1991 - January - February - Further writing sessions. It becomes clear that we have material developing for two separate projects: songs which will eventually be used on 'Beyond these Shores'; and music for a concept work based on the 8th century illuminated manuscript, the 'Book of Kells'.
May - More gigs now coming in. The fact that Frank is based in Holland is not working out logistically. Meanwhile Terl, who was for a time based in the USA, is now home and agrees to play some live dates with us including Europe-Fest Bonn, Germany in front of 6,000 people. Also on the bill are German band 'Passport'.
David, Dave, Jo, Terl, Nick (when commitments allow).
June - Dave Bainbridge is interviewed on Tyne Tees TV programme 'Believing People' along with footage of the band playing 'The Island'. The band appears at Rolle Festival in Switzerland.
July - UK concerts/writing sessions.
'Here I Stand' used on BBC1's 'Titchmarsh's Travels'.
August - Play Greenbelt festival supporting Steeleye Span (who include Tim Harries on bass). Mike Haughton (saxes/flutes) stands in for David Fitzgerald (who is touring in the Baltic States with Adrian Snell).
October - Leverkusen Jazz Festival in Germany.
Tim Harries and Frank van Essen stand in for Nick and Terl. Highlights of the gig later shown on German National T.V.
1992 - Record 'Book of Kells' with the now regular line-up of David, Dave, Jo, Terl and Nick with guests including; Frank (drums/percussion/violin), Troy (low whistles/uilleann pipes) and Fiona Davidson (Celtic Harp).
June - Martin Neil (drums/percussion) replaces Terl on UK dates as Terl is in the USA completing his last tour with the Pete Murphy band to whom he is still, up until now, contracted.
August - Greenbelt festival (again!). On before Runrig. This turns out to be David Fitzgerald's last UK gig with the band.
September - Memorable and humbling 9 day tour in Estonia including a concert at the former Communist Party HQ which is now the home of the Estonian Christian Church. Due to lack of finances it is not possible to take the whole band. David, Dave, Jo + Martin Neil (drums/percussion).
David Fitzgerald decides to leave the band and commences a three year full-time music degree course.
October - Mike Haughton joins the band.
1993 - January - UK mini tour - first with Mike Haughton.
March - Meet Simon Hicks who by the summer is the band's manager.
April - Iona win award for 'Best International Artist 1992' (GMA Awards). 'Kells' is also voted 'Best Import Album' for 1992 in Syndicate Magazine (USA) and number 2 by Bob Darden in his 'Critics Choice' of best albums for 1992 (Billboard Magazine USA).
May - Open air outreach concert in Liverpool for drug addicts. Four corners of the Earth in Salisbury Cathedral.
April - August - Festivals in the UK/Germany/France/Switzerland and Holland.
June
- October - Record 'Beyond These Shores' in Manchester and an additional
session with Robert Fripp in Bath. Other guests on the album include Troy,
Fiona, Peter and Debbie Bainbridge (Dave's wife) on oboe.
October - Record 'Treasure' promotional video at Pencoed Castle in Wales.
November - December - 10 day UK tour. Dave writes and the band records music for BBC TV Natural World programme 'Snowdonia, Realm of the Raven'. (Shown May 1994 and again in August 1997). Fiona Davidson (Celtic Harp) guests on the recording.
'Beyond These Shores' is released in UK, Europe and Australasia.
