2015 Agatha Christie Festival: Day 5 - Talks, Tea and a Twilight Tour

Afternoon Tea, Imperial Hotel

Day 5 (16/09/2015)

We're well into the Agatha Christie Festival now and today has been a very busy day, with four events I wanted to attend (well there were more, but there's just not enough time in the day!!)

In the morning, I attended two excellent talks. The first was at Torquay Museum, and was hosted by John Curran, Julius Green, Ben Nealon and Deborah Grant. John Curran covered the various adaptations of And Then There Were None, in particular on the stage and on screen. Julius Green spoke about the play, and how it was adapted in the war to give a happier ending - using a different version of the poem. I have his book - Curtain Up, which talks about Agatha's life in the theatre. It was also interesting to hear from the actors who are currently starring in And Then There Were None - Ben Nealon and Deborah Grant - and to hear how they study the characters when they take on the role.

Next on the list was the The Golden Age of Murder talk by Martin Edwards, at Torre Abbey. Martin was quite an entertaining speaker, and didn't seem to have any notes with him. I'm impressed by anyone who can stand up and speak in front of so many people - but to do it without notes shows he really knows his stuff! I have his book and have started reading it, it's such an easy read and really interesting. So far, it's about the Detection Club and looks into the background to some of it's members, including Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers and Anthony Berkeley Cox. A really good read so far, and I'm looking forward to getting home and the having the time to finish it!!

After the talks we headed over to the Imperial Hotel for Afternoon Tea on the Terrace - with Jazz music playing in the background. It was a lovely atmosphere, quite a few people were dressed up in 1920s-1940s outfits. The food was lovely - there were various sandwiches, scones (fruit and plain!) and cakes, all served with delicious tea!

Before leaving, I decided to search for the Sturdy Table, but couldn't find it anywhere - and it was pouring it down with rain. I later learned it had moved inside, so I might make another trip to the Imperial Hotel later in the week if I get time.

Signed first edition

We rounded off the day with a Twilight Tour of Greenway! It was a little eerie at first, we walked down the long winding driveway, and apart from us and another couple, there was no-one around. We decided to try the door to Greenway, and it was unlocked! So we went into the house - still no-one around. We quietly made our way to the inner hall where we found a group of people sat around the table reading - none of whom looked up when we walked in. It was very strange.

While we worked up the courage to speak to them, a National Trust volunteer came out from the kitchen area, and greeted us. We were then split into groups of about six, and taken on a tour of Greenway. We've been to Greenway on a couple of occasions, but this tour gave us more access to places we'd not been to before, and more personal information. It was amazing!

Also.....we got to see - and handle - some first edition Agatha Christie books!!! How exciting is that? I felt like I had to whisper when we were in the presence of them!! Before we could touch them we were shown how to handle and open them (not more than 90 degrees). There were even some signed books to Rosalind from Agatha. To think, she had held those very books - perhaps not with the attractive blue gloves on - but they were ones that had belonged to her at some point!!

The National Trust volunteers were fantastic, and very knowledgeable. After the tour, we went to the kitchen and had some wine and canapes, while we got to ask more questions and find out more about our favourite author. I think this has been one of my favourite events so far.

Here are a few more photos from Greenway...

Gardens, Greenway

Dining Room, Greenway

Library, Greenway

Agatha's Bedroom, Greenway

We've got another eventful day tomorrow - we're off to Greenway again for some tasty treats, all based on recipes from Agatha's books....! Hopefully without the poison added!! Bye for now...

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

2015 Agatha Christie Festival: Day 2 - The Grand Hotel & Talking Books

The Agatha Christie Suite

Day 2 (13/09/2015)

The theme for today's events at the Agatha Christie Festival was 'Agatha Christie and the First World War' and there were many events centred around this theme. We booked onto the 'Agatha, Archie and The Grand Hotel' event which took place, at The Grand Hotel - where Agatha and Archie spent their honeymoon on Christmas Eve in 1914.

The first part of the talk was given by Fiona Hallworth from Clifton College, Bristol and focused on Archie Christie and his upbringing and education. Archie attended Clifton College which wasn't very far from where his mother and step-father lived. It was sad to hear that all of Archie's team mates died in the First World War and he was the only one to survive. The research is in the early stages, so there were still a lot of questions, but it looked at the different influences on his life and how these may have led to influences on Agatha and her writing.

Anna Farthing, the Festival's Director, followed with a look at Agatha's life and learning in comparison to Archie's. Where Archie's education was planned and timetabled, Agatha's was relaxed and almost entirely at her leisure. Anna Farthing also read a section from Agatha Christie's biography, about her wedding day and how Archie was determined that they marry as soon as possible, when he was on leave from the First World War. We also got to see his leave record, which showed when he on leave from the war - which wasn't that often. It must have been so difficult, to marry and then see your husband go back to war a few days later.

We were then given a brief history of The Grand Hotel by a member of the hotel management before being taken on a tour - including the newly refurbished Agatha Christie Suite!!

Agatha and Archie honeymoon in a two-bedroomed apartment. As mentioned, the room has been refurbished in a modern art-deco style. The manager, who showed us round, said that everything was made or renovated by staff in the hotel, the rooms were painted by the maintenance staff, the furniture was reupholstered by staff etc. They also make and bake all their own bread, food and source all meat and fish from within 10 miles of the hotel (except for Scottish salmon - which is the best).

We also had a tour of the 1881 restaurant and out on the terrace - it's a beautiful building and very nicely decorated. There was a lovely view of Torquay from the Terrace - just a shame about the weather!

The Little Theatre

This evening, we attended the RNIB's Talking Books event at a place called The Little Theatre, which is tucked away on St Mark's Road towards Hesketh Crescent and Meadfoot Beach. It's the 80th anniversary of Talking Books, and Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was one of the first three novels available.

It was quite an informative evening - we learnt the history of Braille, and how Talking Books started and the reasons behind it. Many of the men who returned from the First World War had been blinded, they could not return to their jobs and found it difficult to get back into everyday life. They could not read Braille and it was difficult to pick up at their stage in life. This was where the evening became interactive. We were all given a pack when we arrived, and in it was a card with the Braille alphabet on. We were asked to close our eyes, and find the Braille card in our bags - which was quite difficult. We were then asked to try and feel the letters - again, this is very difficult. You have to have very sensitive fingertips to be able to read it.

We also learnt how audio books are made - I didn't realise how much was involved in this process - from hiring an actor, studio, producer to editing and creating the cd/download. It's a very expensive business. We heard from Harper Collins who are aiming to provide all their new titles this year in hardback, paperback, e-book and audio book - however the consumer wants it! Harper Collins also provided everyone with a free Agatha Christie audio book. I got Endless Night and my husband got a collection of short stories including 'Death by Drowning' and 'The Plymouth Express' read by Joan Hickson and David Suchet respectively!

Finally, we heard from the RNIB - who do so much for all those who are registered blind or partially sighted. The lady said that every day, about 100 people are registered as blind. As well as providing a lending library of audio books, they also produce educational materials for schools and colleges. When the final Harry Potter novel was released, they created Braille copies and hand-delivered them to children around the country on the day of release - so visually-impaired children were able to chat to their friends about the new book because they had a copy too!

All in all, it's been a lovely day learning about Agatha Christie and the First World War. Looking forward to tomorrow when we go on a Murder Mystery Dining Train...!!

Braille alphabet card, glasses to simulate partial-sight, wear dots to raise lots for RNIB

Agatha Christie in...Churston

Churston

'The train, having done one hundred and eight-odd miles of its two hundred and twelve miles journey at top speed, puffed gently and apologetically through the last thirty and drew into Nassecombe Station. Only one person alighted, Hercule Poirot' (Dead Man's Folly)

In Dead Man's Folly Poirot is invited to 'Nassecombe' by Ariadne Oliver who is creating a murder mystery hunt for a country fair. 'Nassecombe' is based on Churston and 'Nassecombe Station' is actually Churston Station.

You might remember me mentioning Churston Station in a previous blog. Poirot alighted here while investigating the murder of Sir Carmichael Clarke (The ABC Murders). He doesn't seem to recognise the place - although he could be forgiven for not remembering, it was 20 years ago (in book publication years) and the name has changed....!

There are few places in Churston that are linked to Agatha Christie. It is quite close to Greenway, her holiday home, so it's understandable why. Apparently Agatha used to go to lunch with the Churston's at Churston Court. She also played golf occasionally at Churston Golf Course and her knowledge of golf is said to have inspired her novel Murder on the Links.

Another place to visit in Churston is the Church of St Mary's. Agatha donated the royalties from her short story, Greenshaw's Folly, to pay for a new stained glass window. The church is open to visitors from 17-19 September, between 10.30am and 4.30pm. We'll have to make sure we visit on one of these days! There's free parking too. You can find out more information on the Agatha Christie Festival website, or on the Church of St Mary's the Virgin website.

So, Churston is on the list of places to visit, with a few things to see while we're there - Churston Station, Churston Golf Course and the Church of St Mary's.

Less than two months to go now until the Agatha Christie Festival!!! It's getting close now....

Agatha Christie in...Elberry Cove

Elberry Cove 

'Suddenly we came out on a grassy ridge overlooking the sea and a beach of glistening white stones. All round dark green trees ran down to the sea. It was an enchanting spot - white, deep green - and sapphire blue'

This is Hasting's description of Elbury Cove, also known as Elberry Cove in The ABC Murders. This peaceful, little white-pebbled beach is the setting for the Churston murder in The ABC Murders!


In this novel, the murderer sends Hercule Poirot taunting letters, detailing a date and location of a future murder and challenging 'Mr Clever Poirot' to solve the mystery. The letters are always signed A.B.C. and at each of the murders, is a copy of an A.B.C. Railway Guide.

Following the A.B.C. theme, the first victim is murdered in a place beginning with A, the second in a place beginning with B and so on, here are the victims:

Mrs Alice Ascher in Andover
Miss Betty Barnard in Bexhill-on-Sea
Sir Carmichael Clarke in Churston
George Earlsfield in Doncaster

The last victim's name doesn't follow the pattern and doesn't begin with a D, but when you read the book, it will make a bit more sense...

Elberry Cove isn't that far from Greenway - Agatha Christie was a keen swimmer and Elberry Cove was another favourite of hers for bathing.

So, Elberry Cove is also going on the list of places to visit. I've had a look at how to get there and it looks like we'll have to park at Broadsands and walk along the South West Coast Path. Broadsands is another lovely beach - I used to go on holiday here with my family when I was younger, and we spent some good times on the beach and in the sea here. Oh, happy days!

Next on the list is Churston, I know I've mentioned it briefly, but there are a few more locations in Churston that are either in novels or important to Agatha, so I'm covering that separately.

Until next time...!

Agatha Christie in...Kingsbridge & Salcombe

Broadsands, Devon

I've not had chance to write anything for a week as I've been busy reading and researching all the places in Agatha Christie books. There are so many places to visit and so many things to see!! We might not be able to visit all places - but we'll try!

Next on my list are Kingsbridge and Salcombe...

Both places feature in one of Christie's novels - Towards Zero. There's a map at the beginning, and it's quite clear that the map is of Kingsbridge. In the novel, Kingsbridge becomes Saltington and nearby Salcombe becomes Saltcreek.

Saltcreek is described in the novel as 'a straggling picturesque fishing village set on the side of a hill'. 

The t.v. adaptation of Towards Zero was filmed around here too. As with a few of Christie's books, the novel doesn't originally feature Miss Marple, but she's the main character in the adaptation - and it's up to her to solve the mystery - which of course, she does! In the novel, the main protagonist is Superintendent Battle, who is on holiday with his nephew.


It's a shame he has been replaced, because I quite like Superintendent Battle, he appears in a couple of Christie's novels, including Murder is Easy, The Secret of Chimneys and The Cards on the table - in which he appears with Hercule Poirot. So, it's a bit odd that he was replaced by Miss Marple. This is the second time I've noticed that the main male character has been replaced by Miss Marple when adapted for t.v....the plot thickens...

Although Kingsbridge and Salcombe don't appear in any other novels (as far as I'm aware), Peril at End House, which was set in Cornwall, was adapted for t.v. in 1990, and was filmed around Salcombe. It was mainly filmed around the harbour, where we see the main character, Nick Buckley, sail in and dock at Victoria Quay.

According to Exploring Agatha Christie Country, 'Union Street was the location for the scene in which Poirot, enjoying afternoon tea, has the workings of his 'little grey cells' distracted by the sight of a woman at another table feeding a bulldog' (p38).

I don't think I've ever been to Kingsbridge or Salcombe, so these are definitely on the list! We'll have to make sure we visit Victoria Quay and Union Street! Can't wait - it looks lovely around this area!

Until next time....!

On the Agatha Christie Literary Trail....

Torquay

One thing I've always wanted to do, is to visit all the places in Devon that are mentioned in Agatha Christie's books or have featured in some way in Agatha Christie's life. Sometimes they are real locations, sometimes fictional locations based on real places. But it would be nice to see what inspired Agatha Christie - locations such as Torquay, Greenway, Burgh Island, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe...etc. I also love exploring Devon, it's such a beautiful county!!

Luckily, I don't have to start from scratch as I already have a couple of booklets and leaflets with different trails in them. One of them I picked up in the 90's, on one of our holidays to Torquay. It's called 'Exploring Agatha Christie Country' by David Gerrard (published in 1996). It has a trail around Torquay, one around the Coast and Countryside, one by Train and Boat and one that covers further afield. A lot of the places mentioned in this booklet are places that were special to Agatha Christie, such as The Moorland Hotel where she finished writing her first novel - The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920).

I also have a leaflet that I picked up a few years ago called 'The Agatha Christie Literary Trail'. This will be a big help as it already has a map and list of locations and books (you can download a copy from the English Riviera website). Based on this I'm going to have a look through all my Agatha Christie books, read them again and try and find the references to these locations - then I'll have some context when we visit them!!

I've been thinking about what to include, if it's not too difficult I'm going to try and include the following...

• Places mentioned by name in the novels and short stories
• Fictional locations inspired by real places in the novels and short stories
• Places that were important to Agatha Christie
• Locations that were used for filming for film or tv adaptations

Seems like a big task but I've got a few months to do some research. I might even include a book review or two on here along the way...

So, armed with my booklet, leaflet, books and a map, I'm going to try and plot the best route to cover as many locations as possible...

Let the challenge commence...!

2015 Agatha Christie Festival - Programme has been released!

Agatha Christie

The Agatha Christie Festival programme has been released! Good timing too - I'd just finished reminiscing about last year.

There's so much more to do this year, and each day has a particular theme - which is a great idea. The events all centre around this theme. There's a Mystery Film event, Murder Mystery Dinner, Afternoon Tea, Tea Dance, Garden Party, talks, walks, exhibitions and much, much more!! Every night there's also the opportunity to meet up with Agatha Christie fans at the Grand Hotel.

Greenway

So much to do - so little time!

I've been through all the events and booked us tickets. I've also booked us onto some events that aren't organised through the Agatha Christie Festival but that are going on in and around Torquay - such as the Murder Mystery Dining Train. I found these on the English Riviera site, by searching for events during the festival week. It's quite a good site and has lots of information about Agatha Christie and the Agatha Christie Mile and Literary Trail.

I've created a spreadsheet again with all the events we've booked so I can plan our time most effectively (I love spreadsheets)!

I was so excited about booking our tickets that I tweeted about it - I don't often tweet - but it was favourited by the official Agatha Christie Festival! How exciting :). I might have to tweet more often.

All that's left to do now is to work out what we're going to wear. I've already bought a flapper-type dress and have some costume-pearls. I'm still not sure how to do my hair. I've been looking on Pinterest for ideas. Not long now!!

Three months to go (and counting). So excited!!!