Southern Sonoma Country Life

Calling All British Ex-Pats and Anglophiles - Join Us at Petaluma's Big Jubilee Lunch 6.3.12

(Want to set a table like the one above: See Emma Bridgewater's UK site for shipping to the U.S)

We might be on the other side of the pond, but why let that stop us from joining the fun of Britain’s Big Jubilee Lunch? Ex-pats, our Commonwealth community and diehard Masterpiece Theater fans here in Petaluma invite you to join us in our very own Big Jubilee Lunch!

Britain’s annual Big Lunch aims to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbors in a simple act of community, friendship and fun. We’d like to extend this great new tradition, Stateside,starting in our own Steptoe & Sons street party locale - ‘Oil Drum Lane’, at Heritage Salvage.

Last year around two million people took part in The Big Lunch. This year, the Big Lunch falls on the same weekend as The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Sunday 3rd June and as announced by Buckingham Palace, The Big Jubilee Lunch will be a part of the main program of events over the central weekend of the Diamond Jubilee. A record number of people are expected to take part.

Enjoy your very own good, old-fashioned knees-up at Petaluma’s Big Jubilee Lunch, street-party style festivities, to celebrate the Queen of England’s 60th year on the throne. London Telegraph’s Official Diamond Jubilee playlist & Brit Invasion Music from 60s, courtesy of dj Rob Bogan.

Do bring your own water, beer, wine and soft drinks and traditional British party foods for your table & some to share. Homemade Victoria Sponge Cakes and Trifles will be entered into our Best of British Dessert Competition.

Prizes will also be awarded for Best Table Setting (think Beatles, Major League Soccer UK paraphernalia, Mad Hatter’s, Royal Dalton…anything goes), Royal Trivia, Fancy Hat, Knobbly Knees and British Celebrity Look-Alike competitions! Please leave the Corgis & other dogs at home.

Free to attend, though a $5 donation is suggested for each adult attending Petaluma’s first ever Big Lunch, to help cover basic costs of this first-of-its kind, fun, participatory, community event. Kids are welcome. Inspired by thebiglunch.com, let’s make this
an annual event with future street parties popping up all over Petaluma. This event is not affiliated with any organization. It would be nice to know that you are coming – please email us care of petalumadowntown@gmail.com by Thursday, May 31st.

All Things Bright and Britishful....

As Kite, my trusty, old Welsh Corgi turns 16 this May, it's perfect timing for a celebration of the Queen's favorite canine. Quirky and characterful, just like the best of Brits, the Corgi has been a constant companion of British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II throughout her life.

World focus will be on Britain this summer not only for the Olympic Games, but for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. It almost breaks my heart not to be heading over the pond after school gets out this year, but rest assured, I'll be posting plenty of tidbits from my British American perspective once the revelries commence.

In the meantime, I stumbled across a selection of delightful Corgi print goodies from Britbased designers Thornback and Peel. But if pugs and labs are more your cup of tea, check out old favorite, Emma Bridgewater's canine mug collection.

Spotlight on Dickens' Enduring Universe - Emerging From the Fog in Santa Cruz

Calling all Masterpiece Theater addicts. Were you glued to the latest incarnation of Great Expectations (with Gillian Anderson as Miss Haversham), aired on PBS Masterpiece Theater on Sunday evenings, this month? If you're a push-over for anything with top hats, petticoats and British accents, author Charles Dickens' 200th anniversary year of his birth should more than satiate your penchant for proper good tele!

And in addition to a slew of newly published editions of Dickens classics in paperback on the market in bookstores this Spring, I've embarked on (reading, that is, not writing) several new biographical takes in print, on the man with the timeless literary goods.

Though, I must confess, it did take me the better part of a month to absorb a thorough read of David Copperfield, Dickens' substantially sized semi-autobiographical novel and understandably, the work that is said to have been closest to his heart. It's not that I didn't enjoy my first-ever foray into the complete Copperfield saga, it's just that it's so rare that as an avid reader, I experience anything remotely close to such intense character and plot development.

Everywhere I turn, if its not a Titanic memorial media coverage, it's likely to be something or other to do with Dickens Bicentenary.

Readathons and special events are taking place around the world. It's a wonderful thing, though not to be embarked upon if you've a short attention span, in which case televised offerings such as this weekend's April 15, 2012 at 9pm The Mystery of Edwin Drood are just the ticket. - One 120-minute episode - an adaptation and completion of Dickens' final novel left unfinished at his death, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood is a psychological thriller about a provincial choirmaster's obsession with 17-year-old Rosa Bud. Cast includes Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters) and Julia MacKenzie (Miss Marple).

If you just can't get enough of Dickens and his unforgettable cast of characters, here's an opportunity for coastal Californians to live his vivid imaginary world for a few days in the rather unlikely, though super convenient summertime setting of the scenic UC Santa Cruz campus. 

Since 1981, a powerful force of global scholarship consisting of international students, teachers, professors, stage and screen actors and ordinary people with a passion for Dickens 19th Century world and works gather for annual summer session in Northern California, to collaborate in the unfolding of a selected text. This year, the 26th annual Dickens Universe ,part of the extensive UC Santa Cruz Dickens Project takes place under the Pacific redwoods from Sunday July 29th through Friday August 3rd, 2012. Cost to participate in all-things Bleak House is $1,220 for single room occupancy, full board.

Who'd have thought? In Santa Cruz.

 

Your Chance to Win a Weeklong "War Horse" Film Sites Walking Tour for Two in Devon and Cornwall

Fans of Spielberg's Academy Award-nominated film War Horse , based on much-loved British children's book author Michael Morpurgo's original story, (adapted to stage, prior to the movie, to much critical acclaim) have a chance to win a weeklong walking tour experiencing the glorious English countryside where the movie was filmed. If a Southern Sonoma Country Life reader is lucky enough to scoop this fantastic trip, I'm going to talk you into wearing  a gopro camera so that we can all share in the lush sights and scenery!

The six-night Pentillie Castle Walk in Devon and Cornwall has been organized and is led by The Wayfarers, the quintessential English walking company. The Wayfarers War Horse Giveaway is for two adults, based on double occupancy, and will be given away in conjunction with Everett Potter's Travel Report, cited by The Wall Street Journal as a travel website with "a terrific mix of profiles and interviews, all designed to make the best use of your travel budget."  The giveaway runs through April 30, and readers are invited to enter daily.

Accommodations for the six-day walk are in the dramatic Pentillie Castle (built 1698), on the banks of the Tamar River, which forms the border between Devon and Cornwall. Participants will walk 3-9 miles per day over easy terrain.

Based on the novel, the film illustrates the true history of how horses were commandeered from the countryside across Britain and used in the World War I effort, focusing on the life on one particular war horse, Joey.  The author lives in Devon, England, and his tale is grounded in the culture and countryside of the area.

It's that countryside that inspired Spielberg who said, "I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor ... And, with two-and-a-half weeks of extensive coverage of landscapes and skies, I hardly scratched the surface of the visual opportunities that were offered to me."

Led by Muff Dudgeon, walk leader, and Dr. Tom Greeves, Dartmoor cultural historian and environmentalist, the tour visits Ringmoor Down for beautiful views of the Burrator Reservoir and the hamlet of Sheepstor.

Other stops include Ditsworthy Warren House, which served Spielberg as the Narracott family home as well as the scene of Joey's formative years and triumphant homecoming. Contest winners may, if they choose, take a horseback ride on the Moor to continue in the hoof prints of War Horse (an optional extra for other participants).

Visiting "War Horse" film sites on Dartmoor is just one day of a week-long itinerary that encompasses a tour of historic Plymouth (Pilgrim Fathers, Spanish Armada), coastal walking in Cornwall, and a visit to a former home of Sir Francis Drake. Other coastal estates visited include Tudor Cotehele with its own quay and stew pond, and Mount Edgcumbe with its Grade I Cornish gardens. Pentillie Castle is home for the entire week and The Wayfarers have exclusive use of the property.

The giveaway, which is running now through April 30th, 2012, is for one Pentillie Castle Walk  trip for two adults, sharing one room, scheduled on either September 23-29, 2012 or October 7-13, 2013.

Airfare is not included and alternate dates are not available. The prize is not transferable. Visit Everett Potter's Travel Report for full contest details  . The prize, inclusive of the walking tour for two, travel planning services, and horseback riding, is valued at $8,500.

Everett Potter's Travel Report is a weekly, online website written by more than 30 seasoned contributors, aimed at smart travelers planning their next hotel stay, city visit or adventure vacation.

Named by National Geographic Traveler as a purveyor of one of the "50 Tours of a Lifetime," and by National Geographic Adventure as one of the "Best Hiking Companies," The Wayfarers offers an eco-sensitive "walking" holiday of both culture and fitness in 14 countries with 46 itineraries and 80 departure dates.

Now in its 29th year, The Wayfarers offers exclusive entries into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents. Walks are from 6-13 days and are rated on a five-level challenge scale.

The Wayfarers is also a member of Trusted Adventures, www.trustedadventures.com  dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the places visited. Call 800-249-4620 if you'd like more info.

The Daily Mail - A Package from England with News from 1952

I love receiving packages in the mail from my Mum. It almost takes a yard sale of the crown jewels to pay for overseas postage by Royal (or U.S) Mail these days, it seems and I'm not sure why international missives take twice as long as they used to for delivery either side of the pond, but bitching and moaning aside, a UK package on the front porch is the best!

Since my lovely Mum and Dad decided to undertake a massive overhaul of the great piles of neatly organized, stored-stuff gathered over the course of close to half a century in their marital home, several random selections of historic news clippings, souvenir newspapers and magazines have been sent my way.

Seeings as I'm the only one sentimental enough to encourage much of the keeping of such items as curling, yellowing newsprint from the 1950s, I'm starting a stack of these transplanted, vintage treasures, State-side. Though I did spot the Italian husband eyeing yesterday's delivery somewhat dubiously, I convinced him of the merit of such a marvelous stash and this particular lot's insight into the early days of the Queen of England's now 60 year reign.

So as not to keep it all to myself, I thought I'd share the ad for a series of compelling articles that ran exclusively in the Daily Mail following Elizabeth's Ascension to the throne.

The 'Feminine Point of View' promised an 'illuminating, controversial' challenging document entitled: "Can Women Change the World?"

I wonder how the 28 leading women of Britain, interviewed in the series in the early 1950s would tackle the feminine point of view, today. I wonder what my grandmother made of the series, for these were her saved souvenirs of time-gone-by. All the more enticing to hang on to some of the news items of today.

How will our future generations stumble across our digital keepsakes? Food for thought.

The Question is - Didya Downton?

Not only did I wake up this morning feeling blue that Series Two of blockbuster best of British tele in decades, Downton Abbey drew to a belated Christmas cracker of a close last night, I have to confess to spending large portions of the day (well, it is a bank holiday this side of the pond) reading all sorts of reviews and motley assessments of the epic upstairs, downstairs-style period costume drama's outrageous success here in the States.

There's really something very smug-making for a longtime Brit-abroad to be able to relish in the ramblings of incredulous reportings such as yesterday's New York Times Magazine's RIFF, questioning at great length why we're so intent in the masses of indulging in a bygone era that we're actually (supposedly) thankful is gone.

Let's not over analyze Downton Abbey to an early death, for I for one, would be perfectly happy to tune in every bleak mid-Winter for the next few years.

Undoubtedly, it is the strength and collective community of this prime cast of characters who have captured the hearts and imagination of millions upon millions of viewers, here in the U.S as we've agreeably gone along for the ride of an extraordinarily fast-paced, largely dining room, family plot - in impeccable setting.

Last night's season finale served up all of the juiciest prerequisites to keep us coming back - traditional Christmas dinner (downstairs and upstairs), a murder trial, mischief, intrigue, suspense, snowflakes, romance and the Edwardian era's race towards modernity.

The question is, if you didn't Downton, it's time to hit your Netflix Queue and get yourself caught up. There's plenty open-ended plotlines to ponder for Season Three, starting here in the States in January of 2013. In the meantime, my take on Downton Abbey's broad appeal is precisely that of its comfortable routine and sense of place. If someone were to ask which character you'd most identify with, I doubt it would be an issue today of whether it were someone specifically designated to an upstairs or downstairs lot. Our modern lives are so interwoven with running the bases and juggling a multitude of roles, the whole idea of the cards falling in one specific designation of post are, perhaps, not quite as appalling as one might otherwise assume.

Main theme emerging from all the pre-Season Three media chat is the much anticipated shake up in splenndid form in the arrival of one Shirley MacLaine at Downton as classic and inimitable U.S. grandmama. 

Happy Birthday, Boz - Charles Dickens Turns 200

"My sister and I first realized Mr Dickens himself.....as a sort of brilliance in the room, mysteriously dominant and formless. I remember how everybody lighted up when he entered," Annie Thackeray, 1913

Author Claire Tomalin's newly published, superbly epic biography, Charles Dickens, A Life was nicely timed in order to commemorate the world's most beloved author's 200th Birthday, February 7th, 2012.

And I couldn't resist investing in a sturdy new hardback copy of my own in which to immerse myself during this most auspicious of literary bicentenaries. Here it is, pictured above, a large addition to my big red bookshelf of British treasures, including many of Dickens' own classics.

I'm officially off to the races, about a third of the way in, which I figured for a 417 page heavyweight is probably about the right point in his own compelling story in which to stick my bookmark on the 7th.

Poet's Corner, Westminster Abbey is by all accounts the place to be for the most ardent of Dickensian followers this week, as members of the Royal Family, aforementioned biographer Claire Tomalin, actor Ralph Fiennes and apparently,  200 or so of Dickens' descendants  are set to lay a wreath during rousing readings from his most famous of works.

Dickens is buried in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, despite protestations that he would likely have considered this, his eternal resting place, a tad too much on the side of grandeur.

For this was the man who made his mark on the world illuminating the power of personal strength and virtue of everyday sorts such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Little Nell, whilst decrying the greed, squalor and horrors of Victorian life.

Still, when Dickens died of a stroke, aged 58 on the 9th June, 1870, he was immensely famous and revered, worldwide. 

The man who crafted Christmas as we know it (yes, it was the Cratchit's of A Christmas Carol who launched the tradition of roast turkey as standard British festive spread on the 25th - lots more to follow here & elsewhere, later in the year) and gifted us with many of fiction's most memorable characters was so adored that it was the venerable Times of London campaigned for his internment in the Abbey.

Not bad for a minimally educated, self-made court and newspaper reporter whose shrewd eye for detail, natural, theatrical flair and sheer fascination with all sorts of people gave life to an immortal cast of characters that includes the likes of Fagin and Scrooge, the Artful Dodger, Miss Haversham, Pip and launch pad Pickwick Papers' Sam Weller.

The fact that I am captivated to hand drawn maps may have something to do with the fact that I grew up in a tiny and quite rural, English market town. Long before the advent of such modernities as Google Maps and GPS systems, crude directions, scrawled on a piece of scrap paper, were the way to go when it came to finding my way somewhere previously unvisited, in the wilds of East Anglian Fenland countryside. Tomalin's book opens with a series of compelling, hand illustrated maps, of Gad's Hill and Rochester, central and north London of Dickens' day.  

The book includes historic photographs and illustrations of several of Dickens' many childhood homes, his family, haunting portraits and key influencers of his time.

Though many have chronicled the life and times of Charles Dickens, I can't imagine a more thorough compendium for the student or modern day admirer. And I find it astonishing, the allure of this most charismatic of 19th Century literary leaders has not merely held its ground, but magnified. 

Of course, long before the Kindle and online reading resources emerged on the scene, Dickens' classics have enjoyed the glow of stage and screen. It remains to be seen what future generations will make of his legacy and how Dickens' great works will be depicted in emerging multi-media.

In the meantime, events and celebrations are taking place around the world to celebrate Dickens' Bicentenary, this year, including our own Bay Area treasure, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, as featured HERE on the official Dickens 2012 Website.

Oh, and by the way, if you're wondering how Charles Dickens came upon his pen name, Boz... according to Tomalin in 'A Life', the author, who suffered frequent head colds had employed a nickname for his much younger brother, Augustus. 'Moses', named for a character in one of his favorite books, morphed into 'Bozes' more often than not, and 'Boz', the abbreviation - stuck as a family favorite.

 

Diamond Jubilee for Elizabeth

At 85, the Queen of England has a busy year of celebrations and jubilations ahead of her to mark her Diamond Jubilee of 60 years on the throne.

Today (Monday, Feb 6th) is the 60th actual anniversary of her Accession Day, following her father's death in 1952 and rousing gun salutes have marked this auspicious occasion around the country.

As reported by the BBC today, a series of regional, national and international events have been carefully planned to culminate in a four-day Bank Holiday weekend in  the UK, this June.

I particularly like the idea of the Monarch heading a flotilla of a thousand boats along the Thames as a chain of beacons is lit across the country.

The Queen chose a primary school in Dersingham, not far from Sandringham Castle in Norfolk, to greet delighted youngsters on this inaugural day of Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

My late grandmother, Dorothy, lived in Dersingham for several years when I was a child and I remember visiting her in her home in the village en-route to the seaside. I can only imagine how excited the small community must have been to have welcomed the Queen on such a special day for the history books.

I'm going to have to put an order in with my lovely Mum in England for a Diamond Jubilee commemorative mug to add to my motley collection of Royal memorabilia - see my Silver Jubilee mug from my own primary school days, pictured below!

 

Countdown to Upstairs Costume Envy - Downton Abbey Season 2 Starts This Sunday

Watch Downton Abbey, Season 1: The Costumes on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

Oh I can hardly wait! Julian Fellowes fabulous Downtown Abbey Season 2 returns to Masterpiece Classics here in the States, this Sunday, January 8th, 2012.

To all our friends and family over the pond who have already oohed, aahed and gripped sofa cushions over costume changes and perils of impending war, don't spoil our fun by telling us how it turns out for servants and socialites upstairs and downstairs or anywhere in between!

I thoroughly enjoyed being gifted the current Countess of Carnavon's Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey - The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle, and found it an absorbing account of the illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild, who, with an enormous dowry as well as great beauty and charm, became the 5th Countess of Carnavon at aged 19.

Lady Almina and her staff at Highclere (where Downton Abbey was filmed) turned the castle into one of Britain's most outstanding hospitals for seriously injured military officers during World War I. Well worth a read if you are an ardent Downton Abbey fan and would like to go beyond the television drama with the house's rich, layered history.

And by the way, according to the latest Guinness Book of Records, the first season of Downton Abbey was the most watched television series in the world during 2011.

Actual 'We Bought a Zoo' - in Dartmoor, England

Loved the touching movie "We Bought a Zoo" and couldn't wait to go online to find out more about the real Benjamin Mee who must be tickled pink (stripes) to have himself depicted on the big screen, Hollywood version of his real life story by none other than the man himself - Matt Damon! The zoo is actually Dartmoor Zoological Park, in Devon, England, about as far from its California screen version as geographically possible, though still a terrific tale of adventure and determination to succeed in the face of tragedy and an uphill struggle with funding. Penning his book of the same title, intrepid widower, Wee caught the attention of BBC 2 documentary makers and the rest, as they say, is now movie history. Go see this sweet film and keep the lions in steak chops a while longer!