Tour 1 - Wigan

We met the following morning at Bury for our team meeting - thanks to those at Bolton Road Methodist Church who put up with us on an extremely busy remembrance Sunday!

Unfortunately, during the Manchester performances, Alyson's voice had gradually disappeared, so that meant that for the Wigan performance Clair had to step in. Carole also couldn't come to Wigan, so the instrumentalists were one down. As you can imagine, some intensive rehearsal followed when we had all gathered at the Robin Park Sports Centre.

Wigan has made a habit of being unusual during Rock. It was a new venue to us, and was made possible by Hilary Young, a long-time friend and supporter of CMM and regular attendee at the Scargill music week. She stepped out in faith offering to hold a performance despite knowing that she'd need a lot of help that she didn't have at the time.

At the taster evening only 13 people attended, but God knew what he was doing as Trish Culshaw (later Trish Hill) offered to administrate the venue. Trish managed to secure a grant from the Mayor's office to cover the whole event, so any profit that was made would then go to the Lord Mayor's charity.

Wigan continued to be unusual by holding a previsit that stopped halfway through for a meal, and then the actual performance was held at 3.15pm - not 4pm as is our normal matinee time.

Despite torrential rain drumming on the roof and cold temperatures in the hall, the performance went very well. The 35 strong choir were fabulous, and the large audience very responsive. Clair did an excellent job stepping in to the role of Zillah, and the instrumentalists covered for Carole brilliantly (although "when the last clarinet's voice shall sound" doesn't have quite the same ring as trumpet!).

Following the performance the whole touring party was fed a pizza hut round the corner, and we had a lovely evening off relaxing at hosts.

Hilary, John and Trish - you did a wonderful job, and we pray that God will continue to give you fabulous projects in Wigan to share the gospel.