Brontë Society Gazette. Issue 43

Richard Wilcocks has kindly send us the April issue of the Brontë Society Gazette (Issue 43) . He is currently the editor of the Gazette (and also runs the Brontë Parsonage Blog, where some news that now appear in the Gazette were previously posted and is the present Chairman of the Brontë Society).

In the Chairman's Letter, Mr. Wilcocks comments on recent news (for instance, the attempt of the Brontë Society for raising some funds with the numerous brands that use the name of the Brontës). It seems that this will be the last number of the Gazette edited by him:

I am afraid that this must be my last Gazette. I am finding it increasingly difficult to balance it with my other commitments – and anyway, I have now edited ten in a row and it is time for another member of Council to take up the reins. Thanks to all of you who have sent me news and articles in the last three years.

Articles:

Charles Lemon mbe 1914-2007. An obituary of Charles Lemon by Dudley Green.

New branch based in Brussels. On the creation of the Brossels Brontë Society and its new website http://www.thebrusselsbrontegroup.org

Vote for Brontë Parsonage. This year the Brontë Parsonage will be involved in UKTV History’s Britain’s Best campaign, which aims to find the nation’s favourite historical site. (Alan Bentley)

Jane Eyre at School in 2007. Written in response to the points made in the Chairman’s Letter in the last issue. (Catherine Martins)

Full-blooded and Passionate. A review of the recent BBC TV-series based on Jane Eyre by Irene Truman.

This one does not stay true to the text, but it conveys the essence of the novel by taking up the focus of Jane and her inner self with inspired use of location, characterisation, gesture, facial expression, colour and pace. (...)

Better to have loved and lost? A review of Sarah Fermi's Emily's Journal by Ray Tallon.

We are informed that this imaginary journal (with comments by Charlotte and Anne) is stabilised by facts, evidence and actual people, and it has to be said that if truth can be stretched, then some of the conjecture within is seemingly elasticated. (...)
For all that, there are some genuinely moving passages, the authentic background leads one into being ensnared unwittingly by the fabricated aspects of the narrative, and it is an enjoyably embroidered account of a life curtailed prematurely. Emily Brontë has always been a tough nut to crack psychologically, and if Sarah Fermi does not succeed completely – who could? She at least manages to chip away at the kernel. (...)

How the Brontës inspired two modern writers. A review of the Inspired event in the Brontë Parsonage by Isobel Stirk.

A Brontë collection in Sebring, Florida. An interesting account of a reunion of the US Region 6 of the Brontë Society by Anna Ayre.

A small but enthusiastic group of members of Region 6 gathered at the home of James and Julie Freyler in Sebring, Florida on February 24, 2007. We were honored with the presence of our American Representative Theresa Connors. (...)
We then proceeded to James’ exquisite library where he began sharing his Brontë collection of rare books, ephemera, paintings and furniture. Among his collection we were privileged to view an 1851 Wuthering Heights second UK Edition, a holograph envelope from Charlotte to Ellen Nussey 1854 (this envelope contained the last letter to Ellen before Charlotte’s marriage to Mr. Nicholls), the first American Poems of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell 1848, published by Lea and Blanchard of Philadelphia, first American editions of allthe Brontë novels, first English editions of The Professor, Villette, and Shirley. Truly a feast for the soul.
James Freyler is particularly focused on the Cowan Bridge connection with the Brontës and we were treated to a pencil drawing of Casterton Hall by Edward Carus Wilson, the brother of Rev. William Carus. Also there was a great deal of discussion centered around a hauntingly beautiful watercolor portrait of a young woman purportedly by Anne Brontë, but many members thought it looked more like the work of Charlotte. Another item that caused a great deal of excitement was a child’s piano chair with a possible Brontë connection that James is still investigating. (...)

A stellar Brontë event. A review of the recent performances of Polly Teale's Brontë in Wellesley by Mary A. Haigh, American Representative Region 10.

(...) Brontë, the play, was a masterpiece of writing, acting and direction, with superb costumes. The pen of Polly Teale included nearly everyone in the Brontë saga except William Weightman and Tabby. Teale mixed both gothic stories of the Brontës’ lives, and their peopled books, into her scenario with talent and ease. The play was an emotional and wonderful Brontë experience.

Centenary Tribute: Rev. Arthur Bell Nicholls by Mervyn Patton.

A party of eight committee members of the Irish Section commemorated the centenary of the death of Rev. Arthur Bell Nicholls by attending morning service at St Paul’s Church, Banagher, Co. Offaly on Sunday, 3 December 2006. St Paul’s, constructed circa 1829, is a fine building based on the old style of English architecture. Dominating the town from the summit of the hill on the eastern bank of the River Shannon,the slender spire can be seen for miles around.
The intention of the visit was to lay a wreath on the Nicholls’ family grave following the service. However, the weather was so inclement, with driving rain and vehement gusting winds, that the wreath was placed under a memorial window in the church by the chairman of the Irish Section, Dr Robert Logan, who had earlier given the address. The service was taken by the Rector, Rev. Alan Nevin.
With his usual blend of wit and erudition Dr Logan paid tribute to the memory of Arthur Bell Nicholls, stressing his long connection with the Brontë family and Charlotte in particular. (...)

Haworth’s celestial glow by Ken Furzey.

Descendants of William Smith Williams in Australia by Ann Lock Australian Brontë Association.

My research into the genealogical history of William Smith Williams in Australia began when, as a member of the Australian Brontë Association, I was asked via Margaret Smith and Christine Alexander to assist Norman Penty with his research on the Australian descendants of William Smith Williams.
This short article is to announce my recent discovery of two surviving relatives of William Smith Williams in Australia. (...)

In the picture: Left to right: Erica Galwey (aged 88) and Molly Wasson (aged 82), great-great grand-daughters of William Smith Williams. They are holding the book about William Smith Williams written by Norman Penty. The photo was taken at Cronulla, a southern beachside suburb of Sydney, Australia, on 15 October 2006. Missing is eldest sister, Ann (aged 90) who lives on the north coast in NSW.

Categories: Brontë Society, Journals