Northampton

The first big logistical aspect of the tour took place this afternoon. Tim Green and I collected the tour equipment van and were joined by John Draper, Matt Butler and Meghan McCrimmon to sort out the "Jenga" strategy that is trying to fit the percussion gear, a keyboard, all of the electronic gear, 5 basses, 5 bass stools, 10 cellos, a long box, 3 trombones, 3 timpani, a bass drum, a xylophone, a bass clarinet, a tuba, a harp, a harp stool, 6 stands, 2 music folder boxes for CYCh, 1 music folder box for CYO, a partridge and a pear tree into the van so that it can get going tomorrow morning at 08.00!

Fortunately John, Matt and Meghan know what they're doing and they'll be supervising packing the van on tour; Tim has spent years doing this sort of thing too...I know my place so spent the majority of the time supervising and taking photos!?!? The photos show various stages of loading, and I'm sure you'll agree that the team did a fabulous job (I feel the unsung hero was the supervisor...)

John and Matt will be setting off in the morning to get all the equipment to the Czech Republic; all being well they will stop near Stuttgart tomorrow night and get to Olomouc late on Thursday afternoon, so they should be all refreshed when we arrive on the Friday! Meghan will then share van duties with John and Matt whilst we're in the Czech Republic and Slovakia so the final picture is "Team Tour Van"!

Best wishes for a safe journey, and we will catch up with you on Friday afternoon!Read more