Sean - I've really enjoyed Evensong at Durham Cathedral, and I'd like that long long Christian tradition to continue, thanks; and, Stu., I've criticised the other conversions you mentioned in poem # 168: "Once Churches". Sean, as I've said before (without ever using "kidda", son, sonshine, or such like.), one thing I soon learnt from festival comps, etc., is that it's definitely preferable to know our folk repertoire by heart - hence my limit of about 60 songs/tunes, although, as with other folkies, I do know the chorus of others, of course.
Theory Slam (as on my twitter) topics, so far - reregulate football; native gardening; if you're not American, don't Americanise; females should, rather, play TABLE tennis.
John, no - it's a combination of things mentioned in my collection, including a visit about a decade before...
In 1988...
Poem 10 of 230: LAND'S END TO JOHN O' GROATS
(TUNE:
D G A A B B A A D A B B A A G G D B B B A A G G D A B A B A G G)
At the bold age of twenty-one (Via Hong Kong, China, Macau), I flew from Sydney to London - Land's End to John o' Groats my vow.
I took a train out of London, Found a highway and thumbed a ride; I headed down toward Brighton, Then hitch-hiked roads the coast beside.
On the face of my shoulder bag, A sketched map of Aus. was my tag; For said a Scot who'd hitched Europe: "Some emblem may well boost your hope."
And drivers throughout the island, Over a two month riding span, Were the kindest folks I have met - I swear not once did I get wet!
I stopped overnight in Portsmouth, And one or two nights in Torquay; Then headed along to Plymouth - Still travelling beside the sea.
After viewing rugged Land's End, I began the long journey north - North-east, rather, before a bend, Somewhere in a bit from Bournemouth.
On the way, I saw relatives, Whom after leaving I did miss - Their homes' cosy atmosphere, And their local pubs' good cheer.
And the hitched-lifts came from many: An off-work Bobbie, a truckie, As well as on-duty soldiers - Thanks, and I've not said where each was!
I headed west through South Wales, And viewed Cardiff Arms from afar - I was hitching with local males, And they showed me from in the car.
I stayed a while at Swansea - Saw the local footballers play; Then hitched north through Llandovery - Beautiful farmland, I must say.
I slept mostly in B. & B.s, Where the full breakfasts sure did please; But also stopped in Youth Hostels, Where it's the comradeship that tells.
My favourite sites were Torquay, Old St. Andrews (noted shortly), The road Glasgow-to-Inverness, The Lakes, plus London's spots, no less.
From Colwyn Bay, I headed east To Manchester, my place of birth; Then on the Lakes my eyes did feast, Before I passed by Solway Firth.
Onto Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrews, before Inverness; Then waves from locals were the go - Warm folks round John o' Groats, I'd guess.