And if I should become a stranger...

It's hard to know where to start with this blog - the past 2 weeks have been spectacular in ways I can't even begin to describe and, in a way, there's no point in me even trying.  If you were there, then you'll understand and if you weren't then I'll never be able to get across just what we all went through and how it's changed all of our lives in many different ways.

Ready for rehearsal!

I wistfully thought I'd be able to blog most days but rehearsals became so completely time consuming and exhausting that I was lucky if I was awake enough to catch the 11:23am train from Ayr to Glasgow - sightseeing became a distant memory as the closing ceremony bubble enveloped us all.  That said we did manage one late evening at Pacific Quay enjoying the action on the big screen and a couple of live shows as I sampled the odd single malt or two...

So very true.

Rehearsals were 50% about learning the moves and 50% about making new friends.  For all of us our comfort zones became a distant memory as we learned move after move and the realisation of what we were about to do gradually dawned.  I'll watch all opening and closing ceremonies with different eyes now - instead of the spectacle I'll see the individuals that make it up - folks just like all of us doing the very best they can while silently praying the camera doesn't pick them out if (when!) they make a wrong move or forget a step.  What started as a slightly drunken idea when the application pinged into my inbox was now fast becoming a reality.

The weather didn't always play ball but getting soaked while wearing ponchos and prancing around to Kylie tunes worked wonders for team spirit and there were very few grumpy faces to be seen.  To be honest I'm amazed there isn't more video footage taken from the many houses surrounding the rehearsal grounds, we must have looked quite a sight - especially on dress rehearsal day with folks in hot pants and daisy garlands giving it their all while the rain lashed down around them.

Singing & dancing in the rain!

The 3rd of August arrived in the blink of an eye and although I tried to make time to enjoy every second of the day and take in everything around me, it was as if someone had hit the fast forward button and before I knew it we were linking arms and singing Auld Lang Syne with 40,000 others as fireworks went off high above us.  There were a few things that really stayed in my mind though:

• The biblical downpour about 30 minutes before we were due to leave the rehearsal venue
• Listening to Kylie's sound check and hearing her try to learn the words to Auld Lang Syne (and then hearing someone tell her not to worry too much as noone else really knew all the words anyway!)
• Seeing Deacon Blue backstage
• Watching all the Scottish flags wave and being deafened by the roar when the games were described as being "Pure dead brilliant"
• Randomly grabbing athletes for photos - I was worried at first that they wouldn't want to be bothered but then they started photobombing our pics so...
• Being on the stage for the Gold Coast "Sea of Flags" section
• Not knowing who to hug first when it was all over

The end of the adventure

Many of us are now firm friends and, thanks to social media, we can keep in touch and continue to share adventures and new experiences.  I've enjoyed reading how this particular adventure has inspired people in different ways, some have joined drama groups, others are going to more auditions and a few have even signed up for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 (best start saving guys!) :-)  

I must admit I don't feel the urge to do this all over again, much as I've enjoyed it, you know me - I always want to try something different so who knows what I'll end up doing next.  What it has inspired us to do is to go back and explore more of the west coast of Scotland - we have 2 weeks hols lined up in September and were thinking of going somewhere hot and sunny but have now decided to head north of the border again instead (not that I'm suggesting it won't be hot and sunny there or anything...) .  I've got a real urge to explore Islay and Steve hasn't quite figured out why yet - let's just keep telling him it's for the scenery...

Clyde and friends - late home from rehearsals again

New friends, good memories

Dress rehearsal perks!

A spot of sightseeing around Culzean

Bye bye Bellahouston!

Hello Hampden!

View from the Maldives flag on the field

Ready to go on for Sea of Flags

Team photo being photobombed by athletes.

And tents - shimmy!

Austin Powers moment anyone..?

Don't look down!

Did I miss the Mexican Wave?

From my upcoming book "How to pose awkwardly for photos"

Have no idea who they are - but they're English and have medals! 

Friends!

I absolutely love my home in Cumbria, but this adventure has meant I've left a small part of my heart in Scotland and this song will always take me back there.  I may even become "intoxicated by the scenery" on Islay and treat Steve to a rousing rendition...

Part 1 - And now for something completely different

Part 2 - Jobs for all

Part 3 - Why does it matter?

Part 4 - A Flying visit to Scotland

Part 5 - What happens at rehearsal..
Part 6 - If I should become a stranger

Why does it matter?

Suki Brownsdon

Anyone who's been within 10 yards of me over the past month or so will know that I find it very hard to talk about anything other than the Commonwealth Games - but why does it mean so much to me to be a part of it all?  Well, when I was a kid the main things I remember watching on TV were sport (not football but athletics, gymnastics and, usually, swimming).  I swam competitively and June Croft, Jackie Willmot and Suki Brownsdon were the people I looked up to.  Names not familiar to everybody - but they were people who inspired the teenage me as I ploughed mile after mile up and down our local council pool.

The Olympics and Commonwealth Games were, therefore, required viewing in our household - along with Star Trek and Blakes 7 - and I dreamt of being a part of it all.  Sadly my swimming talent wasn't enough to get me there but I have remained an avid fan.  When the Commonwealth Games came to Manchester in 2002 I was beside myself but, sadly, I had one of those years when the wheels came off my life a little.  But still I followed it on TV.

When London got the Olympics I had signed up as a volunteer within hours but, again would you believe it, my life took another sharp left and I was unable to be a part of it.  I watched it on TV, and on my phone app, and whined pitifully at the screen.  Work took me to London a week after the games finished and I made my way to the window in John Lewis that overlooks the park and pressed my nose to the glass, the closest I had managed to get...

So cue Glasgow 2014 - I gave life a very stern warning not to mess me around this time and signed up.  We were invited for auditions at Film City in Govan Road and neither hell nor high water was going to keep me away!  I'm no dancer but somehow managed to do enough to convince them to let me be a part of the closing ceremony.  The day the email came through I danced around the house - badly, but I danced.

Film City

So that brings us to now - the 3 pre games rehearsals are now, unbelievably, done and dusted and we resume activities on 25th July - which should just about give my aching limbs a chance to recover.  We're being pushed really hard in rehearsals and rightly so, but it is fantastic fun and I shall be rehearsing at least once every day until the 25th.

I *will* find you...

I'm also conscious that the media will be judging our efforts and they can sometimes be a little less than kind, so as a warning to any journalists who may take it upon themselves to say anything less than glowing about the closing ceremony (or the opening - they're our team mates too), let this picture be a gentle warning to you... 

And what of Glasgow?  Well I spent the entire day hopping on and off the bus tour and learning a whole bunch of stuff about the place - here's just a few bits that I picked up along way:

• The bloke behind Liptons Tea was from there
• As was the bloke who invented the macintosh
• To get off "Scot Free" comes from the fact a criminal can be tried and found "unproven" in Scotland
• Chicken Tikka Masala was invented there
• They have the biggest KFC in Europe
• They have more parks than any other city in the world

It's a big city - everything about it is big - the architecture is immense from the ancient to the modern.  The necropolis has to be seen to be believed and offers magnificent views of the cathedral and outskirts of the city.

Modern architecture

Botanical Gardens - one of many, many green spaces

Cathedral from the Necropolis

Necropolis

The tourguide on the first bus also told me to go and explore the university, so I did, what an amazing place (4th oldest in the world behind Oxford, Cambridge and, erm... I forgot - sorry!)

And then there's The Lighthouse where you can find an amazing if eversoslightly scary to ascend staircase and some superb and far less scary exhibitions - including a detailed one about how the Commonwealth Games came to be there and how environmentally friendly they will be.

From the bottom looking up.

From the top looking down. Blurry cos I was scared!

They also have a great sense of humour - this statue in George Square is adorned with a "hat" most of the time - and if you're arriving by train watch for the mural alongside the tracks as you approach Central Station - it shows the city skyline and notable features, including this chap who has been painted with his "hat" on.  

So, that's why all of this means so much to me - I know it sounds dramatic but I have been waiting for this opportunity my whole life and I will absolutely be giving it 110%.  I'm loving meeting new folks, making new friends and learning new skills and if I don't lose at least half a stone doing this then there's no justice in the world.  The only downside is that after most rehearsals I have this tune buzzing around my head.  Can't think why, but if you're in the cast, you'll probably understand...  :-)

Part 1 - And now for something completely different

Part 2 - Jobs for all

Part 4 - A Flying visit to Scotland

Part 5 - What happens at rehearsal..

Part 6 - If I should become a stranger

Jobs for all!

Five months ago I didn't have much of an opinion about Glasgow.  I'd never visited the city centre and what I knew about it came from grim dramas and dark comedies - but that all began to change when I came for my auditions and continues to change with each and every visit.   Glasgow is a fantastic city with interesting architecture and fascinating museums.  (I've heard that the shopping is good too but that's not really my thing.)  Edinburgh is a beautiful city and tries really hard with all its tourist attractions whereas Glasgow has more of a "this is the way we are and if you don't like it that's just tough" approach and I like that in a place.

The city is completely gearing up for the games which only increases the excitement as I explore on my way to the rehearsal venue.  I'm staying over after each rehearsal and allowing myself plenty of time to explore and take it all in - which explains why I'm currently enjoying an al fresco breakfast in the sunshine in George Square.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - and it wasn't nearly long enough!  From Dali to dangling heads and a sainted Elvis this place has it all and is an absolute must!   I'll be back (but not in a menacing trying to kill you & change the space time continuum kind of a way)

Rehearsals stepped up a gear last night as roles began to be assigned and initial costume fittings began. We're all assigned to different roles and groups, with no real idea why but happily put our faith in the magnificent team behind it all.  I am utterly rubbish with names but Mark is in charge of it all (looks a bit like Danny Dyer but doesn't swear so much - at least not in front of us) and EJ looks after the choreography and is a bit of a legend for appearing in Sunshine on Leith. 

Last night we got to rehearse outside in the glorious evening sunshine and we can only hope it's like that on the night.  We are so incredibly well looked after with tea and coffee on tap and a myriad of people in flourescent jackets to turn to if we have any questions at all - most notably Elly and Adam who are our main points of contact and who must have the patience of saints - or a secret stash of whisky (most likely both) as they deal with question after question with unfailing smiles and good humour. 

Next rehearsal is on Wednesday and I can't wait.  This amazing journey gets better with every step I take - and trust me, there are a LOT of steps! As the picture below says - Bring it on!

Part 1 - And now for something completely different

Part 3 - Why does it matter?

Part 4 - A Flying visit to Scotland

Part 5 - What happens at rehearsal..

Part 6 - If I should become a stranger

And now for something completely different...

As I write this Monty Python are in the middle of a series of shows so it seemed an appropriate title. Pretty much all of my blogs to date have been about hiking and/or the outdoors,  but this is the start of a series of something a bit different.

I have been lucky enough to be selected to be part of the closing ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and I am beyond excited.   Having attended my first rehearsal I can tell you 2 things.  Firstly it is going to be AMAZING and secondly I will be telling you NOTHING else about the content.  No clues, hints or insider tips.  What happens in rehearsal stays in rehearsal.   However I thought it might be fun to track my experiences as someone who has never done anything like this in the past.

Well, actually that's a lie.  When I was younger I did a fair amount of amateur dramatics but the seating capacity of Bentley Methodist Church is somewhat less than Hampden Park.

The ceremony is on 3rd August and rehearsals began last night.  There will be 3 rehearsals prior to the games starting and then pretty much every day from 25th July onwards.   Evening rehearsals kick off around 5pm and can last until after 10pm.  This is a big and expensive commitment as I'll be staying over in and around Glasgow,  but it's going to be an incredible experience that will never be repeated and isn't that what life is all about?

I was so excited that I insisted Steve drop me off at Oxenholme half an hour before my train was due, you know, just in case...  Once in Glasgow it was over to Kelvin Hall to pick up my official accreditation before zooming to the hotel for a quick 20 min rest before rehearsals. I could have made it easier by getting a cab but you learn so much more about a place on foot.  In this case I learned how hilly Glasgow is...

First rehearsal was understandably a lot of admin and orientation but it wasn't long before we were on our feet getting to grips with everything.   There is a LOT to learn and most of us are way outside our comfort zones but the camaraderie is fantastic and there was a lot of laughter.   By the end of it I'd say most of us were exhausted,  excited and a little bit scared - but in a good way.

This is the start of an incredible journey which I'm going to track on here so I can look back and always remember it - and hopefully you'll enjoy coming along with me.  Next rehearsal is on Saturday and my priority before then is to buy a sports bra to avoid causing a diplomatic incident.   Bet you're curious about what we're getting up to now, aren't you?  :-)

Part 2 - Jobs for all

Part 3 - Why does it matter?

Part 4 - A Flying visit to Scotland

Part 5 - What happens at rehearsal..
Part 6 - If I should become a stranger

GlasGO

Being hell bent on grabbing any crazy new experience going I applied to be in the opening/ closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games which is how I found myself at an audition in Glasgow surrounded by folks in leg warmers reminding me what it must have been like to be backstage at Fame.

Howgills from the train window

We took the train up which allowed us to enjoy the views and truly establish our tourist credentials early on as we took assorted photos through the train windows.  But when the Howgills look like that, why wouldn't you?

The Clyde at night...(well, dusk!)

Glasgow really surprised us both, in a good way.  The walk along the Clyde to the B&B whilst not picturesque in a Lake District way had plenty to offer in terms of history and architecture.  We planned to pop into the "museum" marked on the map for a coffee but were so blown away when we got to it that we spent the rest of that afternoon and all of the following morning there.

A very happy ship.  :-)

The Riverside Museum is amazing, entertaining, innovative and FREE - even the boat was smiling.  We are very keen to head back and see more of the city, which is fortunate as I was lucky enough to get selected to be in the closing ceremony so we'll be back plenty over the next couple of months.  (Don't expect me to spill any secrets though, my lips are sealed until after the event!)  But you CAN read about my adventures through rehearsals here.