Venue: Sylvester
Horne Institute, Church Stretton, Shropshire
21st & 22nd June 2003
A glorious sunny weekend set the scene for our return to Church
Stretton (Shepwardine). Summer School was attended by about 40
members on both days, with many old and new friends
enthusiastically gathered. It was lovely to welcome new member
Rachel Piercey to the fold, who at only 15 has the makings of a
literary career. Gratifying to know that Mary Webb appeals to
young and old alike.
The carefully planned programme stimulated the tired brain cells
and transported us out of the daily grind into a “spell of
gold”- (The Elfin Valley)
“Face to Face with the sunflower
Cheek to cheek with the rose
We follow a secret highway
Hardly a traveller knows.
The gold that lies in the folded bloom
Is all our wealth;” ….The
Secret Joy
Saturday
”Mary Webb as a short story writer” Gladys Mary
Coles
Gladys Mary kicked off the Summer School with a wonderful insight
into this lesser known area of Mary Webb’s work. She
clarified some of the more technical points about the art of
short story writing and also discussed the work of Mary’s
contemporaries. We were urged to re-read Mary’s masterpiece
“The Cuckoo Clock” originally written for children,
also “In Affection and Esteem” and “Over the Hills
and Far Away.”
“Literary Encounter -Caradoc Evans” Margaret Austin,
Father Andrew Pearce as the voice of Caradoc, slides by Norman
Davies
Margaret and her “team” presented a superbly
researched, entertaining and moving programme about this
colourful Welsh writer. Caradoc befriended Mary Webb during her
time in London. His affection for her as portrayed in his
character sketch was movingly presented by the beautiful Welsh
voice of Andrew Pearce.
After a hearty lunch we set off on a coach trip led by
“flockmaster” Wynford Wyke. We headed off to Craven
Arms and into the Clun valley, taking in the breathtaking scenery
of this land of inspiration. We stopped to admire the view at
Kerry and then wove in and out of Wales to stop for tea at a
place very dear to the society, The Stiperstones Inn. The host,
John Sproson did a sterling job to keep the tea flowing!
On our return journey we took in Mary’s beloved Lyth Hill
and also a magnificent field of poppies.
We arrived back at Church Stretton and had a little time to chat
and further browse Colin and Wendy Neville’s book stall,
before our evening’s entertainment started.
This was a departure from the usual imported event, in that
members were invited to take along a piece of prose or poetry to
read. The informal gathering was ably presented by GMC and
interspersed with musical offerings from Eloise Wyke on the piano
and violin. Eloise is only 14, but she is immensely talented and
a daughter of whom Wynford is justly proud. (However, she was
spotted taking a sneaky peep at the latest Harry Potter book
during the proceedings)
The evening was a huge success with a variety of readings from
many different writers. Our members truly entered into the spirit
and created moments of reflection, inspiration and humour.
So it was wearily back to the B&B to await the next
instalment…
Sunday
“Mary Webb and her affinities with The Brontes”
Gladys Mary Coles
Just when you thought GMC couldn’t get better, she just got
better!
We learnt of Mary’s admiration for the Brontes and her
particular affinity with Emily, although she greatly admired
Charlotte and had studied Jane Eyre in great depth.
Comparisons were drawn between the “plain” heroines,
Prudence Sarn and Amber Darke with Jane Eyre. This was an
intriguing, and as ever, a well-crafted lecture.
“Cornish Writers with a few glimpses of
Cornwall” Gordon Dickins
Gordon presented this lecture with a table full of books and an
enthusiastic style which we have come to love. Gordon’s wide
knowledge of writers leaves you spellbound. His love of Cornwall,
second only to Shropshire was a joy to share. He talked of the
famous and not so famous writers who have found inspiration in
Cornwall including Daphne Du Maurier, John Betjemen and
Quiller-Couch.
Then followed a slide show in which Gordon captured the drama and
beauty of this landscape as only he can.
No-one can accuse the Mary Webb Society of being one-dimensional
when the merits of so many writers are explored in one week end.
You just want to go away and read and re-read!
After another pleasant lunch provided by our local caterers, we
were in for a surprise; the caterer’s daughter Caroline
Ellis had appeared as the young Sukey in the BBC production of
Precious Bane in 1989 and had brought along her photograph album,
script and other wonderful memorabilia. The album included
informal photographs of the cast, set and letters of engagement
promising Caroline that she would be fed and paid! According to
Caroline, she was both; most generously. We hope that Caroline
will provide a piece for a future journal about her amazing
experience.
Reluctantly, we went our separate ways but the bonds of Mary Webb
“warmship” will bind us all together in spirit until we
meet again.