All happening in Aldeburgh

I've just returned from Suffolk where I was helping the Aldeburgh Bookshop 

at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival at Snape Maltings.

The idea was that people would be able to watch cookery demonstrations 

& then buy one of the lovely recipe books written by the chefs

 such as Honey & Co's 'Food From the Middle East'.

   

It was a great chance to meet well known restaurateurs and celebrities
such as Diana Henry, Tomasina Miers and 

Luis Troyano of BBC TV's 'The Great British Bake Off'

You could have a go at baking yourself

or sample drinks.

They even had a smoothie bike for kids.

There was much hilarity from TV cooks

attracting fascinated audiences 

who came to find the books after each demonstration.

There was a wide selection

& authors such as Jose Pizarro were happy to sign copies.

To contact the Aldeburgh Bookshop, please click here

Royal Photographer Arthur Edwards is in the News again

HRH Prince of Wales meeting author Sophie Neville and her otter. 
Photograph (c) Daily Telegraph - 28th July 2001

Back in 2001, I was introduced to the HRH Prince of Wales when we chatted about otter conservation. A number of photographers buzzed around us including royal photographer Arthur Edwards, then working for The Sun.

He can be seen holding his camera, standing behind us in the centre of the picture. In this instance he missed taking the shots that ended up on the front page of the Daily Telegraph - along with his own image.

Arthur Edwards was on the lunchtime News today, having his head painted purple by Prince Harry who took the opportunity to do so when invited to make hand-prints on his tour of New Zealand. I am not sure why Arthur Edwards was so deserving of the honour but his face was a picture.

Working with Patsy Byrne and a Whoopee Cushion

Patsy Bryne starring in 'Thinkabout Science'

We have just received the very sad news that the actress Patsy Byrne has died, aged 80. I have been looking through my photograph album, remembering what fun we had on location. 

Sophie Neville on location with John Satlhouse, Patsy Bryne and Samantha Hammond

Patsy Byrne starred as Nan in a ten-part BBC comedy drama called 'Thinkabout Science'. I directed five episodes, one of which was all about wind. Always a good sport and up for anything, Patsy valiantly took part in a scene which involved a whoopee cushion - the kind that makes a farting noise when you sit on it.

Patsy Bryne with her Whopee cushion

Things did not go as we expected. When Patsy sat on the whoopee cushion it burst. Burst with a loud BANG! As soon as I said, 'Cut!' Patsy threw back her head and roared with laughter. Luckly we manged to capture this scene on the first take with two cameras, because we didn't have another whoopee cushion. I had to add the rude sound afterwards in the sound studio.

When I knew Patsy, she was already famous for playing Nursie in Blackadder and bought comedy with her at every step. Beyond the laughter, I will remember her for being quick witted and kind, a real trooper and a great member of the team.

And she loved wearing purple.

Author Sophie Neville in Richard Kay's column in the Daily Mail

Sophie's magical Swallows tales

Forty years after she enchanted film-goers as Titty in Swallows And Amazons, Sophie Neville has found a new audience with an ebook telling the behind-the-scenes secrets of the film of Arthur Ransome classic children’s novel.

‘After all these years, I’ve gently lifted the lid on the antics of the adult cast and crew,’ she tells me. 

‘And I’m thrilled because it has outsold Julian Clary and Stephen Fry in Amazon’s bestsellers list!’ 

The Secrets Of Filming Swallows And Amazons is based on diaries, letters and old photographs which Sophie has turned into a heart-warming account of making the movie

The Secrets Of Filming Swallows & Amazons is based on diaries, letters and old photographs which Sophie has turned into a heart-warming account of making the movie, which starred Virginia McKenna and Ronald Fraser and was set in the Lake District.

‘Looking back, it was an interesting experience promoting a major film as a child star, adds Sophie, now 53.

‘There were also some funny experiences, too, such as being with Ronald Fraser, who played the pirate and was a truly  drunken sailor!’

To read more please click here: 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2511596/RICHARD-KAY-Widow-whos-haunted-losing-Britains-celebrity-chef-Langan.html#ixzz2lN6fkTeX
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