OXFORD 2002

To  England once more!   Fortune shines!   Having shaken off jet lag, I am anticipating  this evening's entertainment intriguingly called "The Full Monty."  While sitting on the wet grass at Christ Church Meadow under dark gray clouds that are threatening to dump another load of rain pellets,  I await the New Millennium Orchestra.  Presently a rock band builds enthusiasm as people picnic.   Momentarily the orchestra will tune up readying to play music designed to fill the meadow.  My companions are the British partying as only the British can.  Tables have been set with candles atop for fine dining.  Never mind the grumbling thunder or the impending rain, after all the Brits port umbrellas the size of circus tents.  These umbrellas, closed with their wooden tops stuck firmly in the earth, stand primly like servants waiting to be called to duty.  If I spot less than an superbly elegant table, it is sporting no less food or drink.  These connoisseurs bring picnic baskets for tummy comfort and chairs for body comfort.  The basic scheme is not solely British, but the poise and composure definitely are.  Even though people are in small groups, there is a pervasive sense of unity that would make envious a pastor asking neighbors to greet each other at Sunday service.  As Americans we stand as one against a common enemy yet are not known to play together in this “best mates” way – we are too diverse.  I find it amazing that midst a crowd of unknown faces and accents I feel part of the party.  I am comfortable and secure in the knowledge that an expressed need would surely elicit an immediate “Can I help?”.

 The New Millennium Orchestra begins and the audience continues its frivolity.  I want someone to shush the crowd.  No need!  Eventually the atmosphere mellows and I become aware of a new phenomenon – the orchestra and the audience interact in the same way I had noticed the crowd doing earlier.  Suddenly I am aware that this grandiose setting is intimate and personal.  Oh my, how do they do that?  The music is magical as it dances and whirls around the famous Oxford spires.

 After a half hour the rock band returns to the stage and beckons everyone to dance.  Most did.  Those who didn’t were busily cleaning up dinner remains and putting them into separate large garbage bags.    The god of the moment is tidiness.  I am flabbergasted to see nothing overlooked.  Another thirty minutes pass before the Millennium orchestra returns.   After announcing a few birthdays and anniversaries the symphony continues.  The excitement of a 4oth birthday party spills over and moves a group to form a dance chain in time with the swells of sound now emanating from the orchestra.   The dance chain is contagious and stimulates others to join in.  Several young girls use this opportunity to spontaneously choreograph ballet numbers.  They are amazingly talented.

 Fireworks organized around a James Bond scenario signal the finale of this delightful evening.  Music and excerpts from his films are artistically combined and coordinated with impressive fireworks displays. The Queen is honored in song while an intensive display of color and noise celebrates her.  With the sky is alight, I trundle quickly down the flower-bordered walkway adjacent to Christ Church and head for the late night bus that will return me safely to my campground. Thus ends an evening that is worth remembering and recording.

e:mail: jodan@casco.net

   Just Your Own, Joanne Danelz

5554 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Rock, Oregon 97376

telephone:  541-563-3672

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