This afternoon I took J & S to the the excellent exhibition at the Jersey War Tunnels whilst R sat in the coffee shop and relaxed (making the most of some peace, no doubt) believing that we would be about half an hour. One hour later, armed with our Identity Cards (copies of actual cards) we wandered out of the eerie tunnels into the brilliant sunlight and came back from the occupied Channel Islands of the 1940s.If you do happen to visit Jersey then this an experience that you don't want to miss. I've been several times over the years, only rediscovering it again with my own children and the atmosphere, displays and audio take you to a frightening but fascinating time.
Yesterday and tomorrow, Tania Szabo, will be signing copies of her Novel about her mother Violette Szabo of 'Szabó' – a new permanent exhibition within Ho8 dedicated to the life of Violette Szabó GC. The exhibition tells the harrowing account of her mother’s courage as a secret agent of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) who was eventually caught and executed at Ravensbrück concentration camp aged only 23. Her story was immortalised in the 1958 film staring Virginia McKenna, 'Carve her Name With Pride' and you can find out more about the War Tunnels and exhibitions here It's well worth a look. I went for some research for my script and took J & S along for their comments and thoughts. They were very useful too. The dripping half-finished tunnels disappearing into the distance from the main 100m corridors certainly fired up my imagination.
So whilst I go off and get working on the script (only 8 days to the closing date of the competition) I shall leave you with a picture of a miserable dog who had to pose with chocolate Easter eggs despite not being allowed to eat any. HAPPY EASTER.
13 comments:
Oh poor Grumpy! Life can be so unfair when you're a dog!
helenmh - I know, imagine not being allowed to eat chocolate. Too cruel.
'Carve her name with pride' That was such a moving film. I've only been to Guernsey so must try and visit Jersey.
Poor Grumpy. It is for the best though and I'm sure he understands.
Very interesting way to tour a potentially emotional exhibit. I did something like this with the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. Each person received a card with the name of a Holocaust victim. You followed that story throughout the museum. Along these lines, have you read The Zoo Keeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman?
Grumpy can resist Cadbury eggs--he has more discipline than I!
Sounds like you had a good day! Grumpy looks so cute! what a model!! Good luck for competition.X
fiona - it was a moving film and always makes me cry. Her daughter Tanya taught me french, nice woman and collected her mother's medals at Buckingham Palace when she was very small. So sad.
You must try and come to Jersey, let me know if you do, it would be great to meet up.
faye - that exhibition sounds very emotive too. I haven't read The Zoo Keeper's Wife, I shall have to look it up.
I have no self-discipline and have already consumed two eggs!
Happy Easter Debs x
motherx - we had a lovely day thank you. Grumpy wasn't thrilled to be a model but does look rather handsome. Thanks re the comp, I shall be relieved to send the script off and forget about it for a while.
l-plate author - thanks, hope you have a lovely day too.
Good luck with the deadline and the competition. Aw, that poor diggy dog!
We visited the war tunnels when we went to a Jersey a few years ago. It was a truly fascinating and moving experience. Would definitely like to go again sometime.
chrish - thanks, am nearly there with the script. Can't wait to send it off and get on with my re-write.
maddie moon - so glad you enjoyed it. I've been a few times over the years and am always surprised at how much the atmosphere effects me.
Am I slow or what? You live on Jersey Island? The home of one of my favourite writers, Gerald Durrell? Have you been to his zoo? I swear I'll visit there one day... The island even plays a small but important role in my very first novel...:)
wordtryst - I do live in Jersey and yes I have been to Durrell (as it has now been renamed). It is a wonderful place and he was a fabulous man. Don't hesitate to ask if you need any info on anything about either Jersey or Durrell.
Cant wait to read your book, loved the cover by the way.
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