Review Comments for RAU 2026

We asked participants to share their thoughts after the 2026 residential singing weekend at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. Here is a summary of their feedback.

The overwhelming message was one of enjoyment and gratitude. Singers described a weekend that felt friendly, welcoming, and beautifully organised, with special warmth for our five newcomers this year. It was also a memorable occasion for another reason — our organisers were marking their golden wedding anniversary during the weekend, and the prosecco toast in their honour was a highlight several people mentioned fondly. Congratulations again to them!

Summary

The entertainment evening, the chance to reconnect with old friends, and the sheer pleasure of making music together all came through strongly as reasons people love this weekend.

Our Conductor

Jonny was very warmly received — singers repeatedly praised his patience, good humour, encouragement, and the way he kept spirits high even in extreme heat. Several people specifically valued his willingness to challenge the choir and his understanding when things didn’t quite come together.

The clearest and most consistent piece of feedback — raised independently by a good number of singers across all levels of experience — was that the repertoire was too ambitious for one weekend. Several people would have preferred fewer pieces studied in greater depth, rather than a full programme where some works (particularly the more demanding items) had to be left as works in progress. This is offered as constructive input for planning future repertoire, not as any reflection on Jonny himself, whose leadership was very much appreciated.

The Heat

This year’s exceptional temperatures shaped a lot of the experience, and it’s worth naming that up front since it coloured feedback on several other topics — from stairs and showers to menu choices. Many singers commented on how well the organisers and helpers coped, and how understanding people were of the strain the heat put on catering and comfort.

Food and Refreshments

Breakfasts and the fish course were widely enjoyed. Feedback on the main meals was more mixed: several singers felt the menu leaned too heavily on meat for such hot weather, that lighter or salad-based options would have been welcome, and that vegetarian catering could be improved. A few people flagged that the informal picnic-table setting on some days felt less special than in previous years, and there were a couple of comments about dessert placement and preferences. On the practical side, proper mugs at tea and coffee breaks (rather than paper cups) came up more than once.

Accommodation and Venue

Rooms were generally described as comfortable and well kept, and the RAU continues to be seen as a good venue with easy parking and attractive surroundings, even if the gardens seemed a little less well tended than in previous years. In the heat, a few singers found the stairs and the showers (temperature and slipperiness) more challenging than usual, and one or two mentioned this is worth bearing in mind for older or less mobile members in future.

The chapel remains a beautiful and atmospheric place to rehearse, but more than one singer found the pews genuinely uncomfortable for extended periods — hard on knees and backs, awkward to get in and out of, and in the layout used this year, facing away from the conductor. This is worth some thought for next time.

A Couple of Practical Notes

A small number of other suggestions came through that are easy to act on: a welcome cup of tea when people first arrive, name badges (helpful for newer members especially), and a proper look at the first-aid provision — one singer needed treatment for a bee sting and felt the kit and readiness could be stronger for anything more serious.

Looking Ahead to 2027

None of this takes away from what was, by every account, a joyful and memorable weekend. As the committee starts thinking about next year, the main areas we’ll be considering are:

  • A more manageable repertoire — fewer pieces, worked in more depth
  • Lighter, more varied menu options, with better vegetarian provision
  • Ways to make the chapel more comfortable for rehearsing, whatever the seating layout
  • Checking and refreshing our first-aid kit and arrangements
  • Small touches — proper mugs, name badges, a welcome cuppa on arrival

Thank you again to everyone who sang, helped, and gave feedback. We look forward to next year.

This anonymised summary was generated by Anthropic Claude AI from 16 email replies.