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Henley Convention April 2009
Henley-On–Thames.
Once away from the busy main road, a village emerges through the scent of
Wisteria and Roses, a few streets that have matured gracefully with age.
Somewhere that has the quality of light associated with water. Red tiles, white
walls, windows latticed against the low sun.
The Thames,
river from Wind-In-The-Willows, complete with earnest rowers, small cruisers and
water fowl. Fleets of swans, zig-zagged by coots, as loudly insistent as the
children playing in the park.
As dusk deepens, lights come on, illuminating the buildings as in a stage
setting.
How many people must have passed over this bridge in its long history.
The Red Lion, a venerable location for the Elizabeth Goudge Convention. Complete with its shawl of wisteria, settling down for the night. Across the river the steel structures for the Regatta were taking shape, and the smooth green lawns were carrying the last of the rowers towards the club house.
Morning, the business of the day begun. Greetings and a getting to know you session with the first coffee of the day was held in The Orangerie. Seated at the tables are; in the fore ground, Sally Bullock and Dr Rosemary Mills behind them on the right hand table are Paul Gray, Maggie Donnelly, Marion & Brian Sheath, Joan Portsmouth and Rosalind Robinson. Seated in front of the window Alan & Audrey Piddington.
The first Talk and group discussion was on the use of poetry in Elizabeth's work and was led by Deborah Gaudin. We talked about the influence poetry had had on Elizabeth's characters, the places and homes she wrote about. We touched on the use of Poetry as an Introduction to her novels, the Anthologies she had edited and the poetry Elizabeth wrote herself.
After Lunch we drove out to Peppard Common to visit the Church of All Saints. Elizabeth worshipped here and her Memorial service was held here on April 6th 1984. Sylvia Seymour who was there to show us the building remembers visiting Elizabeth and Jessie with the Parish Magazine. " She always asked after the children," she said.
Blessed are the Peace
Makers. Sunlight through stained glass. An
oasis of quiet in a busy world. Time to pause and reflect.
Audrey and Alan lead the way up Dog Lane, accompanied by Donna Hartwell, Rachael Mackenzie. Joan Portsmouth behind them and Dr Rosemary Mills in the background. The weather was glorious.
Arriving at Rose Cottage, Sally Bullock, Jessica Yates, Joan Portsmouth and Dr Rosemary Mills. Karen & Ken were there to greet us and show us round their garden. Although much changed from Elizabeth's time, it was full of sunshine and the hum of pleasant conversation.
The lovely and courageous Marion Sheath with her husband Brian. Thank you Marion for all your kind words and support for the web site.
Paul Gray an old friend
and supporter with Maggie Donnelly, outside Rose Cottage.
Karen & Ken Greive provided a welcome break with tea and cakes in Rose Cottage.
The day was spent very pleasantly and enjoyed by everyone. Thank-you to those who have written or emailed to say how much you enjoyed the event and a big thank you too to Audrey, Sally and Jessica whose input and help on the day contributed to the success. The day was spent with like minded people, celebrating the life & work of Elizabeth Goudge.