🌴 From the Tiny Isle to Costa Rica - friendship and travel - so grateful!

Blog post No 10 October 2025

New horizons, old friends, and endless gratitude

Hola, sweet humans!

I’m writing this from our dear friends Martin and Pam’s lovely home in Sandhurst. Bob and I left the tiny Isle yesterday (October 30th) and are en route to stay with friends in Costa Rica for a month!

It’s always such a delight to be in their kind and generous company. Staying here before our flights means we can relax, enjoy good food, and feel rested and ready for the long journey ahead.

A Lifelong Friendship

I’ve known Angela Hyrniuk since the mid-eighties, when I was touring with the Richard Thompson Band and she was living with Canadian singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing.

Angela was a poet then — a poet! I’d never met a woman so independent, articulate and obviously intelligent (not to mention gorgeous). I was smitten and inspired — and still am!

Our paths have interwoven over the years in beautiful and unexpected ways. I was Maid of Honour at her and Steve Seaton’s wedding in Queensland, Australia, in 2009.

I’ll write more about our connection next month once we’ve spent time together in their gorgeous new home in Costa Rica. For now, you know where we’re headed — and why. Life is unexpectedly wonderful sometimes, and I feel deeply blessed by this adventure.

Island Life Between Travel Adventures

After the September tour, Bob and I returned to our teeny-weeny studio flat in Douglas and settled into a gentle rhythm — reconnecting with family and friends, and enjoying the Isle’s slower pace.

I squeezed in as many sauna dips as possible, at both Fenella Beach and Laxey, resumed my Wednesday movie nights with my lovely nephew Aaron, and took early-morning autumn walks with friends who love to forage.

The colours this time of year are stupendous, and those soft morning mists add mystery to an already gorgeous place.

Looking Ahead

We’ve been organising ourselves for the next few months out in the wider world. After Costa Rica, we head to Australia to reconnect with more friends and family — and then in March and April, I’ll tour again with the fantastic Michael Fix.

That uninvited five-year hiatus (2019–2024) has made us even more appreciative of this weird, wonderful and unpredictable life Bob and I have magically spun together.

A Musical Treat with Talented Friends

On October 10th, we saw Brooks Williams and Vera Van Heeringen at the Peel Centenary Hall — what an absolute treat!

Magnificent musicianship, great songs and harmonies, and that warm, funny, easy connection to their audience. Brooks and I worked together remotely back in 2019, when he invited me to sing on his album “Work My Claim”, and our duet on John Prine’s “The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness” appeared on YouTube during that strange time in 2020.

It was such a joy to finally have more than two minutes to chat and share the love and respect in person—one of life’s lovely surprises.

Dreaming and Creating

I was able to simply enjoy the island’s glorious landscapes, the turning seasons, and precious time with people I love. These small joys are essential for a well-lived life, n’est-ce pas?

I’m giving myself until the end of the year to see what creative threads might weave themselves into a new project — something related to Children of the Sea, but fresh in its scope and sound. Wish me luck!

A Little Help from You

I’m hoping to perform Children of the Sea and Beyond at festivals next summer.

If you have any influence on your local or favourite festival, please do put my name forward! Every little nudge helps, and I’d be ever-so-grateful.

At present, there are a number of shows with Michael Fix in Australia between the end of February and April 2026 (soon to be uploaded onto the Live Shows and Events page). My only other confirmed performances are with the wonderful, "award-winning" Dave Kelly in October 2026 — but I’m always open to hearing about venues and performance spaces you think might suit me.

Just Because ...

Here's a video of our last trip to Kirk Michael on the Isle of Man, where we house our few belongings with another dear friend, while we're off out in the greater world. I've paired it with "Shifting Sands" from Under Construction II. A song co-written with Steve Lima, way-back-when. Enjoy!

Meanwhile…

Tonight (Oct 31st) I’m off to see Judie Tzuke and Beth Nielsen Chapman in Basingstoke — how lucky am I? I might just pop back here to add a note about the show! I'm back! The show was FANTASTIC! What a fabulous band of musicians, and the songs! Not to mention the incredible voices of Judie and Beth ... holy smokes, they're good!

What a wonderful memory to take with us as we continue our travels!

Judie Tzuke, Beth Nielson Chapman and their incredible band

Next month, I’ll return with a plethora of gorgeous images from Costa Rica — landscapes, friends, flora and fauna galore.

Till next time — stay curious, and keep rising above the turbulence.

Know that you are loved and appreciated beyond measure by this ever-hopeful singer from the tiny Isle.

With love and gratitude,

Christine x

Family, friends, and musical fun!

AKA The joys of touring!

Blog post No: 9 September 2025

Before we begin, I'd like to say a great big thank you to the Isle of Man Arts Council for their continued and generous support, this time with a travel grant which covered the cost of getting off and on the island. A massive help! Thank you!

Deep breath … there’s a lot to fill you in on!

Bob and I left the tiny Isle on September 1st.

I'm writing this on October 1st, and we’re sailing back home once more — tired, but full of unforgettable memories and overflowing with gratitude.

Gratitude and Glitches

First, a huge thank you to everyone who came to a show this month. I keep saying it — and will continue to — I can’t do this without you!

Secondly, a heartfelt apology to those gorgeous souls who bought tickets for Honiton, Bath, or Firbeck, only to face the disappointment of those shows being cancelled. I was, and still am, deeply upset by those decisions. After all the hard work, enthusiasm, and focus from everyone involved, there just wasn’t enough interest to make those events viable.

As a performer who relies on public support to sustain a 42-year career, it’s a real blow to one’s confidence. My only consolation is knowing I wasn’t alone — several other artists also faced cancellations this September. It doesn’t make it easier, but it eases the guilt a little.

On to the Fun Stuff! 😄

I’ve got footage from most of the shows and will share highlights — without overwhelming you!

📍 St Ives & Penzance

We started in Cornwall, staying with dear friends Andi and Leon in their stunning Airbnb in St Ives — the perfect recovery after the long drive from Liverpool. And joy of joys, our wonderful dipping friend from the Isle of Man, Andrene, was nearby, so we enjoyed a glorious swim together at Carbis Bay.

Our first gig, on September 4th, was at the Acorn Theatre in Penzance. Though their big screen was out of action, mine looked fabulous! It was a warm, generous audience — long-time followers and a couple of holidaymakers who took a chance on the night. A gorgeous way to start the tour.

📍 The Kalamazoo Klub, Hornsey

On September 6th, we played the Kalamazoo Klub in North London — a joyful family reunion with a scutch of Millers, plus old friends Rod Bowkett and David Stark (and their lovely companions Anita and Lili). The warmth and enthusiasm of the organisers were a tonic. It was a fabulous night, even if the late-night drive back up the M4 left us a little bleary-eyed!

📍 Launceston Folk Club

The next night (September 7th) was another delight. Run by the powerhouse that is Emma Jaynes, Launceston Folk Club and its venue Keep Audio Live were bursting with energy. The crowd was amazing, and we loved staying in Emma’s quirky Airbnb — a converted police cell! (“I feel strangely at home,” said Bob.)

The first three gigs:

Friends, Birthdays & Big Screens

After three shows in a row, we spent a few blissful days with Rob and Jo Selbourne near Avebury Stone Circle, celebrating Bob’s birthday in their wonderful, laughter-filled home.

📍 The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock

Peter Neale, who runs events there, made us feel so welcome. Their house PA (which I’m usually wary of!) sounded epic, and the huge screen added real atmosphere. A fantastic night.

📍 Upwood Village Hall

This was our only technical hiccup of the tour — the first track went a bit Pete Tong! While Bob dashed about fixing the projector, I filled the time with my “greatest hits” of silly jokes (the audience was very happy when I stopped!). Despite the chaos, it turned into a wonderful evening — and it was where we sold the last physical copy of Children of the Sea!

We stayed with organisers John and Judy in their magical home nearby — the kind of hospitality that makes touring feel like family.

House Concerts, Churches & Cherished Friends

📍 Hove House Concert

A very special stop with Rob and Lyndy Beattie. Rob — a long-time music journalist — once wrote the line I still cherish:

“Boundary breaking is routine for Collister and makes her one of the finest grown-up vocalists on the planet.” – Q Magazine

It was wonderful to thank him in person finally. And as if that weren’t enough, the wonderful Jacqui McShee arrived early for dinner. I can't believe we didn't get a pic together! It was a night full of laughter, hugs, and magical music — truly fab-u-lous.

📍 Colchester Arts Centre

I’ve been playing here since the early Gregson & Collister days. This gorgeous old church remains one of my favourite venues. Supported by the long-running Colchester Folk Club, it was another night of soaring sound, stunning space, and the warmest audience. We stayed with dear friends Jules and Cindy nearby — a joyful visit from start to finish.

Windmills, Folk Clubs & Reunions

After a few quiet days with our friend Diane in her black windmill near Newark (yes, really!), we played:

🎶 The Kitchen Garden Café, Birmingham (Sept 18) — small but mighty crowd, full of laughter.

🎶 Cambridge Folk Club (Sept 20) — always a favourite; the organisers’ dedication never fails to impress me.

🎶 Nettleham Village Hall — last time I played here was twenty years ago in a pub! A fantastic turnout, a towering stage, and a glowing review.

Just before our last run of shows, we heard the very sad news of the passing of Danny Thompson - 4 April 1939 - 23 September 2025. An extraordinary musician, exemplary human being, and a beautiful soul. We love and miss you darlin. Whoppers!

The Final Stretch

📍 The Bury Met (Sept 24). Last year’s gig was cancelled due to a burst water main, so this felt like sweet redemption. Though not quite a sell-out, the crowd made it feel like one. Huge thanks to The Met’s fabulous staff.

📍 Barnoldswick Arts Centre (Sept 25) — quirky, intimate, and utterly brilliant. We even had two screens running simultaneously — a first!

📍 Wotton-under-Edge Arts Centre (Sept 27) — a gorgeous old stone schoolhouse run by volunteers. Such warmth and energy.

📍 Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton near Southampton (Sept 28) — breathtaking! A black-timbered barn with the biggest screen of the tour, filled with family, friends, and love.

📍 St Mary’s Church, Sandwich (Sept 29) — the perfect finale. Run by Debs Earl of Folk in the Barn, who’s been a tireless supporter of live music for years. We hadn’t worked together (outside of Daphne’s Flight) for fourteen years — far too long! A rousing crowd, a glowing review (scroll down to find it;) , and a beautiful end to the tour. I haven't included this show in the video as the angle I put it in looks a bit weird; however, Debs has shared a whole song on her FB page, which you can find HERE. You're welcome!

Home Again

For those of you who came to a show, you already know about the CD-only version of Children Of The Sea, now available from Fled'gling Records, with a QR code that allows you to download a PDF version of the book's contents - for free! I know the book was a fabulous Christmas present (forgive me!!) last year, but this new version with two additional tracks - Goddess Of Mann, and No One Knows His Name is also very giftable! Just saying! :-) x

Now I’m back at Cycle 360 on the Isle of Man, sipping mint tea, using the WiFi, and reflecting on this whirlwind month.

There’s so much to think about — and so much to be grateful for.

So, one more time:

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who came to a show. I honestly can’t do it without you.

Sending love and deep gratitude to you all — whether you were in the audience or simply reading along from afar.

It all matters. You matter to me.

Till next time — stay well, remain curious, and keep rising above the turbulence. 💫

Endless blessings!

Christine xx

Ready, set, and off!

Blog post No 8 August 2015

I know I say this a lot, but August really has flown by! It’s been a whirlwind of preparation for the tour, which starts in just a week. Eek! I feel as ready as I can be — though of course, you never truly know until a real audience responds. For now, I’m trusting my 42 years of experience to calm the pre-tour nerves.

This month I’ve spent a lot of time in the Workspace cafés I mentioned last month — especially Noa’s Bakehouse on the quay in Douglas and Cycle 360 at the business park just outside town. Both offer great food, a comfortable setting, plenty of outlets, and excellent Wi-Fi. You may remember I said the internet in our tiny but perfectly formed studio flat just doesn’t cut the mustard for all the uploading, downloading, and editing I’ve been juggling. So, these new modern luxuries have been brilliant.

I’ve been finalising setlists, ordering videos into their correct slots in the Keynote app I use, and writing notes to remind myself what to say between songs. Once the adrenaline kicks in, so much I thought I knew simply vanishes, leaving me with those deer-in-the-headlights moments! I’m hoping I’m better prepared than usual this time — fingers crossed.

I’m especially excited to bring several songs into the fold that connect with Children Of The Sea but weren’t part of the original project — and haven’t been heard live in years. Yes, I’m being deliberately mysterious … you’ll have to come along to find out! And while I’m on the subject, a gentle plea: if you haven’t already bought tickets for September, please consider booking in advance. It really helps venues keep supporting artists like me. Hope alone won’t keep the doors open, but advance sales make a world of difference. And of course, do feel free to encourage a few music-loving friends to come along too. Thank you!

Another highlight this month was my whizzy new-to-me iPhone — complete with waterproof case. Let me tell you, it’s the best thing! I had a week of fine weather, crystal-clear water, and sunlight dancing across seaweed in bronzes, ambers, and emeralds. Pure magic — OMG gorgeous! I was so thrilled with the results that I immediately made a video for YouTube using Like A Mermaid from Feminine Logic. Even better footage now adorns the tour videos. In case you missed it, here's the video:

There’s been time for soul-nourishing gatherings with friends too: forest walks, dips in rivers and sea, the occasional sauna, and golden evenings with food, laughter, and sunsets along the coast. I feel blessed. A few Reels can be found HERE and HERE.

On August 8th — Lion’s Gate — I rose at 5am and went with friends to Cashtyl Ny Ard, a wonderful ancient site in the northeast of the island. The cows and calves in the field nearby were curious about our early arrival, but gracious in sharing the space. We watched the sun rise in silence, gave thanks for the beauty of this world, and remembered how much there is to be grateful for, despite the turbulence around us. Not least: life itself.

Once all the planning was in place, rehearsals began in earnest. My lovely brother and sister-in-law, Colin and Rachel, kindly let me set up my PA, projector, and screen in their garage, where I’ve been practising all week. I promised my nephew Aaron a special concert since I’m not performing on the island this time round — and he is my biggest and bestest fan. I love him so much!

An unexpected adventure came on Sunday 24th, when my dear friend Dave Armstrong — writer, director, and filmmaker extraordinaire — asked me to do a few “pick-up” shots for his film The Catch. It involved me standing in the sea at Ramsey Beach, fully dressed, up to my ribs, for about an hour! My small (but dramatic!) role was to drag the unconscious body of a man floating nearby to safety. It was such fun … and there was cake afterwards to celebrate a job well done. As an added bonus, I managed to book in with Green Creek Hut Sauna at Laxey Beach on the way home - my third sauna/dip in four days! I love it!

The very next day, I was in Dave’s studio recording a gorgeous new version of Motherless Child, for which he’s created an ethereal, Celtic-tinged backing track - very atmospheric. I love laying down weird and wonderful harmonies. Once he’s happy with the mix, I’ll ask if I can share it with you.

And finally, this morning (Sunday 31st), we wrapped up August with a joyful garage concert at Colin and Rachel’s. Aaron sang along with everything — my heart could have burst. Pure joy.

So that’s August in a nutshell! I’ll be on the road throughout September and truly hope to see some of you at the shows. If you can book ahead, that would be wonderful.

Here's a wee video that covers most of the adventures I've shared for August. I used an abridged version of a song I wrote with Mike Slamer, "Edge Of The World" - just because.

Until next time — be well, keep rising above the turbulence, and stay curious.

Much love,

Christine x