Another poor night’s sleep but we had to get moving in the morning as Katy and Colin have asked us to join them in Galloway for a couple of nights with the van and tomorrow and Monday is the only time we can do it. We had to get the van sorted out before leaving at 12 to go to #2 daughter’s choir at North Shields.

Mr C stayed at #3 daughter’s to mind the children if/when they returned from playing in the park as Luke was working. #3 daughter and I drove to the concert. It was really excellent. The songs were interspersed with readings and poems, telling the stories of women of North Shields for the last 800 years. This covered for example the Black Death, witch hunts, herring girls, suffragettes, and women in factories and shipyards during WW2. Some of it was funny and other parts were really moving. It was a great success - when I congratulated some of the singers I was complimented by them in return for being so engaged with the performance which was nice. Being in the choir is so good for my daughter given the stress she has with James.

The daughters and I went for food at the fish quay to pass the time till #2 had to be back for the evening performance. It was so busy down there - there are masses of pubs, wine bars and restaurants so I’m glad we booked.

The choir sings protest, political and feminist songs. Some of the older ones were at Greenham - when daughter joined they started to explain some of the songs but she was able to tell them she’d been on plenty marches when a child. Their name is appropriate especially considering Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. - (There are no) Innocent Bystanders.