It’s time once again for the annual series of postings we like to call Shadows and Reflections, in which our contributors and friends look back on the past twelve months. From John Andrews:
The last post of the year, and one for Port Eliot. A year heavy in its passing, almost impossible to chronicle, always remaining out of reach. A year ending in day after day of rain, the Heath transformed into a mad web of springs, a valley of mud, the trees stripped bare, birdsong at night, the church bells muted by day, all our poets abroad, all our favourite saints on retreat. Old books foxing in damp boxes, a bottle of eight pound car boot port to end each night, a good year for the roses. No carp to spot in the mornings, basking as they did in summer under the oaks. Ditches to dig, fires to light, stones to turn, waiting for the auction rooms to open again. In the drawer a few photographs from the many, the oh so many, to remind us of that place where once upon a time the express train stopped and yes, if you remember, it was late July.
‘For All Those Left Behind’ Caught by the River Stage 2009 – our first Port EliotRod and Line Pub – Wednesday nights, dog on the roof, fish and chips, Black Friday in the barView over the estuary – 6pm EternalSunday Afternoon Coming Down – L-R: Jon Berry, Chris Yates, John Andrews, Charles Rangeley-Wilson Caught by the River 2011Readers in the white tent, 2012A paper bag for the soul, 2012, printed by Martin ClarkDeborah! a.k.a. The Empress of ArcadiaFitch meets Jeff Uptown. Photo: Neil R. ThomsonJohn and Luke Jennings, the white tent 2012. Photo: Neil R. ThomsonRooAndrew Weatherall drinking tea, Trawlerman Style, white tent 2012. Photo: Neil R. ThomsonNeil R. Thomson talking ‘Phantom Fields and Ghost Squadrons’ with Chris and Maggie Watson. White tent 2012Will Burns reading live on the BBC, 2011. Photo: Neil R. ThomsonArtist-in-residence Pete Fowler, painting in the morning, 2011Port Eliot – oil on board, 2012 – Pete FowlerGruff and John talking about the American Interior in the company of John Evans – Caught by the River tent 2014. Photo: Neil R. ThomsonTea Cosy Competition Winner 2014 made by Deborah! Still used today in memory of Michael HowellsParker – band leader of the 78RPM Orchestra – taken on the last ever night at Port Eliot Festival, 2019The late and much-missed Roger W. Barnes talking on Thames magic and meeting Muddy Waters. White tent 2012. Photo: Neil R. Thomson