Spalding and home

No, not Lincolnshire, but Frances Spalding (above), the Piper expert and author of John Piper, Myfanwy Piper: Lives in Art (to be published later this year). A super lady, very articulate and enthusiastic and of course hugely knowledgeable about her subject. We really must try to get our DVD released about the same time as her book.

And then back to Lincolnshire and Film Farm which was freezing cold because jackdaws had nested in the chimney which resulted in the AGA going into a black funk and so no heating! Brrrr! Tomorrow a look at the rushes, hopefully a spot of typesetting and then home whoever.

Friday 13th

Fortified by a cooked breakfast (a David special) Charles felt ready to face the day. First stop Windsor since JP had painted all those grey looking works of the Castle at the behest of Sir Kenneth Clark. Unfortunately there were too many trees in the way in Windsor itself so we had to drive round to Eton via Datchet to get to the other side of the river and a decent view. Luckily the sun didn't shine and Charles captured that necessary grainy gloom.

Onwards to deepest darkest Berkshire and an interview with Richard Ingrams. I'd expected someone very sharp and acerbic and admit to being slightly nervous but happily he was all charm and produced some delightful memories of Piper. And he has the most beautiful long haired cat which rubbed itself against my legs most of the interview, almost putting me off my stride - nearly as wonderful as Reyntien's cat. AND he recalled that Piper liked obscure artists such as FRANK BRANGWYN! I couldn't believe it and shrieked wildly so we had to get him to say it again! And Ingrams didn't even know about my relationship with old FB!

So delighted were we that Ingrams became the first recipient of the Soundbite pencil selection, being, as we are, a stationery fanatic.

Rigby had told us that Fawley Bottom (JP's house near Henley) had been burned to the ground but we thought we'd have a look anyway and luckily it hasn't been razed. I then went and asked if we could take some photographs of the exterior. The owner was none too pleased at me not having contacted them prior to arriving unheralded on the doorstep but did give permission. Phew.

And then to Islington where Jay and Jeremy live - Jay used to be Charles' PA at the Beeb and Jeremy was a journalist, one of those amazing people who have a tremendous enthusiasm and zest for life - his latest preoccupations including making a cork tree, gallons of world famous 6 fruit marmalade and writing a children's story. Champagne, anchovy olives and another wonderful evening - I could get used to this style of living!

Unfortunately, in the rush the following morning, I forgot to pack my special marmalade jar. I hope I'm forgiven. :-(

B&B's in London

This trip we're based in London and Charles' friends have very kindly offered us not only accommodation but also evening meals. First stop after our Pianola playing (see Brangwyn blog) was David's house in Shepherd's Bush (a film editor, he and Charles have known each other for ever and ever, or at least since their BBC days), evening meal c/o Laraine (see above), an artist and language teacher whose quirky individuality extends to her decor and cooking. Great food, wine and conversation flowed, super evening.