Journal 70
- Anita Bensoussane
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Re: Journal 70
I liked your article, Judith, as I enjoy contributions with a personal touch. It was good too to see the work that William Ferguson's pupils did while studying Five Go Off to Camp, and to read Winfried Secker's detailed and amusing account of collecting Enid Blyton books in Germany (and picking up a few volumes during a visit to Britain).
Ilsa's piece on the Lawdler twins from Five on a Secret Trail was thoughtful and gave Guy and Harry an interesting back story, while Tim Venning's discussion of the 1970s TV adaptations of Five on a Secret Trail and Five Go to Billycock Hill was extremely thorough as always. I was also interested in Angela Canning's article on Burgess Sharrocks, especially his connection with Conway, Bangor and Snowdonia because I grew up not far away, in Colwyn Bay. I'm not too fond of many of his Secret Seven illustrations but I very much like his elegant "London Street Scene", shown on page 41 of the Journal.
'The Flippetty Flops' was a wonderfully imaginative story (as a child I loved reading tales of girls and boys going to Fairyland), particularly the notion that loving things of beauty like "mountain snow, moonlight, gold from the heart of a crocus", etc. brings a person wisdom. Some elements of Enid's early Fairyland stories found their way into her first full-length novel, The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies (1926).
'The Christmas Pony' was a simple but charming tale, the reference to "television aerials" reflecting the fact that having a television in the home was becoming increasingly common. It was lovely to hear about the birds at Elfin Cottage too, in Enid's 'From My Window' column.
I used a magnifying glass to read the Ladies' Year Book ... 1929 entries, Nigel! It was well worth persevering as they gave a real insight into Enid Blyton's daily life at the time. She wrote of punting, catching fish, arranging flowers, doing the mending, going to the theatre, playing Bridge, getting a pet cat (Patabang), dealing with floods at Old Thatch, unwrapping Christmas presents (and going to Maidenhead to change some of them on 28th December!), spending time with Mabel Attenborough, Phyllis Chase and other friends - and, of course, working on her stories. She could be judgemental, describing an acquaintance's estate as "common, cheap and ugly", calling visitor Mr. Eyston "a frightful bore" and saying that employee Mrs. Withers was "getting too disrespectful for anything. She seems to think she is the mistress and I am the maid." I found it interesting to learn that Hugh engaged a gardener called Coventry not long before engaging Dick Hughes. Did they both work in the garden at Old Thatch for a while, I wonder, or did Dick Hughes perhaps replace Coventry - or did Coventry never actually take up the job? It's also amazing that Enid got through so many maids/cooks/housekeepers!
A gorgeously-illustrated Journal as always, packed with a variety of intriguing and informative stories and articles.
Ilsa's piece on the Lawdler twins from Five on a Secret Trail was thoughtful and gave Guy and Harry an interesting back story, while Tim Venning's discussion of the 1970s TV adaptations of Five on a Secret Trail and Five Go to Billycock Hill was extremely thorough as always. I was also interested in Angela Canning's article on Burgess Sharrocks, especially his connection with Conway, Bangor and Snowdonia because I grew up not far away, in Colwyn Bay. I'm not too fond of many of his Secret Seven illustrations but I very much like his elegant "London Street Scene", shown on page 41 of the Journal.
'The Flippetty Flops' was a wonderfully imaginative story (as a child I loved reading tales of girls and boys going to Fairyland), particularly the notion that loving things of beauty like "mountain snow, moonlight, gold from the heart of a crocus", etc. brings a person wisdom. Some elements of Enid's early Fairyland stories found their way into her first full-length novel, The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies (1926).
'The Christmas Pony' was a simple but charming tale, the reference to "television aerials" reflecting the fact that having a television in the home was becoming increasingly common. It was lovely to hear about the birds at Elfin Cottage too, in Enid's 'From My Window' column.
I used a magnifying glass to read the Ladies' Year Book ... 1929 entries, Nigel! It was well worth persevering as they gave a real insight into Enid Blyton's daily life at the time. She wrote of punting, catching fish, arranging flowers, doing the mending, going to the theatre, playing Bridge, getting a pet cat (Patabang), dealing with floods at Old Thatch, unwrapping Christmas presents (and going to Maidenhead to change some of them on 28th December!), spending time with Mabel Attenborough, Phyllis Chase and other friends - and, of course, working on her stories. She could be judgemental, describing an acquaintance's estate as "common, cheap and ugly", calling visitor Mr. Eyston "a frightful bore" and saying that employee Mrs. Withers was "getting too disrespectful for anything. She seems to think she is the mistress and I am the maid." I found it interesting to learn that Hugh engaged a gardener called Coventry not long before engaging Dick Hughes. Did they both work in the garden at Old Thatch for a while, I wonder, or did Dick Hughes perhaps replace Coventry - or did Coventry never actually take up the job? It's also amazing that Enid got through so many maids/cooks/housekeepers!
A gorgeously-illustrated Journal as always, packed with a variety of intriguing and informative stories and articles.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
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"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
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- John Pickup
- Posts: 4895
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Re: Journal 70
Journal 70 is yet another interesting and informative read. I enjoyed Angela Canning's article on Burgess Sharrocks whose work I was never particularly keen on. I preferred George Brook and Bruno Kay as Secret Seven illustrators.
Ilsa's continuation piece about the Lawdler twins made me wonder if there was to be a major discovery on Kirrin Island leading to an adventure there. Only Ilsa will know.
I largely agree with David Martins feasibility study of the Adventure series. I maintain that Valley, my personal favourite, is such an exceptional story because it is so highly likely.
And thanks to Tony, I now know when the Chinese Communist Party was formed. Many thanks to him and all the contributors for their efforts.
Ilsa's continuation piece about the Lawdler twins made me wonder if there was to be a major discovery on Kirrin Island leading to an adventure there. Only Ilsa will know.
I largely agree with David Martins feasibility study of the Adventure series. I maintain that Valley, my personal favourite, is such an exceptional story because it is so highly likely.
And thanks to Tony, I now know when the Chinese Communist Party was formed. Many thanks to him and all the contributors for their efforts.
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- Daisy
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Re: Journal 70
Well, it's a thought John... not one that had occurred to me though!John Pickup wrote: Ilsa's continuation piece about the Lawdler twins made me wonder if there was to be a major discovery on Kirrin Island leading to an adventure there. Only Ilsa will know.
'Tis loving and giving that makes life worth living.
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Re: Journal 70
As I mentioned in a previous post, 70, my second journal, arrived safely and has lived up to the high expectations I formed from reading 69. I have not yet posted any reactions to that journal as I made the mistake of writing them down as I went along so I've got masses to choose from. I hope to get to it over Christmas when gruelling weather is likely to keep me indoors.
Like 69, 70 is physically attractive, the vintage illustrations totally relevant, the editing, proof-reading and presentation outstanding. There is nothing in it which I did not thoroughly enjoy reading. No reader of travelogues, never-the-less I was captivated by Anita Bensoussane's 'Off to Malory Towers!'and by Winfried Secker's 'Blyton, Enid Blyton - A Licence to Collect'. 'Class Four Join the Famous Five' by William E. Ferguson made me wish that I'd done more work with my classes when, in my youth, school-teaching seemed necessary to supplement the erratic income from second-hand books. One of my survival techniques was reading my favourite Enid Blytons to my unruly pupils. I agree with Anita that personal accounts of shared literary enthusiasms are great to read and she has sent me back to Malory Towers and its 6 books, after an absence of 60 years. No time at all, really.
Like 69, 70 is physically attractive, the vintage illustrations totally relevant, the editing, proof-reading and presentation outstanding. There is nothing in it which I did not thoroughly enjoy reading. No reader of travelogues, never-the-less I was captivated by Anita Bensoussane's 'Off to Malory Towers!'and by Winfried Secker's 'Blyton, Enid Blyton - A Licence to Collect'. 'Class Four Join the Famous Five' by William E. Ferguson made me wish that I'd done more work with my classes when, in my youth, school-teaching seemed necessary to supplement the erratic income from second-hand books. One of my survival techniques was reading my favourite Enid Blytons to my unruly pupils. I agree with Anita that personal accounts of shared literary enthusiasms are great to read and she has sent me back to Malory Towers and its 6 books, after an absence of 60 years. No time at all, really.
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- Anita Bensoussane
- Forum Administrator
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- Joined: 30 Jan 2005, 23:25
- Favourite book/series: Adventure series, Six Cousins books, Six Bad Boys
- Favourite character: Jack Trent, Fatty and Elizabeth Allen
- Location: UK
Re: Journal 70
Enjoy becoming reacquainted with Darrell, Sally, Mary-Lou and all the others, Judith!
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
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"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
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- Rob Houghton
- Posts: 16029
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Re: Journal 70
I'm happy to hear some readers missed me in the latest Journal. Hopefully I will be back in 2020!! If Tony gets his computer sorted!!
I've had a tough three months adjusting to a whole new way of life, as some of you on here already know - my dad, who I was very close to, as we'd lived together without my mom for ten years and were buddies as well as father and son, sadly died on 25 August, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, which gave us all a massive shock and has meant many adjustments, mentally and physically, as I have now taken on the running of the house! Hopefully things will begin to slowly edge into a new version of 'normal' as the months go on, but Tony felt I should have a break from writing an article this time round.
I've had a tough three months adjusting to a whole new way of life, as some of you on here already know - my dad, who I was very close to, as we'd lived together without my mom for ten years and were buddies as well as father and son, sadly died on 25 August, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, which gave us all a massive shock and has meant many adjustments, mentally and physically, as I have now taken on the running of the house! Hopefully things will begin to slowly edge into a new version of 'normal' as the months go on, but Tony felt I should have a break from writing an article this time round.
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
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hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'
(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)
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- Kate Mary
- Posts: 1934
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- Location: Kent
Re: Journal 70
Very sorry to hear about your Dad Rob, I missed your contribution to this Journal, it takes a long time to adjust after losing someone very close, I've been there too.
"I love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines." Oliver Goldsmith
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- John Pickup
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Re: Journal 70
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, Rob. My mother died in June and although she was 92 years old, it was still a massive wrench to lose someone I'd known for 65 years. The journal isn't the same without you and I'm looking forward to your next contribution.
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- pete9012S
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Re: Journal 70
Yes, it didn't seem quite the same without having an article from you inside Rob.Rob Houghton wrote:I'm happy to hear some readers missed me in the latest Journal.
Thinking of you at this difficult time of re-adjustment after the loss of your dear dad.
Best Wishes
Pete
" A kind heart always brings its own reward," said Mrs. Lee.
- The Christmas Tree Aeroplane -
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- The Christmas Tree Aeroplane -
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- Courtenay
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Re: Journal 70
Oh Rob, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad — my thoughts are with you at this sad time. I also missed your article in the Journal (and had noticed you hadn't been posting here so often recently) and hope you'll be writing again when you feel ready.
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It was a nuisance. An adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all. (The Valley of Adventure)
It was a nuisance. An adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all. (The Valley of Adventure)
- Eddie Muir
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Re: Journal 70
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, Rob. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
'Go down to the side-shows by the river this afternoon. I'll meet you somewhere in disguise. Bet you won't know me!' wrote Fatty.
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Re: Journal 70
Sorry to hear about your Dad, Rob. Your articles are certainly missed.
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- Anita Bensoussane
- Forum Administrator
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- Joined: 30 Jan 2005, 23:25
- Favourite book/series: Adventure series, Six Cousins books, Six Bad Boys
- Favourite character: Jack Trent, Fatty and Elizabeth Allen
- Location: UK
Re: Journal 70
Really sorry about what you're going through, Rob - and you too, John (Pickup).
Looking forward to another article from you whenever you feel ready, Rob.
Looking forward to another article from you whenever you feel ready, Rob.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
Society Member
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
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- Eddie Muir
- Posts: 14566
- Joined: 13 Oct 2007, 22:28
- Favourite book/series: Five Find-Outers and Dog
- Favourite character: Fatty
- Location: Brighton
Re: Journal 70
I’m sorry to hear about your mother, John.
'Go down to the side-shows by the river this afternoon. I'll meet you somewhere in disguise. Bet you won't know me!' wrote Fatty.
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- Kate Mary
- Posts: 1934
- Joined: 20 Apr 2007, 06:25
- Favourite book/series: The Treasure Hunters/ Five Find Outers
- Favourite character: Barney
- Location: Kent
Re: Journal 70
I have just finished Journal 70. I like to take my time with Journals they are such rare treats, and I think this one was an absolute stunner. I found all the articles and stories interesting. I particularly enjoyed the Ladies' Year Book 1929 even though Enid's handwriting was a challenge sometimes. Many thanks to all the contributors, I envy your talent in being able to write such brilliant articles and thanks also to the editor for all his hard work.
"I love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines." Oliver Goldsmith
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