(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

The Amersham Faire and Festival has become one of our favourite haunts for fine crafts and a pleasant day's diversions.

Lana, Ned, it was delightful to see you there! And to make the acquaintance of your charming friend. I'm so glad you decided to take in the event.

Now, do you plan to attend the Thames festival next weekend? I have it on good authority that the arts exhibits will be second to none. Fergus Cooper has been working on what promises to be an utterly impressive work that is part of the official show - if I understand him correctly, the pieces are all to be installed directly into the river route. If he has any competition at all, the works on display will offer an unparalleled look at the state of artistic endeavour within the realm.

Sarah, I do hope you're planning an entry or two? The show would not be complete without one of your studies. Or have you a gallery opening? I hear from Selma Hawkins that nearly every gallery along the Southbank is changing installations this week.

Of course, Lana, if your duties as an Auror prevent you enjoying the weekend in anything other than an official capacity, Ned, do join us. We'll have a viewing stand for the races and we've arranged for supper on one of the gondolas. There's room for a few very good friends.


Meanwhile, we've some plans afoot for St Mungo's Christmas charity. Or rather, Selma's had a splendid idea and I think the Committee will be pleased to adopt it.


Oh, Diana, Mariah: I'm so sorry, dears, but I've completely lost track of who's hosting our card party on Wednesday. Is it mine? Only I've a run across a note that must be old and says we needed to change to Thursday this week. I'm sure that's not correct.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Have been to Amersham. In a professional capacity. Fail to see the charm. Suppose you found it... relaxing?

Next weekend's events sound significantly more enjoyable. Quite looking forward to it.

Walked down this afternoon to watch the installation work in the river. Not sure how they'll have it done by Thursday, but that's what magic is for. And Burdett-Coutts' galleons. Sure he'll recoup whatever his outlay.

Wonder how much of that budget goes to the weather wizards?

Cooper's still on the A-list, then? Should have thought interest in his style would be on the wane by now.

[alt_narcissa]

We find it that rare gem of a country outing that is neither too quaint nor too gentrified.

And in the 12 years we've been attending, it has never failed to offer amusement.

I've wondered about whether Amersham also employs weather wizards--but perhaps that's why the weeks have been so dreary in between weekends. At any rate, one trusts that Thursday's preparations will make this weekend well worth the trouble.

As for Cooper, you should know by now that a truly great artist is able to reinvent himself and his style to remain in vogue. Personally, I cannot wait to see what he has devised. He's been most secretive while updating the gardens here.

(By the way, has Tosha made arrangements for a box at the opera this season? I took one look at the offerings planned and thought perhaps we might let our box out for at least half the productions. I'm not sure what Gilhooly's thinking, giving us those old chestnuts. Lohengrin? Gormenghast? Boris Godunov? One expects he's trying to impress someone with a morbid sense of humour! Anyway, I know Phyllida Marks was hoping to take a box this season if one were available and possibly the Gimlets as well. But if he's at all interested, we'll hold off making any offer.)

[alt_crouch_jr]

I think Tosha would be pleased if you'd offer your box. He's fond of the classics, especially when they're vaguely risky in current context. Should be interesting to see what they make of Boris Godunov this time out.

Gormenghast, however, can hardly be called a chestnut. Expect it will be completely unpalatable rubbish. The books were in vogue with Gryffindors when I was at school. Not to my taste. Should be amusing to see what Tosha makes of it, actually.

[alt_lana]

I'm so glad you told us about the festival, Narcissa. We enjoyed ourselves very much.

And we're looking forward to next weekend, as well. You're right that I'll be working some of the time--I've taken the evening detail, but Ned would love to join you for supper. It's kind of you to include him.

I am looking forward to watching some of the racing in the afternoon, though. And with all the rumours buzzing about the pieces commissioned from artists and musicians, my expectations for all of it are running high. I saw a plan for the fire installations in the river and the route for the gondolas to weave around and between them. It's going to be terribly romantic, don't you think? I expect the Prophet will be full of betrothal announcements the next week!