Daphne Du Maurier Forum
Archive 2004

Here is to wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! From your friend in sunny Florida. With warmest regards,
Marri
- Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 00:11:08 (GMT) Hello again and Merry Christmas to all from Greenwood, South Carolina!
Mildred
- Friday, December 24, 2004 at 19:05:38 (GMT) Hello and Merry Christmas from Greenwood, South Carolilna to all Daphne fans!
Mildred <millie@emeraldis.com>
- Friday, December 24, 2004 at 19:03:23 (GMT) Hi there, Just like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the new year. Anyone got anything nice planned? Love from Tina
tina
- Friday, December 24, 2004 at 15:33:37 (GMT) Just for the record, does anyone know WHY Nico Llewelyn-Davis was'left out' of Finding Neverland. Maybe they had run out of cash and needed to economise. That's show biz, my dears! I've been reading about the 'Aviator ' tonight; sounds a really good film, but what an evil B****** Hughs appears to have been! I read years ago that John Wayne died of the big C,contracted while filming in the Badlands,near a test site, but according to the article in the Times it was even worse than that!
Sam
- Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 23:44:17 (GMT) Heres wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Heres to dear Daphne, and Fowey, and lovely Cornwall. Memory can be a mixed blessing, but on those subjects I have no reservations at all! All the best.
Sam
- Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 11:35:31 (GMT) just recovering from a bout of the flu, and had rebecca from the library. so, i laid on sofa and read for the third time. still find it a joy to read,.. one of the best books ever imho
daniel
- Monday, December 20, 2004 at 20:13:36 (GMT) Hi T, Welcome to the site. Have you ever writen anything or had anything published? Good luck with your writing, I hope it all goes well for you.
tina
- Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 17:57:57 (GMT) Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier has influenced me and I am determined as a writer just learning the craft to have the same effect on my readers. To be able to Spin such a tale, leaving the reader desperatly turning pages trying to find out what happend, never boring me for a second (and that is saying something as I am a very demanding easily bored reader)and sad when the novel is over, like a good film wanting more. The descriptions of the woods and sea, the old mansion, I wanted to cry when I found out it had burned down, I had gotten that involved in the story. I suppose this is the feeling that old money families feel when their family house has to be sold off, such a special part of them gone, only memories remaining...strong stuff. I want to write like Daphne Du Maurier did and have a long way to go but am hopeful. tt
T Travers
- Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 19:52:57 (GMT) Yes Melanie, cornwall is such a beautiful spiritual place it makes one feel psycic. Well I took a trip to Plymouth at the weekend, saw lots of houses and even put an offer in for one of them - wish us luck everyone. Just think I will never miss a Du Maurier festival again. Ill just be about an hours drive away or so.
tina
- Wednesday, December 08, 2004 at 13:58:17 (GMT) Hello everyone, I think that this site just gets better and better; all the argument and debate, and all the personal stuff about holidays, and impressions, all our attempts to explain where we are 'coming from'. I'm pleased to hear about the letters, and too the audio of Daphne and her sister talking. I'm going to them shortly, but first may I share a titbit with you all, if you don't already know, that is! If you have broadband, and the other necessary 'gubbins' in your PC, may I recommend that you go to the BBC World Service Radio site, and go to the programme there called simply 'The Word'. Online it is available, like all radio programmes I gather, for a week after it' s transmission. Within this most recent programme is an item on Daphne, celebrating her life and work, twenty five years after her death. The item is about ten minutes long, and is really very good indeed. It includes an interview with Sheila Hodges, Daphne's editor, the lady who talked to us at the last Festival, and who I thought was the star of the season. She just seemed so clear sighted, and of course, after forty or so years association with Daphne, if Sheila Hodges didn't know Daphne, then who did. She has certainly set me thinking, surprising me with her comments. I've always been, perhaps over protective, of a great person no longer able to protect herself. I now wonder if I ought to have become involved, because Daphne's achievements stand for themselves, as the programme made clear, and cannot be diminished, no matter how we delve latterly! The 'piece' includes repeats of Daphne speaking too; I do love listening to her, I wonder if she ever did any talking books, reading her own books. I haven't come across any yet, but would wish to. I doubt whether she would have time or inclination for such activity. Anything whatever brings me closer to her would have to be incredibly special. Whether she would have any time for me, or any of us 'fans' is another matter! Best Wishes all, oh, and I have it on good authority that Fowey is ‘all too beautiful today’ Grrrrr!
Sam
- Friday, December 03, 2004 at 20:39:00 (GMT) Some of you might be interested in this Sotheby's auction: http://www.ephotozine.com/news/fullnews.cfm?NewsID=1854 There are a number of du Maurier letters for sale, including two by Daphne to her cousing Nico Llewelyn Davies (one of Barrie's boys - the one left out of Finding Neverland). You can read the two letters on this website: http://jmbarrie.co.uk/etc_index.html - just go to Database and type in Daphne and a scan of the two letters (which are fascinating) will come up. You can listen to Daphne and Angela on this website as well - just got to Audio: http://jmbarrie.co.uk/audio/audio_index.html
eb
- Friday, December 03, 2004 at 17:06:23 (GMT) DH Lawrence writes about the moors at Zennor in his novel 'Kangaroo' - Nightmare chapter. In this chapter he says that "Cornwall is a country that makes a man psychic". I am starting to feel that this is true - since everytime I start writing about Jamaica Inn, everyone on the Members Forum starts posting messages about Bodmin Moor !
Melanie
- Friday, December 03, 2004 at 16:10:48 (GMT) Hi everyone, Returned home from a mini- holiday spent with family and friends... and I just now finished viewing the slideshow. The harmony,,,the song,,, blends so well with the natural beauty of Bodmin Moor. It was beautiful to watch ! Thank you, Mr. J.B.
Marri
- Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at 00:51:34 (GMT) Me again, all this talk of the moors has reminded me, the church at Altarnun is open most of the time and very beautiful inside. I do recommend calling in if you get the chance to visit this beautiful village. I have just posted a pic of the church from the inside, the window behind the altar. You need to go in to see the real beauty and craftsmanship that went into building this fantastic place. The carvings are truly amazing, if you like looking in old churches then just up the hill from the main one at Altarnun is a smaller methodist church, set in a beautiful little village setting. Just behind the church going up the hill, just past the post office is a gate. There are paths there to walk. I just cant wait to get back there. If all goes to plan we will be living a little closer to the area than we are now in the Midlands, other half is working in Plymouth and it might be permenant. Were off househunting down there at the weekend. Dont really know the area of Plymouth that well so if anyone can tell me anything about it then id love to hear from you.
Tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 17:39:39 (GMT) Whoops! silly me, I was putting in the wrong password. Small correction on my last posting. Roughtor is not the highest point of the moor, but you can see the sea on a clear day. The highest point is Brown Willy. To get here you need permission to cut through farmland. But Iv heard they are very friendly and dont mind people cutting through - just thought id let you know and if anyone knows another way through then please let me know wont you. I recognise that road leading to Roughtor and those beautiful green tunnels look very familiar, could it be the road that leads down to Cardinham crossroads? So glad I was able to view it at last, very beautiful thank you JB.
tina
- Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 17:12:44 (GMT) Sam I know of many wonderful walks round the Moors. I can recommend Cardinham woods, you can park there and take one of the routes round the forest. I think it was the red route which is the easiest, we cycled round there last visit and halfway through the rain just poured down on us, it was one of the most beautiful experiences ever. Dont let the weather put you off if it is wet, getting caught in a downpour in a place this beautiful is just beyond words for me. I will never forget it. Blue route takes you to the top of the forrest where the views are breathtaking. Its not too much of a steep walk, though I didnt like going down the last bit, took a wrong turning and came down the yellow route which is shorter than the blue but very steep. There is a man in the cafe who can advise you on the best routes to take and there are maps and guides to the wildlife you might be lucky enough to get a glimps of. Locals I have spoken to tell me there have been many sightings of the Bodmin Beast at Cardinham woods. One lady told me she had seen it as a child with her Dad. They stopped the car to watch a small group of black cats rolling and playing near there. She said she never goes there alone. Golitha falls is another family fave. It takes you along the Fowey through dark mystical woodland. It is most beautiful. It has a car park and is well sign posted from St Cleer. If you park at the Minions car park you can walk to Cheesewring, this is fairly flat till you get to the beginning of Stows hill. Its quite a rocky climb up to the cheeswring but easy, just take hold of one of those huge boulders and hhhhheeeeeaaaaave yourself up. Just watch out for the wildlife and avoid wearing red lol! The Minions itself is wonderful. Ancient stone circles and close by a small musem dedicated to tin and copper mining on the moor, situated in an old disused engin house. You can try dowsing for tin with the equipment provided. There are many lakes to walk round. Colliford being the largest manmade lake on the moor. Sibblyback lake is easy to walk round and there are parking facilities, convieniences and a small cafe and gift shop. It is well known for water sports in the summer months so it may not be as peaceful as the other lake walks If you go to Jamiaca Inn you can drive a short distance to Dozmary pool. It is wel sign posted for half of the journey then you just follow the pot holes, a land rover is most useful here. This lake is just surrounded in legends and ghost stories but also a great place to sit and watch the sun fade. It is the only natural lake on the Moor too. take a paddle and you will find crystals and really pretty rocks in the pool, there is also a natural whirlpool in the centre so take care if you do go in. Roughtor is very steep and rocky but from the top on a clear day you can see the sea. Its the highest point of the moor. I do go on about it but Bodmin Moor is one of my favourite places. It is truly beautiful, you must see it. I can give you info on good pubs and food in the area too. I recommend St Breward, lovely location, a 12 century inn with good food and the most amazing aquarium with the most colourful tropical fish. Lastly I would like to recommend Carnglaze Caverns, it gives you a guided tour underground and an insight into the history of the area. There is a carol concert by candle light at christmas, which I would love to see and throughout the year there are many performances on the underground theatre to suit all tastes. If you would like to know more please feel free to e-mail me, I have some wonderful little books with recommended walks as well as knowledge of a good few off the beaten track not in any books I know of. Now im going to try again to open this window, im sure it will bring back many memories of my moorland walks. I do hope it works this time
tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 16:58:57 (GMT) Wonderful,John; more more more. I've never walked on Bodmin Moor, and it looks magical. Where can I drive to from Fowey, someone, where I can have a three/five mile round walk (not too demanding)and I'll include it in my itinery for May! Roll on! Just contemplating Chrismas cards, letters and the like. Bah, Christmas, Humbug! (sorry!) Best wishes.
Sam
- Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 23:51:56 (GMT) David and I have been looking at John’s slideshow of Bodmin Moor, set to the beautiful and haunting music of Hayley Westenra. It is wonderful, very atmospheric; it just conjures up the feel of the moor. I particularly loved the picture of the church at Alternun. I have just read “The Valley of Secrets” by Charmian Hussey, which is partly set in Cornwall and the picture of the road passing through the tunnel of greenery could have come out of the pages of that book. Some of you will know that I have a lovely lady called Joy, who works with us in Bookends. Last Christmas Joy brought her copy of Hayley Westenra’s CD “Pure” in to the shop, and she has never been able to take it home again, as we play it almost every day. The track that John chose for his soundtrack, “Never Say Goodbye”, is my personal favourite, although the whole CD is excellent. Congratulations John.
Ann
- Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 22:44:25 (GMT) Now thats strange JB, just as I sent my message they started playing number of the beast by Iron Maiden on the radio. Right im off to headbang round the dining room with my kids lol!
tina
- Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 20:09:36 (GMT) hmmm for some reason I cant open the slideshow. I do have broadband connection and use real player myself. Every time I type in my password a message tells me that there is an error, although I can see the realplay box. Got to ask JB, are you an Iron Maiden fan? Reason is when I first clicked on the link the real play window had aces high by Iron Maiden on it. Then it changed to Bodmin. Just wondered if you were a fan. Iv seen them many times myself at Birmingham NEC. Would be nice to chat with a fellow headbanger lol!
tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 20:06:21 (GMT) Tina and all,
being somewhat of an incurable old romantic, I thought that you might enjoy this little memento of Bodmin, I would like to hear your views.
Play Slideshow
(Members only and password required - a Broadband connection is required!)
JB
- Friday, November 26, 2004 at 20:25:39 (GMT) Oh yes - about 'The Flight of the Falcon'(a novel)and my talk. Quite alot of what I have written implies that the Greek Gods are lurking in the background rather than being explicitly in the novel (apart from Icarus as Sam mentioned). I have looked at the character of Hermes (trickster), Apollo (rationality) and Dionysus(who unites everyone emotionally) and compared them to Aldo who seems to show all these character traits at different points. This is university English for you - a bit obscure ! The Flight of the Falcon is a good read and you are never quite sure what it is going to happen next. It's also good if you like Renaissance history etc. I think Daphne always has a soft spot for the lead men in her books so Aldo may have had some pride but I think she's given him some good points aswell.
Melanie
- Monday, November 22, 2004 at 13:57:57 (GMT) If anyone would like to find out about the holiday to Greece that Daphne went on, then you should read 'Temples and Flowers' by Clara Vyvyan. It was written in the mid 50s - so it has a bit of a byegone feel to it. The descriptions of landscape are fabulous. As are the descriptions of the difficulties in getting round Greece on the public transport of the day. I got hold of it on the Internet - don't know if Ann sells it ?
Melanie
- Monday, November 22, 2004 at 13:48:23 (GMT) Thanks Sam, thats one I will look up later. Sounds interesting. Marri, I had to laugh, "what to do with two weeping kids never mind their mum" My son sniffed a bit then said "that was no good, it had no aliens in it" Yet he didnt move throughout the whole of the film, he was glued to it. There were also some really nice parts that made the kids laugh. I dont want to spoil it for you, but do go and see it. Let me know what you think. I dont know if anyone else noticed but at the very end of the film, normaly everone starts shuffling in the seats, putting on coats and making their way to the exit. Not this time, everyone just sat in silence, apart from all the sniffling lol! I feel it to be the sign of a good film myself.
tina
- Monday, November 22, 2004 at 12:21:17 (GMT) Hi everyone, Wow! What great reviews. Finding Neverland has been on my list of movies to take in. Now I have made it a 'definite' must see movie. My main concern would be what to do with 2 weeping kids...Never mind their mum. Tina, so good to hear you tell of your first snow of the year. I had just been wondering about that. I, myself am not much of a snow person,,, and am a bit grateful I live in a warmer part of the States. No snow here, that's for sure...but must admit even the change now and then would not be too bad. Take care all.
Marri
- Monday, November 22, 2004 at 00:28:39 (GMT) Hi everyone, Tina, Flight of the Falcon is a full story about pride 'going before a fall', or at least overweening pride. Is that correct Jo, I may have remembered it wrongly. Oh and the only phaeton I know about is an early carriage, long before the 'Hansom'. Tina, if you love ancient Greece, and its ideals, have you read any Mary Renault. She was a nurse in wartime (40's), who later went to live in South Africa, and she wrote novels about Alexander and the world in his time, as though she was there! I think she was quite wonderful, and providing one reads an online bibliography first, and gets the sequence right, her perception of Greece and the world as it then was, and a narration of Iskander's conquests and end, is unsurpassed. He was mortal, but it's hard to believe really!
Sam
- Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 23:43:02 (GMT) Sorry! thats finding Neverland, what am I thinking of. Answers on a postcard please - its the cold getting to me, im just thawing out with a nice glass of red wine, been to Birmingham town centre to see the Christmas lights switched on. 'Return to Neverland' now that would be a good one lol!
tina
- Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 22:26:44 (GMT) Hi to everyone, Iv just got home from seeing 'Return to Neverland' Boo Hoo sniffle sniffle! I noticed my daughter wiping her eyes too, shes only 5. The bit where she steps into Neverland - I looked at my daughter, she looked at me and it set me right off again. I would recommend it, a real good weepie. Not at all what I was expecting, didnt take a single hankie with me, and there were 4 or us. The row of ladies behind us were all sniffling too. Everyone should see it. Excellent film. Well we had our first snow here on Thursday night. The rain washed it away by Friday though. I understand where your coming from Sam, I dont do slippery to well either. Are you one of those like myself who walk in the gutters at snails pace, walking as if balancing on a tight rope? Lets hope theres not going to be too much of that this winter. Only takes a dusting of snow in Birmingham and all the schools close, so I get a day off with my kids yipeeee! Never enough snow these days to actually do anything with though is there. We did get a covering of snow about 2 years ago where there was enough to make a very small snowman, by morning though all that was left was the rather sad looking tomato we used for his nose. Im told to take us all up North to the peak district to get a good sledge ride or build a decent size snowman. Just might do that if we get enough snow lol! Nice to see everyone back again, good luck with the paper Melanie. I must say iv never read flight of the falcon. Is this one of Daphne's short stories? I think I would like that one, I love anything to do with Greek mythology. I remember doing a project on it at school and loved every minute of the research and adding a few drawings in there. Was quite upset when my friend won the prize of a book token for her project on horses though.
tina
- Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 22:23:21 (GMT) Snowing here today (Saturday),,, poor spring flowers!!!! Jo
Jo Wilson
- Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 06:10:05 (GMT) Dear All, up here in Sussex we have strange things happening in our gardens, some spring flowering plants are in flower NOW??!! With Cornwalls climate being so much milder than the rest of our country I am wondering what the plant situation is down there? Regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Friday, November 19, 2004 at 18:41:30 (GMT) Hi Sam, yes Icarus, and also what about Phaeton who couldn't control the horses of the sun chariot (unlike Armino who could !) Daphne went to Greece in about 1954 so was well up on all her Greek Gods by the time she wrote The Flight of the Falcon.
Melanie
- Friday, November 19, 2004 at 12:46:11 (GMT) I know, it wasn't Ichabod, it was Icharus (I think)
Sam
- Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 23:33:41 (GMT) Hello Melanie, I hope the paper goes well next week; your subject sounds interesting. Flight of the Falcon was a good read, earlier this year, very gothic/Daphne-ish. No 'laffs'. Is the term hubris appropriate for the central character. He certainly brought a whole new meaning to 'high flyer' didn't he? Wracking my brain for the name of the guy he sought to emulate (the one with the melting wax wings), but can't remember! Bet it will be a bit bleak on the terrace at the Old Ferry tonight! Best Wishes all!
Sam
- Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 20:59:42 (GMT) Hi All, I too went to see 'Finding Neverland'. From about half way through I couldn't stop the tears rolling down my face. There were two reasons for this - I already knew the sad story of the Llewellyn-Davieses, plus I got caught up in the infectious magic of Barrie's imagination (magic is something we seem to forget easily with all our usual routines). Next week I am giving a research paper at Leicester University - it's to do with Greek Gods and Daphne's The Flight of the Falcon.
Melanie
- Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 18:01:53 (GMT) Hi Tina, thanks for the thought; I too noticed the hiatus, and assume we are all busy. Fowey and the website are never very far from my thoughts though. I've been really busy, trying to sell old books on eBay, on behalf of out local 'Lindsey Lodge hospice' (I'm helping with their bookshop too) Add that to library work (part-time), and the fag end of this year's gardening (I do four), and you'll appreciate that I've been a bit busy lately. This hospice involvement has only been since the summer, so I'm in a steep learning curve (what with Paypal and all the rest of it) and am being run a bit ragged! Still, beer helps! I hope all our other readers are well too; in England, we've had our first snow forcast of the winter, and I'm not a happy bunnie, cos I don't DO slippery! But it will probably turn out to be a damp squib,(to coin a phrase!) so I'll keep 'hanging in there'! Did I tell you I saw 'Finding Neverland', about Sylvia Llewellyn-Davies (nee du Maurier) and JM (Peter Pan) Barrie, and it was terrific. I am miffed though, cos my local multiplex (three minutes away)isnt showing either, it, or Ladies in Lavender, and I have a fifty mile round trip to see them. the latter has Joshua Bell dubbing the violin, so thats another must (may wait for the DVD! Best Wishes all!
sam
- Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at 23:50:36 (GMT) Hi there noticed the site is rather quiet at the moment. How is everyone doing? All well I hope Tina
tina
- Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at 17:06:12 (GMT) It worked, just posted a couple more pics of Bodmin moor
Tina
- Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at 16:46:49 (GMT) Hello everyone,,,The recent photos that have been generously submitted , were wonderful to view. To see the high tides of Fowey,,as well as capturing the beauty of Cornwall are a delight to see... It shows nature in vivid detail. I give a special 'thanks' to both contributors. And to my friends who celebrated Bonfire night,,I hope it turned out to be just what you expected. Regards,
Marri
- Tuesday, November 09, 2004 at 08:43:27 (GMT) Sorry Sam, just realised May is a bit of a way off isnt it. I must say I was rather sad to say goodbye to Cornwall for this year. I shall be going there spring half term next. Im determined to try my very best to get to the festival next year too. A friend of mine is considering coming along too. Like me, she visited Jamaica Inn (on my recomendations), she picked up a copy of the book and now shed hooked too lol! Hope I get to see you all there next year.
tina
- Monday, November 08, 2004 at 20:59:15 (GMT) Thank you Sam, so glad you enjoyed looking at my pics. I must say I had a great time snapping them too. I just love Bodmin, there is something so magical about it. I highly recommend a visit to Bodmin Moors. It really is a different world up there. I feel so close to nature and part of something so ancient and mystical when Im there. If ever you get the chance please look at Golitha falls and Cardinham woods. they are both favourite places of mine. No matter what the season im sure you wont be disapointed. Sam have a great time in Cornwall, hope the weather is kind to you. Tina
Tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Monday, November 08, 2004 at 20:51:41 (GMT) Tina, I have increased the photo size limit from 500 KBytes to 2 MegBytes, so that should be big enough. I am looking forward to the results, David, glad to hear you kept dry
John
- Sunday, November 07, 2004 at 23:14:18 (GMT) Dear Tina, I've just been looking at your pictures from your latest trip down to Cornwall, and I'm delighted with them! They are just SO atmospheric. I can't decide which is my favourite, whether it be the woods or the moors, or the wild seascapes. The fugitive sun, shining into Cardinham Woods, the church at Altarnum, with echoes of it's incumbent; 'my' Fowey River in spate,and looking nothing at all like the river I know; or trying to discern the Gribben across from Meva, all are fascinating and delightful. I do recomend them to everyone, on Tina's own 'Manderley Spirit' website. I go to Fowey in May and September, and the time I'm away is always a 'long haul', but I've been brought really close this morning, courtesy of Tina. Many thanks.
Sam
- Saturday, November 06, 2004 at 08:06:52 (GMT) 'lo everyone, David, if Tina right clicks on her pic, wont it give her the option to downsize the pic, which she can then chose to send as a 'small' attachment? Hope everyone is ok, and that our US friends have recovered from election fever! Bonfire night here, and fireworks are popping outside.
Sam
- Friday, November 05, 2004 at 16:54:34 (GMT) David, I just noticed your photos of Fowey-under-sea lol. Did that happen last week? Hope no damage was done. I have just tried to send a few of my pics to the photo album, somehow I dont think its worked again. I think my pics are too big, I must find a way round this. Anyway if any of you would like to view them, I have posted a load in Manderley Spirit. Hows the weather in Fowey now David? Nice and dry I hope.
Tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Friday, November 05, 2004 at 13:09:07 (GMT) Glad you liked the Photos John, It was a bit rough but we kept dry.
David <dwillmore@btconnect.com>
- Thursday, November 04, 2004 at 22:09:24 (GMT) Good to hear Bookends didnt get a soaking Ann. Mevagissy had sand bags placed all round the shops and houses ready and waiting. I must say Golitha falls looked most beautiful. I had never seen the river as full and strong as it was last week. It was no more than a trickle back in August, we were all paddling in it. Last week it was like a different place. It was raging along as if in a desperate hurry to get somewhere and ready to battle any one or thing that got in its way. I must say I love a good stormy sea. I have been out in a force 9 gale once and it was amazing. This was a while ago before having children. Becoming a mum tends to make us a little more cautious dosnt it.
tina
- Thursday, November 04, 2004 at 17:27:52 (GMT) It sounds as though you had a really lovely holiday Tina, despite the terrible weather conditions that took hold of Cornwall during half term. I look forward to browsing through your photos. It was a shame that you could not visit Fowey on the Mevagissey ferry, perhaps next time, although even in the summer rough seas often cause the ferry to be cancelled. It often makes me think of “The House on the Strand” - the part when Dick and family take a boat trip from Fowey harbour round to the bay, and the sea is so rough that some of them feel really ill. It is more or less the same stretch of water. Denys Val Baker wrote a book called “The Sea's in the Kitchen” and I knew what he meant last week! The tide came right up over the Town Quay along Webb Street, into Fore Street and up to the edge of the pavement outside our shop four times between Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning last week. We were lucky that it didn’t come in, but many of the shops were less lucky and got a regular soaking. By the weekend the sun was shining and the weather was calm again and everything in Fowey is returning to normal.
Ann
- Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 11:56:23 (GMT) Thank you to whoever uploaded the two photographs of Fowey during the recent spring high tides. It looks like it would have been possible to catch a water taxi right to Anne and David's doorway. Thinking of which, I do hope that no-one suffered any actual water damage. When we stayed at Ferryman's Cottage, the delightful kitchen was almost at water level when the tide was in, and the kitchen was equipped with an electric pump to remove the water when the tide had receded.
JB
- Tuesday, November 02, 2004 at 21:42:55 (GMT) Hi everyone, Once again I survived the Cornish storms - bit windswept and muddy but we all had a great time. The BBC walk through time in Camborne was really interesting. It took us through the town centre looking at buildings such as the mining school and the council house. There was a talk about Richard Trevithick, the Camborne man who invented the pressure boiler and the first Cornish beam engine. Unfortunatly the weather wasnt that kind to us, so we were all whisked away to the council house to dry out, where the Mayor of Camborne was waiting with a table spread with sandwiches, cakes, pastries and hot drinks. The talk was continued in the comfort of the council house while we stuffed ourselves with the buffet food. Weather wise I would say that was the worse day of the week. The following days were windy with the odd heavy shower. We managed a beautiful walk to the very top of Cardinham woods where the views were truly breathtaking. I highly recommend a visit there in the Autumn. On Wednesday when the TV news were warning people to stay away from the sea we decided to drive down to Trebarwith strand. The sea there was quite calm so we took a walk around the rocks there till the rain came down, at that point we ran for the cover of our car with a bag of hot do-nuts from the stall there. Managed to get a good walk round Roughtor on Thursday. I couldnt believe we got there and back without getting soaked but we did. Found a lovely little pub in St Breward that warmed us all up after our treak. I can highly recommend the food there. While on holiday we met a couple from Gosport and spent most nights with them in the local bar sitting round a roaring log fire under the most amazing stained glass windows while the children were entertained by magicians and various themed parties (there was a halloween theme thing going on all week) Well the couple we met had never seen Bodmin moors before so we took them on a tour. Golitha falls, Carnglaze caverns, Altarnun etc. Ending of course in Jamaica inn for dinner. We really had a great time and all intend to meet up at the same place in the spring. The holiday park was very small. It was run by a lovely family who were originaly from Birmingham, of course, being Brummies, we got chatting and ended up staying an extra night when all the other guests had left. That was rather spooky I can tell you. We took a few night walks round the grounds listening for owls and other night creatures, spooked the kids out I can tell you. I say 'holiday park' but it was not the typical hi-de-hi holiday park at all. It was very well run and the manor house and grounds was much in its original state. The owners were very friendly and staff that worked in the kitchens and behind the bar were all locals and extremly friendly. We spent many nights in the bar sharing a good ghost story about the manor house. I must say it was very tastfuly decorated too. Not the tacky touristy holiday park that springs to mind at all. I do hope it remains that way as the owners were telling us of plans to renovate the cottages in the grounds. Ann and Dave we were planning to come and visit you in Fowey on Saturday. We thought we would approach Fowey a different way by travelling to Mevagissy and taking the ferry over, but due to weather conditions the ferry wasnt running that day. The sea was rather choppy that day too, shame, as I love a boat trip on a really rough sea. I think it was also due to the end of the tourist season. But we did wave to you from the quay, honest. And didnt you have fantastic weather on Saturday, we had a lovely walk round Mevagissy. We took the coast path at the end of the harbour then sat on the steps of the quay eating ice cream. The Cornish weather never ceases to amaze us. A great time was had anyway and I cant wait to go back in the spring. We met so many lovely people in Bodmin. I feel that Bodmin is such a very friendly, warm and inviting place. I notice a lot of you were discussing films. While at Jamiaca Inn I bought a copy of the film. This is the very old black and white version starring Charles Laughnton and Maureen O' Hara. It was different to what I was expecting. In fact I was a little dissapointed. I have read the book so many times - you start pointing out things and talking to the TV saying 'thats not what happened' like it was real true life. Still all part of the fun. I will get to download some of these photos when iv sorted them all out. Took so many, although not really all relating to DdM. I will post them on my site if you want to take a look. I have some of the church at Altarnun and the village. though most of them are of the moors and the sea and some of the manor house we stayed at. I must say the moors are so beautiful this time of year. Do take a look if you get time. Well thats enough from me for now, have to get back to this pile of washing - there is something about Cornish mud that seems to be resistant to Birmingham waters im sure. There all needing a second going. Catch up soon! Tina.
tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, November 02, 2004 at 14:07:00 (GMT) Hello everyone, Yes I agree with you absolutely Chris; Hitchcock's version bet the others hands down, having such a great atmosphere, and I I didn't think much of the subsequent 'Maxims'. I seem to remember that one of the tV companies has the rights to the later version and aren't re releasing it! Maybe they prefer to draw a veil over it! Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 21:18:37 (BST) I remember seeing the 1996 Rebecca on TV and enjoying it, but I cannot remember how it compared with the book / previous films except that it did not have the atmosphere of the 1940 original. There was also a BBC version in 1978 with Jeremy Brett and Joanna David, and I understand Emilia Fox is Joanna David's daughter. When the DVD arrives I will have two out of the three film versions and would like to have the 1978 version but as far as I know it is not available.
Chris Clayton
- Thursday, October 28, 2004 at 15:25:25 (BST) Hi Sam,,isnt Emilia Fox cast as Mrs De Winter mark 2? What was she like in that role? I somehow cannot imagine her playing such a 'humble' character, Ive only ever seen her play 'fiesty' women. Does the story stick to the book or are there changes as in the original film? Jo
Jo Wilson
- Monday, October 25, 2004 at 16:30:48 (BST) You are very sharp eyed Jo, even with a havy cold, and you're right, although Daphne said she enjoyed Hitchcock's dramatisation, like you I bet she was amaused by the 'gaffe'. I saw the later version but wasn't impressed, I think Charles Dance is a pale shadow of Olivier's Maxim. Also, Hitchcock was for me the definative director (even with the pearls!) I hope your 'rheum' is soon better Jo; like you I swear by Vick vaporub etc, but don't neglect taking lots of liquids, and wearing an extra thermal! Trouble is for me extra liquids means extra beer, which I know is counter productive; mind you it helps my morale, so all is not lost! Best Wishes everyone.
Sam
- Monday, October 25, 2004 at 08:12:40 (BST) One thing I noticed whilst watching Rebecca through a haze of tissues and vick vapour rub was at one point Maxim says to the soon to be Mrs de Winter the second 'promise me you'll never be 36 and wear pearls?' after which she wore pearls almost continually! I wondered if Daphne had noticed this when she was shown the finished film, probably would have made her smile. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 23:32:11 (BST) Feeling slightly under the weather (heavy cold) I took to my bed yesterday and watched my new Rebecca DVD. (present from hubby and its the brilliant original version) Absolute bliss!!!! Ive not seen the newer version and would welcome anyones opinion on it. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 23:12:54 (BST) Hi everyone, Speaking of movies...I was wondering if anyone here is aware of the movie that is now taking place in Cornwall??? I just read that currently a movie is being filmed along the coast of Cornwall. The article also says the movie will star Demi Moore , and the movie's upcoming title is 'Half Light'. This reminds me of when filming takes place in Florida..what a disruption and chaos it creates..especially during our 'rush hour' traffic! Regards to all,
Marri
- Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 21:02:20 (BST) Have you seen that Radio Times Direct is advertising a VHS (£17.99) or DVD (12.99) of the TV version of Rebecca (Charles Dance & Emilia Fox). For info phone 0870 400 3850 quoting RADT 9013. Chris
Chris Clayton <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 17:39:27 (BST) Hi everyone, just a quickie as Im off to Cornwall in the morning, hoping to make an early start. Well it seems a lot has gone on here since I last dropped in to the site. It seems differences have been sorted so I will leave it there. I would like to add though that on the Manderley Spirit site anything goes. I would welcome a good debate - the chat room is an ideal place for that sort of thing. I would like to set up regular chat times, its just a little quiet right now on the site but if anyone wishes to join in please feel free to e-mail me. Chat times can be sorted if enough people are interested. As for me, well I have always been intersted in paganism and green issues long before I found Cornwall. I fell in love with Cornwall years before I discovered the works of Daphne and still think of myself as a fairly newcomer to her work. Maybe there is a connection between the three. I find it all so fascinating and im always eager to learn more. So please feel free to e-mail me. Although dont expect a reply for a week as I will be on hols myself. As for the pics, of course there will be more pics. In fact I still have a film full of undeveloped pics from earlier this year. I tend to forget to send my films to be processed since I had the the digital camera for xmas. If I remember right I have some rather interesting shots of Bodmin Moor on the film too. Will get it sorted and attempt to post some new pics when I get back. Anyway I would just like to add that I dont think any offence has been caused to anyone. Well I certainly hope not anyway. At the end of the day we all share an interest in the works of Daphne du Maurier and Cornwall. Thats one thing we can all agree on. Im sure there is room for more related subjects on either site. Its nice to get to know each other seeing as we all share an interest. I just find people interesting and love to listen to others views and opinions if I agree with them or not. Happy half term everybody.
Tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Friday, October 22, 2004 at 21:05:31 (BST) I agree with you jo, it is fascinating! And thanks Ann, I thought you'd sort me out, bless you! I've just had my nightly couple of pints, up at Highfield House, now for sleeeeeep! Goodnight everyone, sleep well!
Sam
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 23:44:31 (BST) Thanks Ann,,,So Rory Singers great 'grandad' probably actually wasnt a blood relative, or at least wasnt a blood grandad. I wonder how on earth his father is so closely connected that he got to inherit the fortune? I do wish that Rory was more interested and could tell me,,all he said was that JM Barrie was his great grandad. As Ive said previously he is very uninterested in all of this because of his buddhist beliefs but I on the other hand find it all fascinating! Jo
Jo Wilson
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 21:05:10 (BST) Sam, you are nearly right with what you said about JM Barrie but I can just to fill in some of the gaps for you. JM Barrie married Mary Ansell, a pretty young actress, who he met when she joined the cast of his play Walker, London. As a wedding present he bought her a St Bernard dog and soon after their wedding they visited Fowey as JMB was a friend of Arthur Quiller-Couch. There are photographs of JMB and Porthos the dog with little Bevil Quiller-Couch on the Esplanade in Fowey. JMB and Mary lived in London and walked their dog in Kensington Gardens. They often met three young boys and their nanny and struck up a friendship, with JMB, Porthos and the boys playing games together. At about the same time JMB met Sylvia Llewelyn Davis (probably at a dinner, but there are a couple of different descriptions of how they met) and JMB discovered that Sylvia was not only the mother of his three little friends in the park, but also the sister of Gerald du Maurier. Gerald and JMB worked together a lot in the theatre and were friends socially. Daphne and her sisters knew JMB as Uncle Jim. JMB developed a friendship with Sylvia, her husband Arthur and their sons - George, Jack and Peter, and Sylvia and Arthur had two more boys - Michael and Nico. Sometimes Arthur found the ever present JMB wearing, but when Arthur became ill and subsequently died, JMB was a tower of strength and support to Sylvia and the boys. Later when Sylvia also died it seemed best that JMB, who was the closest person to them, should take on the role of responsibility for the five boys. They stayed in their own home with their nanny/housekeeper on a day to day basis, but decision making and financial matters were JMB’s responsibility. The boys all went to Eton, except Jack who was educated for a career in the navy. Emma du Maurier (who was George’s wife), Gerald and his brother and sisters all did their bit as did the Llewelyn Davis family, and all in all the boys had a good life despite the tragic early death of their parents. The story of Peter Pan gradually grew out of the games and stories that JMB invented for the boys and was first produced on stage almost one hundred years ago on 27th December 2004. However sadness did tinge the lives of JMB and the boys.........but that’s another story! Finding Neverland makes at least two main changes to the facts in that there are four boys and Arthur has died before the story begins. JM Barrie never had any children of his own, so could never have been a grandfather. However, the Llewelyn Davis boys were not the only children that JMB had a responsibility for. It is less well know that when his friend Captain Robert Falcon Scott was found at the South Pole he had a letter in his pocket, written just before he died, asking JMB to care for his son Peter.
Ann
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 19:59:02 (BST) I don't know whether JM Barrie was ever more than a family friend, so if your colleague was descended from one of the Llewellyn boys, then he might actually not be related to JMB at all.
Sam
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 18:44:28 (BST) So the mother of the boys that JM Barrie 'adopted' was a du Maurier? Was she Geralds sister? So maybe the link I am looking for is that Rory Singer is possibly a decendant of one of these boys? So he does have du Maurier family links???? Although this could be totally wrong!! He may be connected in some other way. Confusing isnt it? Jo
Jo Wilson
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 17:29:43 (BST) Yes he was unmarried and appeared to have no children of his own. My colleagues father however inherited the JM Barrie fortune so although Im not sure how J.M. Barrie came to be the grandfather, it seems he definately was. (can you imagine having access to all that money and deciding to be a buddhist monk and not have any interest at all???!!!) Thanks for the reply,,,I like this better than getting on each others nerves! Jo
Jo Wilson
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 15:03:10 (BST) In talking about the film I lost sight of your colleague; it's interesting cos I assumed JMB was unmarried. What you tell me puts the kybosh on that, and opens up a whole new dimension. Interesting!
Sam
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 13:32:37 (BST) Thanks Jo, Yes, here's something we can really get our teeth into. As I understand it, JM Barrie befriended a Mr Llewellyn- Davies, who was married to Daphne's Aunt Sylvia and had three or four children (the lost boys!). After the Mr Llewellyn Davies died, JM Barrie, seems to have insinuated himself increasingly into the bereaved family. There has been much speculation about his motives; I would like to think he was just a loner, seeking a 'family'. I have a friend who has 'taken up' with a lady, and seems to derive much pleasure from her whole family. You will no doubt be aware of the film which is due out in a week or so, with Jonny Depp (playing JMB lord help us), Julie Christe, and Dustin Hoffman, and called I think 'Finding Neverland', and with Kate Twinsett playing Aunt Sylvia! Needless to say I shall be there at the first oportunity; mind you, Ann at Bookends assures me that the film plays rather fast and loose with the facts, but thats Hollywood (or the UK cinema) I think of what was done with my beloved Lord of the Rings when I say that. Still if this JM Barrie film manages to capture of much of the original it'll be OK I suppose. I hope Ann or somebody will put me right if I err! Best Wishes
Sam
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 13:28:56 (BST) Sam,,yes thats a good idea. Maybe you can help me understand the possible connection between my colleague Rory Singer and the du Mauriers? Rory's great grandfather was J.M. Barrie. I am wondering if that meant he was somehow related to Daphne, when I asked him he didnt think so but was unsure. He isnt particularly interested (he is a buddhist and not interested in the inherited wealth or family connection), but of course, with me being such a Daphne fan, I am interested in what if any connection there is. Of course I have Margaret Forsters opinion on this matter but I would also be interested in your opinion or knowledge on this matter. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 11:01:57 (BST) Hello Tina, I hope you won't read anything into this latest exchange with Jo on the other site; I read your site with interest and pleasure, but prefer to remain focussed myself in the original site. I hope your site increases, and provides, as the DduM does, pleasure interest and satisfaction. It occurs to me that you may have put some piccies on your own site, I must explore. Best Wishes.
Sam
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 10:42:54 (BST) Jo I think we may have another situation here where what is written creates an unreliable impression.I did NOT say that I 'only like to have my own opinions supported', (heaven forbid,how unutterably boring that would be),I suggested it's possibility as only one reason for the onset of misunderstandings. Sadly indeed I begin to wonder if we are on the same track. You apparently like everything 'cut and dried' as it were, while I doubt whether anything can be so easily pidgeon holed. Chris's sincere contention that Daphne was a secular humanist ,and it's questioning by Daphne's family, was what started this over long discussion. I enjoy our debates, make no mistake, but I think we are going round and round here, and getting no where. I'm quite happy to 'agree to differ'. We have so much in common, our love of the West Country, and Daphne, and books; can't we move on please? Very Best wishes
Sam
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 10:36:08 (BST) Sam,,,for myself I dont JUST feel gagged around the 'latest kerfuffle'. I have tried to debate stuff here before and had it made very clear that you dont approve. I have come to realise with your comment about liking to read ONLY what agrees with your own perspective that we are very very different people and will never agree. As I explained previously here I DO like to have my opinions etc stretched. I LIKE to learn. As for Tina's site, do you wish to stop this learning process there too? Isnt it up to Tina to decide what can or cannot be debated there? JO
Jo Wilson
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 09:05:22 (BST) Hello everyone, I get the impression that all this latest kerfuffle stemmed from Chris's belief that Daphne was a 'Secular Humanist', and that I relayed a message from family suggesting that the 'Notebooks' could equally prove otherwise. No one, especially me, is trying to gagg anyone, Jo (as you suggest on the alternative guestbook), simply reminding us all that nothing written is necessarily set in stone! I read recently that Daphne had an interest in reincarnation, sending her daughter's picture away for assessment; i wonder if that might suggest that she was a secret Hindu. See what I mean! Are we allowed to send any fresh pictures for the site John, after the first flurry, that aspect seems to have dried up. I'm unaware of what space is available on that page, but hope that Tina's trip might generate a few more for us to enjoy; wasn't it you Tina that was going to cycle the 'lunar landscapes' around the china clay workings. I read somewhere that Daphne rather liked their surreal aspect, so I'd appreciate a closer look? Very best wishes ALL my good friends online.
Sam
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 08:45:39 (BST) Thanks Sam, for taking the time and providing the information that was made available to you. I fully respect the decision that Daphne's family must maintain themselves as you say, 'one step backward'. They surely have their reasons to do so. I would like to continue 'believing' that one day this too,,, can change. Sincerely,
Marri
- Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 01:43:07 (BST) Dear Melanie,,,I never realised that Exeter University Library had all this extremely important Daphne stuff. Is it accessible to the public? How I would enjoy a small glimpse! Jo
Jo Wilson
- Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 22:27:51 (BST) Hi Chris,I believe that you are in or around Exeter so presume that you have consulted the vast du Maurier archives given to the Exeter University library by Kits? These are in the Specials Collection in the Old Library. Contained in them are the notes collected by Daphne for her novels - amongst lots of other things to do with the creative members of the family - George, Gerald, Angela etc. Also, I recently found a privately printed book entitled End of the Line by L Hammer. This contains a chapter which has photocopies of letters sent to L Hammer by Daphne. The correspondence is all to do with ESP and this lady's practice of it. I think Daphne was a little cynical but seemed to have sent her pictures of Flavia etc to see what they all might have been in a former life.
Melanie
- Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 17:42:12 (BST) Hi All, small point of fact. 'This I Believe'was published as a chapter in George Unwin (ed.), What I Believe (London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1966). It was republished in The Rebecca Notebook. I'm presuming George Unwin commissioned lots of famous people to write articles on their beliefs and published them in one book. I don't believe this book contains any more information by Daphne.
Melanie
- Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 17:32:50 (BST) Thank you Sam, what you have just said in your most recent message is very much what I was trying to say on Sunday, but you have said it clearly!
Ann
- Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:56:16 (BST) Dear Sam,,,,Martyn Shallcross....now here I totally agree with you (yippee I hear you sigh!). The man seems to have befriended Daphne in later years when her mental health wasnt good and she was a vulnerable old lady. The pictures in his biography say it all, Daphne looks very frail and confused and there he is stood next to her for a supposedly 'impromtu' photograph. SORRY IF THIS OFFENDS ANYONE but I felt quite uneasy when I read Martyns book for the above reasons. In your previous post you wrote *..prefer to read of opinions that support our own rather than make us question...* For me this isnt true, I like to have my perspectives stretched, I like to consider others opinions and question my own. I think that this is where true learning happens. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:29:44 (BST) Hello Jo, I'm sure that the situation seems unclear, but may I pass on to you information given to me. Daphne's family prefer to remain 'one step backward' from the forum as it were, because they fear being overburdened with too much well meant attention. This happened two or three years ago so is no idle fear.They are not Daphne, and have their own lives to get on with. The current debate stems I gather from a misconception; I have not read 'This I Believe' (yet!), but am led to believe that it does not actually confirm that Daphne leant towards a named creed; she seems to have been a seeker after truth, a credo that I can support enthusiastically. Chris's adherence to her preferred spiritual course is completely commendable, but may I respectfully suggest, an uncertain basis for claiming Daphne as fellow adherent, only Daphne herself might confirm that. If she has said it in so many words, then fair enough, if not, it is all supposition. The more I read regarding other's insights, Margaret Forster, Judith Cook etcetera, the more actually confused I might become, as they had their own reasons for writing as they did, and WHAT they did. I suspect it's a safe bet that they chose carefully from their research what they put in and what they left out! I'm just relieved that no one has yet quoted Martin Shawlcross, whose claims to know Daphne's mind is most strenuously denied by Daphne's family. I must repeat that I fear we all prefer to read of opinions that support our own, rather than make us question the veracity of our own beliefs. 'Love God and one's Neighbour' is the best maxim; all the rest is hot air! Let’s try too to cling to the chapter in 'Corinthians' about the nature of love that really seems to get to the nub of things. Thats what I believe. Before any read the above as a traditionalists view of 'faith', I hope they may read my earlier contributions here again. I wish Chris good luck with her talk, and hope that it is well received. Best Wishes everyone.
Sam
- Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 09:04:22 (BST) Hi Chris, some folk here are of the opinion that even work/perspectives published by Daphne or her family shouldnt be discussed here because it could be hurtful to them. I strongly question this. If an author or her family put opinions into a public arena then they expect and want those beliefs to be discussed. If I published my autobiography of course I would expect fans to be reading and discussing it. That is why I would publish it. I cannot understand what is going on hedre at all. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 22:56:20 (BST) I am glad to see that some contributors are interested in the discussion about Daphne's beliefs concerning religion, as it is something which I have found profoundly interesting to investigate. I was personally delighted to discover my favourite writer's beliefs. I am however very puzzled by a few comments that somebody's feelings could get hurt, which I would not wish, especially as almost everything said about Daphne so far is from published and widely known sources. Is there something hidden here which I do not know about?
Chris Clayton <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 19:33:57 (BST) Daphne's beliefs regarding religion, god, life, morality were explained by herself clearly and vividly in This I Believe, first published in a collection of essays: The Rebecca Notebook and Other Memories in 1981. I have the Arrow Edition published in1993, after Daphne's death in 1989. Daphne herself wrote that her sceptical beliefs stemmed from early childhood, as revealed in published biographies including her own Myself When Young. Ann raises an important issue concerning whether or not her beliefs changed in the few years following This I Believe. The evidence I have found in biographies such as those of Margaret Forster and the late Judith Cooke does not suggest any significant belief change, although her interest in a spiritual meaning to life and the mystery of what if anything follows this life seems to have grown in her later years. Towards the end of her biography Forster writes “at one time she declared she believed in 'something' but not anything taught by the established church.” She used churches and a Catholic missal as a source of some sort of comfort “and though there was no talk of God, or any formal praying ----- it was obvious she had some kind of faith in a spiritual life.” I rather suspect that had she known about it she would have been attracted to the form of Humanism known as The Sea of Faith --- which can be summed up as “respecting religion as a human creation”----- but that is speculation on my part. Everything which I have written or plan for my talk is from published sources, mostly in Daphne's own words. Having established what her beliefs were it is an interesting exercise to see how often they influence her writing, from her first published short story onwards. If anyone can suggest further sources of information I would be grateful to learn of them.
Chris Clayton <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 19:20:42 (BST) Hi everyone, I had a comment to make based on Ann's last posting with reference to Kits and the du Maurier festival...I've often wondered... but, wouldn't it be wonderful to receive family input here in this site, as it is done during the du Maurier festival?? Even if the inputs would be made on a time basis and added onto the 'site map'. What an additional tribute that would be in memory to such a remarkable lady, Daphne du Maurier ! I feel we would all benefit and receive a better understanding of Daphne and her belief values if they were contributed from an immediate family member. There are many books written about her by biographers who have done their research, but it can be said that a person's views will often change throughout the course of one's lifetime. How do we know when and if Daphne's views/beliefs changed throughout the course of hers? Who are we to ask, and where do we find the answer...and so we are left with open discussions, and not knowing when they might end and when an offence begins, regretably so. Sincerely,
Marri
- Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 22:55:59 (BST) Theres one thing I bet we can all agree on; the Members Forum is never boring!
Sam
- Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 15:58:57 (BST) Dear All, on the subject of upsetting family can we clarify boundaries here please. If Kits is willing to discuss a subject with members of the public then surely we can debate it here? Also if Flavia publishes her opinions and perspectives on her own childhood in a book publically available then surely we can debate those issues here also? Can we have Members Forum members opinions on this so as we can decide what the boundaries here are to be? I assume that NONE of us would ever want to cause any upset or hurt. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 15:38:59 (BST) Mel, your reference to Sheila Hodges was a good one. She was at the du Maurier festival to discuss her role in editing Daphne du Maurier work, and was not prepared to be drawn into matters that she felt it was not her place to discuss. She, indeed all of us, was fortunate that Kits was there and willing to answer personal questions about his Mother.
Ann
- Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 14:13:50 (BST) Hi Ann,Thank you for your comments on our debate. I don't think any of us would deliberately want to cause offence to Daphne's family. Also, I think we all have different thresholds as to what constitutes something we find difficult to cope with. I think we have all in our time probably upset someone accidentally with something we thought was harmless. I presume you think it's OK for us to explore the themes that occur in Daphne's work - I do agree with you that it's not necessary to be dogmatic about them though. At the Sheila Hodges event myself and another lady were interested in Daphne's beliefs, and Christian Browning kindly answered questions we had, referring to paganism especially. I feel that you are trying to address a distinction between causing offence and promoting discussion - sometimes there may be a fine line between the two.
Melanie
- Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 13:50:06 (BST) As some of you already know for many years I have pursued an interest in Fowey and the writers who are linked to the town including such people as Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch and Leo Walmsley as well as Daphne du Maurier. I have read extensively Daphne du Maurier’s own work and much that has been written about her and I am always glad to share what I have learned, as was the case when Chris was looking for information on Daphne du Maurier’s short story ’And Now to God the Father’. However, I have become concerned over the past week or so as the messages on the guest page have become increasingly dogmatic with regard to Daphne and her religious beliefs. I have considered carefully whether to say anything or not as I do not want to add fuel to the fire. My feeling is that the information about Daphne du Maurier, which is accessible to most people, comes from two main sources – her own writing and biographers, who hopefully research the facts, but do inevitably, put their own conjecture into their writing. Regarding Daphne’s writing I think we again need to consider two points. We all have views and opinions throughout our lives, which have a greater or lesser degree of importance depending on our circumstances at particular stages of our lives and would not necessarily want to be held to account for these opinions at a later date. I wonder if it is fair to make sweeping statements about Daphne’s views, which may or may not have changed by the end of her life. We can never know for sure as she is no longer here to ask. Secondly we need to remember that, like many authors, Daphne ‘acted out’ many roles through her writing and her life – sometimes described as a make believe world. When a writer dies people often fail to consider their remaining family. When I review Daphne’s books on this website and when writing my talk, about how her ancestors may have influenced her writing, for this years du Maurier festival, I make a point of not saying anything that could distress Daphne’s family. Similarly I have heard people such as Helen Taylor and Ella Westland, true experts in their field, speak in discussions about Daphne, on many occasions and have never heard one word that would cause distress. It is entirely possible to discuss Daphne du Maurier within the bounds of consideration to her family. Please can the people who contribute to this guest page bear this in mind?
Ann <awillmore@btconnect.com>
- Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 12:46:49 (BST) Hi everyone, I just wanted to add my voice to Jo's; have a lovely time in Cornwall Tina. I hope you are able to take some pictures while you’re down there to add to the guestbook; they would help us to relate to the report your hopefully going to give us when you return. Just before I saw your latest contribution I was exploring the possibility of getting down to Fowey after Christmas. I think it's a runner so 'watch this space'. All the learned information about religion and Daphne is proving most interesting, although whether I relate to it all is another matter. I've already said that I doubted whether Daphne believed in an old man on a cloud dishing out judgement, any more than I do. I've commented previously on what obvious delight she took in nature, as I do. I accept that she may well have been delighted and fascinated with evolutionary theory, as I am, and that she believed in kindness, and laughter,and tolerance and affection, as I do. I see little contradiction in saying I love 'god in nature' I use your lower case 'g' Chris as you obviously regard it as significant. Scientists talk of the ultimate 'big bang' as starting everything, but that beggers as many questions as it answers surely. I don't accept the theory, however clever, that something can be created from nothing, anymore than the little boy could see the kings new clothes. I realize that this puts me out on a limb, but that’s the way it is! I remember an old black and white film called 'The Sound Barrier' about aviators proving that 700 mph was not the upper limit possible. Years before that theoretical railway speeds were regarded as impossible and life threatening. I wonder if the speed of light will one day be exceeded. All these thoughts show that we are learning all the time; that our human knowledge is still partial, and one day we may know everything; but not yet. Our imperfect knowledge cannot really rule out the divine, no matter how fearful or improbable it seems. Maybe I mean that the universe IS God. The older I get, the less I know, but assertive atheism or what ever has as little to recommend it as has other religious 'certainties'. I try to respect other’s opinions, but dogma is just too tiring. I know my human existence is brief, and as I age I need to savour every day Chris, like wine. It isn’t always easy, but that’s my aim. Oh, and to put smiles on as many faces as I can!
Sam
- Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 21:23:51 (BST) Dear Tina, Hope you have a great time on your hols,,,moorland walks should be great this time of year. I think there are china clay works around Cambourne which can be like a different world, abit like being on the moon! regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 20:11:16 (BST) Wow! Iv just been hooked to the guest book for the last half hour. Its great to read all these posts regarding paganism, I have always found it so interesting. I have searched the net for info regarding secular humanists and found it very interesting to say the least. Chris, where did you get your information from regarding DdM and secular humanism. Is this mentioned in a particular book? Id like to know more. Anyway, just a quick post as I thought id let you all know that this time next week I will be in Cornwall with my family. We are staying near Bodmin Moor, a village called Davidstow. It will be our last visit of the year so I intend to make the most of it whatever the weather. I have lots of walks planned including one which is part of a BBC programme 'British Isles, a natural history' Its a 2 hour walk around Camborne with a tour guide. My other half will find it interesting as part of the talk is about the engineering and buildings around the area. He is just facsinated by the history of tin mining and enginering as for me, well, Iv never been to Camborne before so were both looking forward to that. Quickly going back to the issue about tourism. I feel Cornwall has a lot to offer the tourists, it is such a beautiful area which I feel we all agree on. Thing is I can see it from the locals view too. I have noticed that in some parts, particularly the larger beaches such as Looe and Newquay the build up of 'left behind belongings' of the tourists. I hate to see coke cans and wrappers floating in the rockpools as I saw back in the summer holidays. I even saw a motorist emptying the contents of his picnic bag along the road. I can see that during the summer months the roads can get so busy. I can understand that side of it to be very frustrating for the locals. We have considered moving to Cornwall many times but I cant see it being a reality just yet. Pay is almost half as much as what I get in the Midlands although most of the housing is cheaper. Although not so cheap that we could aford it on the salary that we would recieve doing the same job in Cornwall as we do in the Midlands. It always has been a dream of ours to move to Cornwall, im afraid it will remain just a dream for a while yet anyway, although we are considering Devon - a little closer to our dream at least. I have posted my e-mail addy if any of you fancy a chat sometime in the chat room of Manderley Spirit. I must admit the site has been a little quiet just lately - lots of room for your comments if youd like to post. Well thats it for now from me. I will be posting next when I return from Cornwall, so cherio folks.
Tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 19:17:06 (BST) Chris, you wrote '....deeply reveres the universe and nature and joyfully accepts and embraces life....' what a great philosophy for living our lives. It quite moved me. regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 17:47:31 (BST) Hello Melanie I know Daphne from time to time described herself as a 'Pagan' ----- in fact it was mentioned briefly that she might have been happy with this label at one of the lectures at the Festival this year. You might be surprised that many secular Humanists would not necessarily object to it either, for two reasons. First, because as my Readers Digest Universal Dictionary says, one of the definitions of 'pagan' is 'one who has no religion', another is one who is not a Christian, Muslim or Jew but may (or may not) have another faith. So no problem there! However, I suspect you and more than likely Daphne had in mind pre-Christian beliefs which are part of our early history. Now, even these are not necessarily universally regarded as religion. Paganism is not mentioned at all in The Penguin Dictionary of Religions, or in The World's Religions (N.Smart) which deals fairly fully with the history of religion. However, if we accept Paganism as having been religion in the past, is it not the case that today some people look upon it as being concerned with our relationship to the natural world, the seasons, sustainability, living in harmony with our environment and so on? Some people see this as involving the 'supernatural', but others see it as entirely to do with the natural world. There are close links here with Pantheistic Paganism or Scientific Pantheism. “Scientific or natural pantheism is a modern form of pantheism that deeply reveres the universe and nature and joyfully accepts and embraces life, the body and earth, but does not believe in any supernatural deities, entities or powers“ (quoted from website). Some Humanists are tuned in to this sort of green or ecological approach to life (eg. supporting natural burial, and using pagan style elements in Humanist ceremonies for baby naming, marriage and funerals, and so on.) They might not object to the pagan label used in this way.
Chris Clayton <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 17:01:49 (BST) It is now several years now since Paddy Moindrot was kind enough to encode for us, the video clips of the Cliff Michelmore interview, in her 70th year. With the spread of broadband internet connections, it now seems appropriate to re-encode the clips, but this time in much higher quality. I hope that these prove enjoyable, and if anyone has any relevant video clips that would be useful, please contact me.
JB <john@westwind.co.uk>
- Friday, October 15, 2004 at 20:38:21 (BST) Chris's note on her beliefs (or lack of them?)is interesting to me too. It is this aspect of her life and work that I am studying in particular - so it is good to get someone else's point of view rather than being left with my own all the time. I am always wary of labels so would like to think of Daphne as having thoughts which could be said to be secular humanist in nature rather than saying that she was a 'secular humanist'. After looking at a few of Daphne's novels it seems clear that she had a very great interest in religion of every kind (I say interest rather than belief). I have noticed that she draws on a tension between Christianity and paganism quite frequently - a particular example of this would be Jamaica Inn. The Vicar of Altarnun is a practising priest with pagan beliefs. The other thing I have noticed is that several of her letters in the Oriel Malet volume are about Catholicism (I believe she also had a correspondence with Alec Guinness about this due to his being in the film of The Scapegoat -lots of Catholicism in this). An interesting thing that Daphne writes about this period of her life to Oriel is : "So all these Catholic people are trying to push me into the Faith. Little do they know my pagan depths!" I feel from this that Daphne had alot of sympathy with paganism - both of the Celtic sort and of the Greek sort (she read Plato). Hope this makes some kind of sense. I am not sure if an interest in paganism is something which would be shared by the secular humanists? I would be interested in Chris's opinion on this.
Melanie
- Friday, October 15, 2004 at 18:33:33 (BST) To Chris, Thanks for taking the time to explain this side of Daphne to us. I for one find it very interesting and actually quite exciting to find new perspectives on my favourite author. I hope your talk in Exeter goes well. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Friday, October 15, 2004 at 17:53:08 (BST) I see someone (Sam) has challenged my statement that Daphne shared the beliefs of secular Humanist like myself. Well, her essay This I Believe has some of the most effective exposition of Humanist beliefs you can find. My research into her own writings and what has been written about her, including evidence from those who knew her, reveals a wealth of information on her sceptical Humanistic outlook, much of it quite explicit. I could quote at very great length, as I do in the talk I have prepared, but I will make just a few key points here. First, for the benefit of those who require clarification on what we are talking about I quote from the British Humanist Association: "Humanism is the belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists make sense of life using reason, experience and shared human values." Humanists do not believe in god or gods, in the supernatural, or in salvation in a life after this life . And nor did Daphne. In This I Believe she wrote "the second great problem of our time is how to live without religion" and she explains how she believes religious beliefs developed and are becoming obsolete. Of god she writes "The image of a super-Brain, sitting before a blueprint of a million universes and commanding, Let there be light, does not convince me, nor that such a super-Brain should point a finger at the particle I am and demand subservience to its authority. The super-Brain, if it exists, has made too many errors of judgement through the ages to deem itself omnipotent, and to win our allegiance." She gives a vivid account of evolution and how ethical behaviour or morality has grown from 'an agelong impulse to preserve the species'. In her essay on Death and Widowhood there is a passage on the prospect of there being no survival after this life which is so meaningful that some Humanists intend to include it as a reading at their own funerals. While Daphne was fascinated by 'the unexplained, the darker side of life' expressed in many of her macabre short stories, rather than believing in the supernatural ---- writing in 1987 “I have never seen a ghost or dabbled in spiritualism or the occult” --- her interest was in what may be called ESP,a sixth sense, ie. aspects of the natural we do not yet understand. Although she often attended church services she says it was for their theatrical value, especially the Catholic Mass, not out of religious belief. Daphne was remarkably consistent in her beliefs throughout her life, from early childhood until her end, apart from a brief and regretted entanglement with Moral Rearmament during the Second World War. She wrote "The sceptic of seven who queried the existence of God in the sky, of fairies in the woods, of Father Christmas descending every London chimney in a single magic night, remains a sceptic at fifty-seven, believing all things possible only when they can be proved by scientific fact." Exactly. Chris
CHRIS CLAYTON <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Friday, October 15, 2004 at 16:22:42 (BST) Hello everyone...Hello Sam,, I follow what you are saying with regards to settlement and the vast history that Cornwall is best known for... It is different for us. The State of Florida became a tourist State due to its warm climate as well as from its locale. Our past includes the arrivals of the spanish in the 16th century to the coming of the railroad in the 19th. The past shares many historical museums, old houses and churches, to historic districts of events. We are best known for our white-sand beaches, palm trees and Miami Beach for the movie stars and models on fashion shoots. The tourists have SO many beaches to choose from, yet it is Miami Beach (known as South Deco) they are most attracted to. Having moved here at a young age, I learned to adapt... As you say, else, we are swept away.... As for being honest, I would like to think our guestbook would allow us all to put in an honest word, while enabling us our differing opinions and perspectives. Sincerely,
Marri
- Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 14:16:43 (BST) Thank you very much for your kind comments Marri, they are much appreciated. I quite see that your lovely state owes most of it's prosperity to the tourist industry. It seems fine that it should be so. My knowledge of the history of the area is sketchy at best, but I gather that Florida has not the long history of settlement that Cornwall has. I fully respect the traditions of the native americans who once lived there, and maybe still do, but I suppose what I'm really getting at is that Cornwall did not always live by tourism. The people who once lived by tin mining,and fishing etc have largely all seen their livelihood taken away from them, and have been forced to adopt a new lifestyle. As you suggest Jo, 'that's the way the cookie crumbles'. I worked in the steel industry for many years and have witnessed many changes (the miners did too), changes not always easy to assimilate. I just speculate really upon the thoughts of proud Cornishmen, and women, whose ancestors went out against the Armada,and the French, and the rest, but now have to deal with the holiday hoards, of which I know I'm a part. All one can say maybe is that the world moves on and we adapt or are swept away. I guessed that my previous contribution was a 'sticky wicket', but cannot apologise for trying to be honest, otherwise our guestbook is a waste of time, isn't it? Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 08:06:26 (BST) Hello , Thank you both Jo and Sam, for your honest views. I realise these are sensitive issues. My own opinions on this can be viewed as mixed. Because my home State of Florida, flourishes due to the tourism industry,,, firsthand knowledge tells me , often-times, it becomes a blessing in 'disguise'. Our climate is such, that generally speaking I see tourists from around the world, at any given time of the year. Our famous Deco Beach, in South Fla., is so touristy that those locals who do still live in the area, cannot find a place to park when it is jam-packed full of people in its festive revels... However one cares to view it,,, whether it is an inconvenience to have these happy tourists here or not, it holds true to say , our State, in 'whole' prospers from them. It's best viewed as a give and take situation. Sincerely,
Marri
- Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 22:53:00 (BST) Dear Sam,,,I dont really know what you are meaning. What is it you wonder about? Wouldnt life be whatever you made it inside 'the picture postcard'? My family carry on their lives regardless of how tourists see them and I expect you would too? Jo
Jo Wilson
- Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 22:44:58 (BST) you are probably correct Jo, but still I wonder what it must be like living inside a picture postcard. I should ask Ann and David shouldn't I? As they chose to move down to Fowey a couple of years ago, I guess I know the answer! Best Wishes evereyone.
Sam
- Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 19:56:11 (BST) Dear Sam, I imagine the tourist industry is viewed differently by different locals. If I owned a cafe I would welcome tourists, if I owned a hill farm I may find them intrusive. My parents tend to moan because the roads are so busy and the places when you arrive are full to boiling point of people. We do tend to prefer the winter period because it is so much quieter but I think most people realise that tourism is the very life blood of the region and welcome it. Where would Cornwall be without it? Jo
Jo Wilson
- Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 13:15:23 (BST) As tin mining has gone, and farming has declined, and as fishing has diminished, what else have the locals presently but tourism. Beautiful Cornwall has not the physical access to markets that are up county and to the east, and sadly 'beauty' doesn't feed the kiddies! I often wonder what the locals feel about us tourists (or grockles or emmets or whatever we are!). I wonder if, like in my home village of Epworth- The Home of the Wesleys, tourists aren't viewed askance. Are we really just a resource, to be marketed, like the tin or the fish. Which sets me worrying again about the intrusive way in which we may seem to claim one of Fowey's resources. Our opinions about Daphne du Maurier need to be aired carefully and tentatively, if we are not to cause offence. Her memory remains with her family, as mother and grandmother etc. I've read somewhere recently that Daphne's tag as 'secular humanist' is at best unreliable; I gather that her thoughts in 'The Rebecca Notebooks and Other Memories'. especially under the heading 'This I believe' give the lie to this supposition. May I suggest that there is a need to be very wary when making assumptions about people we dont actually know. We read a novel, or an autobiography, and what we read reacts like yeast with our own personality, to produce goodness knows what unproven outcome. Coo, I do rant, dont I? My only excuse might be that it's a subject I know quite a lot about! I sound like Maggie Smith whinging in Room With a View! Best wishes everybody!
Sam
- Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 09:15:16 (BST) Hi everyone,,,Thanks Jo, for answering my query... It's certainly amazing isn't it, after realising all the changes that have taken place; our Cornwall of the 'present' has been thru... I would imagine that tourism would flourish,,, the countryside being as beautiful as it is... Which brings me to ponder further, (so to speak ) ...How many people are here, who are West Country born??? Sincerely,
Marri
- Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 00:59:41 (BST) Hi everyone, Does anyone remember 'Tresoddit for Easter', a semi cartoon TV programme, based upon Posie Simmonds newspaper cartoon feature, bemoaning the second home owners and incomers who have priced the locals out of their own Cornish birthplace! Very apt in the context of recent contributions. I'm particularly struck in Fowey by the lovely 'deli' shop that sells highly priced, minority interest foods for the benefit of the 'sloans' who get them in the home counties, and expect them on holiday. Being north country working class myself, I do have a tendency to bridle at any accent I regard as 'posh'. Very reprehensible of me no doubt! Mind you, it does occur to me how miffed I was when there was NO CASH POINT in Fowey, so I should talk!
Sam
- Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 16:39:54 (BST) 'The Loving Spirit' was of course a novel with cornish people as central characters (knew I would think of one after I had logged off!!) Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 13:12:08 (BST) Footnote to my previous already very very long post,,,,Daphne did of course do lots to help her local community on many levels,,,from getting involved with local issues to writing books and novels set in or actually about Cornwall. regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 11:35:45 (BST) Dear Marri, I must make it clear that being reserved doesnt mean to be unfriendly, whilst I was growing up on Dartmoor our family and friends were indeed friendly but with a slight restraint towards anybody unknown to them especially towards incomers i.e. people who werent local and had come to live amongest us. This was back in the 1960's and incomers were few and far between. Then aged 19 and newly married I moved to Tregadillett (north Cornwall) and found that I was the incomer! I can remember a hot summers day when I walked into our village pub and everyone stopped talking and looked at me! After a few months people accepted me and would chat and I found out that some of them had never even visited Plymouth (only about 30 miles away). They thought it incredible that I would travel to Plymouth daily for work. All this was a long time ago and things have changed drastically since then. Some villages popular with tourists are almost completely overtaken by holiday homes. Years ago cottages would be cheap and were bought up by relatively wealthy people from 'up the line' and used to rent out as holiday lets. Boscastle is a good example, almost all the cottages are owned by people who live elsewhere in the country and the poor village suffers as a result. Even the shops close from October to March because there are so few locals left during the winter months. So I would say from my own experience that the West Country has changed in the last 40 years, from communities that rarely travelled 'abroad' and who had virtually no incomers, to whole villages taken over by people who actually live elsewhere. The characteristics of the local people HAS to have changed, children are growing up hearing all sorts of dialects and witnessing all sorts of 'ways of being'. So if I have witnessed these changes myself then I am positive that if Daphne could visit now she too would notice them. She too was of course an incomer but a relatively weathly one, her friends seem to have been spread far and wide and not particularly local people. I am trying to remember local characters that take any central role in any of her books and cannot but they may have slipped my mind. Any thoughts anyone? I do think that change had to happen in that farming was the largest industry and of course farming nowadays in our country makes no money at all so tourism was the obvious next choice, the countryside is so beautiful and the quaint villages so pretty that people from all over the world want to visit. Problem is the more of them that actually settle here the more we lose our west country ways, our dialect is fading and local communities become far less cornish. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 11:30:14 (BST) Hi everyone,,, After noticing the recent inputs made in reference to the Cornish People and their friendly and generous ways ....I was wondering if this can be said to be true of the Cornwall known during Daphne's time,,, or is this due to the more recent times of now??? I have heard that variances in times have changed the output of the Cornish ways along with it's rural feel as well. Additional insight to this, I would appreciate... Sincerely,
Marri
- Monday, October 11, 2004 at 01:03:16 (BST) Hi all, I must say that I do agree with Ann about the Cornish. I find them so friendly and warm, but then again I do live in the Midlands, a huge town where there is very little community spirit at all. I have noticed when I visit Cornwall I often get chatting with the locals, total strangers I might add who always seem willing to chat about anything and everything. I always feel quite at home when I visit Cornwall and feel I could quite happily live there myself and fit in with the local community. I also agree with Ann about the location of Jamaica inn, but then again I love Bodmin Moor. I always feel it to be full of mystery. I still wish the staff at Jamaica inn would be a little more socaiable though. I guess there sick of questions about ghosts lol. I must add that on the number of occasions I have been to Jamaica inn I have noticed the diversity of accents and dialects among the staff including Austrailian and I think maybe a south African accent amongst others. I have not really noticed many staff with Cornish accents working there at all. I will be listening out next visit. My children would be devestated if we went to Cornwall without visiting Jamaica Inn. One time we were on holiday in Devon and they talked us into travelling down to Cornwall just for a cream tea at Jamaica Inn. I must admit though they didnt have to twist my arm very far. Any excuse for a drive along those Moors.
tina
- Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 21:30:17 (BST) Hi there, On opening , " Kiplings " website, I realise how different times were , when compared to the times we live in now. What an interesting and,(I also find, pretty,) poem. Its 'Flash Opening ' took me by surprise. Thank you all.... Sincerely,
Marri
- Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 22:11:43 (BST) Thanks Ann, Jo and Mildred, that's what I call teamwork! May I offer the website http://www.digiserve.com/peter/kipling2.htm which has the full poem on it, together with some social comment which is quite interesting. That poem refers to the south east of England, but might just as easily refer to the Cornwall of Jamaica Inn! Best Wishes everyone.
Sam
- Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 18:01:43 (BST) Hi folks, Rudyard Kipling, (1865-1936) was the author of the poem "Smugglers". I enjoy this web site very much and I check it every day. It makes me nostalgic to visit Cornwall again.
mildred
- Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 12:25:36 (BST) Yes I agree they have gotten 'lighter' over the years. Probably because of all the incomers,,,years ago when I was growing up on Dartmoor we never had any dilution! love Jo
Jo Wilson
- Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 10:33:38 (BST) I love Jamaica Inn and I am drawn to it time and time again. It is very touristy, with fast food and a gift shop, but you can still sense the Jamaica Inn that Daphne wrote about, especially if you go there on a bleak, foggy/rainy day. At one time there was a small museum/room of Daphne du Maurier memorabilia that you could look at for no charge, and a separate Smugglers museum and the Potters Museum which both charged an entrance fee. Last year the Potters collection was sold at auction and the Smugglers museum and Daphne’s memorabilia were combined in one museum for which you pay a charge. I think anyone who is interested in Cornwall and/or Daphne du Maurier would find it worth a visit. The words of the poem “Smugglers” that Sam referred to are - Five and twenty ponies trotting through the dark, Brandy for the parson, baccy for the clerk, Laces for a lady, letters for a spy, And watch the wall my darling, while the gentlemen go by! When I was a youngster (a very long time ago) I thought this poem actually came from the novel of Jamaica Inn. Of course it doesn’t, but I don’t know who did write it. By the way, I have never found Cornish people “poker faced”; in fact I think they are both friendly and generous with their time. Having lived in the London area for some time, when I visited Cornwall I was struck by the Cornish people and their open heartedness and now that I live here I can say that I still feel the same.
Ann
- Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 09:49:24 (BST) Thanks Jo, Yeah,yeah,yeay, I too believe in ghosts. I've got my face turned to the wall as the horses go by! What IS that quotation?
Sam
- Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 23:35:23 (BST) Just been reading the 'Most Haunted' site and jamaica Inn is included,,supposed to be able to hear horses hooves on cobbles occasionally and catch snatches of conversation in what they call 'old cornish'!!! Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, October 05, 2004 at 09:38:30 (BST) Hi Tina,,,thanks for the Jamaica Inn update, I do realise that its impossible to keep all of the people happy all of the time. I too can remember the staff were 'poker faced' but I have noticed that westcountry folk are abit like that anyway. AND I AM A DEVON LASS!!!!!!!! Now when we go 'home' I often notice that the folk down there just dont smile alot. I dont think for a minute that they are meaning to be unfriendly its just how they appear. When we first moved up to Sussex my parents came to visit and my Dad was shocked at how many people smiled and spoke to him when he walked the dog or went into the pub,,,he had grown so used to westcountry ways. I still expect people around to me to be fairly reserved and tend to wonder why people up here are smiling at me! I like abit of mystery and reserve with my neighbours!! Just realised maybe its that very reserve that prompted Daphne to write about us in so much of her work!!?? Regards JO
Jo Wilson
USA - Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 17:32:01 (BST) [I see there is another Chris in addition to myself who posts here so I hope this dosnt cause any confusion.] I now have my copy of And Now to God The Father. I wanted it in connection with resarch for a talk I am preparing on Daphne's beliefs and writings regarding religion, god, death, ethics, the supernatural, etc. (like myself she was a secular Humanist, something not widely realised). I am giving the talk for the first time to the Devon Humanist Group at Exeter Library on 28 November.
Chris Clayton <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 16:51:01 (BST) Hi Jo Jamaica Inn has changed in the last few years. It has grown in size a great deal and in popularity following the TV programme 'most haunted' making an appearance there (although I didnt see it myself, a friend told me he enjoyed the programme and would probably like to visit after watching it). As you say though the eating area is a little disapointing for us Du Maurier fans. I too was expecting a lot more representation of the book, not sure what I was exactly expecting but I think they could do a lot more to improve the eating area by first of all making it a little more authentic maybe. Once inside you could be in any pub anywhere in the world couldnt you. I wish they would remove the games machines from the eating area and bar. It really spoils the atmospher I understand too that the staff must work very hard and seem to be rushed off their feet but the odd smile now and then wouldnt take up too much of their time would it. saying all that though I think its a great place, my kids love it. It is a good way to introduce younger ones to the works of Daphne with all the stories of smugglers and of course throwing in a good ol' ghost story makes it a bit of fun. I love the surrounding area of Bodmin Moor and often walk off our meal by taking a stroll round Dozmary pool just down the road. I find the food to be fairly good value for money. OK food on the menu is pretty basic but Iv never felt the need to complain yet. My family always enjoy the food there anyway. I do like what they have done with the outside play area, making it more family friendly by providing a decent, safe play area for younger visitors. I would have liked to see the Inn in its original form though. I know a lot of the building is new. A work collegue was telling me she knew the place back in the 1960's when it was just a very small place that served cups of tea and sandwiches and had a few rooms they would let out. I guess it has had to expand though, its a little gold mine for the owners I would imagine. As you say people from all over the world visit. I must admit I spend a lot of money in the giftshop there. I always leave with a huge bag of books and gifts for friends back home. In fact Iv banned my kids from coming to the gift shop with me as they make me part with so much money on gifts for themselves - kids though eh! If only we'd read the small print first lol!
tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 11:51:25 (BST) Hello All, On the subject of Jamaica Inn, has it improved inside yet? I last visited approx 6 years ago and was disappointed. The recreation of Daphne's study was fascinating but the inside eating area of the actual pub was awful and I have never wanted to go back. I can remember feeling sad because it could/should have been something special. It must attract tourists from all over the world and deserved abit more effort and money spent on it. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Friday, October 01, 2004 at 09:20:13 (BST) Hi there, Such a joy to read of your adventures in Cornwall Sam, I too love St Ives and were planning a day there during our visit in Oct. I have spent many evenings walking around St Ives Island a few years ago when family friends owned a cottage just at the back of the life boat station there. I have many happy memories of quiet calm evenings watching the sun go down and studying the wildlife such as seals and birdlife with my cousins when they were younger. Also spent a few stormy nights there getting sprayed by the sea and feeling the wind on my face - so refreshing and exciting. I also love the shopping in St Ives and the nicest pasty fillings - chick pea curry in wholemeal pastry, delicious. Marri, yes we have been to Bodmin Moor many times but never stayed on the Moors so this is a bit of an adventure for us. The kids are really looking forward to it as we have had some great times hiking in the area before. It will be great to be able to get up early in the morning and go walking over the Moors watching the sun rise. There is nothing more refreshing than to start the day with a good walk in the open, watching the sun rise as you listen to the birds waking from their sleep. I just cant wait - im counting the days. It will also be my sons birthday while we are in Cornwall. I told him he can choose a day out, anywhere he wants to go. I thought he would go for a themepark like Flambards or maybe the shires centre in Newquay but guess where he wants to go for his 9th birthday - Jamaica Inn - bless him. I must get him the video or DVD. I have read parts of the book to him and he has seen the exhibition at Jamaica Inn and he loves the story. He also loves the ice cream they serve there and the new play area outside then again so do I lol!
tina <tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, September 30, 2004 at 23:00:53 (BST) Thank you Sam for your kind words. All is back to normal here. This season has been unusually different from past seasons. These storms are keeping us with new 'running shoes' ! It means much to me to have found lovely du Maurier friends. Even though I know I live far from you all, many times I feel I am right there in England and I feel,,, at home. Thanks to all of the guestbook contibutions made, I can experience much of your Country's beauty and natural charisma. And so for this, I thank you all. Sincerely,
Marri
- Wednesday, September 29, 2004 at 05:44:08 (BST) Marri, glad you made it through too. Sam, thanks for thoughts. I live on Tybee Island, Georgia, so you might have seen us on the weather channel. They were set up here Sunday. As it is a small island, that was the social event of the weekend as we all went over to say hi. Luckily, we survived with only some beach erosion and some high winds. Hopefully the rest of the hurricane season is quiet.
Chris
- Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 14:53:39 (BST) Hello Marri, So glad to hear that you are 'weathering' these terrible storms. I hope all is well with you otherwise. I hope you are able to get back to normal living as soon as possible. Take care; I'm sure all your du Maurier friends are thinking of you. These events that we see referred to in the media seem so much more real when we know our friends are actually affected. I hope Chris that you too are able to withstand this latest storm. Keep 'hangin' in there. All the Best. (We Brits tend to be a reticent lot, saying little when we mean much, so I hope you'll read 'between the lines')
Sam
- Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 08:37:36 (BST) Hello to all, I count my blessings. Jeanne came and left without causing damage. Here in Broward, Florida , we experienced winds of 40mph., with intermittent rains. Chris, hopefully, the storm was kind to you in Georgia as well. Best wishes everyone,
Marri
- Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 07:00:09 (BST) Hi again, Sam, Just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your holiday input. Loved reading about Fowey and altho, it is a shame that things do not always go on as smooth as one would like when on holiday, we must just keep going and make the best of these things in life, don't we. Also, I did not realise that the Daphne Festival is not always a sure event. Your explanation helped me realise the importance of my getting there in the very near future...I would certainly be saddened to find out it is not on, just when I would be ready to join the festivities. A definate point to keep in mind. All in all, you do have wonderful memories to sustain you til the next visit there. Take care everyone,
Marri
- Saturday, September 25, 2004 at 02:49:26 (BST) Hi everyone, I appreciate all the weather info you all were able to write with regards to your weather there. Tina, I must sadly write that even now, the thunderstorms can be heard in the background, and once again we have another hurricane expecting to come visit us this weekend. With a nice name as Jeanne, the chaos it does cause is a sight to behold. There are long gas lines, grocery shelves are looking rather empty, and once again, we must put up our shutters. And wait,,,it is the waiting that is a bit diffucult to endure. It is wonderful to read that you have the chance to visit Cornwall again. Is this your first time on visiting Bodmin Moor? Perhaps we can chat on the Manderley Spirit Site after you return from your holiday. I look forward to viewing the pictures posted on the site, and on reading about your holiday adventures in Cornwall. Don't forget to include the weather and it's behavior ! Take care everyone, Hopefully, I will have p.c. access and can keep up with you all.
Marri
- Saturday, September 25, 2004 at 02:00:48 (BST) Melanie, thanks for the info on Borderline Case. Will now track down copy. Like Marri, here in Savannah, Georgia, we have been dodging/watching storms this season and now have Jeanne staring us down. Luckily, all family in Florida have survived with minimal damage.
Chris
- Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 22:16:31 (BST) To Chris, I hope you are pleased with your copy of "And Now to God the Father" when it arrives. I agree the Newspaper/British Library's charges are expensive, but they do send very good and well packaged copies. Also if you don't have sufficient detail to place an order and it is not possible for you to get to the library in person, they have a list of researchers who will go to the library on your behalf. There is a charge for this but it can be very useful. Like Sam and Melanie, I am really glad that Restormel Borough Council has confirmed that the du Maurier Festival will take place in May 2005, it is such a wonderful occasion for all us du Maurier people. Last but not least, in fact most important of all, I enjoyed reading your latest piece Sam. We had such a lovely time while you were here last week and we miss you very much....I'm looking forward to the next time you are sat beside me talking books in Bookends, our next meal at the Globe and our next drink in the Safe Harbour.
Ann
- Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 21:31:21 (BST) Thanks Ann for the info on And Now to God the Father, Daphne's first published story, published in The Bystander. I have ordered a photo copy from the Britiush Library as advised, an efficient but a bit expensive service.
CHRIS CLAYTON <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 19:20:51 (BST) Hi Sam It's good news that the festival is on. I hadn't realised how touch and go this was. I would be heartbroken if the festival wasn't on as I enjoyed it so much this year. Cheers
Melanie
- Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 19:08:26 (BST) Dear Sam,,,no not too long at all,,,how kind of you to take the time to give the rest of us a taste of Cornwall. Reading through your posting I could almost taste the sea air and imagined myself sat in Fowey looking out over the view towards Ferryside. Had a bit of a chuckle imagining you with a marrow strapped to your back, getting strange looks from fellow train travellers!!!! Thanks again for the taste of Cornwall. love Jo
Jo Wilson
- Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 12:44:21 (BST) Hello everyone, Yes I am back from Cornwall, where I had a lovely holiday; a ‘top up’ ‘to see me through the winter months. The weather was mixed, but I can’t honestly say I was unduly bothered. When I could not be outside, I was fortunate to be able to spend time with friends, indoors. We did not have the extreme weather that you have had to endure, Marri, but August was pretty wet really. The trouble was that last summer (2003) was exceptionally good, and has maybe given us unrealistic expectations. Ann and David at Bookends of Fowey were very kind and let me spend time in their lovely bookshop, discussing, inevitably, books, and ‘putting the world to rights’ sotto voce so as not to disturb the browsers. I do like being greeted in the streets by locals; it makes me feel very at home, which is a good feeling. I hear that the du Maurier Festival next May is ‘on’, Restormel Council (bless ‘em) have given it the go ahead, so that’s a relief. The Festival loses money every year, no matter how popular it is, and is understandably a matter for concern. What is less easily quantifiable is the amount of peripheral income that is generated in the area. I’m sure the Festival’s effect on local tourism will not be overlooked. I think that if the organisers could find a source of suitable marquees for the events etc, that didn't cost the phenominal sums that they do, I guess that the situation would be eased a lot. I wonder if lovely Richard Branson who I so admire, reads Daphne du Maurier..... The holiday wasn’t without problems, leaving my wallet (with all my ‘cards’) behind was exciting to say the least; without the invaluable help of my pal Colin back at home I’d have been in a serious pickle (at considerable sacrifice to himself!). Then on my second day I went down with a heavy cold, which was not very handy; and too I managed to get on a wrong bus in Truro, my fault of course, but not helped by ‘helpful’ locals, including the driver; I don't know what he was thinking about, giving me diametrically opposite advice to the truth.! But on balance it was a good holiday, and I had some lovely stress free days in Fowey, in Safe Harbour, with Ann and Dave, sitting by the river at the Galleon and the Old Ferry inns, and seeing the sights. A friend fetched me over to an exhibition in Truro Museum, called Desiteratum, by local Cornish artist Nicolas Williams which was amazing; his command of texture (fabric, leather etc) is unbelievable, I can’t recommend it enough,we went to Tresillick Gardens, and came back to Fowey via the King Harry Ferry (a first for me): and on to the Roseland peninsula We had already had a trip to St Ives, where the wind blew a gale, but couldn’t spoil our enjoyment of that lovely place. I bought a couple of John Miller prints there; I love his work, so spare, so simple, and yet so absorbing. I find myself being ‘pulled in’ to his seascapes. I had read his obituary in the Times some time ago, and he sounded to be a really lovely human being, he was obviously much loved. Now I’m back at home, facing winter with as much aplomb as I can muster; I’ve masses to do, but I do face the loss of light (and cold- I dont do 'slippery) with trepidation, but hang grimly on, clutching my memories to me, of summer days, of sunlight on water, of trees in full Spring ‘fig’, of may blossom and lilac, and all the other parade of natural delights. Keep ‘hanging in there’ everyone; after my dirge I’ve just noticed that the rain has stopped and the sun has come out. Please disregard some of the above (echoes of Alan Sherman and Ponchielli!) Oh, and thanks Roger at Safe Harbour, for the onions and green beans grown in your garden; I was sorry to have to decline the vegetable marrow; the idea of trying to get it home to Scunthorpe on the train, strapped to my luggage, completely defeated me! That’s it about Fowey, everybody is just SO NICE! Bless ‘em all. Best wishes. Hope this epistle aint too long everyone.
Sam
- Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 09:23:58 (BST) Hi Marri, Hope the storms have passed over now and didnt cause you too much distress. Here in the UK we have been seeing pictures on the news of the problems caused by the storm. Glad to see your back on line anyhow. Weather in the UK hasnt been so good either. Dark mornings, rather wet and windy. I had to switch my central heating on yesterday, winter seems to be arriving early this year. Hows things in Cornwall Sam? In 4 weeks time im off to Cornwall again. This time were staying on Bodmin Moor. There is an old manor house converted into appartments just on the edge of the Moors - were hiring a villa in the grounds of the house for the week. Im looking forward to some nice crisp Autumn walks through the woodland on the Moors. Golitha Falls is such a pretty place. Were taking the bikes too so I hope to get to cycle the Cardinham woods cycle track - another one of my favourite places. Just hope the weather improves, Ill be packing my waterproofs and buying myself some of those trendy wellies with bright pink and orange psycadelic prints on them lol! How was your holiday Sam - are you back yet?
Tina
- Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 21:50:56 (BST) Hi Chris I presume you are referring to a story called a 'Border-line Case' in the anthology 'Not After Midnight'. A girl falls in love with the man who turns out not only to be her real father but an IRA terrorist. Cheers
Melanie
- Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 16:41:12 (BST) Actually, I had a question not comment. Many years ago, read short story about Ireland and IRA terrorist type. Can anyone provide name of short story and/or book it is collected in? Thanks. Feel free to email me.
Chris <typeechris1@bellsouth.net>
- Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 21:58:31 (BST) Hi everyone, It's been a while since I have had the chance to get to visit our site; Unfortunately, due to these wicked hurricanes and storms we have been experiencing. It has been a touch and go situation with them here. We have had to board up our homes, which also includes protecting items inside the house. The bigger items...computers, t.v's, and such, are disconnected and put away in a safe area til the storm passes. I was wondering about the weather there in England. Any better than ours here? Especially, the areas more familiar to me, such as the Midlands, Sussex, and Cornwall areas. Can anyone tell me how the weather pattern over in England been treating you all? Take care everyone Sincerely,
Marri
- Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 20:08:16 (BST) Hi Sam,,hope holiday is going/has gone well. What did you get up to? Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 16:55:33 (BST) Hello everyone. I have the answer to the question about Daphne du Maurier’s short stories “And Now to God the Father” and “Angels and Archangels”. They are two different short stories although they do both begin with the same phrase...’The Reverend James Hollaway, Vicar of St. Swithin’s, Upper Chesham Street,’... Both stories appear in the book “Early Stories” which was only published in the UK. Most of the early stories were included in the US edition of “The Rebecca Notebook and Other Memories”, but not in the UK edition. However, “And Now to God the Father” is not in that book although “Angels and Archangels” is. “Angels and Archangels” also appears in “The Rendezvous and Other Stories”. I cannot find “And Now to God the Father in any other book of du Maurier short stories, but, as far as I am aware, it was the first story that Daphne had published and that was in the Bystander Magazine dated 15th May 1929 pages 368 - 372. It is possible to obtain a photocopy of the article from the Newspaper Library, which is part of the British Library, and is based at Colindale. You can either go there or contact them by phone or through the internet. I have my copy in front of me and if you give them the exact information that I have given you here, there should not be any difficulty. Copies of “Early Stories” and scarce and sought after now, so if you just want a copy of that specific short story, the Newspaper Library is probably the easiest solution. I hope this has been of help. Best wishes, Ann.
Ann <awillmore@btconnect.com>
- Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 11:02:12 (BST) Can anyone give me info on Daphne's first published short story 'And Now to God the Father'?Is it by any chance the same story as 'Angels and Archangels'. If not, how can I locate a copy of the story?
Chris (clayto) <clayto3h@btinternet.com>
- Sunday, September 12, 2004 at 16:41:17 (BST) Thanks for your kind comments Mildred, and for the information. Actually you have rather taken the wind out of my sails, because the Ethel Barrymore I so admire was not born a Barrymore at all, and the young lady with whome Gerald was involved, was not the wonderful older actress who I remember, apparently. Heigho! Best Wishes everybody
Sam
- Tuesday, September 07, 2004 at 16:31:55 (BST) Hi Sam, So glad to hear you are returning to Fowey soon. Hope your knee is better and you can climb the steep hills. Please give my best regards to Peter and Penny at the Safe Harbour. According to Katz Film Encyclopedia Ethel Barrymore was born Ethel Mae Blythe in 1879.
Mildred Upton <millie@emeraldis.com>
- Tuesday, September 07, 2004 at 15:37:51 (BST) Thanks a lot for your kind thoughts Tina and Jo, and hello everyone. Your idea of slaloming down Tina, made me giggle, and I wonder if I'll get the chance to try it; sounds very undignified for a person of my 'mature' years. Still, whats that great poem about the old lady who is 'going to wear purple', or whatever---. I'm greatly enjoying Daphne's biography of her dad; she obviously loved him deeply. Does anyone know if I'm right to gather that Daphne's name came possibly from Ethel,Daphne, Barrymore, with whom Gerald was involved when the old Queen Victoria was still on the throne; apparently their paths crossed when Barrymore as a young actress worked on the London stage. Ethel Barrymore, scion of an American acting family, has long been a favourite of mine, she was in 'A Portrait of Jenny', and 'Non but the Lonely Heart' etc. Her voice, and strong persona, I greatly admire, although, as a young actress she may have seemed very different. Daphne's comments on Gerald's stage productions, and his love and regret for his older brother Guy, are very poignant,as is his love of his family. Her frequent use of the term 'little', referring to little pleasures, little joys etc was no doubt current then but it irritates now, much as the term 'bless' does, used in a context that is the opposite of what it says! Time is running out before I go to lovely Cornwall; I'll write more later. It might be a good idea to rest my knee, while I scribble at Fowey Library (before heading for the Galleon), so WATCH THIS SPACE. Best Wishes everyone!
Sam
- Tuesday, September 07, 2004 at 00:07:45 (BST) Have a great time Sam. I too have dodgy knees - too many step aerobics classes in the past. Wear 'n' tear the doc says. I have no problem going up the hills its coming down that hurts most, I have to sort of go down sideways much to the amusment of my kids. Really steep grassy hills are great cause I just sit down and go wwwwweeeeeeee! right to the bottom. Say hi to a few trees for me Sam. My other half and son are huge Tolkien fans. We all get draged along to the Tolkien festival every year - mind you we only live down the road from Mosley Bog - not the same as Fowey is it. Have fun everyone and make the most of this wonderful weather were having right now.
tina
- Monday, September 06, 2004 at 21:19:52 (BST) Dear Sam,,,hope you have fun and that the weather is kind, regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Sunday, September 05, 2004 at 08:53:38 (BST) Hello everybody, I hope you are all tiketyboo; I am apart from a knee I damaged whilst gardening. I wonder how I'll get on with the steep slopes in Fowey! I am going down to Cornwall a week today, Thursday, on the train (first time in years- 'will I get there'-place your bets now), staying initially with a friend in Newlyn East, near Newquay, then after the weekend I am moving back to Fowey-yippeee! Ann at Bookends suggests that my dickey knee will be best served by being propped up on a beer crate as I lounge outside the Galleon, a suggestion I may find hard to resist if the weather is kind. The sun is shining brilliantly here in Scunthorpe this morning,so I'm hoping to do as many chores as I can out among my flowers. I too must confess,without shame, that I have been known, frquently to pat a tree,and speak wordlessly to it, offering my love and admiration for it's beauty; there is something very special about trees. Tolkien knew what he was about, having the Elves 'wake trees up'. All the talk of the moors is interesting, reminds me that I've just read another Micheal Jecks medieval whodunit, The Sticklepath Strangler, which referred frequently to the almost tangible malignancy of the moors, so you gels mind what your doin' there! Mind you with respects to Michael Jecks, who took part in a very enjoyable event at the festival in May, I do approach his books with trepidation, given the dearth of laughs therein! Checking my spelling of 'dearth', I see it too is from middle english, so it's use is appropriate regarding a medieval murder- interesting (but stupid) Best Wishes everyone.
Sam
- Thursday, September 02, 2004 at 08:56:55 (BST) Dear Melanie, On Dartmoor the bogs are not signposted but if you happen to be riding a Dartmoor pony they 'help' you find your way. They instinctively know where they shouldn't tread. I have been cantering along and the pony has come to a very abrupt stop at the edge of a boggy patch that I hadn't noticed. On another subject, the Branwell Bronte biography is great isnt it? My favourite authors are D du M and the Brontes,,,so to have one writing about the brother of the others is fascinating for me! regards Jo
Jo Wilson
USA - Wednesday, September 01, 2004 at 19:31:40 (BST) Everyone's talk about the moors chimes in with what I am reading about at the moment. I have just read Jamaica Inn, Vanishing Cornwall and the Branwell Bronte biography. These works are full of Daphne's thoughts about the Bodmin and Yorkshire moors. However, if you have never been to Bodmin Moor like myself, Jamaica Inn and Vanishing Cornwall leave you with the romantic notion that it is quite easy to lose your way and sink into the bogs never to be seen again. Presumably there are carefully signed footpaths these days to prevent you from doing this ?! On my last trip to Cornwall - I drove over Dartmoor on my way to Fowey and a dense impassable fog descended. I had to stay overnight at Tavistock with only a 45 minute drive to go !
Melanie
- Wednesday, September 01, 2004 at 17:09:59 (BST) By the way, are you on holiday right now Sam? Just thought id let you know how much im enjoying Castle Dor. The only thing I have problems with is all the bits in French. Never paid attention in French at school.
tina
- Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 22:07:55 (BST) Hi Jo, Iv never met anyone else who feels the same as I do about the moors. I love Dartmoor too. I just love Stone circles and really huge old trees. You will think im really mad, but I have a favourite tree on Golitha falls, its huge and stands just between two forks of the river. Its branches are huge and they sort of reach out to you. Every year I go and give it a hug - my kids and partner think im really crazy, but theres nothing wrong in that is there lol! Here in the Midlands we have some beautiful parks and woods but its just not the same as feeling totally lost on the moors and so at one with the earth. I love nice gardens too, but thats the work of man, nature is a wonderful work of art isnt it. It can be left to grow wild yet still look beautiful and welcoming. Have you ever climbed Stowes hill and seen Cheesewring on Bodmin moor? Lol! I gave that a hug too. tina
Tina
- Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 22:01:51 (BST) Dear Tina,,,sounds wonderful I know exactly what you mean about the wildness of the moors. I grew up riding ponies around Dartmoor and never tired of the bleakness and wildness, I've always loved that feeling of being totally on my own with nature at its most raw. Another thing about Dartmoor I love is the feeling that I am somwhere that stoneage man walked, somewhere that has hardly changed (few less trees I think because Dartmoor was forested then) I can touch a stone circle or remains of a stone hut and know that so long ago it was touched by someone from a different world. I havent spent much time exporing Bodmin moor but hope it is everything you wish it to be. regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 21:58:57 (BST) Hi Jo, Never tried one of those talking books, not quite sure it would work for me either. Well Iv not long got back from the travel agents. Booked a week in Oct in a place called St Tudy near Bodmin moor. Anyone know of it? Darren wasnt so sure about staying so close to the moors as he is concenrned about the weather being damp and wet at that time of year. I think it will be a lovely Autumnal way of saying goodbye to the summer. He dosnt quite see the beauty, mystery and wildness of those moors that I love so much. I just love all the space to roam around, the woods so full of tiny eyes watching as we go walking through in the hope of us seeing wild rabbits, birds, etc and I love the lakes too and all those mysterious stones, im hoping to try out a few more cycle routes in Bodmin as we didnt get to do the Cardinham woods route last visit due to weather. Oh well looking forward to my next visit to Cornwall, the last one of this year too. Anyway just started reading Castle Dor. Finished part one today and im enjoying it so far. This may sound strange but how does one pronouce the name Iseult? could someone let me know please?
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 20:55:08 (BST) No it's no good,,,I've tried the talking book and it's just not the same as the voice of my own imagination (does that make sense to any of you?) Its like when a favourite novel is turned into a rather poor film. regards Jo
jo wilson
- Friday, August 27, 2004 at 22:30:55 (BST) Dear All,, my mother in law has given me a 'talking book' of my cousin Rachel. Its read by Mel Gibson!!!! How weird a choice of reader that seems! Obviously I have read the book so it will be quite interesting to now be able to listen to Mel Gibson reading it. Will let you know how I get on ( if I can stay awake because I have a feeling it will be like being read to at bedtime during childhood) Hope it has dried up abit down there in Cornwall,,,very wet up here in Sussex. regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 20:40:58 (BST) Hi Tina, glad to see you back, and in finding out the weather was perfect for your holiday in Cornwall. It will be great to see your pictures of the sites visited there. What strange weather we are getting here in Florida......just raining and more rains to be expected......unusual for us. Hope that over there in the midlands, the weather is more favorable. Regards to all,
Marri
- Sunday, August 22, 2004 at 23:12:15 (BST) Hi there, Returned home from Cornwall early yesterday evening - too early to be honest, I could do with another week there before I return to school in a week from now. Very sad to hear about Boscastle, it is a favourite place of ours, my family and I have enjoyed many sunny afternoons sitting by the stream, eating ice-creams then walking along the cliffs watching the boats with the gulls diving after the fish on them. It all seemed to happen so suddenly. We were out cycling on the Camel trail on the day of the storms and the weather was just perfect, it was a beautiful summer day. It was only when we got back in the car that we heard about the storms that hit Boscastle - we were all saddned by the news. I must say the Witchcraft museum was a fantastic display that we all enjoyed on a previous visit, it is part of our history and will be sadly missed as it was a fantastic collection of artifacts and interesting information. I do hope Boscastle will remain a strong community and recover quickly. Anyway I had a lovely holiday despite the weather and will be posting pics on my site as soon as I get a moment. It was great to see Anne again and good to finaly meet David from Bookends. by the way Anne - Hannah loves her mermaid book and wants to visit Zennor to look for her next time we come to Cornwall.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, August 22, 2004 at 19:47:45 (BST) Hello all, I am sorry to hear about the weather situation affecting you; hopefully, not everyone is being terribly hit by these stormy conditions I can certainly relate to the weather, as here in Florida USA, we were recently hit by hurricane Charlie. (We name our hurricanes to keep better track of them ) This happens to be hurricane season, so we never know where one might actually land, since they can turn around at any given point. This time, it struck Orlando. Perhaps you all might have heard about it. Anyway, on to a better subject, and one of my favorites, as it pertains to my favorite author du Maurier, of course. Upon reading Sam's latest input here,,I must agree with you Sam, the followup sequel to Daphne's, Rebecca, novel written by Susan Hill, was a worth reading continuation story. Who would have thought? The story continues where Rebecca's ends...and the ending was absolutely, just 'right' As I previously wrote,,, one does believe it could have been written by du Maurier herself... Truly odd, as I have not found any other author to be able to absorb the reader with the technique that only (in my opinion) Daphne was able to accomplish in doing. But, must say again as per my June input, I am a bit prejudiced when it pertains to the fabulous writing of Daphne.
Marri
- Sunday, August 22, 2004 at 07:07:43 (BST) Boscastle certainly seems to have had a rough tine; one feels so helpless. I hope things soon improve there, though I suspect it will be long before they forget the disaster. I hope Regatta Week is not spoiled by the appalling weather we seem to be all suffering at the moment. Here in North Lincs we keep having 'splash down' showers, there appears to be another one brewing at the moment! After all I've said about books that attempt to continue existing stories, I feel I shall have to eat my words regarding 'Mrs de Winter', by Susan Hill. I went to it with no great expectations, having been disappointed so far with most follow ups by other authors, but was immensely pleased and surprised to find what I thought was a first rate effort. The writing was spare, and the story seemed to take up the ending of 'Rebecca' and continued in a way that seemed probable. There was too the same sense of impending trouble that infuses Daphne's books. I've no wish to spoil it for those who might yet 'give it a try', but I found it very moving, in many places and immensely worthwhile. I have to confess to wanting to slap Mrs dW on more than one occasion, but that's maybe a measure of my ‘involvement’, and the ending seemed just 'right'. In every sense. The highest praise I can offer, in my humble opinion (maybe not so humble if I'm regretfully honest), is that for long swathes of time I was forgetting that I wasn't reading Daphne. Best Wishes everybody.
sam
- Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at 09:36:22 (BST) As a follow up to the 'No Motive' discussion - this story was also published in Ladies' Home Journal - January 1953. I only know this because I was looking for second hand du Maurier books on the internet and this popped up as one of the search options -so I decided to buy it.
Melanie
- Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at 19:22:21 (BST) I was quite shocked about the news from Boscastle too. I went there on my holiday in July on a blissfully sunny day. I have also seen Boscastle recently on A Seaside Parish. The female vicar decided to go round the witchcraft museum on the programme I saw - which was coincidentally odd as I was intrigued by the museum but decided not to go round it. Watching the programme I got to see it anyway.
Melanie
- Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at 19:17:07 (BST) Dear All, hope none of you live on the north coast of Cornwall, I have been watching the devastation caused by flash floods on the tv news tonight. Poor, beautiful Boscastle has been hit badly and the scenes of total chaos are almost beyond belief. Boscastle is one of my familys favourite places to visit and we are in shock. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at 00:02:03 (BST) Hi Sam, According to Daphne's biography by Margaret Forster, she sailed on the Queen Mary for her first trip to the United States in 1947. In 1948 she went by air and perhaps several times more. The book noted that she went to Harrod's to shop before her first trip. Have a wonderful day!
Mildred
- Monday, August 16, 2004 at 20:19:44 (BST) Hello all, just back from a couple of days away, Cornwall looking as beautiful as ever especially during the thunder storms! Only thing is as I get older I'm sure the distance to drive there from Sussex is s t r e t c h i n g !!!! regards Jo
Jo Wilson
- Sunday, August 15, 2004 at 09:32:59 (BST) Hi everyone, and especially Ann and David, I hope Regatta Week goes well, and without major problems. I think it might be too extovert for grumpy old me, but I do hope everyone has a good time. Are the Red Arrows coming again this year. I bet they really are a fine sight, zooming up the Fowey valley; incredible! I wonder if they waggle their wings (or whatever) as they pass over Ferryside! I gather Daphne loved speed, so she might have loved the Red Arrows too. I wonder if she got to fly to the States for her trips, or did she do the journey (complete with trunks) on the Queen Elizabeth (or Mary), and wearing all those smashing cloths one sees in films from the forties. Needless to say I'm listening as I write to my Saturday evening favourite "Classic Fm at the Movies". Tonight the featured music man is Jerry Goldsmith, and he really was great. Best Wishes all, oh and the day continues hot and sunny here in North Lincolnshire too, so there, Fowey.
Sam
- Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 19:27:32 (BST) Thank you very much for your quick answers, Ann and Mildred! It seems that there are several kinds of books which include the story. Anyway I'm very glad to know that many people are interested not only in du Maurier's novels but also in her short stories. Rei
Rei
- Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 15:34:01 (BST) Hello, The story "No Motive" by Daphne is also in "Kiss Me Again Stranger". This one also includes "The Birds" and "The Apple Tree".
Mildred
- Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 13:49:28 (BST) Hello, just a quick note to say that the short story "No Motive" is in Daphne du Maurier's book "The Rendezvous and Other Stories" and for everyone who loves Fowey it is a beautiful hot and sunny day here today with more and more people arriving for Regatta week, so lets hope the sunshine continues.
Ann
- Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 11:53:41 (BST) I have read 'No Motive', one of du Maurier's short stories, in a certain book. The book says the short stroy is from "the Apple Tree"( or 'Don't Look Now and Other Stories'?) but I can't find it there. Does anyone know the origin? I like the story very much. Dramatic and full of pathos!
Rei
- Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 03:46:36 (BST) Tina, Ann & I only work from Sunday to Thursday, Joy our able assistant does Fridays and Saturdays for us. Pop in if you can. Have a safe journey down ( it sounds as if you need a camel with all your luggage)
David
- Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 22:40:49 (BST) Everyone talking about going to Cornwall is making me very jealous - and I have only been back from there myself for 4 weeks. I won't get to Fowey again until the next Daphne du Maurier festival. Well not unless I take a minor detour when I go on another study trip to look at the Du Maurier archives in Exeter University.
Melanie
- Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 17:10:59 (BST) Well Sam if your not going to tell then we can only use our imaginations cant we lol! See you sometime next week Anne and Dave. Am I right in saying you are not in the shop on Fridays? or was it Mondays? Id like to pop in and say hello. Better get on with more packing - as my kids get bigger their luggage gets bigger too. We will be putting a lot of pressure on our little Astra this visit with an extra suitcase in the back and 4 bikes tied on to the car. I was looking at the Camel trail on the internet the other day and I must say, I cant wait to get there. It looks beautiful. I hope we get to see some of the wildlife along the way that the site mentioned.
tina
- Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 15:17:48 (BST) Hi Sam, I hope your train trip to Fowey will be as good as ours was in May; however it was a long trip from London and I'm sure much further from your home. Please give my regards to Peter and Penny at the Safe Harbour. Mildred U.
Mildred Upton <millie>
- Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 13:19:58 (BST) Sorry Sam It should read Varco's Corner, its the Junction of Lostwithiel Street and Esplanade. Where you get the bus to St Austell.
David
- Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 07:14:49 (BST) PS, Where Dave, is Vargo's Corner; thought at first it was something from Lord of the Rings?
Sam
- Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at 00:00:19 (BST) 'Lo everyone. Tina I stayed for a fortnight in Looe a few years back (before my obsession with Fowey became total- think of the guy in House on the Strand!) and it was really good. With two friends we had a three bedroom flat, over a breadshop, just near the bridge. The holiday was memorable because I fell out very seriously with one of the others early on; and spent the rest of the hol trying to overlook it!) Fortunately another pal joined us halfway through, and I was able to travel back north with him; feather boa at a VERY defiant angle. Thanks for your kind (!) comments Dave, I look forrard to responding quite soon! Sorry Jo, I daren't be more explicit at this point (to quote my darlin' Lizzie Bennett) Coming down on the train is going to be quite an adventure, not least because as I age, packing becomes increasingly complicated. Wish I could have a trunk, similar to those in the old black and white films from the twenies, thirties and forties.
Sam
- Monday, August 09, 2004 at 23:57:28 (BST) Hi everybody, Glad to hear you are sorted out with your sleeping venues Sam and not having to sleep on the bench at Vargo's corner again! Pete told me you had rang last night when I draged myself up to the "Safe", You will be fine at the "Globe" Sam, Ann's Auntie who is 84 yrs old (not saying you are old or anything Sam)stayed there in July for a week and had a great time, we have ate there quite a bit, Ali. Jenny & Steve will look after you. We will be here that week so we look forward to seeing you. Also Tina we look forward to seeing you and your family. As I type this it is as black as "Newgate's Knocker" out side after a realy hot sunny day which was a suprise after yesterday when it rained all day. Hope you all have safe journeys down here, see you soon.
David
- Monday, August 09, 2004 at 21:23:36 (BST) SAM,,,well of course my mind is boggling now! Jo
Jo Wilson
- Monday, August 09, 2004 at 00:29:21 (BST) I rang Fowey this morning Tina, and Pete can fit me in at Safe Harbour OK, apart from the Friday; that night I'm at the Globe, which I remember John saying provided him with an excellent evening meal in May. Over the years we Festivalites have sometimes had to adopt a rather gypsy attitude regarding where we lay our weary heads, so there is nothing new in that; indeed one particular incident leaves me still blushing with (not quite) embarrassment; no don’t ask Jo! I've eaten at the Globe a couple of times already and it is very good. While I’m staying with Sue, she and I are hoping to do some walking along the Wadebridge coast, so I hope it works out. While in Fowey I hope to wander around the town in a very leisurely, and hopefully sedate manner, calling at my favourite hostelries, “with 'emphatically NOT 'monotonous regularity", not to mention plaguing Ann and Dave and Tilly at Bookends, if they are there. Hopefully too I'll use poblic transport to have a trip or two; not having my car with me is not too bad really, in the event one sees more over the stone walls and high hedges from a bus! Its seriously hot here in North Lincolnshire, and I seem to be permanently thirsty! All the best everyone.
Sam
- Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 20:37:50 (BST) Thanks Sam, We are all so looking forward to Saturday when we shall be driving down to Cornwall. We are staying in Looe this time, just near Polperro. I remember taking a lovely walk down there with my son a few years ago. We walked from Polperro to Talland bay. Quite a way for a 6 year old it was. Well Looe isnt so far away from Fowey so we will be spending a day down there, will pop in to Bookends to say hello. I am hoping to see Frenchmans creek, cycle the camel trail and go hiking over the moors again, stopping off for dinner at Jamaica Inn no doubt. Well I hope you manage to sort yourself out with accomodation for your extended stay in September - a nice time of the year to visit Cornwall. We will probably be down there again Oct half term - see im already planning my next visit before starting this one. Just hope the weather stays good for us next week, its very hot in the midlands right now. I have just come back from a bike ride so im tired out and sunburnt. Enjoy the sunshine everyone.
Tina
- Sunday, August 08, 2004 at 18:32:20 (BST) Just realised, rereading, that I'm only booked till the 15th, that's why I'll have to ring Safe for a stay of execution, or eviction or something. Stupid boy! Sorreee!
Sam
- Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 08:29:13 (BST) Hello Tina, I can't help you with your queries re either books or picture; I just wanted to wish you Happy Holiday. Mention of a picture always sets me thinking of a portrait of a young, charismatic Daphne and her sisters which sounds very special. I think postcard copies are available in the du Maurier Shop. I hope and expect that like me; just being in Fowey is wonderful for you. I hear all the stuff in the papers about flying and it all passes me by! Like you, I'm down there again in about a month's time and counting. I'm staying with my nursie nursie friend Sue in Newlyn East near Newquay for a few days (hoping for some good walking- if my strained ligament comes good in the meantime) then at Safe Harbour in Fowey from the night of Monday 13th to the 18th, and then for as long as I can find a doorway to sleep in! I must ring Safe to see if I can 'extend'. I've been pushed out of my job as a 'Relief Librarian', because of my age, so I've no need to rush back up north until the 20th, when my rail return ticket becomes insistent. I’m using the train this time, to see if it’s as awful as the papers suggest, and too to see if it is feasible to avoid a long, tiring drive. I remember trains in the old days, when carriages had compartments for 6 or 8 people, with pictures of ‘the Monarch of the glen’ up on the wall. Heigho, if there’s noise now at one end of a compartment, we all suffer! Political correctness hasn’t convinced me that everything from the ‘good old days’ must now be despised. Cheers everyone.
Sam
- Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 08:24:51 (BST) Thanks for that Melanie, I will look up these books as they sound like a real good read. Any information on the painting anyone? Sam you are reading one of my faves 'the loving spirit'. Loved it so much I just had to take a trip over to Polruan to see the area for myself, it really bought it to life for me. The ruins and the boatyard. Such a fantastic insight into the history of a truly beautiful part of the world which I cant wait till I get back too very soon (9 days, still counting and not packed a thing yet but shopping for the trip tomorrow)
tina
- Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 20:31:54 (BST) Hello everyone, Thanks for the comment re Castle Dor, Melanie. I'd a suspicion that the reading might prove easier once Daphne took over. 'Q' wrote in a typically victorian style, understandably, but it has been the same for me with Dickens; brilliant stories, buried under layers of purple prose, taking a page to say what could be said in a few lines. I don't denigrate writers because I cant read them though, they wrote in the style of the day, and things have moved on! Curiously, however, Jane Austen seems as fresh as ever today; but then she was writing BEFORE the poor old victorians evolved as they did! I'm to the fourth section of 'The Loving Spirit' for the first time in donkey's years (loving it!)- more later.Best Wishes.
Sam
- Thursday, August 05, 2004 at 08:46:24 (BST) Have just found this great website for Du Maurier fanatics! I don't claim to be such but have a copy of Classics of the Macabre which is signed by both author and illustrator, I think as part of a limited edition run as it is boxed and gold leafed. Anyone give me more info about the book?
Lynn Boyns
- Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 21:02:35 (BST) Hi Tina, Daphne's grandfather George wrote 3 novels - Peter Ibbetson, Trilby and the Martian. Peter Ibbetson is about 'Dreaming True' - a man in prison finds that he can visit places from his past in his sleep - accompanied by a friend that he used to know in childhood. Trilby is about Svengali's magnetic hold over Trilby whom he turns into a famous opera singer. Trilby has no knowledge of this as she is in a trance like state when she gives her concerts. The Martian is about a being from Mars who makes telepathic contact with the hero of the novel and is born into the world as his daughter. All the novels are about invisible mind influence of one form or another - I guess this tapped into the Victorian interest in mesmerism and seances. The novels all contain some element of autobiography too.
melanie
- Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 18:52:34 (BST) Hi All, not sure that anyone answered Rose's question about where Daphne took over in Castle Dor. The best information I have on this so far is from Margaret Forster's biography - Daphne du Maurier. In this she says that Daphne took over in ChXVII (17) but had added some dialogue earlier. I am not sure if this fitted in with Rose's guess. Unfortunately I have not read it so can't comment properly. However a friend of mine said that she felt that the descriptions etc were so much better (more real) in the latter part of Castle Dor. She felt that the first bit was more stuffy - so I guess Sam should persevere as it can only get better. My favourite Daphne du Maurier novel is The House on the Strand as she really makes the landscape come to life in two timeframes.
melanie
- Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 18:44:39 (BST) Hi there, I say it is a bit quiet isnt it. I have been doing quite a lot of reading sitting in my garden the last few days. In fact thats why I signed in today as I have a question for you all. Hear goes. At the moment im reading Treveryan by Angela Du Maurier and I have come across several referrences to works of the Du Maurier family and it got me wondering. This bit here "Have you ever read'Peter Ibbetson'?" It then goes on a few lines and says "George Du Maurier wrote it." "the man who wrote 'Trilby'?" "yes. Its the greatest love story I know. The greatest and most tragic story of lovers" Well it got me thinking and I wanted to ask if anyone had ever read these books. There is also a referrence early in the book about a Du Maurier painting. Can anyone give me more information about these referrences please? I find it really interesting to discover other works of such a talented family. I must say Treveryan is a fantastic book. Im hooked and will be looking out for more of Angela's work. By the way only 11 days to go till we get to Cornwall again. Hope this lovely sunshine lasts for us.
Tina
- Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 16:07:04 (BST) Bonjour Edouard, Au nom de mes amis peux je vous remercier de vos mots aimables au sujet du site Web ; Je pense que nous sommes heureux que vous partagez notre plaisir dans le travail de Daphne du Maurier. Je regrette que je ne sois pas compétent dans la langue française ainsi dois utiliser un traducteur également. Je note que vous n'avez pas mentionné le ` Rebecca 'jusqu'ici, et me demande si vous avez encore trouvé la plupart de livre célèbre de Daphne discutablement. Mon favori est le xStrandx de xthex de xonx de xHousex de ` ', ainsi nous sommes d'accord environ celui-là. Je suis lecture juste encore son premier roman, qui l'a rendue célèbre. C'est xSpiritx de xLovingx de xThex de ` ', et je le trouve très bon en effet. Les Meilleurs Voeux (and hello to all my other friends too!)
Sam
- Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 08:11:29 (BST) hello !!! Je suis français de la région parisienne et je viens de lire "La maison sur le rivage" et "Ma cousine Rachel". J'ai découvert à l'occasion un merveilleux écrivain et je regrette de ne pas l'avoir connu plus tôt. Je suis tres enthousiaste par cette "découverte". Pour votre site web la traduction en française est horrible !!!!! Il faudrait une version française digne de ce nom et non cet horrible charabia. merci. Bye Bye See you again Edouard COUSSOT
COUSSOT Edouard <jlcoussot@stein-heurtey.fr>
- Monday, August 02, 2004 at 09:57:35 (BST) It's very quiet on this guestbook recently,,,,I expect everyones reading in gardens, lazing in deckchairs, snoozing in hammocks, playing in the sea with children or strolling through countryside with dogs???? English summer life is wonderful when the sun shines! regards JO
Jo Wilson
- Monday, August 02, 2004 at 09:34:08 (BST) Hi everyone....I am happy to say that I made it onto our new registration site! ( with a little bit of help, that is ) Thank You John !! The registration process was a breeze now.... Regards to all,
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 23:35:55 (BST) Wey Hey! I made it. Sorry didnt realise I had to wait for approval, I must have tried using that many different passwords and usernames that I will have difficulty remembering which one to use now. Do I feel silly now or what!!!!!! Anyway, now im in I think it is a great idea to stop the junk mail. It does seem to make the site rather exclusive dosnt it. Im glad to be part of it.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 19:13:11 (BST) Now that we're up and running again, may I just try and reassure Justin that I was not denigrating anyone in my comments re Flight of the Falcon; simply trying to give an example of Daphne's worldliness. I think that a lady who wrote in the 1960's as she did was unlikely to be fazed by the stuff that has caused us such a problem. I'm sorry if I upset you Justin, but in fairness you did misunderstand me. Oh, and Flight of the Falcon is a stunning read, written at the time of the 'swingin' sixties, and using many themes that Daphne discovered in the newspapers at the time. As in my favourite novels, the tension and uncertainty is built up in her most masterly fashion. As in My Cousin Rachel, I was left uncertain about the central character, and left with my tear ducts stinging, and my little grey cells whirring. It really upsets me, Daphne being referred to as a womans writer in that dismissive, condescending manner! Another writer who used his contemporary reading to fuel his imagination was Arthur C Clark. All sorts of scientific ideas being propounded at the time finished up in his novels. I think for example, of the self replicating machines in 2010 Odyssey Two, von Neumann machines, which he discovered being investigated quite seriously by NASA scientists. All the stuff in the press now about the dangers of genetic engineering, and nanotechnology: Clarke was using the ideas to create small waste eating insects, years ago. He taught me that in imagination, nothing is impossible; it's just the nuts and bolts that take time! Bet some of the above will have put the cat amongst the pigeons! Best Wishes All
Sam
- Friday, July 23, 2004 at 21:43:55 (BST) Hi Tina Are you aware, as I was not, that theres a short delay from registering to access. The system sends you an E acknowledgement, then later another to say you've been accepted. Bit like waiting for exam results really!
Sam
- Friday, July 23, 2004 at 21:08:57 (BST) AAHHH that's better, it's like our own exclusive club now!! regards to you all JO
Jo Wilson
- Friday, July 23, 2004 at 18:54:40 (BST) Hello John, Thanks for sorting this new registration system out; it does seem necessary doesnt it, given the stuff that was appearing. I thought that I'd registered wrongly because I wasn't able to write a message immediately. I had not realized that there was a short time lapse for the registration to be validated. Seeing now how it works I guess it will be a vast improvement. Best Wishes everyone
Sam
- Friday, July 23, 2004 at 12:12:27 (BST) Well done John, Thanks for sorting out the site, we can now get back to normality!!
David
- Friday, July 23, 2004 at 11:03:10 (BST) Welcome back and apologies for the delay. I hope that the additional step of signing in is not too laborious.
John B
- Friday, July 23, 2004 at 00:24:17 (BST)Hi everyone, the weather here in North Lincolnshire is very gloomy also, on Sunday evening, as it has been for some hours, so I hope David that you won't feel discriminated against! The spam is pretty revolting, and is undesirable obviously, but I don't think we need ascribe undue horror to the situation. As you remind us David, I know John is on the case! Anyway, I doubt whether Daphne would be any more shocked than we are. She, like us I think, was a realist, without an unduly high regard for her fellow man (or woman). After all, I have started reading 'Flight of the Falcon', and before page twenty, the narrator has already rejected the flagrant advances of a gay tourist on the coach where he (the narrator) is courier. It's safe to assume that Daphne bless her, knew how the world wags, and understood it very well. That’s not to say that she may not have hoped for better, as we do. As I age I am increasingly saddened at the confusion in which the world appears to be submerged, or is it just the news hungry media misleading us, as they only pick up on unpleasantness, and ignore the more favourable aspects that exist. Best Wishes all
Sam
- Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 19:16:18 (BST) Hi Folks, I total agree with you all that we do not need the spam mail that we are getting, its bad enough getting it through our own emails, but our webmaster John is working on it, and I am sure that he will be comming up with an answer very soon. As an aside just to let you all know that the weather here in Fowey is very cloomy at the moment, even though http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=3122&links says its nice today.
David
- Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 16:06:46 (BST) I did a Victor Meldrew when I saw the xxxxx enlargement junk mail. I DON'T BELIEVE IT!! Seriously we have to do something. Daphne du Maurier would turn in her grave if she knew the wensite dedicated to her is being used for this purpose. Hao
Hao
- Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 20:39:48 (BST) Tina, I did enjoy my holiday, thank you...and so I see you are counting the days til yours ! Let's hope for the sun to give you a bit of a shine,,, Please check our webmaster's enquiry...as it pertains to your site and I believe you'd be more qualified to answer it than I. Regards to all
Marri
- Friday, July 16, 2004 at 03:10:02 (BST)Hello John, We'll have to rename you John Wayne, coming in as you are like the cavalry! Go for it friend, and many thanks. I've sent an order off this evening (on line) to Tiscali, to order nearly seventy prints of my favourite pictures taken over the last ten months or so. While its great to be able to share them on line with friends, I need hard prints to show family and friends who not 'computer literate' I imagine it's a bit like trying NOT to look down on those who had not been to the new state schools in the 1870's. Funny old world, ain't it?
Sam
- Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 23:49:31 (BST) Dear John, I have written in previously to complain about the infuriating junk mail and spam, and communicated with Sam on this matter. I totally support your proposal. Regards, Hao.
Hao Clayton <oldangels@onetel.net.uk>
- Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 22:31:51 (BST) David, I have been coming to the same conclusion. I believe that the spam problem will only get worse unless we take action. Having examined a number of proprietory guestbook scripts, which rely on IP banning, word filters, and administrator editing facilities, its probably much easier to ask our visitors to register their name, email and password to control unwanted postings. Give me a few hours to set it up. Marri - what is the URL of the manderley Spirit site? I can link to it from the 'Literary Links' page if you wish.
John B
- Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 21:47:16 (BST) Hi Marri, hope you enjoyed your holiday, glad to see you back again. Only a month to go before I set off to sunny Cornwall - im hoping its going to be sunny anyway - not so here in the midlands right now. I must say its so nice to see members from all over the world even though I dont speak many languages myself I do a bit of Urdu and a bit of british sign language which is always useful but may I take this opportunity to welcome all fans to the site. Hope you dont mind me saying but some of you may already know that I run an msn group called Manderley spirit in which members can chat online with each other. So Rose if you fancy a chat sometime online (not as good as the safe I know) please feel free to e-mail me and I can send you a link to join us. It is nice to chat together sometimes isnt it. By the way at work today I was talking to one of the girls in the office about holidays, we got talking about Cornwall then I found out she is a huge fan of Daphne too. She said she has 10 different copies of the book Rebecca and has read every one of them. It was nice to chat with another fan of Daphnes work and someone so knowledgeable of Cornwall.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 21:17:13 (BST) Hi John, Is it possible for users having some sort of password to enter the guestbook? So we don’t have to put up with all the spam which we have been getting of late.
David
- Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 20:41:32 (BST) Hi to everyone, I've been away on holiday, however, I feel another one is needed just to recuperate from this one! To answer Rose's question....my spanish input is because I am of spanish origin... and as Sam adeptly added, it would be discourteous to ignore messages...especially more so for me, as in this case I can answer. LOL! Regards
Marri
- Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 06:03:30 (BST) I'd be lost without the 'Babel' translator, but it seems discourteous to ignore messages that appear to be kindly disposed. Best Wishes all.
sam
- Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 23:41:40 (BST) By the way, why has everyone started speaking in Spanish? I only know how to ask for a dry white wine so I don't understand the rest of the words!
Rose
- Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 18:12:10 (BST) No, Sam, I wasn't exactly teasing but reading my remarks back I can see that perhaps I didn't word it very well! What I mean is, you join in with all the discussions and help where you can and it's good to see familiar names coming up regularly with good and valid comments. So this also includes Ann & Dave (miss you both), Jo, Marri and others. Makes us feel comfortable with a good bunch of like-minded friends, don't you agree? Shame we can't actually be together to chat as often as we'd like. In the Safe Harbour perhaps! Can anyone identify the point in Castle Dor where Q finishes and Daphne takes over? I think I can but I'd be interested to know what anyone else thinks.
Rose
- Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 18:08:20 (BST) I'm pretty sure my friend Rosie is teasing me, but in case anyone might take her comments seriously I must try once again to set the record straight. As I've said before, I know less about Daphne, or anything else for that matter, than most contributors here. I am enthusiastic for our site though, as i know we all are, or we would not be here. Also, we do seem to attract friends from all aver the place dont we, which is really great. It's raining here in northern England, but I must do some work. Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 08:00:13 (BST) Sandra,,,Bienvenida ! Y me da mas alegria en ver que eres Venezolena.. donde, aun tengo yo familia. Gusto en ver que otra persona mas, disfruta de nuestro sitio.. Conoces los libros de Daphne? Saludos a Caracas...
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 02:35:39 (BST) Hello Dave (and the sainted Ann) I've just come in from Wetherspoons Dave, the wheat beer was good, but your dropping in at Safe Harbour, and very pointedly TELLING me, really does cause me to 'spit my dummie out'. Anyway I'll be there in early September, so you are designated as 'buying'- be sure your sins will find you out! Best Wishes all, especially those who have no idea what we are going on about.
Sam
- Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 23:45:26 (BST) ¿Hola Sam, no hay fin a sus talentos? ¡Usted estará hablando de Cornualles próximo! Hi Rose as well, hope you both are fine.Sam whats all this about putting "Castle Dor" away, I was talking to Ann as we drove past CD tonight that I should start reading it next as I have had a break from DdM of late just finished "The Curious Incident of the dog in the night-time" wow what a book could not put it down. Well must go, off upto the "Safe" for a quick half or three. regards to all. David
David
- Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 21:08:38 (BST) Estoy tan contento que usted goza de nuestro Web site; ¡y espero también que usted goce de los libros de Daphne tanto como lo hacemos también! Miramos adelante a oír para recuerdos pronto usted y de Caracas otra vez
Sam
- Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 20:28:35 (BST) Just read "The House on the Strand" in one sitting. What a page turner! Was completely drawn in by both worlds described in the novel. Made me want to immediately follow in Richard Young's footsteps and explore that part of Cornwall(as I have done in Exmoor after reading "Lorna Doone", and the New Forest after Rutherfurd's "The Forest"). Its clear to me how much of an influence DdM was on my favorite suspense writer Ruth Rendell.
Jeremy from L.A.
- Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 18:28:18 (BST) Sam, It seems that you are the Kingpin of this site and people are starting to think that you're in charge! Well, that would be fine with me. You definitely know your stuff and you are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the good work! Junk is infuriating, isn't it? Why do people keep doing it? They must know we don't take any notice! Thanks for the info about Don't Look Now on the telly - it's a wonderful film, beautifully done. A fantastic story. Is that Donald Sutherland in the "Money Tree" advert at the moment? Rose
Rose
- Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 16:46:40 (BST) Hi Sam, No I havent read any of Philip Boast's work but have made a note of his name and will look out for him in my library visit later today. Thanks for the tip. Jo
Jo Wilson
- Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 13:35:24 (BST) Pase por el sitio y me parecio muy bueno, saludos desde Caracas , sandra.
Sandra <sovino@mycriteria.com>
Caracas, Caracas Venezuela - Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 07:43:39 (BST) Just to say that Jill Freud & Company's production of "Don't Look Now" will be at Aldeburgh Theatre from 9 - 14 August 2004 and at Southwold Theatre from 16 - 28 August 2004. Southwold and Aldeburgh are both seaside towns along the Suffolk Heritage Coast. I won't miss the play for anything and I'm lucky enough to live near Southwold. Hao.
Hao Clayton <oldangels@onetel.net.uk>
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 23:02:14 (BST) Yes Jo, I think Daphne had a fantastic imagination that must have come from somewhere deep inside her mind. I bet she was a fantastic lady to know. I can see how she would have been so inspired by Cornwall and its beauty too. I love the way she includes such mystery in her work, the short stories are truly amazing too. I can honestly say I have never been dissapointed by her work yet. I find im hooked before finishing the first chapter of a new book. I loved dont look now, must say though I prefered reading the story than watching the film. Still it was very enjoyable to watch. Have any of her novels ever been turned into a TV drama series?
tina
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 20:32:23 (BST) Just to say your site is great :-)
Matias <final-fantasy@nospam-gmail.com>
Lima, Lima Peru - Monday, July 12, 2004 at 19:16:28 (BST) Hello Its really not for me to 'have a word' with the webmaster, Hao; there would be no website but for him. I have no more right to his ear than you have, or any of our friends who contribute. Jo, you are right I think, Daphne's imagination did work in strange and even weird ways didn't it? I 've read somewhere that she admitted as much, but that's what made her unique talent. I'm at present getting 'in to' Phillip Boast's ' The Foundling'; have you read any of his brilliantly evocative, often spooky, historical fiction. I have a confession to make! I've had to put Daphne's (and Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch) Castle Dor away for the time being. It feels too 'victorian' to me for my present mood. I may return to it sometime, but I tend to think lifes too short to waste it un necessarily! Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 19:02:25 (BST) Isn't 'Don't Look Now' wonderful? (I love it so much I bought the DVD!) Where on earth did Daphne get the inspiration for her short stories? They must have come from deep in her psyche and wasn't she brave to give all those thoughts and ideas free reign and let all of us read them? Jo (I have stopped putting my email address here because I too am swamped by junk mail,,mostly of the begging for money type) Regards Jo
jo wilson
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 13:43:41 (BST) Hi Sam, Thank you for your comments. Please do inform your webmaster and see what he can do to deal with junk mail. Kind Regards, Hao.
Hao Clayton <oldangels@onetel.net.uk>
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 12:05:14 (BST) I dont know whether junk mail can be screened out completely Hao, I haven't found a complete solution with ordinary Email, so doubt its possible here either. I'm sure our webmaster will deal with the current crop when he has time; he is a busy man, and I think travels a lot for his work, so he may not have seen this latest junk yet. I too regard it as an intrusion but dont see it as lowering the tone as you put it; after all, who COULD really diminish our Daphne? On another subject I have looked at the letters referred to on eBay by James. I love finding messages from new friends on this website, and hope you will forgive me if I've missed previous contributions. The letters are rally good arn't they James and do bring a greater depth to our perceptions maybe. The time they were written,and the language used, does highlight my pleasure in reading older books; we receive a perception of language and attitudes from that time and how words attract new meanings as language evolves. Must return to chores! Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 10:41:15 (BST) Hi Sam, I agree with what you say. However, is there some way of controlling these people using the Daphne du Maurier as an advert box for their own ends. I find it offensive and it somehow lowers the tone of du Maurier's website. Enough said. Regards, Hao
Hao Clayton <oldangels@onetel.net.uk>
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 09:00:51 (BST) Hi Hao, Although I must disclaim all knowledge of the offending item, I imagine that as 'Love is all around' - supposedly-, someone is eager to find it! Being of mature years myself, I'm most happy to leave lurv's dubious delights to others, and concentrate upon the greater attractions to be found between the covers of a good book! Ring any bells anyone. All the best. O
Sam
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 07:43:47 (BST) Hi Everyone- I listed two letters from Menabilly on eBay - you'll enjoy reading them- www.ebay.com items 2256190881 and 2256192755 best regrads, james
James Garfinkel <james@garfinkel.com>
- Monday, July 12, 2004 at 06:24:32 (BST) Hi Sam, I thought the Daphne du Maurier website is a literary site for fans of Du Maurier to put their views/comments forward. Since when has it become a dating website?
Hao <oldangels@onetel.net.uk>
- Sunday, July 11, 2004 at 23:08:56 (BST) AUTOGRAPH. Im not a dealer or anything but i happen to have a signed photo of Daphne Du Maurier which i thought would be nice to sell direct to an appreciator rather than to a dealer. it is a colour kodak snap 5 x 3.5 inches. showing the author sitting outside her home holding 2 dogs (terriers i think). The dedication says 'to mark, with best wishes, love, Daphne du Maurier 1984.' as far as i know it is unique. I had it evaluated at Frasers and they gave it a market value of 250 pounds - though i would of course negotiate a friendlier sum so it can go to a real fan. if interested please contact me at chaviboy@hotmail.com all the best mark
mark lacey <chaviboy@hotmail.com>
- Friday, July 09, 2004 at 11:58:03 (BST) Hello to Sam, Tina and everyone. David and I are still here and we are fine. We have just had my aunt, aged 84, visiting us and so have been fairly fully occupied with running the shop and ensuring that she was enjoying her first ever visit to Fowey. Tina, the good news about Castle Dor is that Virago have just released it in paperback, so you will have the choice of a new or secondhand copy when you come down to Fowey in August. A reminder to every one to watch "Don't Look Now" if you get the chance. I think it is one of the best films made of any of Daphne du Maurier's work and captures what she was saying brilliantly.
Ann
- Thursday, July 08, 2004 at 09:57:45 (BST) Hi all, Sam thanks for the notice about 'dont look now' loved the story so I will try to remember that one on Sat night. Well I will be visiting Cornwall next month, hope this weather improves by then. I tell you I am counting the days, and the calories! Just cant wait to return to my favourite part of the world - it really is. Im planning to see Frenchmans creek, walks round Bodmin and we hope to take the cycle ride along the Camel trail - anyone here ever done that one? You know Id love to read Castle Dor, finding it difficult to get a copy, looked in all the main bookshops when I was down Fowey last Easter but couldnt find it. If Bookends gets hold of a copy could you keep it for me please, Ill be down second week in August if you dont mind. Talking of Bookends not heard from Ann or David lately, hope your both well. Im starting to read Mary Anne, well will be doing so soon I should say, 1 week and 2 days left of the school term then we break up for 6 weeks. I tend to get a lot of reading done then, lazing around in my garden with a good book under the hot sunshine - theres nothing like it is there! Well to everyone else about to break up for summer hols - enjoy, im off on a year 7 daytrip to the zoo tomorrow. Have a great summer everyone. Hope to see some of you on the Manderley Spirit site too, I have a few plans to update the site during the summer hols and would love to see what you think.
tina <tina_761@hotmailcom>
- Wednesday, July 07, 2004 at 21:22:58 (BST) I have a really effective Classified Ads programme that it may be useful to include on this site. Features include Privacy Email, upload photos, search, etc. Its almost ready to run, but I would welcome any suggestions for the categories that might be useful for du Maurier readers. Thoughts that come to mind are: BOOKS for SALE: du Maurier, Travel, Biographies, Children, Photography, Audio, Video, BOOKS WANTED: The idea is to provide a means for visitors to this site to advertise unwanted books, as a free service.
John B
- Wednesday, July 07, 2004 at 13:31:00 (BST) Wednesday morning now; I see from the TV listings that 'Don't Look Now' is to be on BBC2 on Saturday night starting at 1130PM (here in the UK). Just thought someone might like to know! I saw the film as one of the events in Fowey and found that I understood it better than I had done previously!
Sam
- Wednesday, July 07, 2004 at 07:41:49 (BST) Thanks for getting rid of the junk, John. I dont get in a stew because of it, but I do resent the intrusion. Hi everyone! Six weeks or so since the end of the Festival; I miss Fowey badly, and look forward to September when I'll be there again. Hello Ann and David, I hope you are both tikettyboo; I remember, daily, our meetings, and the good times we shared! I'm heavily into Library work, and working in other people's gardens, and family problems, but thoughts of Festival, and my friends in Cornwall are very precious (Gollum) to me. I'm reading Castle Dor, Daphne's collaboration with 'Q', I'm not very far 'in'; what do others think of it?
Sam
- Tuesday, July 06, 2004 at 23:56:20 (BST) All gone (sigh) - I wondered how long it would be before we had to introduce a more sophisticated guestbook. We've been quite lucky to avoid the attentions of the brain-dead for so long. I'll try to keep it friendly...
John B
- Tuesday, July 06, 2004 at 23:45:29 (BST) WOW the junk mail is taking fertility drugs!!! What on earth is happening here and can anyone control it? What do these people get out of sending this stuff to us? Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Tuesday, July 06, 2004 at 16:33:54 (BST) I was searching on the web, and I saw a mail re this story. I have a copy of "The Bystander" Christmas 1931, published by Illustrated Newspapers Ltd, and it has the story "Week-End". It's only 3 A4 pages, including illustration. You may be able to access a copy at a library
joe McKernan <joemck@oceanfree.net>
- Friday, July 02, 2004 at 11:26:30 (BST) Hi Jo, I had been wondering the same thing myself.....too much junk mail !
Marri
- Thursday, July 01, 2004 at 03:31:16 (BST) Sara, I am glad to have been helpful ! If you wish to be precise, the boat is accuratly, written, " Je Reviens " both names, having capital letters....
Marri
- Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 07:43:00 (BST) How come we seem to be getting so much junk mail recently on this site? Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 01:13:35 (BST) Sam & Marri, Thanks very much for your replies, 'je reviens' it is! This is very much a family affair, as well as my dog being Rebecca my son is named Jem Merlin after one of the brothers in Jamaica Inn! Thanks again. Sara
Sara de Winter
- Monday, June 28, 2004 at 21:59:16 (BST) Hi everyone, Thanks for jogging my memory Marri! 'Je reviens', 'I return', it sounds like the guy snarling 'I'll be back' in one of the action films; was it Arnie? Given Rebecca's forceful personality it sounds appropriate! I'm reading Daphne's 'Myself When Young' now; it's very interesting, not least comparing her perceptions in adulthood of her earliest years, with my own. My memories are just fragments. It was during World War Two, I remember Dad in army khaki, going back from leave, and Mother's tears; I remember walking out holding on to the pram handle as my younger sister slept, I remember my first morning at school. Most of all I remember standing by Mother in the Rio Cinema in our village (she with Pat on her knee),watching the new Disney feature cartoon film, it may have been Snow White, or it may have been Pinocchio. It's so special because I think my lifelong love of cinema started then.Best Wishes.
Sam
- Monday, June 28, 2004 at 08:11:32 (BST) Hi Sara, I am able to provide you with the answer to your question.... My first book was "Rebecca" so I know her boat's name, and more, pertaining to this dinghy.. The boat belonging to the late Rebecca, was named, " Je Reviens " Unusual name,,, agree? so if you care to find out more .. just feel free to ask.
Marri
- Monday, June 28, 2004 at 04:14:12 (BST) Seeb re "house on the strand" in german I have found ebay a great source of Daphne du Maurier books. Maybe try there
cjk
- Monday, June 28, 2004 at 03:05:56 (BST) Would anyone happen to know the name of Rebecca's boat. My new dinghy is nameless & i thought it may be suitable to name it after Rebecca's. ( My dog already has the name Rebecca)! Thank you. Sara de Winter
Sara de Winter
- Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 21:48:54 (BST) hi again .. or maybe someone can tell me how much pages "the parasites" got, so if they're under 200 im going too read this book :)
Seeb <cissler@gmx.net>
- Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 18:40:14 (BST) someone knows where to get the "house on the strand" book in german? thanks !
Seeb <cissler@gmx.net>
- Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 17:56:22 (BST) I love your website. It is very informative. I have added a link to it on my page: http://www.intercoursewiththedead.com/thebirds.htm that discusses Daphne du Maurier's story and Hitchcock's film. I hope this is satisfactory. My site is designed primarily for college students who enjoy horror stories.
Dave McCourt <mccourtdavid@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 10:01:24 (BST) Sam
- Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 21:31:36 (BST) For some reason I wasn't able to copy the website so will try it one more time; it is http://www.francisfrith.com/UK/default.asp
Sam
- Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 21:28:49 (BST) Hi everyone, Just thought you might not all know about the site I've found, I've just been surfing hundreds of old photographs of Fowey ,and thought you might find it as interesting as I do. I've just one question for now, where was the Point Neptune road junction that I have found pictured? Best Wishes everyone- oh, and the site is Just 'copy and paste' it, that seems easiest!
sam
- Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 21:26:23 (BST) Hello everyone. I am currently auctioning two sets of mounted autographs of the cast of the 1940 Hitchcock version of Rebecca on ebay. The sets are mounted with either a vintage studio photo from the film or a vintage magazine advertisement. There are pictures of the sets on www.ebay.co.uk, just search for 'Hitchcock Du Maurier Rebecca' and you should find them. You can e-mail me on the address below if you want to know anything about them. Best wishes, Stephen.
Stephen <stig_sf @yahoo.co.uk>
- Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 11:40:37 (BST) Hi everybody, Glad to see Sam back on the Guest page after his jaunt to East Anglia. Caron Keating and her family’s house is situated in a road quite near to Readymoney Beach, and she used to take her children to play there, but she did not actually live in one of the houses at Readymoney as such. Lots of people in Fowey knew her and liked her very much. Regards to you all from a very wet Fowey. David
David <dwillmore@btconnect.com>
- Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 19:34:03 (BST) Hi All Just managed to tune back in to the guest book after a couple of weeks and what alot I've missed. I'm back in Fowey again for a week from this Saturday so I am looking forward to seeing everything again! Hope to see some of the Fowey people that I met whilst I am down there. Melanie
Melanie
- Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 16:18:29 (BST) Thanks for that info Sam,,,,seems the Mail were maybe 'nearly' correct. Just shows what tosh they can come up with doesn't it? Thks again Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 11:38:31 (BST) I may be wrong Jo, but if we agree that the elderly couple who own the house at Readymoney where the Brownings lived for a year or two, are the ones who open the garden at Festival, then one must assume that the lady who sadly died must have lived in one of the other houses there. There are two or three on the seaward side, just as one goes up the path the St Catherines Castle, and then of course there are many newer houses just around the corner. Best Wishes everyone
Sam
- Monday, June 21, 2004 at 21:44:12 (BST) Reading about the sad death of Caron Keating in the Mail newspaper recently, it said that she had owned Daphnes former home in Readymoney Cove. I'm wondering if anyone knows if this is true? Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Monday, June 21, 2004 at 20:16:31 (BST) Hey, does anybody know if 'Rebecca' has been translated into Swedish? And if so where I could possibly get hold of a copy?? Thanks for your help in advance! Becky
rebecca miles <rlm10@le.ac.uk>
- Friday, June 18, 2004 at 18:21:50 (BST) Hi Debby, Saw your posting...I wished to comment, as my intro. to Daphne's writings began with her "Rebecca" book. I find it a bit sad that in the USA, all bookstores only carry that one ! So, in order for me to follow her other writings, I have had to request them thru the other avenues available here...however , out of curiosity, I followed-up with Mrs. deWinter, by Susan Hill and then , I read,,,, Rebecca's Tale, written by Sally Beauman. If you enjoy following up on du Maurier's "Rebecca" book, I recommend reading, Mrs. deWinter...as this book, is the original sequel to Daphne's, Rebecca. Also, in my opinion, is much closer to Daphne's writing technique than the followup to this one, written by Beauman...and now I hope, not to have confused you by this bit of information ! One also just might believe Daphne to be writing it...ALMOST....however, I tend to be a bit prejudiced, when it pertains to our dear Daphne ! Regards,
Marri
- Friday, June 18, 2004 at 00:35:49 (BST) this is a beautiful website, full of information and the life of Lady Browning----she is remarkable......
susie graham <sooz16x7@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 22:23:49 (BST) I have always been a fan of the films of Ms. du Maurier. But last week, I found a copy of Jamaica Inn at work. I have become a big fan of her written word. I feel like I have found a friend. Joe O.
Joe Ostopak <jostopak@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 19:37:25 (BST) My first introduction to the writings of Daphne du Maurier was when I was at school, aged 11 (back in 19.., a while ago shall we say!) It was "Jamaica Inn" and where some of my school mates sat bored and uninterested, I couldn't wait for the next page to be turned and the story unfold. It was only last year did I actually get to visit "Jamaica Inn" itself on the Moors. Arrived in sunshine with a cool breeze and left, an hour or so later, for the journey home in fog, rain and a blustery wind. Pleased in the thought that I'd actually made it there. Some years ago I first watched "Rebecca" (the original version with Laurence Olivier). As soon as the film came out on video, I brought it. My mum had leant me the book in the mean time (another good read and once read, never forgotten)By the time it was returned, she was in need of a new copy!! I was visiting Cornwall and came "Rebeccs's Tale". The book was hardly put down, within 2 weeks it was disappointedly finished. A fantastic continuation of a classic story,with all the twists and turns of the original and the haunting mystery just lived on through the book to the very last page. A book that I will gladly read and read again. As soon as the paperback version was on the shelf, a fresh, untampered version was on its way to my mum to make up for the haggered copy of "Rebecca" I had once returned to her! A true classic.
debby
- Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 15:57:41 (BST) I was beat to it this time ! Another question was on my mind, and it was recently answered,,,,thank-goodness for that. Thanks to our webmaster, who had the foresight to answer.....( To the amount of visitors viewing this site. ) I also find this to be an interesting issue, and yet, at the same time, I am not surprised by this. As I am from America, and have not yet had the opportunity to visit Cornwall, especially, Fowey... well, I, many times , find myself at a disadvantage to be able to contribute more to this lovely site. However, to appreciate and learn... That, I certainly do ! Regards to everyone,
Marri
- Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 06:43:46 (BST) Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings Tina, but as they say, truth will out! Keep focusing on your next trip to Fowey, I go a month or so after you! Tomorrow morning I'm off down into East Anglia for a few days; I'm meeting my brother and his wife who are holidaying/working there. I'm hoping too that Ely Cathedral comes 'up to snuff'; visiting it is another of my aims while I'm there, although I expect it will not be as good as my epitome of church building, at Lincoln. I hope too to go to the coast, which is I am assured 'a bit special' When I return (I'll be back) I intend to set a number of 'hares running', so 'WATCH THIS SPACE' Best Wishes everyone.
Sam
- Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 23:48:55 (BST) Thank you to Ann and Sam for responding to my question about the house at Readymoney cove. I am disapointed to hear the gardens are only open during the festival though, I was hoping to get a look at them when im down Cornwall in August (2 months and counting). Even more reason to make it to the festival next year maybe.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 21:02:13 (BST) I have been checking the statistics for these pages this year. The du Maurier site's pages are being visited an average of 24,000 times per month, with each visitor viewing 4 pages. For this Members Forum, the figure is 760 per month. I know what they say about statistics, (especially after the recent elections) - still its interesting...
John B
- Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 01:55:02 (BST) Justin, I have a copy of Castle Dor with the introduction by Daphne du Maurier. I will be happy to send a copy of the introduction if you will send your address.
mildred upton <millie@emeraldis.com>
- Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 14:53:29 (BST) Hello everyone, just a quick note to confirm what Sam was saying about the house at Readymoney Cove. Daphne du Maurier moved from Hertfordshire to the house at Readymoney, with her three young children, in the spring of 1942 and moved from there to Menabilly in late 1943. Ferryside, the family home, had been requisitioned by the Navy as a headquarters for officers and Daphne’s mother and two sisters were living in a house on the Esplanade in Fowey. It was during her time at Readymoney that Daphne wrote Hungry Hill. The current incumbents of the house at Readymoney only open their stunningly beautiful gardens during the du Maurier Festival and the proceeds go to their sons fund for Dr Morley Read’s El Chaco Reforestation Project in Ecuador. Ann.
Ann
- Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 20:52:09 (BST) Ah so this time at least I am not just being dim ( I was born blonde!!) I thought I had misread what Carol was meaning, but maybe not. Carol have you maybe made a mistake,,,,was it a joke even!!! Regards Jo
jo wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 12:00:17 (BST) Hi to everyone, I am glad to see other inputs regarding what Carol had to say pertaining to her family and the DeWinter's in the Rebecca book. If I recall correctly, I read an article written by Daphne, stating that the DeWinter's were a fabricated name she used in her book. Can any one else comment ?? Carol, perhaps? I find myself at odds here. Regards,
Marri
- Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 01:30:01 (BST) On her 'Manderley Spirit' messageboard, Tina asks for info on the house at Readymoney, where we gather Daphne lived for a short time in the run up to 'D Day'. I may well have got it all wrong, but I'm under the impression that Ferryside was requisitioned for military personnel planning the impending push into Europe to oust the fuehrer, which gives the property it's cache. I'm under the impression too that it's privately owned, and that the GARDEN is only open during the Festival, and that proceeds go to help fund a good cause in South America. I hope Ann at Bookends, or someone else locally can throw more light on the subject. If I'm wrong, I obviously need putting right. As a last thought here, I've been hunting through the Festival prospectus hoping for info (without success), and have been struck again at how many terrific items I have missed! I bet the garden party near Tregaminion church,(complete with champers, which I've no taste for actually!)had a great atmosphere, being situated where it was; and other things too many to bore readers with now. I hold certificates in how to bore people without really trying! Best Wishes, all.
sam
- Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 00:33:30 (BST) Hello everyone, Jo is quite right of course; when Daphne wrote 'Rebecca' her children were quite small, and any talk of art imitating life, in this case anyway, has to be regarded as ridiculous. The suggestion that there was a connection here was probably well meant, and offered kindly for discussion on the website, but Carol's research into her mother's past, commendable as it no doubt was, has not been sufficient to screen out this obvious fallacy. I've learned over many years that it's all too easy to add two and two together and make the answer five! My worst gaffe is judging people by their appearance! I've been SO wrong, SO often, that I rarely trust my first impressions now! Best Wishes everyone.
sam
- Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 23:54:59 (BST) Hello , I was wondering if there is a limit to the amount of pictures allowed to be sent in to this site ? I realize they must first be viewed and edited by our webmaster, Mr.J.B. Regards to all,
Marri
- Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 01:58:06 (BST) Have just realised that Rebecca was published in 1938, how could Max be based on a fiance of Flavia or Tessa when they were very young children at that time??? Anyone got any comments or thoughts? Am I being abit dim here? Jo
Jo Wilson
USA - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 12:27:37 (BST) Carol,,,I hadn't realised that any 'real' De Winter's existed. How exciting that Daphne based Max on someone in your family (if I have understood correctly that is). Good luck with your writing and I am sure many people from this guest book would be interested in reading the finished book. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 12:19:33 (BST) Hi, I am currently reading Castle Dor and have a question... In the new Virago edition the introduction talks about Daphne's introduction but this is omitted from the book. Does anyone have a copy of the novel with an introduction by Daphne and if so would they be willing to share it's contents? By the way, the site just gets better and better. All the very best, Justin
Justin
- Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 09:15:31 (BST) I am not a literary buff, but I am somewhat of a writer, currently writing my mother's amazing life story, (1914 - 2002) and I am pleased to find this website. My mother was formerly Mrs de Winter, married at 17 to Alf de Winter, who was at the time 47. One of Alf's close relatives was Rex de Winter, and he was engaged at one time to Daphne du Maurier's daughter. I understand Rex de Winter was used by Daphne as the model for Max in Rebecca. This may be of interest to readers here; as usual, art imitates life. Best regards Carol Bloodworth
Carol Bloodworth <cabloodworth1234@earthlink.net>
- Monday, June 07, 2004 at 17:52:03 (BST) An earlier comment from Jane said that in an interview Daphne referred to her heroine not being named in Rebecca. She said that she was well into writing the story when she realizes that she had not named the heroine and decided to keep this as a feature of the book. In the book the unamed girl gets a note from Mr.De Winter and she is surprised that he had spelt her name correctly. Maxim later says that she had a lovely and unusual name. Surely Daphne had a name in mind when writing these two sentences. I think the heroines name in mind could have been 'Daphne'. I love Rebecca and have read it many, many times. This is also a great website.
Lorraine Platt
- Monday, June 07, 2004 at 15:08:43 (BST) Hello John (and everyone) Thanks for increasing the range of acceptable picture modes etc, it should dramatically increase our scope for additions. I keep looking to see if any of us have taken you at your word yet, and especially hope to see Tina's additions before long. The more different views we get the better. I imagine too that lots of other visitors to this site will have pictures to add, perhaps even some taken years ago; that would be interesting, to see haw Fowey has changed! Best Wishes
Sam
- Monday, June 07, 2004 at 07:54:51 (BST) Tina - I have eased the size restriction from 100 KBytes up to 500 KBytes per image, and added other file types, including Word documents. Please do try again...
John B
- Saturday, June 05, 2004 at 02:10:27 (BST) Hi Tina, If you right click on the 'thumbnail' you will see the option to 'resize pics', left click and the option should be on 'small' already, if not left click on 'small' button, which should give you another version of the pic with (small) after its name. You should then be able to 'drag and drop' or 'copy and paste' it as an Email, about a sixth of the original size. I'm sure we are all heeding John's stricture re swamping him with pics; I took about 500 over fifteen days; the delights of digital, but stern dicipline was essential when chosing which to offer! Im told that drag and drop can be unreliable and that its better to right click over thumnail which will give you specific option to copy to Email attachment or wherever! Glad your enjoying the site. Lucky youi, going back before me! Enjoy it wont you! LOL
Sam
- Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 20:53:12 (BST) Me again! wow! Just read the festival reviews - a talk by EV Thompson - how wonderful, I have just read one of his books and I must say im an addict already. I read Ben Retallic while I was in Cornwall in Easter and loved it, I must get the rest of the series. I love the description of the garden at Ready money cove. I was there at Easter but the garden was closed, it sounds like its well worth going back to visit the garden when im down there in August. I love the way you have described the walk, it is one of the things I most enjoy about Cornwall - the walks along with the history, the pubs, the coast, the people, the food, I could go on for ever.......
Tina
- Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 20:11:50 (BST) Hi everyone, Just took a look at the photos recently posted on the site. What wonderful photography, really captures the beauty of Fowey. I have walked down those narrow streets many times, visited some of those shops and restauants in the photographs and looking at them makes me just crave to be back there again. Im due to visit again in August, seeing those pictures has made August seem a little closer now. I can tell you all had a wonderful time at the festival, looks like you had perfect weather too. Thank you for sharing your photographs with us all they truly are beautiful. And Sam I also had a mental picture in my mind of what you would look like, I wasnt far wrong. I would love to post my photos on the site of my previous visits to Cornwall but having tried the message says they are too large to post on - anyone know a way round this?
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 19:38:39 (BST) Hello Ann, I sincerely wish to express my gratitude in eloquently answering my questions pertaining to Kits and his sisters on their availability to attend the Festival. I did not realize the sisters did not reside in the area, and of course, I can sympathize with their own privacy facts. I believe I would feel the same! In the meantime, I wish to say that upon reading Flavia's book, my many other questions have been delicately answered.....I recommend reading it. Just a final note....... for Mr. John Baxendale's reproduction job , for ALL of Sam's contributions/pics of the Festival and to anyone else I have inadvertently omitted, a sincere THANKS! Regards to all ,
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 02:33:00 (BST) Hello D. Haddick, In response to your inquiry, please refer along our guest book dated from March 23, 2004 . You will find many answers there pertaining to Menabilly. Thanks to Ann, Sam , Tina and Jo ! Hope this answers many questions, as I too had many upon discovering this wonderful site ! Regards to all, Marri
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Thursday, June 03, 2004 at 02:00:02 (BST) What happened to Menabilly? If I visit Cornwall, can I still see it? Thanks.
D. Haddick <dhaddick@flocdc.org>
- Tuesday, June 01, 2004 at 20:47:45 (BST) Hi Everyone Back to the Sheila Hodges event - I remember when I first went in there was a huge picture of Daphne on the screen and for some strange reason I was moved to tears by this - it seemed almost a spiritual thing. I think I found it phenomenal that so many people were interested in her life and work and were gathered in memory of her. I would be very interested if people have thoughts on Daphne's possible religious or psychological interests and am happy to discuss this in e-mail separately. I looked at Sam's photos - they were great - must get mine developed soon ! I agree with Sam about the usefulness of personal insights as it is so easy to go off at tangents. People can contact me on M.J.Heeley@lboro.ac.uk Melanie
Melanie
- Tuesday, June 01, 2004 at 19:49:12 (BST) http://groups.Yahoo.com/group/GothicRomanticSuspense
Colleen Morse <tigerhawksoars@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 22:04:22 (BST) Hello everyone, I've only just seen the splendid job which our equally splendid webmaster John has made of our reviews; the MCG review is very good and very professional, and not to say enthusiastic as one might expect, and mine I hope provides a view from the perspective of 'Joe Public'. MCG's reporters exhibit an inerest in 'pints' which I find most heartening. I learned from the MCG report that wild garlic is also called ramson, a word completely new to me and obviously fills in a gap in my knowledge. I wonder where the word originates. Jo's comment regarding the portrait pictures I shall take with the proverbial 'pinch of salt', whilst thanking her for her other kind comments. I must echo most willingly, Ann's remarks regarding John's treatment of all this new material, and thank him very much indeed. There is no wonder that his expertise is in such demand for Hotel Websites etc. Best Wishes everyone.
Sam
- Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 16:01:10 (BST) I keep going back to look at Sam's pictures in the Photo Album. I live in Fowey, so I can see these places everyday, but I think Sam's photographs capture the mood of the area at the time of the du Maurier Festival beautifully and really complement his excellent review. I also think that John Baxendale, our webmaster, has done a great job reproducing Sam's review, and the one which I think was taken from the Mid Cornwall Advertiser. We now have a really good record of the festival for everyone to share and enjoy. I will try to answer Marri's question about Kits and his sisters attending the du Maurier Festival, although it is probably for him to say rather than anyone else. Kits and his wife live just across the river from Fowey and throughout the time that the du Maurier Festival has been in existance Kits has taken part in quite a number of events. Kits and Hacker also often attend events that they are interested in, as part of the audience, just like lots of other local people and are clearly very involved with, and suppportive of the whole concept of the festival. His sisters do not live in the area, but obviously do visit and have attended the festival on many occasions. I did not actually see them here this year, but if they were here it would have been as private individuals, enjoying the festival with family and friends, which is what many people do, and what probably contributes to the wonderful atmosphere that the festival creates.
Ann
- Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 14:49:44 (BST) The photos are wonderful, this site just gets better and better! Just imagine how fantastic it is for fans from other countries to be able to view them. I'm so proud to be English when it looks as beautiful as in Sams photos! Thanks Sam and others involved. Also when speaking on-line to Sam, I now know what he looks like!! (strangely just as I had imagined) Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 09:23:42 (BST) Hello Ann, I just finished viewing the Fowey Photos. You did an excellent job of posting them onto this site ! Thank you. Please, as I previously inquired , as to Daphnes' daughters...were they not able to attend the Festival? Is Kit, usually, the only one able to attend? I have longed to be able to attend the Du Maurier Festival, and do not know all these details, please feel free to correct me if so needed. Regards to all,
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Friday, May 28, 2004 at 23:41:22 (BST) I have just been looking at Sam's beautiful photographs which can now be viewed in the Photo Album. They create a happy reminder of Fowey and the surrounding area during the recent du Maurier Festival and are an absolute joy to see. Thank you Sam.
Ann
- Friday, May 28, 2004 at 22:06:15 (BST) Hello Melanie, I was interested to see your contribution yesterday, and would enjoy continuing the conversation, in Email if that's ok with you. Best Wishes.samrim@tiscali.co.uk
sam
- Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 07:30:29 (BST) Regards to all, I am happy to see additional inputs on this site pertaining to the Du Maurier Festival..... I am especially happy to read that Du Maurier's son, Kits, was there. Were any of her other children able to be there as well? Sincerely,
Marri
- Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 23:20:40 (BST) Hello Melanie, As you will see, I share your enthusiasm for the Sheila Hodges event, and for a similar reason. I'm not sure why, but Daphne seemed very near then, and its a memory I shall treasure. I remember your question, and the answer you received. For me,that talk highlights what the Festival is all about. I've seen a copy of the 'Cornish Guardian' local paper this week, and I see that during festival week, Esther Rowe, Daphne du Maurier's former housekeeper and secretary had talked of her time with Daphne; I bet that was an interesting event too. SO MUCH TO DO,SO LITTLE TIME! Oh dear! Those sorts of insight seem so much more reliable than second hand speculation. Best Wishes everyone.
sam
- Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 20:49:04 (BST) I too went to the festival and managed to meet several of the contributors to this page. I went on my own but was extremely impressed by the friendliness of everyone who went to the festival. I particularly enjoyed the Sheila Hodges event, Daphne's son even answered one of my questions which was most exciting. I am doing a PhD on Daphne du Maurier - trying to look at her views on religion and Jungian psychology.
Melanie
- Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 19:59:05 (BST) sorry heres the correct email
katrina todd <katrinat71@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 15:08:21 (BST) 2 weeks ago i went to a yard sale and found REBECCA copyright 1938 its very old but in good shape the owner before put a book cover on it and inside the cover says december 25 1938. i havent read it yet but after lookin at thr reviews - it sounds really good. if anyone is interested in buying it who would appriciate it more than me email me.
katrina todd <katrinat71@hotmaul.com>
- Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 15:07:27 (BST) Sam, Thank you so much for all the time taken to contribute to your last posting! As I was not able to attend the Festival, I was able to view it thru your eyes. Wonderful,,,Wonderful! Regards to all, Marri
Marri
- Monday, May 24, 2004 at 01:43:39 (BST) sam, sounds like you had a fantastic time at the festival, thank you for sharing it with us. I agree with your comments about Fowey. I love the place, theres no where like it is there. Cornwall is so beautiful I cant wait to return in August. Once again thank you for updating us on the festival it has really made me even more determined to get there next year, even if I just pop down for the weekend to get a taste of the atmosphere. Looking forward to seeing your photos.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, May 23, 2004 at 21:51:51 (BST) WELL DONE SAM, thankyou so much for the considerable effort you have taken to give us all a taste of the festival. Whilst reading it I was totally transported to Fowey and imagining myself sat watching the boats and listening to the seagulls. (how I love that view of Ferryside looking across from the Boddinick ferry) For those of us who did not/ could not attend, reading your piece was the next best thing. Again thankyou for taking the time and trouble, made my boring Sunday interesting. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Sunday, May 23, 2004 at 17:52:59 (BST) Festival 2004
Sam's review of this year's Festival has been reproduced on a separate page - click HERE.
His excellent photos have been incorporated into the Photo Album - click HERE
(aka Anthony Rimington 651/2 , white hair/ ruddy complexion and thumb stick! Makes me sound like Hyacinth Bucket, going on about her periwinkle china, or the ‘room for a pony’) I may offer pictures of myself and more photogenic friends, to aid readers on the site; it should come with a public health warning I know, for Brad Pitt I am not (sadly!)
Sam <samrim@tiscali.co.uk>
- Sunday, May 23, 2004 at 16:31:44 (BST) Hello everyone, I'm home again after a wonderful Festival; the best for two or three years. I've written a report, probably not very good, but hopefully evocative. I would prefer to let John B vet it first, so can you let me have your Email address please John and let me know if like Barkiss, you are willin? as you will see my email address is on the current guest page, so hopefully you might Email me Best Wishes everybody
sam
- Thursday, May 20, 2004 at 20:52:44 (BST) Sam is on his way home, when he arrives he will do be writing about his visit to Fowey.
David
- Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at 11:15:35 (BST) Thank you Judith for your site input on Daphnes' birthday. I was happy to see that I alone was not the only one to visit her site in honor of her birthday, the 13 of May. I spent the hours enjoying her site and catching up on all the guestbook writings. I was wondering if during the festival; there are any celebrations honoring her birthday on the 13th? The Festival News does not mention anything in particular to this day.... Sam, perhaps you might be able to answer this one? I am looking forward to reading up on anyone's contribution in regards to the Festival. How did it go? To all of you who were able to go this year, please give us a little insight as to the festivities... Regards to all, Marri
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at 00:52:19 (BST) Visiting Daphne's site was my way of celebrating her birthday, her self and my love of Cornwall.
Judith <fleur9@webtv.net>
- Friday, May 14, 2004 at 05:29:05 (BST) very interesting to read about daphne i have the video of the jamacia inn i love everything and anything about cornwall keep up the good work
trisha bond
- Friday, May 14, 2004 at 02:45:07 (BST) Just a line to say we called in to Fowey yesterday to catch a flavour of the Festival and say hello to Anne at Bookends. There are lots of good places to eat in Fowey, but we found a great new place that's just been opened by Nick and Jenny Bancroft, called The Globe Posting House, quite close to the Town Quay. Webmaster's Recommendation!!!
JB
- Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 19:33:27 (BST) Hello all you folk in Fowey, how's it going? Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 09:50:54 (BST) Marri: Thank you for pointing out my fallibilities. Since reading your e-mail I see the error of my ways - and I now realise that, by implication, I am not a true Daphne du Maurier fan - just on of the delusions, I have laboured under. Thanks again!
Nick
- Monday, May 10, 2004 at 18:12:52 (BST) I loved this site. One of the things you should add is stuff about her life and what she did durig it and when she died and of what???????
Margot
- Monday, May 10, 2004 at 15:13:55 (BST) Hi Nick, Actually I do understand your point, im just not into public tiffs thats all. There are too many of them in this world for my liking. Anyway lets move on, I hope everyone is having a good time at the festival and that the weather in Cornwall is better that this wet weekend were having here in the midlands. I intend to curl up on my fave sofa and start reading Rule Brittania this afternoon. Not read that one yet but going by the intro I think its going to be one I just wont be able to put down. I just love that smell of a brand new book and the crispness of the new pages.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, May 08, 2004 at 15:32:27 (BST) Nick, Personally, I feel YOUR comments were uncalled for, yes, there was as you say, a (debate) however, it is not a subject as easy as you make it out to be. Communication can be taken and be misconstrued. Both Sam and Jo did resolve their differences ! It appears you were just out to Gossip.. I enjoy this site tremendously, as I have encountered TRUE duMaurier fans on reading the Members Forum contributions, I also receive wonderful emails ! That's what this site is all about. Just Daphne du Maurier fans. Thank you Sam and Jo for once again rehashing an unpleasant subject, and clearing it up for the sake of Nick ! Perhaps if we all had the opportunity to be in Fowey right now.... we would realize the true DuMaurier spirit,her legend, and what she represents to the literary world !!! Regards to all , Marri
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Friday, May 07, 2004 at 20:55:48 (BST) Thank you both Jo and Sam for your last contributions, which certainly restore my faith in this page - in that D. du M. is clearly a wonderful author, we can all express our opinions as appropriate, and we need to keep all things in perspective! Nick
Nick
- Friday, May 07, 2004 at 18:00:06 (BST) Hello everyone, I've just seen my first event of the 2004 Festival; Rev Roger Royle was really good, he has a terrific sense of humour. I agree with him that humour is a splendid antidote to the 'glooms'; I tend to think that we all here on the site need to be reminded that we ought not to take ourselves or each other too seriously. I fear I do to a very considerable extent, reading my recent contributions is not a very cheerful occupation, and I can only apolgise if I have contributed to a period of mild dissent! Being here in Fowey again for the Festival is fantastic; I have an average of two event a day for the ten day festival, so I fully expect to be suffering from culture shock by the end of the holiday. More later in the week; best wishes everyone.
sam
- Friday, May 07, 2004 at 16:08:12 (BST) Blimey what have I done? A simple observation seems to have upset so many regulars here. Most negative comments seem to be around upsetting family. I put it to all of you that I was only commenting on issues the family have put into the public arena by publishing autobiographies. My own feelings around these issues I have kept firmly to myself. Another point I feel I have to make here is that surely Nick has every right to find, and voice that finding, of our dialogue being Monty Pythonish (!?) Just as others have their right to voice their concerns around family feelings? Maybe I have misunderstood the remit of this guest book, I assumed it was for dialogue, comments, differing perspectives etc, is it only for fans to say how wonderful everything du Maurier is? ( and believe me when I say that I am a huge fan of long standing) Regards to you all Jo
jo wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Friday, May 07, 2004 at 09:50:42 (BST) I think Tina misses my point. I was not in any way looking forward to any further crtiquing of the personal life of the du Maurier family; it was more to see just how much further Sam and Jo would take their public tiff.
Nick
- Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 23:58:15 (BST) I totaly agree with you Ann, I also followed the conversation in question and didnt find it funny at all. And as for "looking forward to the next episode", well I find that rather sad to be honest. I feel we should just enjoy Daphne's excellent works and leave the family to their privacy. I think this is a wonderful site to meet other fans, I am still fairly new to the site and already I feel really involved and that im meeting new friends all the time. So thank you everyone for your contributions. Its great to see so many others so fascinated by and addicted to Daphne's work as I am.
tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 14:15:13 (BST) I also followed the conversation between Sam and Jo a couple of weeks ago. Unlike Nick, I did not find it funny, but at the time I thought it was best not to add anything to the guest book as I did not want to escalate the situation. Now because of the message that Nick put on the guest page yesterday I have decided to say something. I don't know Jo at all, but I did find her messages to be somewhat agressive in their tone. Sam is one of my dearest friends and I know that he is always careful to measure his words, so as to provide the best information/help/advise/comment that he can without causing distress to anyone who may be involved. Sam and I have discussed the popular trend that seems to make it acceptable for people to say anything they want to about public figures (Princess Diana has to be the ultimate victim of this trend) and we both feel that while we are all eager to discuss Daphne du Maurier's writing and what it was about her that made her the great author that she was, we should be careful when speculating about this very private womans, personal life. Daphne's family may very well be reading these guest page messages and Sam and I do not think that their lives should be a subject for our scrutiny. While much has been said about Daphne du Maurier and her feelings for her young daughters we should remember the strong and loving relationship she had with them and her grandchildren as the years went by. I know that Sam and Jo have reached an amicable conclusion to their discussion and now perhaps this can be an end to this particular line of discussion, out of consideration to the du Maurier family.
Ann
- Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 09:07:37 (BST) I have just come back to the guestbook after not reading it for a couple of months. I must say I very much enjoyed the running debate/dialogue between Sam and Jo about, among other things, the merits of Ms.du Maurier as a mother. As it progressed and escalated, I thought it was sounding more and more like a Monty Python sketch. It certainly provided good entertainment. I'm sure it was really for the best that the spat was continued - and apparently resolved - in private, but I was looking forward to the next episode!
Nick
- Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 17:42:52 (BST) Hello all, I felt a need to add my input onto the guestbook......... This pertains to all our other fans going to the du Maurier Festival, Do post us upon your arrival !! I am looking forward to hearing about all the adventures and sites... As I read on, I see I am NOT the only one that is interested...after all, we are all as one, we are fans ! Regards to all. Marri
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Tuesday, May 04, 2004 at 22:53:17 (BST) oh you lucky lot, hope the weather is kind, the sea sparkles and the good old atmosphere of Cornwall is alive and kicking! Have fun and tell all on return. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Sunday, May 02, 2004 at 18:52:29 (BST) Hi Marri, I too have read Rebecca's tale and found it a very good read, well written indeed. I tend to agree with Sam though about prequals and sequals. I read Rebecca's tale out of curiosity, I totally loved Rebecca and wanted to see what Sally Beauman had added. One thing I love about Daphne du Maurier is the way she leaves so much for us to exercise our imagination. The mystery of it all. I love the way her endings dont really end but leave you guessing. I think that is why her work is often so memorable. One of my favourites is Frenchmans creek, I have read it about 3 times now and still love that bit at the end "Then out of the sea, like a ball of fire, the sun came hard and red". It sends a shiver down the spine. Did she or didnt she, the mind can only wonder. What would I have done if I were dona? Imagination is a wonderful thing to get lost in. So many of Daphne's short stories too leave so much room to let the mind wonder, the birds for example is nothing like the film, I think the film is very good but takes away the mystery of it all. I wish id read the book before I saw the film. I think that is why Im totally hooked on her work anyway, and all the visits to Cornwall really bring it all to life for me. A year or so ago I went to Fowey and took a trip over to Polruan, it really bought one of my favourites 'the loving spirit' to life another one Iv read over and over again. I bought myself a copy of Mary Anne, Rule Brittania and Angela du Maurier's Treveryan last time I was in Fowey, but iv not started any of them yet because Im just at the end of an EV Thomson book - Ben Retallick at the moment - another one I think im going to get hooked on. Well must get on now, all those going to the festival have a great time and tell us less fortunate who cant get there about it when you get back.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, May 01, 2004 at 20:29:31 (BST) I have just joined a reading group and our first book is going to be Rebecca. I'd read it ages ago and I'd enjoyed many Du Maurier books. they are just so evocative of so many things/feelings!! I got the book from the college library and read the first line in the lift - 'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.' the words gave me such a thrill. this is what spurred me on to look her up on the internet and ultimately led me to this site! I know i won't put the book down all weekend.
Bonnie
- Friday, April 30, 2004 at 15:14:29 (BST) Hello Marri Nice to hear from you again, I go away in a few days now, so this will have to be my last until I get back home, I’m running out of time. As I've said before, I am no expert on all things du Maurier, far from it, but I DO love the area, and succumbed to the 'atmosphere' (if there really is such a thing!) many years ago! I did read Rebecca’s Tale, and enjoyed it. It was indeed a good book, but I honestly couldn’t take it very seriously. I feel that trying to improve/explain/complete a good story, really does seem like ‘gilding the lily’. The original was complete in its own right, and stands or falls on its own merit! Having said that, I have to admit to wishing I could read a good book about Lizzie Bennett’s life as mistress of Pemberley! I did attempt reading a follow up, but it was inadequate too, and I did not continue with it! I hate leaving a book half unread, but it really was weak; at least Sally Beauman’s Book had much credibility. I haven’t tried the Susan Hill, for the reasons I cite above; I love the original, but feel that ‘follow ups’ are something of a presumption! Sorry to all the writers I maybe malign, but THAT’s me! I do stay in Fowey for the ten days of the Festival; I am able to keep up with Emails though, and see my favourite websites, because the public library has some PC’s available for public access, and I wander down into the town to use them when I have gaps between events! I did the ‘House on the Strand’ walk, a couple of years ago, and enjoyed it, and too I’ve been on the boat trip up the Fowey River a couple of times to Lostwithiel, I enjoyed those trips very much. It gave me an idea of the fascination that Daphne had with the river, and the whole area! I can imagine her delight in its natural beauty, compared with the frenzied rat race that all conurbations ultimately are! Anyway Marri (and all), I’m out of time, and MUST get on; I hope to talk to everyone from Fowey, and post a report when I get back towards the end of May! All the best everyone!
sam
- Friday, April 30, 2004 at 08:37:49 (BST) Hi to all the dumaurier fans....I still see my last input on the guestbook! Hope all is well Sam, I had basically dedicated my last input to you due to your extensive knowledge of the author, or am I wrong? You are going to the festival , how forturnate! Perhaps you are too busy to correspond and answer my numerous questions. Anyway, no harm done. IfI do not hear from you between now and Festival time, Please do tell me how it went for you upon your arrival. In the meantime,,,anyone else interested in corresponding, feel free, as I welcome all serious fans! Take care all. Jo, I haven't forgotten you either. Just to let you know, I have also been thinking about your answers/questions, and have to date not been able to answer you....... Will get back to you soon...I have additional news to add. If I may add as well, I have a suggestion to add to this website, I believe pertaining to Mr. John B. I have run out of time now, If you are interested, you may contact me at above email.... With regards, Marri
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Friday, April 30, 2004 at 01:27:39 (BST) Hello again, Sam. I appreciate your quick response. I have to admit: I envy you at this time of the year ! I suppose you live in England, then? How wonderful to be able to attend the Festivities! If I may be truthful, ever since I was subjected in school,(many years ago now) to read a book and write a short story on it; it is at this point I first came upon du Mauriers', Rebecca. At first, as most teens are, I hesitantly started to read it.....but as I kept reading; I became quite intrigued. This author knew how to draw you into the story with such unique precision! It was, and to this day, is, my favorite book. There are sequels based upon this original book - such as Mrs. deWinter, by Susan Hill; then later on came another sequel to that one titled, Rebecca's Tale , by Sally Beauman. Sam, any chance you might have read these? I just wanted to know if anyone really felt the need to follow up on the Rebecca Saga........although they are not written by du Maurier? Going back however to your suggestions on the Festival News & Photo Album; YES, I have looked them up and already signed up to receive the Festival News(which was promptly sent to my home just a few days ago). I see they have numerous authors/bands as well as castle walks and boat trips....well, the list goes on and on. Tell me Sam, do you have the opportunity to enjoy the entire 2 wk.Festival (May 7-l6)? and if so, do you, have you seen all that they do offer? I personally would enjoy the walks,boat trips, and talks. Well, I believe I would enjoy all the festivities!!! Everyday is filled with dozens of things to see and do....Does one really get to do them all? It does seem so exciting! Enjoy your stay, Sam. (PS) I appreciate the info on the medieval church that is dedicated to St.Fimbarrus as well as of "Place House". Thanks again. The more I learn on the lovely town of Fowey, the more I want to know!!!!! With sincere thanks, Marri
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 19:18:54 (BST) Hello Marri, and everyone, The du Maurier Festival, which starts now in less than two weeks, is a matter of great excitement and anticipation for those of us who are lucky enough to have experienced it previously. Not only are the ten days of events, both professional and amateur, of great interest and pleasure, but also, the meeting again with friends made in previous years is delightful. Then again, Fowey is a lovely little town, set in a deep river valley, with a history stretching back probably a thousand years, and maybe more. I'm on rather shaky ground with my dates, but the church, dedicated to St Fimbarrus, is medieval, and the walls of 'Place House' near by are obviously a LOT older than those of my home! If you would like to know more about the Festival may I suggest that the two pages referred to on the left, in the 'Site Map', under Festival News, and the new 'Photo Album' should be of considerable help; the former listing events and people appearing, and the latter exhibiting splendid photographs of the Festival Village, which really do capture the atmosphere perfectly. Looking at them again certainly does set my 'motor running'! Best Wishes
sam
- Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 08:41:38 (BST) Hi to all the wonderful fans! I just recently came across this site and it just made my day to see such a brilliant and wonderful site devoted to this great lady! Especially happy to know it exhists. Sam, if you happen to come across this, I hope you may be generous and nice enough to enlighten me on the Festival that is coming up ! Although, this year I will not be able to attend, thru your experience there, I shall feel as though I had. I've noticed your various contributions made here and you are certainly a descrip- tive writer/along with being such a fan! I welcome anyone elses' comments as well! I have enjoyed being able to add myself to such an elite group!! Regards, Marri
Marri <ellapere@aol.com>
- Saturday, April 24, 2004 at 00:57:14 (BST) To Jo Tomlin: I'm glad I was able to help. In my opinion the 1978 version of REBECCA is the most evocative I have seen and Joanna David is the definitive ‘girl’. It is far superior to the more recent 1997 version and does not appear dated. I don't believe the BBC knows that there is such a big demand for this film. I feel that if more people write to them to persuade them to release the 1978 production on either video or DVD for sale to the public, it will make a difference. Hao
Hao Clayton <oldangels@onetel.net.uk>
- Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 22:44:27 (BST) Message for "oldangels. Thank you so much for your detailed answer to my queries. Shall email Andrew Roach now. Many thanks, Jo Tomlin
Jo Tomlin
- Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 15:45:41 (BST) To Anders Ekberg Yes she did write a book about swapping identities. Its called 'The Scapegoat'.
Jane
- Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at 04:55:31 (BST) ANSWER TO JO TOMLIN'S MESSAGE: Maxim was played by Jeremy Brett in the BBC 1978 version of REBECCA shown in 4 parts in 1978 and 1980. Anna Massey played Mrs Danvers and Elspeth March (wife of Stewart Granger) played Mrs Van Hopper. This version of REBECCA has never been produced for sale to the public. In fact I wrote to the BBC recently and their staff informed me last week that the BBC have no immediate plans to release this production on either video or DVD. He did not give a reason. However, he would let the BBC's Commissioning Team know of my interest. Perhaps if more people could write to the BBC it may help. Details as follows: Andrew Roach Project Co-ordinator, BBC DVD & Video, Room A3148, BBC Worldwide, 80 Wood Lane, London, W12 OTT T: +44 (0)20 8433 2684 F: +44 (0)20 8433 3607 mailto:andrew.roach@bbc.co.uk
Hao <oldangels@onetel.net.uk>
- Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 11:01:34 (BST) When I was 14 (about 1975) my English literature teacher read us a short story - could have been a play but I do not think so. From memory the story goes ..... It was set in a "Manor" not sure which country. A weekend retreat type of setting. Several couples. Power blackout - had to entertain each other. Participant said he could make somebody disappear without trace. Big bang or something or other. Lights came on - ha ha good trick buddy - everybody was there Description of people going home next day - someone missing .......... The story is definitely in the style of Daphne du Maurier style but as yet I have not been able to find it in any of her books. Has anybody else come across it?
cjk
- Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 07:15:46 (BST) Does anyone know from where I can obtain the vidoe of "Rebecca" with Joanna David. I cannot remember who starred as Maxim de Winter in this version. Would like to compare it with the version in which Joanna David's daughter Emilia Fox starred.
Jo Tomlin
- Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 07:59:58 (BST) Iv tried to post some photos onto the site but it seems that all my photos exceed 100kbytes. Not sure how to get round that one. Anyway I have posted them onto the MSN site Manderley spirit if anyone would like to visit.
tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 00:27:02 (BST) Oh no! I missed it, was looking to see if there was anything good on TV later this evening when I noticed in the 'pick of the day' section there it was 'Rebecca'. I was only 3 hours late. I really wanted to see that one. Oh well never mind I had a great time in Cornwall, got back on Wednesday evening. I like the sound of that cottage near frenchmans creak, sounds ideal, I will check that one out. Im just scanning through my holiday snaps to post onto the site now.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 00:10:46 (BST) Hi, I had some designs for the cigerette pack, and was wandering if it would be worth anything to you. I came to du Maurier first, seeing how they are my favorite brand. Well if these designs made your curious, just email me at puneet@rogers.com
Puneet <puneet@rogers.com>
- Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 15:12:12 (BST) WOW I cannot believe that at last that film is going to be on my tv. For ages I have been wanting to see it and now I will. I am so excited (it doesnt take much to light up my boring life!!) Thanks to my new best mate Sam for the info. Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Friday, April 16, 2004 at 16:07:27 (BST) I thought some of you might be interested to know that the Hitchcock 'Rebecca' is on BBC2 TV here in the UK, tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, according to the listings, if you want to set your machines! For me it's the best version; from my early childhood, I always remember Mrs Danvers in the burning house, and the flames beginning to lick against the embroidered R on the counterpane. Best Wishes everybody.
sam
- Friday, April 16, 2004 at 09:06:50 (BST) Just to set all your minds at rest ( if any are interested! ), Jo and I have resolved our differences, and embarked upon what promises to be a very entertaining, and interesting Email correspodence. I imagine Jo too, will be advocating the virtues of TALKING, to resolve differences. Two weeks to Festival, Yippeeee
Sam
- Friday, April 16, 2004 at 00:21:02 (BST) Fans of the novel Frenchmans Creek may be interested to know the the Landmark Trust own a cottage deep within frenchmans creek itself that they rent out for holiday lets. Details on page 62 of their handbook describe the cottages setting as 'it would be hard to find another cottage in Cornwall in a more remote, romantic and secluded place than this, tucked down at the head of Frenchmans Creek on the Helford River.' The Landmark Trust can be found at www.landmarktrust.co.uk they rescue and renovate historical buildings and then make them earn their living being used as holiday lets. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 08:51:44 (BST) Jo, Your concern for the feelings of Daphne’s living family and friends does seem rather belated. Your initial remarks about Daphne might well have caused far more hurt than my possibly clumsy attempts to defuse them, a thought that may not have occurred to you. By all means let us draw a veil over this unfortunate exchange. I enclose my email address, should you feel the need to have the last word. Best Wishes
Sam <samrim@tiscali.co.uk>
- Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 20:29:15 (BST) Sam, professionally (I am a trained counsellor/psychotherapist) I find your comments on attachment rather odd. Your comments on Flavia's perception of her own Mother and childhood I find offensive and inapropriate for this forum. My initial comments were intended to merely open up discussion on a matter that I and a colleague had found interesting but you seem to insist on experiencing them as some kind of negative comment on Daphne herself. If you wish to continue this dialogue may I suggest you email me personally so as not to cause any upset to living family or friends. Thanks Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 15:48:59 (BST) Hello Jo, I'm sorry if I appear over protective of Daphne's reputation. I did indeed take your point about perceived similarities between the two ladies; I do think that one might perhaps question the validity of that perception. As Daphne isn't able to defend herself, I can't help but try and see the wider picture. I suspect that Daphne, as so many other people who have family preferences, did perhaps appear cold, but that isn't to say she did not have feelings of affection for her daughters. It's an observed fact of life that some parents do not warm to all their offspring equally, and that can lead very easily to sibling rivalry. I know a fellow who, even into his older years, harbours resentments going back into his childhood. It does seem that Flavia's account of her childhood is simply HER perception of those times, and may not be as simple as that; memory is notably unreliable. Best Wishes
Sam
- Monday, April 12, 2004 at 21:39:48 (BST) Sam, people do not have to be perfect for us to admire them or their work. (indeed none of are perfect) As for your point about biographers and sales, anyone who has ever read Flavia's autobiography couldnt fail to notice that she says many times that her Mother was less than maternal towards her and her sister and when they were young children even rather cold. I'm sure that Flavia wasnt motivated by sales of her book. Sam you miss my point, which was the many similarities between Daphne du Maurier and Vita Sackville West lives, and focus only on what you percieve to be a negative comment on Daphne. Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 19:18:21 (BST) What a wonderful web site. I began being a fan of Daphne Du Maurier after reading Enchanted Cornwall, followed quickly by Frenchman's Creek and The Loving Spirit. I started reading Rebecca this morning (Easter Monday) and am already halfway through. I hope to get to Cornwall this year for the literary festival and do at least one of the walks. A few years ago we went sailing on the Helford River and past Frenchman's Creek, it was so peaceful and what a place for inspiration!
Barbara
- Monday, April 12, 2004 at 18:26:04 (BST) Hello Jo and everyone, I may have missed something, but I was not aware that Daphne du Maurier was socially superior to her husband when they married; admittedly her family were 'artistic' and 'theatrical', but I wonder how much more social cache there was in that, than in her husband's sucessful military career. It might be argued that they were equally self made! And on the subject of motherhood, Daphne was born into a time when marriage and motherhood were regarded much more the norm than is now the case. Looking around me I can't but wonder if all the opportunities that women have to 'be themselves', automatically confers greater contentment than the more traditional type of life. 'Biographers' have books to sell, often about those who are no longer able to defend their reputations, so I am very wary of accepting such scribblings as 'gospel'. Best Wishes.
sam
- Monday, April 12, 2004 at 09:40:05 (BST) Marge. There are photos of Menabilly in Margaret Forsters biography of Daphne du Maurier.
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 22:26:25 (BST) Has anyone elso noticed the similarities between Daphne du Maurier and Vita Sackville West? Both were independantly minded women who married men beneath them socially. Both women were writing to help their husbands financially. Both had 'venetian' tendencies. Both found motherhood difficult and were lacking as mothers. Both were extraordinarily attached to place/property. The list goes on and on, the more I read about each the more similarities I find. Anyone got any comments on this? Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 22:23:48 (BST) Hello, Have been trying to find a picture of Menabilly for quite some time now. Ran across this site by accident. Am doing genealogy for John Best, son of John and Edith Best. The father once worked at Menabilly cleaning chimneys. He and his wife are also mentioned in "The Tides of Life," autobiography of Dr. Frank Dyer. Great site. Marge
Marge Baker <fordfarm@centurytel.net>
- Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 20:26:38 (BST) I would be grateful if anybody can enlighten me as to why the BBC will not release the 1978 version of REBECCA (starring Joanna David, Jeremy Brett and Anna Massey)on video or DVD for sale. HAO CLAYTON
Hao Clayton <oldangels@onetel.net,uk>
- Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 18:56:18 (BST) Hi Sam, Well in the morning we are driving down to Newquay, were all packed up ready for an early start as we cant wait to get there. Yes Iv been to Fowey, the Hallwalk is fantastic, we tried it a few years ago but didnt get that far as my daughter was in her pushchair at the time, now that she is a bit older and very active we will try it again. We took a ferry over to Polruan last year. My son loved the ruins and we all enjoyed a meal in the Lugger Inn by the boatyard. Anyway hope you have a lovely time yourself when you go down to Cornwall. Ill be snapping away with my camera too and hope to have some interesting pictures to post to the site.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 19:48:21 (BST) Tina, Thanks for your contribution; glad we're on the same wavelength! Have a lovely time, and savor every moment (like good wine!); then give us a delicious resume here when you get back. It's poss I may be off too before you return, but when I get back, the more mouth watering descriptions I read, the better! Have you tried the Hall Walk around Fowey and Polruan yet- where Charles Second nearly took a Roundhead bullet during the Civil War; it brings Daphne's 'King's General' really near? Tourist Information in Fowey (or me!) will provide details. It's great for kids and 'grown ups'- about four/five miles and is lovely on a dry day! And do you already know that the 'Galleon', by the Town Quay is great for food,drink,and watching the river; and the 'Old Ferry' by Bodinnick Ferry. Sorry I do rattle on! Love
Sam
- Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 00:08:28 (BST) Hello Dave, Thanks for the invite; it's a 'Safe' bet that I'll be down to see you and Ann, before I unpack! A month to go; yippeee! All the best everyone.
Sam
- Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 08:05:47 (BST) In answer to Justin’s question the Painting is by a young lady called “Serena” it is said that she painted it in 2003 about the time of the last festival. The original hangs in Fowey River Gallery for sale about £4000, she also did a print of the same with a run of 800 the cost around £30’ ish. I have a copy of the print in my lounge. Look forward to seeing anybody who is down for the festival especially Sam, call in and see us at Bookends.
David <dwillmore@btconnect.com>
- Monday, April 05, 2004 at 14:23:30 (BST) The photo albums - just great! Who did the cover for the 2004 Festival brochure?
Justin
- Monday, April 05, 2004 at 10:48:21 (BST) It's a lovely place. Last year we were fortunate enough to rent Ferryman's Cottage, right on the river, and also to hire a motor launch for the week, for excursions to Polruan and up river.
John B
- Monday, April 05, 2004 at 00:25:16 (BST) What a lovely idea, just been browsing through your pictures. I do envy those of you able to get to the festival this year. Im off to Cornwall in 5 days from now and cant wait, ill get snapping with my new digital camera too. I had one for christmas and im just getting used to it. Weather permiting I am hoping to see Frenchmans Creak, more of Polruan and Ferryside.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, April 04, 2004 at 19:55:41 (BST) Be happy!
bill
- Sunday, April 04, 2004 at 02:26:10 (BST) Sam, many thanks. Lets give it a go. As you see, I have added a link on the left, with just a few photos of the Festival Village to be going on with, kindly submitted by Paul Warbey of Restormel BC. I now need to provide an easy means of submitting images for review, without me becoming overwhelmed by huge files from well-meaning volunteers.
John B
- Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 01:13:19 (BST) Hello John and everyone, Yes, I like the idea of a photograph facility very much, and hope you will be able to get it up and running. As someone who has been struggling with the intricacies of a digital camera this past winter, my interest in photography has really been reinvigorated! The idea of us all adding pictures to the site, through your good offices John really is very good. It should prove a good way of bringing us Daphne-ites together in a very real way! What do all my fellow contributors think? Is there a down side. I hope not! Best Wishes
Sam
- Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 19:32:38 (BST) I have been a fan of Mrs. du Maurier since I see the Alfred Hitchcock film THE BIRDS. Although they are completly differnt, the story and film, I loved it, I'm currently reading Rebecca. I'm having trouble finding the short THE BIRDS. I also found a disapointment when i FOUND OUT THAT SHE DIED ON MY BIRTHDAY, April 19th, 1989, one year after I was born. But oh well.
Carl C. Foley <batesmotel1960@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 15:47:43 (BST) As the webmaster of this site, I am wondering about setting up a Photo Album facility. The idea would be that visitors could submit their photographs for inclusion. We could have categories for the Festival, for Fowey and other places, etc. Those submitting would have to state that photos were not subject to copyright. Any thoughts?
John B
- Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 10:07:52 (BST) Sam, I know exactly how you feel about Cornwall. I first fell in love with the place when I stayed in St Ives with my family about 10 years ago now. Since having my children we have taken many wonderful holidays in Cornwall. Only by chance did I discover Daphne Du Maurier when we paid a visit to Jamaica inn after reading that one I was hooked. I understand that feeling you get when you cross the Tamar, it is like entering another world. My kids cheer when we go over it as they share my love of the place too. I love Bodmin moor, Altarnun, roughtor, and of course Jamaica Inn. We spent a fantastic summers evening last year looking for crystals in Dozmary pool. I often wonder over the moor and just imagine getting totally lost (most often we do) it really brings the story to life. Last year we took a trip over to Polruan. It was fantastic to see the boatyard, the ruins and walk around the area as the loving spirit is one of my faves - read it about 3 times now. Only 7 days to go now and my family and I will be visiting Cornwall again. I hope to get round to visiting the sites where she wrote Frenchmans Creek - another one iv read over and over. I thought I was the only one who felt that way about Cornwall Sam. you know so many people say to me "your not going to Cornwall again!" but I dont think we will ever tire of going there, there are so many places of interest, things to do, fantastic beaches. So, sad as it may sound to others - yes Im going to Cornwall again and cant wait. Tina
Tina <Tina_761_hotmail.com>
- Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 08:57:53 (BST) I just came across this website by accident and am quite impressed. I have long been a du Maurier admirer...she was a wonderful wordsmith and so skilled at evocation of things past and perhaps yet to come. In February 1978 my wife and I spent several hours with her at her home in Par, the home which was the basis for House On The Strand. We had a lovely morning sherry with her, then lunch, then a tour of her literary past and a view of the dozens of books in many languages. I later did a short radio piece for BBC Radio as well as articles for the San Francisco Chronicle and the Winnipeg Tribune. Many fond memories of that meeting and I still have my taped interview with her, as well as several letters she wrote. She was a reluctant interviewee, but persistence paid off. I think I wrote to her for three months before getting agreement to meet me. My wife Cathy also took several photos of her and she was kind enough to sign copies of The Golden Lads and Rule Britannia for us. I found her deeply fascinating and mysterious. I have interviewed many famous people, including four prime ministers and many famous actors and actresses, but I believe Dame Daphne was my very favourite subject. Best wishes to all her fans: Peter Carlyle-Gordge: Winnipeg, CANADA.
Peter Carlyle-Gordge <cagordge@mts.net>
- Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 08:46:07 (BST) Hi all, just wondering what people's opinions are on Rule Britannia. I have just finished the novel (now on Julius) and really enjoyed it. It has a sharpness to it that is quite observant in todays world. Regarding the Virago re-issues, are we to get all the works re-issued? I see that Myself When Young is also illustrated unlike the Arrow edition. Are there other differences to the Arrow books - I think Julius is now unedited whereas the Arrow edition was? After Julius, the Scapegoat awaits...!
Justin
- Monday, March 29, 2004 at 12:52:39 (BST) Hi! Just wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful website! I have just developed a love of Daphne Du Maurier's work (I'm only 14, after all), and I am halfway through Rebecca. So far, I find it enchanting, beautifully described and wonderful characterised. I have also just purchased My Cousin Rachel (love the new covers on all of her books, by the way), and can't wait to read it! The synopsis on the back sounds so ominous and mysterious! Congrats again on a great site! Bye! xxx
David Rush <MagentaRocks@aol.com>
- Sunday, March 28, 2004 at 21:17:39 (BST) The Parasites - not forgetting Flora Montgomery too :-) http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Good_Auld_Greba/
Abigail Grey <Abigail_grey@yahoo.co.uk>
- Sunday, March 28, 2004 at 17:28:38 (BST) If you can receive BBC Radio 4 in your area, or on the 'net, there is a production of the novel 'The Parasites' by Daphne du Maurier, and adapted by Robin Brooks. this week at 10.45am repeated at 7.45pm starting on Monday 29 March. Starring Tim Pigott-Smith and Jonathan Firth, each daily episode is 15 minutes long.

Pappy ............ Tim Pigott-Smith
Maria ............ Flora Montgomery
Niall ............ Jonathan Firth
Celia ............ Poppy Miller
Truda ............ Susan Brown
Charles .......... Jasper Britton
Manager .......... Nicholas Rowe
Child Maria ...... Madeleine Dunn
Child Celia ...... Julia Dunn

Producer/Director: Clive Brill

Most BBC material can be listened to in the archives at BBC Art & Drama
John B
- Sunday, March 28, 2004 at 12:40:17 (BST) Hello Sam, Hope you enjoy this years festival and long may you contribute to this site. I know what you mean about the area around Fowey, I spent the first 27 years of my life in Devon and would often make visits to Fowey and surrounding area, imagining Daphne on her walks. Now I live in Sussex and miss the South West, life up here is just so much more hectic! Regards Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Saturday, March 27, 2004 at 14:13:01 (GMT) Pleasure to find an actual and recent site dedicated to this enchanting weaver of words... just finished Scapegoat, about the 5th I've read... such a pity there is a finite amount of books to be read, I shall parcel them out like Halloween candy to be savored throughout the year.
Rachel H.
- Saturday, March 27, 2004 at 04:45:35 (GMT) Hello Jo, Thanks for your comments, although I do question my worthiness to receive it! I must confess to being the nerdie person in question; I love Daphne and her books, and am happy to maintain an interest in all things du Maurier, even though my knowledge of her works is actually quite limited. Many contributors are more erudite than I; in depth questions will receive more informed attention by- for example- Ann (who writes the book review section), or Rosie, who with her husband Rob, won the first Festival quiz! The years do fly by and it seems only a short time since I first put digit to keyboard. If I'm honest though, my interest is spurred by an almost obsessive love of beautiful Cornwall. I've been visiting the area since the 1960's, and it's a love that does not wane. It's not a particularly original obsession either; people from all over the place gravitate to the South West. Indeed, Daphne, dare I say it, seems to have shared our feelings for Cornwall; after all she found it as a young girl, and never really left it, emotionally at least! I always feel that crossing the Tamar is marked by a change in the quality of light, and a general feeling of being abroad, while not leaving the UK. Walking the Menabilly road, past Tregaminion Church, always seems curiously otherworldly. I fully expect that other places evoke similar feelings, but Daphne's Cornwall is certainly first in my heart. Another reason that I remain so committed to this website is because it led me to the Festival of Art and Literature that was instituted a few years ago in Daphne’s memory. For ten days in early May, I meet fellow devotees in Fowey (Daphne’s adopted home) where we re forge our friendship and enjoy all sorts or music and literature and drama and outdoor activities, and not forgetting much conviviality! As one may imagine, I’m already anticipating this year’s festival eagerly! Best Wishes Jo and everyone.
sam
- Friday, March 26, 2004 at 21:42:37 (GMT) Is the person SAM who often answers queries here the same SAM RIMINGTON who was answering queries back in 1999? If so what a fantastically devoted fan! Jo
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Friday, March 26, 2004 at 19:51:45 (GMT) Hi there, yes thats the book I was trying to think of 'a daughters memoir'. I bought a copy from the bookshop in Fowey when I was visiting there a year or so ago. very interesting read - I recommend it. Hope you find a copy the isbn number is 1-84018-190-7. Hope thats a help to you. Tina
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, March 25, 2004 at 19:13:34 (GMT) I read on a website that Daphne wrote a book on the famous New York hoarding, recluses Homer and Langley Collier (died in 1947). If any body has information on this book i would greatly appreciate if you could contact me as i am researching them for a film, thanks dave
David Willing <dreamoutloud19@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, March 25, 2004 at 02:30:44 (GMT) BIG thanks to Ann, Tina and Sam for answering my queries. Margaret Forsters biography explains the history of Daphne and Menabilly and I was particulary wanting an update on Menabillys current status. It's a pity for us members of the public that the current Rashleigh family are living in Mena' but obviously a positive thing for the house itself and it's unaccessability seems to add to the Rebecca atmosphere in my mind! It's great to have the title of the book I was half remembering and I can now search out a copy. So again a big thanks for the info you have all shared. This web site is fabulous for all us Daphne fans.
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 13:23:58 (GMT) In answer to Jo, Daphne du Maurier's daughter Flavia Leng wrote a book called "Daphne du Maurier: A Daughter's Memoir" in which she described her childhood at Menabilly and much more.
Ann
- Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 10:26:45 (GMT) It is the Rashleigh family that own Menabilly and Sam and Tina are right when they say that it is private property and never open to the public. I don't think you can see Menabilly from the Gribbin, but you can see it if you look across the fields behind Tregaminion Chapel. All you can see is the grey slate roof surrounded by trees, as the house is built in a bowl of land that virtually hides it from every direction. Also if you stand with your back to the gate of Tregaminion Chapel and look slightly to your right you can see Kilmarth, where Daphne du Maurier lived for the last part of her life.
Ann
- Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 10:21:59 (GMT) Hi Sam, Yes you are right about menabilly. I read something in the daily mail about it once. There was an article about the festival and it mentioned that the owners of the house didnt like the invasion of their privacy during the festival. The article did ask people intending to go to the festival to respect the privacy of the owners and not attempt to gain access to the grounds as it reported that people had tried. I have read that you can view the house though from Gribbin head I think, which is near Fowey. Im hoping to take a walk up there on a clear day to see if I can see it. I will let you know. Tina
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 08:54:07 (GMT) Hello Jo, I'm sorry no one has so far been able to answer your query about Menabilly. I was unable to answer at the time because I had forgotten the family name of the people who have always actually owned the house. Your second query seems to have jogged my very uncertain memory; if I'm correct, the family have owned Menabilly for hundreds of years, but when Daphne found the house it was empty and mouldering as no one from the family needed or wanted it then, apparently. According to Daphne's writing, it was the house's ruinous state, so lonely and neglected, that contributed to it's appeal for her! As the absentee family didn't need it, Daphne was able to arrange a long lease, and to move there with her young family. A later generation of the family apparently held a different view, and when Daphne's lease ended, she had to leave, much against her will, and she was allowed,perhaps as a compromise, to lease the estate's Dower House, at Kilmarth, a couple of miles away, where she remained to the end of her life! Those of us who are enthusiastic attendees of the Du Maurier Festival in and around Fowey each May, have often wished that it might be possible for Menabilly, and it's illustrious and historic family might be involved in the festival in some way, but the family value their privacy, quite rightly no doubt, and take no part in the festival. So Menabilly retains an aura of mystery, and separateness, that the fictional Manderley might envy! The house and grounds are strictly private, which surely is the prerogative of any householder, big or small! If any of the above is inaccurate, I hope I may be forgiven, and corrected from a more accurate memory! Best Wishes
Sam
- Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 21:47:37 (GMT) Have any of Daphne du Maurier's children published works relating to their childhoods at Menabilly? I have a feeling that I read an autobiography years ago about one of the children being unhappy as a child in this house. I cannot find any such book listed under the bibliography section of this web site. Does such a volume exist? Thanks again. Jo Wilson
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 16:49:15 (GMT) With reference to my previous entry about access to Menabilly. No replies as yet so does no one know if Menabilly is ever open to the public??? Does anyone know what has happened to the house since Daphne du Maurier's tenancy ended?? Please update me if you have any info. Thanks Jo Wilson
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 16:29:15 (GMT) This is a quick note for any one who is interested in the reviews of Daphne du Maurier's novels. I have just completed the review of "My Cousin Rachel" and added it to the book review page. To read it all you need to do is click on Book Reviews on the Site Map and then click on the title of the book. Don't forget that if you would like to review one of Daphne's books, you can e-mail it to me, for addition to the book review pages. You don't have to review the novels, you could choose a short story, play or one of her biographies, your view of her books will be of interest to others.
Ann <awillmore@btconnect.com>
- Saturday, March 20, 2004 at 23:50:15 (GMT) Hi John, Yes I agree that chat rooms can have a bad reputation which is sad really as I have joined a few relating to my work which are very useful and interesting. Its nice to chat with others who have similar interests. Well Iv never set up my own chat room before now, and no one has visited yet or left a message on the board. Im hoping to download a few photos of places of interest on there after my next visit to Cornwall. Anyway hope you will pop in and let me know what you think.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, March 20, 2004 at 16:39:13 (GMT) I have been trying to track down a short story I heard when I was 14. I had a look at all the short story books from du Maurier that I could find but it was not in any. I have found she wrote a short story "Week-end" which is in "Early Stories" published in 1953 (unable to get a copy anywhere). Has anybody read this story and can they give me a synopsis
Cecelia <cecelia@bigpond.com>
- Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 04:00:37 (GMT) I absolutely adore Du Maurier's books and have read Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Jamacia Inn and just finished Frenchman's Creek. All of them were amazing, I want to read more!!! :)
Georgy
- Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 01:34:15 (GMT) Tina, thats a nice idea for a Chat facility. I would be willing/able to set one up on this website, but the problem is one of moderation. We don't seem to be bothered here with the worst excesses that can afflict some bulletin boards, and the occasional 'clean up' is all that is required, but chat rooms have a bad reputation, and we would need somebody to act as moderator, more frequently than I am able.
John [webmaster]
- Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 20:21:51 (GMT) As there are so many of us regulars who post messages on this guestbook, which I may add is part of a brilliant informative website and its so nice to read so many messages from fellow Du Maurier addicts. I thought it would be a lovely idea to set up an msn group so we could chat on line and post directly to each other. I noticed there are lots of other book clubs and sites for fans of authors but not Du Maurier, so iv started my own, What do you think?
Tina <Manderleyspirit@groups.msn.com>
- Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 21:17:39 (GMT) I have a copy of The House on the Strand from 1969 which is inscribed by Daphne du Maurier to Monsieur and Madame Pannier with best wishes. I'd be interested to learn who these people were. Please e-mail me if you have any idea. Thanks. John
John Collins <JCOLL65132@AOL.COM>
- Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 18:04:03 (GMT) Hello! In repliy to Monica, I think what happens in 'Rebecca'is that the fire destroyed Manderly, but Maxim and Mrs. De Wintre the second survived, then moved abroad due to the memories being too much to bear. The book opens in the foreign country, and goes back in time as the speaker recounts the whole story. I am looking foward to the festival!
Holly
- Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 09:59:35 (GMT) Does anybody know if Menabilly is ever open to the public. How wonderful it would be to get inside!! I would truely appreciate any info on public admittance. Thanks Jo Wilson
Jo Wilson <jo82@supanet.com>
- Monday, March 08, 2004 at 16:59:51 (GMT) Thanks John for putting the details re the Festival ’04 on, an excellent job again.
David <info@bookendsoffowey.com>
- Sunday, March 07, 2004 at 14:42:57 (GMT) My thanks to Sam and to Rob & Rosie Hall for answering my guest book posting by pointing out that the online ordering system has been online and open for business since 2pm today, 5 March, near the top of the page at: http://www.fowey.co.uk/ and that the programme details are listed at: http://www.fowey.co.uk/daphnedumaurier/programme.htm Moreover the Box Office (near Fowey parish church) will open to the public on Monday 8th March - see: http://www.fowey.co.uk/daphnedumaurier/festivalinformation.htm Clearly if I don't book in time it will be all my own fault!
Douglas Steven <abovepar@f2s.com>
- Friday, March 05, 2004 at 19:41:13 (GMT) Hi Your site says that information about the 2004 festival will be put on site when available. Well the printed booklet has been in circulation for some time but it is still not showing on your site which is steadfastly looking back at 2003. At this rate those who rely on your website will find the tickets they want sold out.
Douglas Steven <abovepar@f2s.com>
- Friday, March 05, 2004 at 08:57:59 (GMT) I would like to know whether the correct writing of the author’s name is du Maurier or DuMaurier So far Ive found both versions Thank you
ingrid pape <ingrid.pape@bellaprint.com>
- Thursday, March 04, 2004 at 10:11:27 (GMT) I have just ended reading 'Rebecca'. A fantastic book!!!! I knew nothing about Daphne Du Maurier. Now I know much more. Thank you very much for your website! Jan 3-03-2004 (Holland).
Jan Boumans
- Wednesday, March 03, 2004 at 16:05:44 (GMT) I have read the novel "rebecca" and I have to say that it is really brilliant. but I've got a question: can anybody explain me the end of "rebecca"? manderley set afire, but at the beginning of the book, mrs de winter (the second) and maxim are living somewhere other..??have a nice day..
monica <moni_baertschi@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, March 02, 2004 at 07:26:39 (GMT) Re: Hungry Hill, there was also a film made starring Margaret Lockwood as Fanny-Rosa. The plot was shortened and the ending was changed quite dramatically which I found quite disappointing - even though Daphne herself did have a hand in the screen adaptation.
Carol
- Monday, March 01, 2004 at 12:51:39 (GMT) Has anyone read Hungry Hill? This is little known but I found it a fabulous read! It's my favourite second only to Rebecca. I've read most of the novels and short stories (my husband bought me a different one each Christmas and now I think I more or less have the full set!)and all of the short stories. Reading Daphne DuMaurier is a good habit to develop!
Carol
- Monday, March 01, 2004 at 12:46:55 (GMT) I know that Daphne du Maurier and her family all had lots of different nick-names for each other, but I have come across one that I had not heared of before. It is someone that Daphne called Tib. Can anyone tell be who Tib was please.
Amy, West Sussex.
- Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 12:37:43 (GMT) A brand new adaptation of Jamaica Inn is to be staged by Salisbury Playhouse this spring from Thu 29 Apr - Sat 22nd May. Following its run in Salisbury it will then tour to Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Greenwich Theatre, Lichfield Garrick Theatre and the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. Cast is yet to be announced. The adaptation is by Lisa Evans who adapted The Tenant of Wildfell Hall for the stage a few years ago. Tickets for Salisbury are now on sale and more information is available from the Box Office on 01722 320333, or at www.salisburyplayhouse.com
Jan Shorrock
- Friday, February 27, 2004 at 16:30:57 (GMT) l dey here0000000000000000000
mugu <mugu@aklan.com>
- Friday, February 27, 2004 at 11:50:51 (GMT) As someone who always loved Cornwall and Daphne (and Angela) du Maurier's writings, this website is a joy! I hope someday to get a chance to come to the festival. An interesting note for fans - you can hear Daphne and Angela interviewed briefly about their cousins, the Davies brothers who were "adopted" by James Barrie here: http://www.jmbarrie.co.uk/audio.shtml They sound a like a merry duo!
meggodo
- Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 18:59:02 (GMT) I think this site is wonderfull and i very much enjoyed the descriptive and it is well done. I have read and watched Rebecca and i thought it was tremendous and hope to endure more emencing exciting enjoyable novels but................HE DIDNT INTRODUCE HER!!!!
sally
- Monday, February 23, 2004 at 11:13:54 (GMT) hi there i really enjoyed the book rebecca and am hoping that i can read some other novels by Daphne Du Maurier thank you very much for letting me come online. many thanks
ruby
- Monday, February 23, 2004 at 11:12:14 (GMT) I was about 12 when I first watched Rebecca, and about 15 when I read Rebecca, and other novels such as Jamaica Inn, and Cousin Rachel. It wasn't until about 8 years ago that I saw the play of Rebecca, and then revisited this author. This site was a great source of information as I learnt about Daphne and her beloved Cornwall. I have since purchase a number of her non fiction publications, over the internet as they were out of print, my favourite being Enchanting Cornwall. To read this book, about Daphne's wonderful life, and her discovery and love affair with Menabilly, it is just wonderful. Year after year I hope and hope to visit the festival, I will get there one day. I want to walk in the Menabilly woods, and sit on the banks of the Fowey River, and sketch Ferryside, and try and sneak a peak at Menabilly and Kilmarth.If you have not read these other publications, it is well worth it.The Loving Spirit, Daphne's first novel is also great, as it is the story of Fowey and Daphne's discovery of Cornwall.
Terese Griffiths
- Thursday, February 19, 2004 at 02:34:02 (GMT)Her books are perfect for "mind-travellers" out there. My life has been indirectly affected by her writings. Thank you. Nurul, Malaysia.
Nurul <Hattasan@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, February 07, 2004 at 06:43:25 (GMT) Has D de M written a book/novel about a person who takes oven an other persons personality? Or identity? Anders
anders ekberg <anders.ekberg@swipnet.se>
sweden - Friday, February 06, 2004 at 16:34:58 (GMT) rebecca a great book.read it as a child and now reading for my lamda gold.keeps me glued to the book.
dinusha corea
- Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 17:17:05 (GMT) I know how you feel! I too am studying A- levels and cannot attend the festival, not only this, but I am not studying Daphne Du Maurier at school either.Will I have to take a gap year just to experience the festival?! It is looking likley!.....
Holly
- Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 12:52:57 (GMT) yeah, i'm reading rebecca coz i'm doin it 4 my A-level comparative study in English! i agree it's an excellent read and it is so worth reading!
rahi
- Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 09:13:57 (GMT) Hi Tina, We had the same problem as you with the Festival being in term time, we solved the problem by moving to Fowey... Hope you can make it on year. Regards David
David <dwillmore@btconnect.com>
- Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 16:59:56 (GMT) Is anyone going to the festival this year? I would so love to go but it is always on during the school term and as I have two little ones and I work in a school myself it is impossible to get to Cornwall during term time. Im going there for Easter though which im really looking forward to. Sadly the festival will be over by the time I get there. One of these years I will get there.
Tina <Tina_761@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 13:30:59 (GMT) Has anyone got / want Daphne's grandfather, George's 3 books - Trilby, Peter Ibbetson and The Martian - earliest dates. Also, I've got some of Daphne's more obscure works if anyone is interested - please e-mail me. Anne
Anne Stone <as018b0942@blueyonder.co.uk>
- Monday, January 26, 2004 at 21:42:57 (GMT) nice site muguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
doctor mugu <mugu@yahoo.com>
- Monday, January 26, 2004 at 10:46:21 (GMT) Hello John, I agree with your sentiments completely. Are you going to the Festival in May, it's great fun. One point though on your contribution, what is "This much I know" from? It sounds like a popular song from years ago! Best Wishes John, and everybody.
Sam
- Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 08:45:27 (GMT) Some writer, some family, some life, what a wounderful woman, and of Cornwall the land she loved, well it is the jewel in England's crown. This much I know. Thanks, John Herbert
John W. L. Herbert <John-Herbert@btconnect.com>
- Sunday, January 18, 2004 at 23:01:12 (GMT) Bravo on the Daphne du Maurier web site. What a treat for du Maurier enthusiasts! Absolutely fabulous! I love it and plan to return again and again. It's better than reading a Daphne du Maurier biography! Well done! Sincerely, Cecelia Giunta
Cecelia Giunta <Giuntacecelia@aol.com>
- Friday, January 16, 2004 at 03:23:30 (GMT) We all loved jamaica inn, we didnt quite understand some of the language but we thought it (overall) was quite exquisite. we shall be purchasing more books by this wonderful author and recommend it to all those people out there who havent found the love of Daphne yet. Thankyou for spending the time to read this entry. we hope you have a wondeful life. Good-bye.
Abby, Bex, Georgi, Kiwi and Helen
- Monday, January 12, 2004 at 15:07:33 (GMT) HELP!!! I am having a dickens of a time locating a copy of Daphne DuMaurier's short story "The Birds". I have looked here and there and everywhere. I loved Rebecca and would like my students to experience her short stories as well. All the help and leads I get are greatly appreciated. Desperate English Teacher, Patti
Patricia A. Rudd <patticyke@cdsinet.net>
- Monday, January 12, 2004 at 00:46:46 (GMT) Have read The Birds and Don't Look Now for English GCSE at college. Now much prefer the books than the film versions made, not even knowing the books before the corse! Thanks for the read.
Mark Owen <markowen1@tiscali.co.uk>
- Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 22:30:41 (GMT) I recently read rebecca, after i saw it on the big readand it is now my favourite book! Gr8 site by the way!
Pooki (13) <pookimus@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 16:00:04 (GMT) I read Rebecca when I was 15. I treasured it in my mind for more than thirty years. Those years I only guessing about the author until finally I find this sites. Thank you.
nina ch from indonesia
- Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 02:27:45 (GMT)How true is it that Daphne du Maurier told one person the name of the 2nd Mrs. Dewinter in Rebecca and that her last dying words were "If anybody else found out about the name they would go to hell"? Just curious. Write back!
(anonymous) <smiley_is_da_bomb@yahoo.com>
- Monday, January 05, 2004 at 20:07:09 (GMT) In relation to the nameless narrator ( the 2nd Mrs de Winter) in Rebecca - I remember reading an interview where Daphne Du Maurier said she found she was well into writing the book when she realised she still hadn't used a name so she decided to continue this as an interesting literary exercise. What a brilliant book - It's nice to know I'm not the only nut who has read it many,many, many times.
Jane
- Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 11:01:16 (GMT)

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