For anyone who still has an insatiable appetite for all things Daphne, which is me in case you haven't guessed, and is within striking distance of the Tamar Bridge, which is also me, but may be you too, here's an event not to be missed under any circumstances.
Daphne at Port Eliot, St Germans on Saturday May 31st.
The combination of place and subject is so magical I hardly know where to begin, but first perhaps check out this fascinating article on Port Eliot by The Countess St Germans to gather a sense of place before you even add Daphne du Maurier into the equation.
Then imagine a garden party amongst the rhododendrons, readings and
afternoon tea or the evening event, The Haunting of Daphne, champagne
cocktails and canapes and follow in Daphne's footsteps.
Justine
Picardie will be there, Dr Jessica Gardner of the du Maurier archive at
Exeter University too, along with an exhibition of pieces from the
archive. Talks and discussions throughout the day and Ann Willmore from
Bookends of Fowey will also be on hand selling antiquarian and modern
books and doubtless sharing her vast knowledge of all things Daphne.
The
Port Eliot annual literary festival is legendary locally and now I have to
admit I've never been. Friends assure me it's like Glastonbury meets
Hay-on-Wye and everyone adores the relaxed atmosphere.
No festival
this summer, the house has just opened to the public and that's
probably enough to cope with in one year, it's a lived-in home so just
imagine the public all filing past as you are eating your breakfast?
I'd be in a right old state worrying about people tripping over
boy's plate-sized trainers or stepping on something the cat's brought in.
Talking of cats, can you just imagine it?
A state room and throne of his own would no doubt be
demanded, but just feast your eyes on this.
Breathtakingly splendid or what, but have no fear dovegreyreader will be there and taking all those of you who can't make it along too.
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