2015 Agatha Christie Festival: Day 3 - Poisons, Portraits & Prosecco

Torre Abbey

Day 3 (14/09/15)

Today started off with a really interesting talk by Kathryn Harkup: A is for Arsenic. Dr Kathryn Harkup is a research chemist and an avid Christie fan - which makes her the perfect person to write a book on the poisons Christie uses in her novels.

Kathryn gave a great analysis of the poisons used in Christie's novels, and described three in particular - Strychnine (The Mysterious Affair at Styles), Phosphorus (Dumb Witness) and Arsenic (Murder is Easy). All three used to be quite readily available - Strychnine was given as a medicine, Phosphorus was used on match heads and Arsenic was available over the counter in rat poison. There were some really interesting facts, apparently, in the olden days, people used to eat match heads as a form of suicide! We found out how to spot the various poisonings, how to slow down the effects and what the antidotes are. Kathryn even explained the dosage that was considered lethal. Luckily, nowadays, these poisons are not so readily available.

Following this excellent talk, I went to have a look at the Unfinished Portrait exhibition. The exhibition is on in Torre Abbey until 18 October, so there's plenty of time to see it. If you're an avid fan like me, then I would recommend going along. I've seen many photos of Agatha in her autobiography, books she's written, books about her and online but this exhibition gives you a insight into Agatha's personal life, including some of her personal photos in photo albums. Definitely worth a visit.

Sturdy Table, Torre Abbey

After the exhibition, I decided to go and have a look for some of the Sturdy Tables dotted around Torquay and I found three. The first one at Torre Abbey, in the Medieval Garden. I sat there for a while to listen to the wind blowing through the trees and smell the lavender as the bees buzzed busily by.

The second Sturdy table I found was in the Artizan Gallery - it was a lovely table, decorated with Agatha Christie book covers. There was also a matching lamp and wine bottle! The art gallery, also had a number of Agatha Christie based art - all done by local artists. It was a lovely little gallery.

I found my third and final Sturdy Table for today at Dot's Pantry on Union Street. The table was in the window so you could watch the world go by while enjoying a bit of cake. I decided to buy some cake to take out and took a piece back to my husband - he was a little concerned, considering I had just attended a talk on poisons and visited Torre Abbey and the poisons garden...! But don't worry, he's fine and well, no red berries, glowing icing or taste of almonds in sight!

What a better way to finish off the day than with a Murder Mystery! This event was not part of the official Agatha Christie Festival, but arranged by the Dartmouth Railway Company. It's a Murder Mystery on a train! We arrived at Paignton Station and were greeted with a glass of Prosecco. The characters came and mingled with us while we waited to board the train. Once we boarded the train, and settled in, we set off. The view was lovely, we went past Goodrington Sands and Broadsands. Then the food arrived while the characters acted around us. We made a 'unscheduled' stop at Churston Station where the actors left the train and acted out scenes on the platform. As soon as we arrived in Kingswear there was a scream! The butler had been found strangled. We were then given the opportunity to question three remaining suspects and then deliver our verdict. It was good fun!

Here are a few more photos from the day...

Sturdy Table, Artizan Gallery

Cakes, Dot's Pantry